[Souvenirs from Hirosaki] 10 Recommended Souvenirs Chosen by Locals

Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture is renowned for being Japan’s top producer of apples. However, the charm of Hirosaki extends far beyond its apples. The city attracts visitors from both within and outside the prefecture with events that allow people to experience the changing seasons. Every year, from late April, the famous Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) is held at Hirosaki Park, drawing around 2 million visitors. In the summer, the Hirosaki Neputa Festival takes place, where large, colorful floats accompanied by Japanese traditional drum (Taiko) and flute (Fue) music parade through the city’s streets. 

When you visit Hirosaki, be sure to check out these top souvenir recommendations, selected by locals who know the city best! 

Popular Souvenirs from Hirosaki: Top 10 Recommended and Classic Selections 

“Inochi” by Ragueneau 

Image source:https://item.rakuten.co.jp/ragu-shop/300822/(2024/12/11) 
 
“Inochi” is a custard cake filled with apple jam, and it’s a popular choice not only for visitors from outside the prefecture but also as a gift among locals. The fluffy cake, with its smooth cream and tangy-sweet apple jam, is simply irresistible! In addition to the classic apple and matcha flavors, seasonal variations such as peach, lemon, mango, and melon are released throughout the year. At just 130 yen each, it’s an affordable treat that brings happiness in every bite. 
 
Tasting Notes: 
We tried the classic apple flavor, and the cake was light and subtly sweet. The cream inside is just the right texture—not too soft or too firm—with a gentle mouthfeel. The sweetness of the cream and the tangy apple jam create a perfect balance. We also recommend trying it frozen, like a cake ice cream—it’s absolutely delicious! 

“Rapuru” by Shikanai Senbei

Image source:  https://shikanai.co.jp/1938/(2024/12/11) 
 
“Rapuru” is a new confection developed by Shikanai Senbei over a 20-year period. The senbei (rice cracker) dough is baked to a half-done state, giving it a soft, fluffy texture, while crisp apple compote provides a delightful crunch. With its simple, mild sweetness from the egg dough and the satisfying texture of the apples, this treat is a true local favorite. 
 
Shikanai Senbei, established in 1926, has a branch at the Hirosaki Station building “APPLIESE”—a convenient stop when you’re passing through the station. 

“Pâtissier’s Apple Stick” by Ragueneau

Image source: https://www.nipponselect.com/product/search.html?banner_action=&keyword=%E3%83%91%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%82%B7%E3%82%A8%E3%81%AE%E3%82%8A%E3%82%93%E3%81%94(2024/12/11) 
 
The “Pâtissier’s Apple Stick” is another popular item from Ragueneau, alongside the “Inochi.” It’s a beloved treat that many locals have tried at least once. A crispy puff pastry surrounds moist sponge cake, which is filled with juicy, crunchy apples. 
 
Recommended Serving Tip: 
To enjoy it even more, try reheating the apple stick in a toaster oven for a few minutes. The pastry becomes wonderfully crisp, and the cinnamon aroma fills the air, while the apples inside become pleasantly soft. It’s a little indulgence that’s sure to make you feel special!  

“Freshly Baked Apple Pie” by Patisserie Verduveine

Image source: https://verduveine.com/products/product01.html(2024/12/11) 
 
Patisserie Verduveine is a popular sweets shop in Hirosaki known for its decorative cakes and baked sweets, and its “Freshly Baked Apple Pie” is one of their signature items. The homemade pie crust, made with fermented butter, offers a rich aroma and a light, crisp texture that perfectly complements the juicy apple filling. This apple pie is a true delight for your taste buds! 
 
Tasting Notes: 
The crispy pie crust and not-too-sweet apples strike a perfect balance. A hint of salt enhances the flavor of the crust, making this apple pie a local favorite. 

“Miracle Apple Karinto” by Hirosaki Cuisine

Image source: https://www.r-yamazaki.com/?pid=179115982 (2024/12/11) 
 
The “Miracle Apple” refers to apples grown by Akio Kimura, a local farmer in Hirosaki, using natural farming methods without pesticides. Known for being “impossible” to grow without chemicals, these apples have earned the name “Miracle Apples.” The karinto (fried dough) is made by incorporating the skin, seeds, and core of these apples into the dough, which is then carefully fried. Using no additives and sweetened with raw sugar, these treats are not only healthy but also child-friendly. 

“Apple Snack” by Apple and Snack 

Image source: https://www.applesnack.com/shop/81.html (2024/12/11) 
 
“Apple Snack” is a snack that allows you to enjoy the natural taste of apples in a convenient, bite-sized form. Made using a unique method called “decompression frying,” these snacks have a light, crisp texture while still retaining the juiciness of the apple. The company uses Aomori-grown apples, which are delicious even when eaten raw, and refrains from using additives or preservatives to ensure a safe, wholesome snack. The variety pack includes different apple types, such as Jonagold, Mutsu, Kinsen, and Fuji—perfect for a fun apple tasting experience! 

“Kimori Cidre Dry” by Hirosaki Cidre Workshop Kimori

Image source: https://hirosaki-navi.jp/hirosaki-souvenir-recommend-2022 (2024/12/11) 
 
“Kimori Cidre” is an apple-based alcoholic beverage made using a natural fermentation method, without the use of artificial carbonation. It’s crafted from the “San Fuji” variety of apples, offering a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, and a refreshing, apple-juice-like taste. The name “Kimori” is inspired by the traditional “kimori” custom, which celebrates gratitude for this year’s harvest and hopes for a bountiful harvest the following year. This cidre is a new and exciting addition to Aomori’s apple products, and we recommend trying both the dry and sweet versions for a delightful comparison. 

“Tsugaru Zuke” by Kamadaya Shoten

Image source: https://tugaruzuke.co.jp/products/detail.php?product_id=12(2024/12/11)
 
“Tsugaru Zuke” is a traditional Tsugaru-style dish made by marinating fresh herring roe, daikon radish, kelp, and dried squid in soy sauce. The crunchy texture of the roe and crisp daikon is perfectly complemented by the sticky, smooth texture from the kelp, making it a great accompaniment to rice or an ideal snack with a drink. This local favorite is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy authentic flavors from the Tsugaru region. 

“Garlic Senbei” by Ragueneau 

Image source: https://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/rag-s/292055.html?sc_i=shopping-pc-web-result-item-rsltlst-img (2024/12/11) 
 
“Garlic Senbei” is a rice cracker made with 100% locally-grown garlic from Takko Town, one of Japan’s leading garlic-producing regions. This crunchy snack is packed with the bold flavor of garlic—perfect for snacking or pairing with drinks. It’s a quintessential souvenir from Hirosaki! 
 
Tasting Notes: 
The crispy texture and intense garlic flavor make it the perfect match for a drink. It’s slightly salty and incredibly addictive with each bite! 

“Banana Monaka” by Inamiya Confectionery

Image source: http://inamiya.net/ (2024/12/11) 
 
Banana Monaka is a traditional Japanese sweet that has been loved in Hirosaki for over 100 years. The story goes that in the Taisho era, the owner of Inamiya Confectionery created this unique treat in response to the novelty of banana fragrance. A crispy monaka shell is filled with smooth banana-flavored bean paste, offering a nostalgic yet refreshing taste. This is a perfect way to experience Hirosaki’s historical sweets culture! 
 
Tasting Notes: 
The monaka has a satisfying weight, and you can feel the generous amount of bean paste inside. The crispy shell contrasts nicely with the smooth, fragrant banana filling, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will leave you feeling nostalgic. 

In Conclusion 

In this article, we’ve introduced some of the most popular souvenirs from Hirosaki. Not only are there sweets made from the region’s signature apple, but also a variety of beloved local products that have been enjoyed by residents for generations. Each one is sure to delight anyone who receives it as a gift! With these souvenirs, you can share the charm of Hirosaki and make lasting memories, all while bringing a little piece of the city back home.  

参考URL 

Niigata Prefecture Tourism Association. 2019. Enjoy Niigata Official Travel Guide. Two Major Spots Where You Can Learn about Sake in Niigata. (2024年12月11日取得, https://enjoyniigata.com/en/feature/sake/top)