Fukushima Prefecture, bustling with business trips and tourist attractions like Tsuruga Castle and the Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall, is full of popular local gourmet foods. This time, we will introduce a carefully selected ranking of popular and classic souvenirs from Fukushima Prefecture.

Introducing recommended souvenirs from Fukushima Prefecture!

【25th Place】Kitakata Ramen

When it comes to local Fukushima cuisine, Kitakata Ramen is famous, isn't it? The characteristics of Kitakata Ramen are its thick, flat, wavy noodles with a smooth and chewy texture, and its light soy sauce-based soup. The dashi (broth) varies depending on the restaurant, so please choose according to your preference.

【24th Place】Rice Flour Baumkuchen / Kirari

This is a rice flour Baumkuchen made with Fukushima's original "Ten no Tsubu" rice, developed over 15 years. Since no wheat flour is used, it has a moist and chewy texture. It is gluten-free and lower in calories than regular Baumkuchen, making it recommended as a souvenir for health-conscious women. It comes in two flavors, plain and chocolate, and can be purchased for around 1200 yen each.

【23rd Place】Jangara / Miyoshi

"Jangara" is a traditional Japanese confection representing Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, named after the local folk art "Jangara Nenbutsu Odori" (Jangara Buddhist Dance). It consists of red bean paste made from Hokkaido-grown Dainagon adzuki beans, sandwiched between thick, baked dough made without water. A set of three costs 560 yen.

【22nd Place】Tamashima-ya's Tama Yokan / Tama Yokan

This is a cute, round-shaped yokan. It has a mature, moderately sweet flavor with the aroma of adzuki beans. Since it has a long shelf life, it's recommended as a souvenir. A set of 5 can be purchased for around 500 yen.

【21st Place】Koboshi / Kamigashitsukasa Aizu Aoi

"Koboshi" is an Ishigoromo (a type of hardened sweet) with adzuki bean and white adzuki bean-yolk filling, shaped like an Okiagari-Koboshi (roly-poly doll) that always stands back up. The Okiagari-Koboshi, which appear at the "Hatsuichi" market, are considered one of the three lucky charms in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, so this is considered an auspicious Japanese confection. Please take home this traditional semi-fresh confection that has been loved for generations.

【20th Place】Awamanju / Koike Kasho

With its eye-catching yellow skin, "Awa Manju" is a Japanese confection loved as a specialty of Yanaizu, Fukushima Prefecture. It was created after the Great Earthquake with the hope that "we will never experience another disaster ('awa' also means 'encounter' or 'meet')." Although its shelf life is short, only two days, its deliciousness makes it a popular souvenir. The price is also attractive, at a relatively inexpensive 1,000 yen (excluding tax) for a pack of 10.

【No. 19】Kurumi Yubeshi Mochizuri / Kashiwaya

"Kurumi Yubeshi Mochizuri" is a confection made by kneading rice and walnuts together and then steaming them. The sweet and savory flavor, seasoned with soy sauce and sugar, is loved by people of all ages. With a shelf life of about 15 days and an affordable price of 97 yen per piece, it is also recommended as a souvenir for handing out.

【No. 18】Kagami / Honke Nagatoya

"Honke Nagatoya" is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop in Fukushima, founded in 1848 (Kaei 1). Their popular "Kagami" (fragrant wood fruit) is a high-grade, bite-sized confection made with Oni-kurumi walnuts from Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture, wrapped in exquisite homemade bean paste, and coated with brown sugar. The fragrant aroma of walnuts and the sweetness of the bean paste and brown sugar are a perfect match. This is a prestigious masterpiece that has even been presented to the Imperial Family. It has a shelf life of about 2 weeks and costs 1,900 yen for 17 pieces, but as they are individually packaged in a wooden box, it is also recommended as a souvenir for handing out.

【No. 17】Karinto Manju / Okashi no Sakai, Ishikawa-gun, Fukushima Prefecture

The classic popular Japanese confectionery "Karinto Manju" from "Okashi no Sakai," a long-established shop founded in 1913, features smooth anko (sweet bean paste) made only from high-quality adzuki beans, wrapped in dough kneaded with "aged焦がし蜜" (scorched syrup) made from boiled-down brown sugar, and then deep-fried. The crispy surface and the sweet anko create an exquisite balance, offering a nostalgic flavor. Karinto Manju is very popular among young people and children, and can be purchased for about 700 yen for 5 pieces.

【No. 16】Akabeko / Nozawa Mingei

If you're looking for a Fukushima souvenir other than sweets, we recommend "Akabeko." You might see Akabeko dolls around, but did you know they are actually traditional crafts from Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture? Some people might have a plain image of them, but there are also colorful and cute Akabeko like these. They are very popular as souvenir trinkets.

【No. 15】Kuradaigo Cream Cheese Miso-zuke / Miso-zuke Dokoro Ka no Kura

"Kuradaigo Cream Cheese Miso-zuke" is an adult snack combining cheese and miso. It pairs perfectly with wine and crackers. It previously won a special award at the "JR East Souvenir Grand Prix," the only one from the Tohoku region. Although it's cheese, it can be stored at room temperature, making it a safe souvenir to bring home for friends who enjoy alcoholic beverages. It costs 1,000 yen for 75g, but a half-size is also available.

【No. 14】Low-Sugar Vegetable Jam / Toei Sangyo

"Low-Sugar Vegetable Jam" is, as the name suggests, a unique jam made from boiled-down vegetables. Fresh, low-pesticide vegetables are sourced directly from local contract farmers in Fukushima and carefully handcrafted. Of course, radiation checks are voluntarily conducted in addition to official inspection bodies, so you can rest assured. At 600 yen a jar, it's a bit luxurious, but highly recommended for those looking for a stylish souvenir! It comes in six flavors: carrot, tomato, yuzu, pumpkin, edamame, and ginger.

【13th Place】Imokuri Satoro / Daioh

Fukushima's famous confectionery, "Imokuri Satoro," is a sweet potato dessert made with chestnuts and sweet potatoes. Thanks to the delicate baking technique of skilled artisans, it has a crispy surface and a moist, fluffy inside. This powerful Fukushima-exclusive sweet has received the Grand Gold Award at the "National Confectionery Exposition." A pack of 5 costs 800 yen.

【12th Place】Aizu no Tenjinsama / Okashi no Kura Taroan

"Aizu no Tenjinsama" might sound like a souvenir item, but it's actually a type of Western confectionery called a busse. It features fluffy dough made with lightly salted butter, sandwiching processed cheese. The balance of sweetness and saltiness is just right, making it a classic and popular item in Fukushima's souvenir ranking. Limited-edition flavors like strawberry, matcha, and chocolate are also available seasonally. It lasts about 8 days, so it's recommended to purchase it on your way home. You can buy a pack of 5 for about 800 yen.

【11th Place】Exon Pie / Sanmangoku

The "Exon Pie" from Sanmangoku, a famous souvenir shop in Fukushima, is a classic popular confection consisting of bean paste with walnuts wrapped in pie dough. Each piece is individually wrapped, making it a great souvenir for sharing. It lasts about 8 days and can be purchased for 810 yen for a pack of 5.

【10th Place】Kashiwaya Usukawa Manju / Kashiwaya

One of Japan's three great manju is the "Kashiwaya Usukawa Manju." This product has even received the Buzz Award at the "Japan Gift Awards." Made with carefully selected azuki beans and the artisanal skill of Kashiwaya's craftsmen, this manju is a classic souvenir loved by all ages. It comes in two varieties, tsubuan (coarse bean paste) and koshian (smooth bean paste), each available from 118 yen. However, please note that it lasts only about 7 days.

【9th Place】Kaden Yubeshi / Kannoya

Kannoya's Fukushima Koriyama specialty, "Kaden Yubeshi," has a peculiar shape. It's said to represent a crane spreading its wings. While yubeshi in the Tohoku region generally uses walnuts instead of yuzu, Kannoya's yubeshi is unique. It's made by steaming dough filled with red bean paste. If you visit Fukushima, this is one souvenir you definitely should buy. A pack of 6 costs 713 yen.

【8th Place】Mekari Shio Choco / Iwaki Chocolate

"Mekari Shio Choco" is a salted caramel chocolate that combines sweetness and saltiness. Inside the rich, subtly sweet high-quality Chocolat Nouvelle Vague, there's a generous amount of gooey salted caramel, topped with coarse salt. This popular confection, acclaimed by professionals, has sold over 450,000 boxes. A pack of 10 costs 1200 yen and lasts about 2 months, making it recommended for those looking for a slightly luxurious souvenir.

【7th Place】Lemon / Kashiwaya

At Kashiwaya, a long-established Japanese confectionery founded in 1852, the aforementioned Usukawa Manju is a classic favorite, but "Lemon" is also highly recommended. This is a refreshing lemon-flavored cheese tart that women would especially love. Its rich and luxurious taste, made with 100% French Kiri cream cheese, is a secret to its popularity. It surprisingly lasts about 15 days, so you can confidently buy it as a souvenir. It's available from 194 yen per piece.

6th Place: Fly Me to The Moon Yokan Fantasia / Honke Nagatoya

It's no exaggeration to say that this "Fly Me to The Moon Yokan Fantasia" is the cutest confectionary from the long-established Japanese confectionary store "Honke Nagatoya." This is a truly rare yokan with beautiful patterns drawn on the cross-section. The pattern gradually changes from a crescent moon to a full moon with each slice. Not only is it visually stunning, but the flavor, featuring champagne, walnuts, and raisins, pairs perfectly with wine or tea. We recommend it as a souvenir for female friends. The gorgeous packaging was designed by Reika Masuda, a Japanese painter from Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, making it a souvenir deeply rooted in Fukushima. You can purchase one box for 3,500 yen.

5th Place: Jelly / Jelly no Ie

"Jelly no Ie" is a jelly specialty store located in a small shop in Onahama, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. The jellies here are incredibly vibrant and beautiful! They are so cute that they are sure to be a hit as a souvenir. However, please note that because it's a small shop, there is often a waiting list for cancellations.

4th Place: Rakuno Cafe au Lait Sable / Nagatoya

Rakuno Cafe au Lait, a soul food for Fukushima residents, has recently gained popularity even outside the prefecture. While it's available in various forms like cafe au lait, ice cream, and drinking yogurt, the "Rakuno Cafe au Lait Sable" is highly recommended as a souvenir. Since it's a confection, you don't need to worry about storage or transportation, allowing you to bring home the taste of Fukushima.

3rd Place: Cream Box / Sanmangoku

"Cream Box" is a local gourmet toast loved in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture. Soft toast is topped with a generous amount of sweet white cream, creating a simple yet addictive flavor. For souvenirs, it comes in a cute square box featuring "Cream Bokkun," a character inspired by the toast. The affordable price of 150 yen per box is another recommendation. However, please note that the boxes are only sold at the Ekinaka Souvenir Shop inside Koriyama Station.

2nd Place: Mini Daruma Monaka with Shirakawa Daruma / Shirakawa Kasho Daikokuya

The "Mini Daruma Monaka with Shirakawa Daruma" features cute mini daruma monaka filled with homemade red bean paste and soft mochi. While delicious on its own, it is also recommended to dissolve it in hot water and enjoy it as oshiruko (sweet red bean soup) during winter. It's a souvenir that offers different ways to enjoy it depending on the season. You can buy 11 pieces for about 1300 yen. By the way, one genuine Shirakawa Daruma folk art piece is included in each box.

1st Place: Mamador / Sanmangoku

When it comes to Fukushima souvenirs, "Mamador" is definitely the one. It's naturally the most popular item at the famous souvenir shop "Sanmangoku." This confection features a buttery dough filled with gently sweet milk bean paste. Its flavor is loved by both adults and children, making it a highly recommended souvenir for anyone. A pack of 5 costs 540 yen and lasts for about 8 days. Since each piece is individually wrapped, it's also convenient for distributing as gifts.

Summary of Recommended Fukushima Souvenirs

So, what did you think? If you're wondering what to buy, please refer to this ranking. Enjoy the taste of Fukushima, which has many famous confectioneries and Japanese sweets!