Sake (nihonshu)
Sake is called nihonshu. In Tōhoku, this rice wine fermented at between 14 and 17° is part of the terroir. It comes in a range of varieties, such as junmaishu, the purest, or honjōzōshu (with limited added alcohol). Tōhoku, and in particular Akita and Niigata prefectures, is renowned for the quality of its sake rice and its pure waters. The region is home to many renowned craft breweries(jizake), from Yamagata to Fukushima. Nihonshu can be karakuchi (dry) or amakuchi (sweet), and can be enjoyed reishu (cold) or atsukan (hot).
A local craft beer
In 1876, Japan's first brewery was established under the name of Sapporo. It was only in 1994, with the relaxation of alcohol laws, that a number of microbreweries came into being. Since then, the market for local craft beer, or ji bīru, has grown steadily. In Tōhoku, too, the trend has taken root, notably in Tōno, in Iwate prefecture, renowned for its hop culture. Today, inventive local breweries can be found here, often on restaurant tables or in stores selling regional products.
A kokeshi doll
A symbol of Tōhoku craftsmanship, the kokeshi doll is a hand-painted figurine without arms or legs, with a cylindrical body and round head. Each prefecture has its own style, starting with Yuzawa, in Akita, and its Kawatsura kokeshi, which seduce with their simple lines and expressive faces. In neighboring Miyagi prefecture, the famous Naruko kokeshi are renowned for their mobile necks and delicate squeaks. In Tsuchiyu (Fukushima), Togatta and Sakunami (Miyagi), other styles have been passed down from generation to generation. Emblematic souvenirs of spa resorts, kokeshi are today prized as much as decorative objects as they are testimonies to regional know-how.
An apple omiyage
Aomori is the undisputed apple capital of Japan. The emblematic fruit of the prefecture, the apple is available in a multitude of sweets that can be found everywhere in the form of omiyage. Pies, shortbread, jams, jellies, juices, ciders, teas and crunchy potato chips... The apple-shaped shortbread is one of travelers' most prized souvenirs.
Kitchen utensils
A magewappa bento box. In Ōdate, Akita prefecture, woodworking reveals a simple, refined form of elegance with magewappa, bento boxes and everyday objects made from thin strips of cedar. This ancestral know-how has been passed down for over 400 years. Light, durable and naturally fragrant, magewappa perfectly preserve the freshness of rice thanks to the properties of wood. Each piece is carefully crafted, sometimes reinforced with cherry bark or lacquered. A gift as aesthetic as it is useful!
A kabazaiku tea caddy. In Kakunodate, Akita prefecture, the art of kabazaiku perpetuates a most authentic tradition: the meticulous working of wild cherry bark (yamazakura), first developed by samurai of modest rank. Tea caddies (the most popular object), pen cases, decorative accessories... The bark, with its brown and mahogany highlights, naturally protects against humidity. Even today, Kakunodate's craftsmen handcraft each piece with patience and precision, respecting age-old know-how.
A nambu tekki kettle or teapot. Made of black cast iron and adorned with the famous arare motif in the shape of a hailstone, nambu tekki objects are emblematic of Iwate. Born in Morioka in the 17th century, they were originally designed for tea ceremonies. Rust-resistant, heat-conducting and durable, they are handcrafted using ancestral techniques. Their surface develops a patina over time, making each piece unique. The only catch is that they're not the lightest of souvenirs!
A pretty piece in kogin-zashi
Born almost 300 years ago in the Tsugaru region, north of Aomori, kogin-zashi is a rustic yet refined art of thread weaving. Originally, peasants reinforced their linen garments with white cotton threads sewn into geometric patterns, to improve strength and insulation during the long winters. From this utilitarian gesture sprang a popular art form handed down from generation to generation. There are three distinct styles depending on the area around Hirosaki: Higashi, Nishi and Mishima Kogin. Today, these embroidered motifs, often on an indigo background, sublimate bags, card holders, brooches, tenugui and decorative objects. There's something for every taste and shape.
An exclusive souvenir... from Pokémon Center Tōhoku
Whether you're looking to treat a loved one or just treat yourself, Pokémon Centers are the place to go for a 100% local souvenir! A veritable giant of Japanese pop culture, this franchise is omnipresent in the Archipelago. Yet only one Pokémon Center is located in Tōhoku, in Sendai to be precise. While the majority of products available elsewhere in Japan can be found there, the Sendai store also regularly offers exclusive items. Among them, an adorable collection featuring Pikachu and friends in the colors of the region's traditional festivals, a true tribute to local Tōhoku culture. Enough to lighten your wallet.
