Q. – What comes on your mind when you hear the best souvenir from Fukushima Prefecture?

Here is the result from 400 responders who answered Style Koriyama’s questionnaire!

Famous sweets, local specialties and cuisine, folk crafts, and so on… What did our readers choose from the wide variety of souvenir candidates?

See how many items you know, which might show how much you know about Fukushima prefecture. Now you got curious? The result is as below!!
Note: Includes multiple answers.

Best 1 – 10 (Ranked by number of votes)

No.1: Mamador (Milky sweet bite produced by Sanmangoku. Co., Ltd. based in Koriyama)

This bite-sized baked treat features a moist, buttery cake filled with smooth, milky white bean paste. Since its debut in 1967, it has remained a longtime favorite among customers. Some even say it tastes delicious when frozen, offering a different but equally enjoyable texture!

The chocolate version, Choco Mamador, is just as popular, but it’s only available for a limited time—from October through May.

 

 

No.2: Usukawa Manju (Azuki bean jam filled bun produced by Kashiwaya. Co., Ltd. Based in Koriyama)

Usukawa Manju is made by a confectionery shop with over 160 years of history. It is widely recognized as one of Japan’s “Top Three Manju.”

The delicate outer bun is exceptionally thin, allowing you to fully enjoy the smooth, moderately sweet azuki (red bean) filling inside.

 

 

No.3: Yubeshi / Kurumi Yubeshi (Sweet rice cake confectionery produced by companies including Kannoya, Daikokuya, Kashiwaya, etc.)

This traditional rice cake confectionery varies in style and flavor depending on the region. In the Tohoku area, it is often made with sesame seeds or chestnuts.

In Fukushima Prefecture in particular, Yubeshi is known for its distinctive tetrapod-like shape and is filled with smooth, sweet azuki (red bean) paste.

↑This image shows “Kaden Yubeshi” produced by Kannoya.

 

 

No.4: Eccuson Pie (Pastry with soy bean jam inside produced by Sanmangoku.co., Ltd. Based in Koriyama)

Eccuson Pie features a delicious filling of silky azuki (red bean) paste blended with chestnuts, wrapped in a flaky pastry crust.

Along with the Mamador mentioned above, it is one of Sanmangoku’s most popular signature products.

 

 

 

No.5: Fruits (Peach, Grape, Pear, Apple, Mishirazu Persimmon)

Fukushima Prefecture is often called the “Fruit Kingdom Fukushima,” thanks to its rich natural environment that allows a wide variety of seasonal fruits to be harvested throughout the year.

Beyond simply enjoying them fresh, there are many exciting ways to experience Fukushima’s fruits, including fruit picking and winery tours.

 

 

No.6: Cream Box (Sweetened Bread produced by Bakery Romio and other bakeries, based in Koriyama, and other makers)

Cream Box is a thick-sliced slice of bread generously topped with rich, milky cream. Extremely popular in Koriyama, it is considered one of the city’s true soul foods.

First introduced in 1976 by Bakery Romio, this beloved sweet bread has since become a local staple and can now be found at many bakeries throughout the area.

 

 

 

No.7: Lemo (Lemon Cheese Tart produced by Kashiwaya Co., Ltd. Based in Koriyama)

This lemon-flavored cheese tart offers a rich yet refreshing taste. It is produced by Kashiwa-ya, the same long-established confectionery company known for Usukawa Manju.

Chill it in the summer for an extra refreshing treat! 🍋✨

 

 

 

 

No.8: Aka Beko (Folk toy mainly produced in Aizu area)

Keychain version is also popular.

 

 

 

No.9: Nihonshu (Japanese Sake) Produced in Fukushima

 

 

 

No.10: Tasty Products Made by Rakuo Nyu-gyo (Café au lait, Strawberry au lait, Milk Rusk, Sablé, Choc Crunch, etc.)

This dairy company produces high-quality milk from cows raised in Fukushima’s beautiful natural surroundings.

Among its many products, Rakuo Café au Lait is especially well loved and has been gaining popularity beyond Fukushima. 🥛✨

 

 

 

Best 11- 20

No.11: Kitakata Ramen

Kitakata Ramen is a local specialty recognized as one of Japan’s “Three Great Ramen.”

Kitakata City is home to an impressive number of ramen restaurants—so many that it is said to have the highest number per capita in Japan.

For those who want to enjoy the taste at home, take-out options such as ramen kits with soup and even ramen-flavored noodle crackers are also available. 🍜✨

 

 

 

 

No.12: Aizu no Tenjin-sama (Sweet bouchée cake produced by Taroan co., Ltd.)

A fluffy bouchée sandwich filled with lightly salted cream cheese.

This delightful sweet treat is one of the signature products of Taroan, a well-known confectionery in Aizu City. 🍰✨

 

 

 

No.13: Imokuri Sataro (Sweet potato confectionery produced by Daio based in Fukushima City)

This sweet potato-based confectionery is loved for its gentle, natural sweetness derived from sweet potatoes and chestnuts.

Its name comes from a traditional folk tale passed down in the Fukushima region, adding a touch of local charm to this beloved treat. 🍠✨

 

 

 

No. 14: Mugisenbei (Sweet cracker produced by Taiyodo Mugisenbei Honpo based in Fukushima)

Mugisenbei is a traditional Japanese sweet cracker made from wheat flour and peanuts.

With its simple, subtly sweet flavor and inviting toasted aroma, it’s the kind of treat you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. 🌾🥜✨

 

 

 

 

 

No.15: Tama-yokan (azuki bean jelly produced by Tamashimaya based in Nihonmatsu )

Hidden inside this charming little balloon is an authentically crafted azuki (red bean) jelly ball.

Place it on a plate and gently prick the balloon with a toothpick—the balloon pops, and the glossy jelly ball magically appears. A delightful treat to watch and enjoy.

 

 

 

No.16: Karinto Manju (Deep fried steamed bun produced by Okashi-no Sakai)

Karinto Manju is a deep-fried steamed bun filled with smooth azuki (red bean) paste. The dough is blended with rich brown sugar, giving it a deep, caramel-like sweetness.

With its crispy outer layer and soft, fluffy interior, it offers the delightful experience of enjoying a cookie-like crunch and a tender bun all at once. 🍘✨

 

 

 

 

No.17: Hana Kotoba (Sweet buns produced by Kashiwaya Co., Ltd. Based in Koriyama)

Inside these soft, vanilla-flavored buns is a smooth, milky white bean filling. This modern Japanese sweet offers a delicate touch of Western confectionery flavor while preserving its traditional charm.

For a thoughtful gift, pair a box of these treats with Kashiwaya’s original tote bag for an extra special presentation. 🎁✨

 

 

 

No.19: Awa Manju (Traditional confectionery stuffed with azuki bean jam mainly produced in Yanaizu area)

This round steamed confectionery is made by blending millet with glutinous rice to wrap a smooth, silky azuki (red bean) filling.

Especially popular in Yanaizu Town in the Kawanuma District, it is loved for its pleasantly chewy rice cake texture, complemented by the subtle crunch of millet.

A simple yet deeply satisfying traditional treat. 🌾✨

 

 

 

No.19: Abukuma-no Koyo-zuke (Fermented salmon produced by Fukushima Koyo-zuke Kabushiki-gaisha Co., Ltd. Based in Date)

Abukuma no Koyo-zuke is a traditional preserved dish dating back to the late Edo period (mid-19th century).

This rice-koji–fermented specialty is made with salmon caught during the autumn foliage season—known as koyo in Japanese—which is how the dish got its name.

In autumn, the Abukuma River in Fukushima offers a remarkable sight, as salmon swim upstream in great numbers, creating a seasonal scene that has long been part of the region’s heritage. 🍁🐟✨

 

 

 

 

No.20: Anpo-gaki (Persimmons)

This well-known specialty is a type of dried persimmon, primarily produced in Date, Fukushima. By being smoked with sulfur, the naturally astringent persimmons lose their bitterness while developing a soft, tender texture.

Compared to regular dried persimmons, these are juicier and pleasantly reminiscent of silky azuki (red bean) jelly. 🍊✨

 

 

 

 

Other Recommended Sweet Bites, Famous Confectionery, Cuisine Products (In random order)

Amanatto (Sweetened beans produced by bean sweets specialty shop, Okuya in Kitakata)

 

 

 

Ika Ninjin (Shredded carrots and dried squid marinated in a mixture of soy sauce-based seasoning. Local cuisine of Naka-dori Fukushima)

 

 

 

Umakute Shouga-ne!! (Simmered ginger rice topping seasoned with soy sauce-based seasoning produced by Azuma Shokuhin)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ume Dora (Japanese pancake sandwich filled with plum mixed bean jam and a whole sweetened plum produced by Daikokuya in Koriyama)

 

 

 

Caramel Popcorn (Produced by a soft caramel factory, Mukaiyama Seisakusho in Koriyama)

 

 

Kunsei Tamago (Smoked Eggs)

 

Koi-no Kanro-ni (Sweet simmered carp. Local cuisine mainly eaten in Koriyama, Aizu, and Yonezawa area.)

 

Photo provided by Koriyama City

Shiawase-no Kiroi Busse (Bouchée produced by Okashi-no Sakai in Koriyama)

 

 

 

Jangara (Sweet bite filled with azuki bean jam produced by Okashi-no Miyoshi in Iwaki)

 

 

 

Soft Caramel Candies (Mukaiyama Seisakusho in Koriyama)

 

 

 

Fly Me to The Moon Yokan Fantasia (Beautiful jelly confectionery produced by Honke Nagatoya in Aizu Wakamatsu)

 

 

 

Yoghurt (Produced by a yoghurt specialty shop, Morning in Koriyama)

 

 

 

 

Kidaru-iri Beer Cake (Beer-soaked cake packed in a wooden barrel. It is said to be available only at Asahi Beer Factory.)

 

 

 

 

Jelly-no Ie (Jelly’s House, Jelly specialty shop in Iwaki)

 

 

 

Asakano Kyabetsu (Kyabetsu means cabbage. Cream puff produced by Hinodeya in Koriyama)[

 

Ume-bai (Sweet buns filled with bean jam and shredded sweetened green plum produced by Fleurage in Koriyama)

 

 

Homachi Manju – A soft steamed bun filled with smooth azuki (red bean) paste, made by Sanmangoku Co., Ltd., a well-established confectionery based in Koriyama.

 

Other Recommended Folk Crafts (In random order)

Okiagari Kobohi (Traditional lucky mascot of Aizu area. Recognized as one of folk toys.)

 

 

 

Miharu Goma (Traditional folk craft of Koriyama. Folk toy)

 

 

 

Others (In random order)

Boar Fur

Crystal