Souvenirs & What to Buy in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
1. Utsunomiya Kokeshi Dolls
Traditional wooden dolls with simple faces and clothes, unique to Utsunomiya. They make a great souvenir or decoration.
- Handmade Tradition: Each kokeshi is handcrafted, preserving the traditional art form.
- Unique Designs: Different artists create unique designs, making each doll special.
- Affordable Memento: Kokeshi dolls are relatively affordable, allowing for easy souvenir purchases.
2. Taiyaki Sticks
Fish-shaped waffle treats filled with sweet red bean paste, symbolizing good luck and happiness. Ideal for snacking or gift-giving.
- Authentic Snack: Taiyaki Sticks are a local specialty, hard to find outside of Utsunomiya.
- Great Gift Idea: The presentation of taiyaki sticks makes them ideal for gift-giving.
- Variety of Flavors: Taiyaki Sticks come in various flavors, including sweet red bean paste, custard, and chocolate.
3. Nikko Ramune
Clear bottle soda with a marble-like stopper for carbonation. It's a refreshing beverage that originates from Nikko, near Utsunomiya.
- Refreshing Drink: Nikko Ramune is a tasty and refreshing drink, perfect for hot summer days.
- Historical Significance: The first ramune was created in Nikko, making it an important historical artifact.
- Fun to Drink: The marble-like stopper adds a fun element to drinking Nikko Ramune.
4. Utsunomiya Senbei
Crunchy rice crackers coated in soy sauce and sesame seeds. They come in various shapes like leaves, fish, or flowers, representing Utsunomiya's natural beauty.
- Tasty Treat: Utsunomiya Senbei is a delicious and addictive snack.
- Beautiful Packaging: The packaging showcases Utsunomiya's natural beauty, making it an attractive souvenir.
- Variety of Shapes: Utsunomiya Senbei comes in various shapes, adding to the fun of purchasing them as a souvenir.
5. Utsunomiya Yuzawa Pottery
Beautiful pottery crafted in Utsunomiya Yuzawa, showcasing traditional Japanese designs. Items range from small ornaments to large vases.
- High Quality Craftsmanship: Utsunomiya Yuzawa Pottery is made with skill and attention to detail.
- Unique Designs: Different artists create unique designs, making each pottery piece special.
- Ideal as a Gift or Decoration: Utsunomiya Yuzawa Pottery is both a great gift and an attractive home decoration.
6. Kagami-biraki Sake Sets
Traditional sake set for the Kagami-biraki ceremony, featuring a wooden sake keg and a large sake cup. It's a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
- Cultural Significance: Kagami-biraki Sake Sets are used in a traditional Japanese ceremony, steeped in culture.
- High Quality Craftsmanship: The sets are made with skill and attention to detail, ensuring their longevity.
- Great Gift Idea: Kagami-biraki Sake Sets make for a unique and meaningful gift.
7. Utsunomiya Washi Paper
Traditional Japanese paper made from the bark of mulberry trees. It's used for various purposes, such as stationery and crafting.
- Authentic Tradition: Utsunomiya Washi Paper is made using a centuries-old technique.
- High Quality Material: The paper is strong, durable, and versatile, making it an excellent choice for various uses.
- Attractive Designs: Utsunomiya Washi Paper comes in various colors and designs, ideal for souvenirs or gifts.
8. Utsunomiya Aka-goma Sesame Oil
High-quality sesame oil made from locally grown black sesame seeds. It's used for cooking and as a beauty treatment.
- Natural Ingredients: Utsunomiya Aka-goma Sesame Oil is made from locally grown black sesame seeds.
- Versatile Uses: The oil can be used for cooking and as a beauty treatment, adding practicality to the product.
- Unique Flavor: Utsunomiya Aka-goma Sesame Oil has a unique, rich flavor that enhances dishes.
9. Utsunomiya Tofu
Fresh and delicious tofu made in Utsunomiya, known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. It can be enjoyed hot or cold.
- High Quality Ingredients: Utsunomiya Tofu is made using fresh soybeans, ensuring a great taste.
- Versatile Uses: Tofu can be prepared in various ways, making it a versatile food item.
- Unique Flavor: Utsunomiya Tofu has a unique, rich flavor that sets it apart from other tofu varieties.
10. Utsunomiya Kibi-dango
Sticky rice dumplings filled with red bean paste. They're a popular sweet treat in Utsunomiya and are easy to carry as souvenirs.
- Traditional Snack: Utsunomiya Kibi-dango is a traditional snack with roots in the region's history.
- Delicious Taste: The combination of sticky rice and sweet red bean paste creates a delicious taste.
- Convenient for Travel: Kibi-dango is easy to carry, making it an ideal souvenir for travelers.
11. Utsunomiya Uchimaki
Traditional headbands worn by samurai and farmers alike. They are made from hemp or bamboo and feature intricate designs.
- Cultural Significance: Utsunomiya Uchimaki is steeped in the region's history and tradition.
- High Quality Craftsmanship: The headbands are made with skill and attention to detail, ensuring their durability.
- Attractive Designs: Utsunomiya Uchimaki comes in various designs, making them attractive souvenirs or decorations.
12. Utsunomiya Omiyage Sweets
Delicious sweets packaged as omiyage (souvenirs) for travelers. They come in various flavors, including matcha and strawberry.
- Tasty Treat: Utsunomiya Omiyage Sweets are delicious and make great snacks during travel.
- Attractive Packaging: The packaging is eye-catching, making the sweets an attractive souvenir to bring home.
- Variety of Flavors: Utsunomiya Omiyage Sweets come in various flavors, catering to different tastes.
13. Utsunomiya Lacquerware
Beautiful and practical lacquerware crafted in Utsunomiya using traditional techniques. Items range from small trays to large bowls.
- High Quality Craftsmanship: Utsunomiya Lacquerware is made with skill and attention to detail, ensuring its longevity.
- Attractive Designs: Different artists create unique designs, making each piece of lacquerware special.
- Practical Uses: Utsunomiya Lacquerware is both beautiful and practical, serving as functional home decorations or gifts.
14. Utsunomiya Yuzu Products
A variety of products made from Utsunomiya's famous yuzu citrus fruits. Items include juices, jams, and soaps.
- Natural Ingredients: Utsunomiya Yuzu Products are made using fresh yuzu citrus fruits.
- Unique Flavor: Utsunomiya Yuzu has a unique, refreshing flavor that sets it apart from other citrus fruits.
- Versatile Uses: The products can be enjoyed in various ways, such as drinking the juice or using the soap for bathing.
15. Utsunomiya Souvenir Towels
High-quality towels featuring Utsunomiya's iconic symbols or traditional designs. They make a practical and attractive souvenir.
- Practical Usage: Utsunomiya Souvenir Towels are practical items, useful for travel or daily use.
- Beautiful Designs: The towels come in various designs, showcasing Utsunomiya's beauty and tradition.
- Affordable Souvenir: Utsunomiya Souvenir Towels are relatively affordable, making them an accessible souvenir for travelers.