notice - The article on Shirakawa-go has been published.
notice - The article on Shirakawa-go has been published.
16 recommended souvenirs from Shirakawa-go | Full of charm, from miscellaneous goods to sweets and limited edition goods!
Here we introduce a selection of souvenirs perfect as a memento of your trip to Shirakawa-go. We will cover a wide range of 16 items, from sweets and miscellaneous goods to local sake and limited edition goods unique to Shirakawa-go. Take home some of the local charm while keeping in mind how good they will look in photos.
Shirakawa-go souvenirs [sweets and food]
Okara Cookies
Where to buy:Miyama Tofu store,Roadside Station,Mail order
These healthy cookies use locally produced soybean pulp and have a simple yet strong flavor. They are popular among health-conscious people as natural sweets with minimal additives. The word "mame" in the name has three meanings. In addition to "mame (careful)" and "mame (soy beans)," in Hida dialect "mame" means "energy, health."
The crispy texture makes it the perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee. It's a souvenir with a gentle flavor that will make you want to eat it while remembering the tranquil scenery of Shirakawa-go.
Smooth pudding
Where to buy:Shirakawago Pudding House,Mail order
Shirakawago Pudding House's Mizu Pudding is a masterpiece that won the Grand Prix at the Japan Pudding Awards 2022. It was highly praised for the contrast between its beautiful appearance and its taste, and was chosen as the best pudding in Japan. It is loved by many people as a unique pudding that can't be found anywhere else, made using the beautiful spring water of Shirakawago.
It comes in a cute, handmade bottle and looks great in photos. If you're visiting Shirakawa-go, this is a sweet you'll want to consider as a souvenir.
Shiso Monaka
Where to buy:Taguchiya Confectionery, souvenir shops in the village,Mail order
Taguchiya Confectionery has been making "Shiso Monaka" for over 60 years, with a gassho-style shaped monaka shell stuffed with smooth bean paste with shiso leaves kneaded into it. The refreshing scent of shiso and the moderate sweetness of the bean paste create an exquisite balance, making this a dish that allows you to feel the refreshing climate of Shirakawa-go.
They are handmade with a focus on tradition and can be enjoyed while enjoying the atmosphere of Shirakawa-go, making them popular souvenirs. Their elegant aroma and flavor will add a special touch to your memories of your visit.
Doburoku Yokan
Where to buy:Taguchiya Confectionery, souvenir shops in the village,Mail order
This is a rare yokan made with Shirakawa-go's specialty "doburoku." It is a Japanese sweet for adults that matches the subtle aroma of doburoku with a moist sweetness. It contains almost no alcohol and has a flavor similar to amazake, making it easy to eat.
They are also available in palm-sized individual packaging, making them easy to carry around. They are also popular as a souvenir for those who like unusual items.
Doburoku Kintsuba
Where to buy:Memenko,Mail order
Doburoku Kintsuba is a special Japanese sweet made by kneading Shirakawa-go's traditional local sake "doburoku" into the dough and steaming it instead of baking it. When you open the wrapper, the sweet aroma of doburoku spreads out, and combined with the refined sweetness of the densely packed bean paste, it is an irresistible delicacy for alcohol lovers. It is not too sweet and is satisfying to eat, and you can enjoy the flavor that is typical of Shirakawa-go.
This is sure to please not only Japanese sweets lovers, but also sake lovers alike. The tradition and flavor of Shirakawa-go is packed into one bite.
Yuiokoshi
Where to buy:Imafuji store,Roadside Station
This is a traditional snack from the Hida region that has been adapted from okoshi. It is made using local rice and starch syrup, giving it a light, fragrant texture. It is made with the village spirit of "Yui" (bond), meaning mutual support, and one bite will make you feel the warmth of Shirakawa-go and the blessings of nature.
Characterized by its light texture and gentle sweetness, it is a souvenir that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The packaging is also cute, making it a popular souvenir to give to others.
Stone tofu
Where to buy:Miyama Tofu store,Roadside Station,Mail order
As its name suggests, this tofu has a unique texture that is as hard as stone. It has little moisture and does not fall apart easily when cooked, making it ideal for stews and stir-fries. It is often eaten locally as "yaki-dofu," a simple yet flavorful delicacy.
It also keeps well, making it an easy souvenir to take home, so you can enjoy the traditional taste of Gifu and Shirakawa-go at home.
ancient rice
Where to buy:Gassho-style Folk House Garden,Roadside Station,Mail order
Locally grown, ancient red-purple rice (akamai) is rich in vitamins and minerals and is popular among health-conscious people. When cooked, it turns a slight pink color, adding a splash of color to your dinner table. It also has a chewy texture, so you can easily enjoy it by mixing it with white rice.
The packaging features an illustration of a Gassho-style house, making it a visually appealing souvenir. Recommended for those who want to add color and nutrition to their meals.
Shirakawa-go souvenirs [Miscellaneous goods and crafts]
Cloth sandals
Where to buy:Sneaky
Shirakawa-go's cloth sandals are warm indoor shoes made by hand from kimono fabric torn into strips. They are light and comfortable to wear, making them ideal as summer room shoes. Each pair is unique with its own color and pattern, making them a great souvenir that lets you experience the traditional craftsmanship of Shirakawa-go.
They look cute and have a modern Japanese feel that is popular with foreign tourists. They are comfortable to wear and gentle on the feet, so they are recommended for both home use and as gifts.
Silk soap
Where to buy:Roadside Station,Mail order
Shirakawa-go Silk Soap is made from 100% domestically grown silkworm cocoons, and is characterized by its good foaming and gentleness on the skin. It is safe for sensitive skin and baby skin, and leaves your skin feeling moisturized after washing. It is a special soap that inherits the silkworm culture of Shirakawa-go, making it the perfect souvenir.
It also comes in a compact powder type, making it a convenient size to use when traveling. Its high-quality texture allows you to feel the blessings of nature, and it will add a special touch to your daily skin care routine. It is a luxurious item to give as a gift along with memories of Shirakawa-go.
Other crafts and folk art
Where to buy:Souvenir shop in the village
The crafts and folk art that reflect the traditions of Shirakawa-go are all excellent and valuable as souvenirs or interior decorations. There are a variety of items that will make lasting memories, such as wooden ornaments, hand-woven cloth products, and miniature replicas of Gassho-style houses.
Each item is handmade, and no two are exactly alike, making it one of the best parts of visiting Shirakawa-go.
Shirakawa-go local sake and beer
Shirakawago Pure Rice Nigori Sake
Where to buy:Imafuji store,Roadside Station,Mail order
Known as a representative local sake of Shirakawa-go, "Junmai Nigori Sake" is a cloudy sake that is bottled as it is while the fermenting mash is still in the process. It has a thick mouthfeel and a taste that is full of the concentrated umami of the rice, and is highly rated by sake fans.
When you put it in your mouth, a subtle sweetness and slight fizziness spread, making it an excellent aperitif or sweet drink. It is recommended to drink it chilled, and it is a drink that makes you want to sip it while remembering the winter scenery of Shirakawa-go.
Unity
Where to buy:Imafuji store,Roadside Station,Mail order
"Yuigokoro" is a refreshing local sake brewed in Shirakawa-go, carefully brewed using local rice and pure spring water. Named after the theme of "ties with people," this sake is also popular as a gift.
It has a subtle and elegant aroma and a crisp aftertaste, and goes well with both Japanese and Western cuisine. The label features a Gassho-style house, making it a local sake that you can enjoy while remembering your trip.
Shirakawago Beer
Where to buy:Imafuji store
Shirakawa-go Beer, a craft beer that can be enjoyed in Shirakawa-go, is an authentic beer brewed using local ingredients and natural water. There are several types, such as Pilsner, Weizen, and Dark Beer, each with their own unique flavor.
In addition to being great for drinking between sightseeing trips, bottled sake is also popular as a souvenir. The attractive design of the labels makes it the perfect memento of your trip. It is also recommended as a gift for alcohol lovers.
Shirakawa-go exclusive Sarubobo
What is Sarubobo?
Sarubobo means "baby monkey," and is a traditional doll that has been passed down in the Hida region since ancient times. In the past, they were handmade at home as talismans for safe childbirth, health, and protection from evil, and are still popular today as a traditional folk craft in the Hida region.
The red color is believed to ward off evil spirits, and many people carry them with them in hopes of a safe journey and the health of their families, making them a popular souvenir for tourists as proof that they have visited Hida and Shirakawa-go. Recently, the variety of colors, expressions, and materials has increased, and they are also attracting attention as fashion accessories.
Limited edition Sarubobo only available in Shirakawa-go
In Shirakawa-go, there are many limited edition Sarubobo dolls for sale, with motifs of Gassho-style houses and snowy landscapes. Among them, there are rare products that can only be purchased here, such as "Sarubobo made with Gassho-style pattern fabric," "Doburoku Festival version," and "Wooden Sarubobo set with mini Gassho-style houses."
There are a wide variety of sizes and shapes, including straps, key chains, and ornaments, making them perfect as travel mementos or gifts for friends. Some products are handmade and one-of-a-kind, so the fun of choosing is part of the appeal.
Where to buy:Imafuji store, souvenir shops in the Gassho-style village, etc.
Higurashi goods exclusive to Shirakawa-go
At the shop "Kataribe" in Shirakawa-go, "Higurashi goods" are popular, with their simple taste and designs that blend into everyday life. All of the goods are original, and the warm goods that evoke the nature and life of Shirakawa-go are also popular as souvenirs.
The name "Higurashi" comes from the sound of cicadas chirping at dusk in the summer, and the products on offer are themed around nostalgia and healing. All of the items are limited edition and can only be purchased in Shirakawa-go.
Where to buy:Storyteller,Mail order
Enjoy choosing souvenirs in Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go has a wide selection of souvenirs that will tickle your fancy, including simple sweets that reflect the blessings of nature, folk crafts that highlight the handiwork of artisans, limited edition local sake, and local character goods.
In particular, the limited edition "Sarubobo" color inspired by the roofs of Shirakawa-go and the "Higurashi Goods" that can only be purchased locally are perfect as a proof of your visit. They are all fun to look at, fun to use, and make great gifts.
If you'd like to find a souvenir that will be a lasting memory of your trip, be sure to take your time walking around the village and searching for that special something just for you.
