What Fukushima souvenirs do locals want to recommend to foreigners in 2025? [TOP 10 reader survey]
What Fukushima souvenirs do locals want to recommend to foreigners in 2025?
[TOP 10 reader survey]
“We will present the top 10 from the many responses received from Style Koriyama readers (including multiple submissions).”
No.1: Mamador (Sanmangoku)
First made in 1967, this baked confection features milk-flavored bean paste wrapped in buttery dough. A classic gift from Fukushima, its gentle sweetness makes it hard to resist. It’s also famous for its commercial jingle: ‘Lots of smiles, the taste of mom’s cooking~♪’
No.2: Akabeko (A traditional toy from the Aizu region)
A papier-mâché doll modeled after a red cow, its name comes from ‘beko,’ meaning ‘cow’ in the Aizu dialect. Its playful nodding motion is charming, and it’s popular as a good luck charm and for warding off evil.
No.3: Eccuson Pie (Sanmangoku)
First produced in 1960, this baked confection features walnut-filled bean paste wrapped in a flaky pie crust. Its gentle sweetness and satisfying texture make it a treat on par with Mamador.
No.4: Fukushima sake
Made using a method unique to Japan, its main ingredients are rice, rice malt, and water. Fukushima’s sake is especially renowned, achieving the highest number of gold medal-winning brands in Japan for nine consecutive years as of 2022. Brewery tours, where visitors can meet the makers, are very popular. On December 5, 2024, Japan’s traditional alcohol brewing—including sake, shochu, and awamori—was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
No.5: Usukawa Manju (Kashiwaya)
When it comes to manju in Koriyama, this is the one to try! With a thin skin and generous smooth bean paste filling, it’s considered one of Japan’s three greatest manju. Founded in 1852, this long-established company dates back to when Koriyama was a post town.
No.6: Fruit (Peaches)
Fukushima, known as the ‘fruit kingdom,’ is famous for its peaches. The season runs from July to August, and a wide range of varieties is available, from firm to soft-fleshed. At orchards across Fukushima Prefecture, visitors can enjoy fruit picking throughout the year, not just peaches but many other fruits as well.
No.7: Lemo (Kashiwaya)
A carefully baked lemon-flavored cheese tart. The cheese used is 100% French Kiri® cream cheese. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked on the creamy cheese flavor and refreshing lemon taste. It’s also good to eat it chilled.
No.7: Kaden Yubeshi (Kannoya)
Founded in 1860, this long-established confectionery shop began making yubeshi in the historic castle town of Miharu.
Yubeshi is a traditional sweet from Fukushima, made by mixing non-glutinous rice with soy sauce and other ingredients. The dough is rolled thin, wrapped around sweet red bean paste, and then carefully steamed.
The result is a perfect balance of chewy texture and gently sweet filling.
No.9: Weeble Wobbles (Okiagari Koboshi)
Made from papier-mâché, like Daruma and Akabeko dolls, this is one of the traditional folk toys that has been cherished in the Aizu region for generations.
A uniquely Japanese item, it has long been loved as a symbol of good fortune. Because it always returns to an upright position after being knocked over, it represents the saying, “Fall seven times, stand up eight,” and is regarded as a lucky charm for perseverance and resilience.
No.10: Imokuri Sataro (Daio)
This sweet potato confection is inspired by a folk tale from Fukushima and has remained a best-seller for over 30 years.
This Japanese-style treat is made by kneading sweet potato with chestnut and white bean paste, then carefully baking it to perfection. You can enjoy its smooth, rich texture complemented by the delightful crunch of chestnut pieces.
No.10: Cream Box (Koriyama city)
This local delicacy originated in Koriyama, Fukushima. It is a sweet bread made from thick slices of bread generously spread with milk-flavored cream.
Loved for many years as soul food in Koriyama, it has also gained popularity outside Fukushima. Today, many bakeries offer their own versions in a variety of flavors and shapes.
