Sake (nihonshu)
In Japanese, sake is called nihonshu. In Tōhoku, this drink is part of the local terroir. It is not a strong spirit, but a rice wine fermented at between 14 and 17°. Nihonshu comes in a range of varieties. The purest is called junmaishu, the most common sanbaizōshu, and in between, 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 also 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), depending on the season, the variety... or the mood. It's definitely one of the most popular purchases on a trip to the region.
A local craft beer
Although Japanese beer dates back to the Edo period, it became truly industrialized at the end of the 19th century, thanks to trade with Germany and the United States. In 1876, Japan's first brewery was established under the name of Sapporo. But in addition to the archipelago's beer giants, Sapporo, Ebisu and Asahi, it was only in 1994, with the relaxation of alcohol laws, that a number of microbreweries began to appear in Japan. And since then, the market for local craft beer, or ji bīru in Japanese, has continued to grow and take market share. 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 originated in the mountainous regions of northern Japan, where craftsmen used winter wood to make these armless, legless figurines with cylindrical bodies and round, hand-painted heads. Each prefecture has its own style, starting with Yuzawa, in Akita, and its Kawatsura kokeshi 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 towns, kokeshi are today prized as much as decorative objects as they are testimonies to regional know-how. The icing on the cake is that they are relatively small, making them easy to slip into a suitcase.
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. Inherited from the region's lumberjacks, this ancestral know-how has been passed down for over 400 years. Lightweight, durable and naturally fragrant, magewappa perfectly preserves the freshness of the rice thanks to the properties of the wood. Each piece is carefully crafted, sometimes reinforced with cherry bark or lacquered. An emblematic Akita craft, magewappa are a tribute to beauty and functionality. A gift as aesthetic as it is useful!
An apple omiyage
With orchards stretching as far as the eye can see, Aomori is Japan's undisputed apple capital. 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, tea and crunchy potato chips: each product pays tribute to the sweet freshness of the local apple, carefully cultivated for over a century. Apple-shaped shortbread is one of the most popular souvenirs among travelers. Beautifully packaged, these delights are always a hit as gifts. Both affordable and refined, these omiyage are a must for any stay in Aomori.
A kabazaiku tea caddy
In Kakunodate, Akita prefecture, the art of kabazaiku perpetuates one of the most authentic traditions: the meticulous working of wild cherry bark (yamazakura). For over two centuries, this craft technique, first developed by samurai of modest rank, has been used to create refined objects: tea caddies (the most popular item), pen cases, decorative accessories... The bark, with its brown and mahogany highlights, naturally protects against humidity, making it an ideal material for preserving tea leaves. 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 hail motif, nambu tekki objects have become emblematic of Iwate. Born in Morioka in the 17th century, these objects, notably kettles and teapots, were originally designed for tea ceremonies. Rust-resistant, heat-conducting, elegant and durable, they are still made by hand using ancestral techniques. Their surface develops a patina over time, making each piece unique. More than a souvenir, it's an object of everyday use, steeped in history. The only problem is, it's not the lightest souvenir!
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.
