Ibaraki Prefecture, where the Mito Domain of the Tokugawa Gosanke flourished during the Edo period and the plums of Kairakuen Garden are still beautiful today. In recent years, it has continuously ranked last in attractiveness, but in reality, it boasts many top-notch local products and crafts! This time, we will introduce the true charm of Ibaraki Prefecture to those who might only think of natto when asked about souvenirs.

Introducing Recommended Souvenirs from Ibaraki Prefecture!

【No. 26】Crystal Glass / Kagami Crystal

Kagami Crystal is Japan's first specialized crystal glass manufacturer. The delicate crystals created by skilled artisans have won numerous awards at exhibitions around the world. At their head office factory in Ryugasaki City, you can observe the crystal glass production process. Why not see for yourself the supreme craftsmanship recognized even by the Imperial Household Agency?

【No. 25】Hyakunen Umeshu Premium / Meiri Shurui

"Hyakunen Umeshu Premium" is the pinnacle of plum wine produced by Meiri Shurui in Mito City, where Kairakuen Garden is located. It's no surprise, as it boasts a flavor so exceptional it won first place at the "Mito Plum Festival Umeshu Competition," which gathered 158 plum wine brands from across the country. This plum wine, carefully aged with a brandy base, gains further depth from brown sugar and honey. With an alcohol content of 20%, it's recommended to enjoy it on the rocks or with soda.

【No. 24】Kasama Ware

Kasama City in Ibaraki Prefecture is a town of pottery. "Kasama ware," which originated in the Edo period, is made from Kasama clay excavated from the Kanto loam layer, which is prominent in Ibaraki Prefecture. Its history spans over 200 years. Various products such as plates, glasses, and vases are made. During Golden Week, the "Toka-sai (Himatsuri)" is held, attracting many tourists every year. A pottery market is also held, so please come and find your favorite works.

【No. 23】Omitama Pudding / Yamanishi Shoten

It's not widely known, but Ibaraki Prefecture boasts the highest egg production in Japan! Omitama City, home to Ibaraki Airport, is one of the leading egg-producing regions within the prefecture. The eggs from chickens that roam freely in well-ventilated coops bathed in sunlight have firm yolks and are packed with nutrients. "Omitama Pudding" is made from these eggs and freshly squeezed raw milk. In 2017, caramel was added, enhancing its richness! The shelf life has also been extended from 5 to 15 days, allowing you to savor this blissful treat at your leisure.

【No. 22】Sashima Tea Gold Castella / Ocha no Nemotoen

Tea cultivation flourishes in the Bandō City and Sakai Town areas of Ibaraki. "Sashima Tea Gold Castella" is a flavorful castella supervised by Hiroki Nemoto, a local tea master who won the top prize at the National Hand-Rolled Tea Production Technical Competition. Since it's pre-cut, it's easy to give as a souvenir, and the gold leaf on the surface enhances its elegance. It's an exclusive item at the Moriya SA (Service Area) northbound, so don't forget to buy it when you stop by!

【No. 21】Ochibo Kuri / Gruyere

Ibaraki Prefecture boasts several top national rankings, including being the number one producer of chestnuts (lol)! Chestnuts are also a specialty of Kasama City. "Ochibo Kuri" from the local confectionery shop "Gruyere" is modeled after these chestnuts. Made with special chestnut powder kneaded into the dough, it's particular about both its shape and taste. These cute cookies have a delightful crumbly texture.

【20th Place】Tsukuba Ham / Tsukuba Ham

"Tsukuba Ham" is made using Tsukuba pork, which is carefully raised by contracted farmers at the foot of Mount Tsukuba. Smoked only with charcoal from cherry trees dried for two years, without the use of machinery or wood chips, the ham is richly fragrant and condensed with umami. Since it contains no additives, it is safe and secure for people with allergies. It is a popular product that can be given to any household.

【19th Place】Nemophila Curry / Hitachi Seaside Park

"Hitachi Seaside Park" has been selected as one of the "most beautiful places in the world to visit before you die" and is flooded with foreign tourists. The nemophila hill, which is in full bloom in early May, seems to stretch to the blue sky, creating a very refreshing scene. For souvenirs, be sure to try "Nemophila Curry". The lurid blue color is shocking, but the taste is surprisingly sweet and delicious. For those who prefer spicy food, "Kochia Curry" is recommended!

【18th Place】Hitachi Aki Soba / Isemata Rice Flour Milling

"Hitachi Aki Soba," produced in Hitachiota City and other areas, is a high-quality brand of buckwheat noodles characterized by uniformly sized grains, a rich aroma, and a hint of sweetness. Isemata Rice Flour Milling carefully dries the buckwheat grains in the sun and grinds them with a stone mill. It boasts a smooth texture and firm chewiness, and is so popular during the New Year's Eve soba season that it's said to taste like fresh noodles even though it's dried.

【17th Place】Hitachino Nest Beer / Kiuchi Brewery

The "Hitachino Nest Beer," with its cute owl logo, has won numerous awards and is exported to over 20 countries worldwide. "Nest" means "nest," and the name was chosen in honor of Konosu, Naka City, where the manufacturer "Kiuchi Brewery" is located. Actually, the label almost featured an anglerfish instead of an owl. You can see the original design on their official website, so be sure to check it out!

【16th Place】Sode no Shita Cheesecake / Ibaraki Market

Inside the senryobako (a box for a thousand gold coins) with the Tokugawa family crest is a golden-glowing cheesecake made to look like old Japanese coins! You can buy it at Moriya SA and other places, and customers are always captivated by its striking appearance at the sales floor. It's sure to be a talking point at school or work. There's also a surprise after you finish eating it, so enjoy it with excitement!

【15th Place】Kashima Antlers Dorayaki / Kamejirushi Seika

"Kashima Antlers Dorayaki" features the emblem of the Kashima Antlers, a strong soccer team that has often won championships in the J.League, branded onto the dorayaki. The emblem represents the antlers of the sacred deer at Kashima Jingu, Ibaraki Prefecture's Ichinomiya shrine, and symbolizes striving for victory. Kashima Jingu enshrines the god of war. Eating this dorayaki might make you feel a little luckier in competitions.

【14th Place】Noshi Ume / Asakawa Seika

"Noshi Ume" is a traditional Japanese confection proudly made daily by the long-established Mito shop "Asakawa." It's a golden plum jelly spread on bamboo leaves, featuring a exquisite balance of sourness and sweetness, with a refreshing taste. It pairs perfectly with green tea, but your hands might get sticky, so you might need a wet wipe when serving it as a tea snack.

13th Place: Space Food / JAXA Tsukuba

Tsukuba City is home to the space research institution "JAXA Tsukuba." It offers facility tours, attracting many families with children. The most popular souvenir is "space food." The lightweight and impact-resistant packaging of each item has led some to reconsider it as an emergency food during disasters. Currently, there are 18 varieties available, so you might have trouble choosing!

12th Place: Othello Chocolate / Kamejirushi Seika

Did you know that Othello originated in Japan, specifically in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture? It was actually invented in 1945 by Goro Hasegawa from Mito City, and it's now a familiar game that everyone knows. "Othello Chocolate" faithfully recreates this game. The bottom of the box has a 16-square board, so you can actually play with it.

11th Place: Gama Senbei / Oyama

Mount Tsukuba, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, was once famous for "Gama no Abura" (toad oil). "Gama Senbei," made in reference to the fact that the oil's ingredient was said to be toad sweat, is a large, frog-shaped senbei. Its simple and charming packaging evokes a sense of nostalgia. Since it comes in two pieces, it's recommended to share it with a loved one.

10th Place: Natto Flavored Snacks / Meikoh

When you think of a famous person from Ibaraki, you think of Mito Komon. The "Natto Snack," featuring Mito Komon on the packaging, comes in three flavors: "karashi mayonnaise," "ume," and "mentai." It contains freeze-dried and powdered real natto, so it has a distinct natto flavor. Even the stickiness is replicated, so natto lovers are sure to enjoy it.

9th Place: Sweet Potato IMODA / Onose Suisan

The sweet potato "Imo Musume," made with Ibaraki's famous "Beni Azuma" sweet potato, is well-known for its popularity. After winning the Grand Prize at the Ibaraki Souvenir Awards, many people requested a smaller size of the product. This led to the creation of "IMODA." It's a Beni Azuma sweet potato sweet potato in a convenient, bite-sized portion, perfect for women. All handmade, it retains its gentle, additive- and colorant-free flavor. For those who prefer a moist texture, chilling it is recommended; for a fluffy texture, warm it in the microwave for about one minute. Another great point is its long shelf life of 90 days when frozen.

8th Place: Shark Chocolates / Aqua World Oarai

"Shark Chocolates," available at Oarai Aquarium, are cute in appearance and individually wrapped, making them perfect for distribution. They're also a fun twist for Valentine's Day. Oarai Aquarium has the largest number of sharks in Japan, so there are many other shark-themed souvenirs. You can even try "Shark Curry" at the restaurant, so be sure to give it a shot!

7th Place: Ganso Hamaguri Monaka / Marusan Rouho

Marusan Rouho, a long-established Japanese confectionery shop in Kashima City, is located on the approach to Kashima Jingu Shrine and has delighted worshippers' palates for generations. "Ganso Hamaguri Monaka" is one of their Japanese sweets. It's a luxurious monaka filled with Ibaraki-grown chestnut paste and gyuhi (soft mochi). The five-piece set comes in a net, resembling real clams. It has also received the "Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency Award" at the National Confectionery Exposition.

【No. 6】Hoshimo Flat-cut Bekko Hoshimo / Koda Shoten

Ibaraki Prefecture is a famous producing region for dried sweet potatoes. Many unique dried sweet potatoes are produced, and in winter, they fill the shelves of roadside stations and souvenir shops. Among these, Koda Shoten's "Bekko Hoshimo" is exceptional. It uses a rare variety called "Izumi," which is extremely difficult to cultivate and process but boasts excellent sweetness and richness, setting it apart from other dried sweet potatoes. Since it is exclusively sold at the directly managed store located on the 3rd floor of Excel Minami, a building directly connected to Mito Station South Exit, it is a must-buy souvenir!

【No. 5】Tengu Natto / Mito Ganso Tengu Natto

When it comes to Ibaraki Prefecture, Mito natto is definitely what comes to mind. "Mito Ganso Tengu Natto" is a natto establishment with over 100 years of history. Their "Gokushokotsubu Natto" (extra-small grain natto) in straw has an even better texture than the packed version, as the straw absorbs just the right amount of moisture from the natto, concentrating its umami and flavor during fermentation. It's recommended to eat it simply with soy sauce or salt over rice. The reason is that they want you to experience the umami of each individual bean.

【No. 4】Melon Baum Premium / Fukasaku Farm

At Fukasaku Farm, a melon farmer in Hokota City, the "Melon Baum Premium," which uses an entire ripe melon they cultivated themselves, is extremely popular. It was created with the desire to promote Ibaraki Prefecture as Japan's top melon producer and to make it a melon-themed product in both appearance and content. It has been featured in numerous media outlets. In 2016, Ryoko Yonekura raved about it on "Morning Show (TV Asahi)." It is the ultimate melon sweet, having also received the "Honorary President's Award at the 27th National Confectionery Exposition."

【No. 3】Renkon Sable Hasudappe / JA Agricultural Cooperative Ibaraki

In Tsuchiura City, lotus roots are cultivated in vast lotus fields irrigated by Lake Kasumigaura. Unsurprisingly, it boasts the highest production volume in Japan! The sablés shaped exactly like lotus roots are affordably priced and a familiar snack even to locals. Since they contain lotus root powder, they're packed with lotus root nutrients. With their excellent buttery aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture, you'll find yourself eating many!

【No. 2】Yoshiwara Denchu

“Yoshiwara Denchu” is a famous Mito confection said to have been devised by a maid named Yoshiwara during the time of Tokugawa Nariaki, the lord of the Mito domain. It is made by roasting dried mochi rice and coating it with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and candy, giving it a fluffy texture similar to kaminari okoshi. Nariaki was said to be very fond of this taste, and his son, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, later became a shogun. It is no exaggeration to say that this was a power food that secretly supported the Edo shogunate from afar.

【No. 1】Mito no Ume / Kamejirushi Seika

The glorious No. 1 is "Mito no Ume," which no local resident doesn't know. It's lauded as a famous Mito confection and is so beloved by the local Ibaraki residents that you can always find it at the service counters of supermarkets in the prefecture. It features exquisite homemade white bean paste wrapped in gyuhi (a type of mochi) and then meticulously covered with red shiso leaves steeped in plum vinegar. The aroma and acidity of the shiso complement the moist sweetness of the white bean paste, allowing you to savor a deeply cherished flavor.

Ibaraki Souvenir Summary

Has Ibaraki Prefecture's true charm been fully conveyed? While Ibaraki Prefecture is strongly associated with natto, it is also a "treasure trove of Japan's best local specialties" suited to the climate and soil of each region. The "Ikiiki Ibaraki Yume Kokutai" (National Sports Festival) will also be held in 2019. Why not consider the vibrant Ibaraki Prefecture as a travel destination?