For those visiting Hakodate for the first time, whether on vacation or business, one of the first things that comes to mind is probably, "What kind of souvenirs are sold in Hakodate?"

Hokkaido is famous throughout Japan for its high-quality ingredients, which have led to countless famous sweets and alcoholic beverages. While the classic "Hokkaido souvenirs" are obvious, choosing a "Hakodate souvenir" might leave you a little more puzzled.

Therefore, I would like to introduce a selection of popular and unique souvenirs from Hakodate. I hope you will use this as a reference and that the recipient will be pleased with the gift.

～Table of Contents～
[Sweets/Confectionery]
　Pastry Snuffles' "Cheese Omelet"
　・Hakodate Salt Castella from Kitajima Bakery
　- Murota's "Hakodate Isaribi Senbei"
　・Angélique Voyage's "Chocolat Voyage"
　・"Squid Ink Roll" from Mizunoya Confectionery
[Food and snacks]
　- Hakodate Men Kobo Ajisai's "Salt Ramen"
　・Nunome's "President's Salted Squid"
　- Uni Murakami's "Homemade Sea Urchin Tsukudani (simmered sea urchin)"
　- Hakodate Karl Raymond's "Thuringer"
【Extra edition】
　Hakodate Handmade Squid Workshop - Ika Bay
[A summary of major spots in Hakodate that are convenient for buying souvenirs]
[Afterword]

お菓子系

1. "Cheese Omelet" becomes famous nationwide through word of mouth.

It's a classic and a must-have when visiting Hakodate! It's so popular that it's often said to be the go-to souvenir. This product has a track record of ranking first in Hakodate souvenir rankings and is a gift that people of all ages will be happy to receive.

These omelets, which gained popularity through word-of-mouth from flight attendants, have an irresistible fluffy texture. The luxurious cheesecake, made with plenty of ingredients from Hokkaido, has no strong aftertaste and melts in your mouth, making it a safe choice even for families with small children. It comes in a pack of eight for 1,296 yen (tax included).

<Store Information>
★Store name:Pastry Snuffles Kanamori Western-style Museum
★Address:13-9 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido(Inside the Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse)
★Telephone: 0120-89-0609
★Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 19:00 PM (may vary depending on the season)
*Also available for purchase at the Hakodate Station store and the New Chitose Airport store!

★Check out Hokkaido Lab's special feature on Hakodate sightseeing!★

2. "Hakodate Salt Castella" where carefully selected ingredients truly shine.

Product Overview: A hugely popular product, selling an incredible 5000 units annually! This castella cake is made with eggs and wheat from Hokkaido, and the salt used is also carefully selected. Its wooden box packaging exudes a sense of luxury.

This is a recommended item for personal gifts to mentors or company superiors, or for situations where good taste is important, such as when making a formal greeting. One bottle (in a wooden box) is ¥1,296 (tax included).

<Store Information>
★Store name: JR Hakodate Station Shop Poppo (Manufacturer: Kitajima Bakery)
★Address:12-13 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate City
★Telephone: 0138-26-6706
★Business hours: 6:30 - 19:30
*Available for purchase at JR Hakodate Station. Also available for purchase inside Goryokaku Tower.

3. Hakodate is synonymous with squid! "Hakodate Isaribi Senbei"

Product Overview: When you come to Hakodate, the one thing you absolutely must try is squid. But you can't exactly take home live-caught squid... So, inspired by the fishing lights of Hakodate's famous squid fishing industry, we've created an exquisite dish using plenty of fresh squid and Hokkaido-grown potatoes! The savory soy sauce coating and just the right amount of spiciness make it a perfect souvenir for your neighbors.

The more you chew, the more flavor it releases, making it a great match not only for tea but also for beer. One box (9 packs of 2 pieces each) is 626 yen (tax included).

<Store Information>
★Store name: BAY Hakodate Direct Store: Select Shop Cabin (Distributor: Murota)
★Address:11-5 Toyokawa-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
★Telephone: 0138-23-1000
★Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 19:00 PM (may vary depending on the season)

*There are many other places where you can buy it.
★Hakodateyama Observatory (Hakodateyama Summit) / Phone: 0138-23-4579
★Sailors Market (Kanamori Western Goods Store) / Phone: 0138-23-2460
★La Mer (Kanamori Western-style Museum) / Phone: 0138-23-1122
★Ampias (Kanamori Western Goods Museum) / Phone: 0138-22-8888

4. Currently a huge hit thanks to word-of-mouth from women! "Chocolat Voyage"

These fresh truffles are made with delicious Hokkaido-produced fresh cream encased in ganache. Each one is handcrafted with care, so the moment you put one in your mouth, you'll feel both the deliciousness and the love put into it. Their chunky appearance is endearing, and the atmosphere of the shop, which has dedicated its life to confectionery making, is also wonderful.

Since it can be stored frozen for about 30 days, it's best to send it by refrigerated delivery service rather than carrying it home, and arrange for it to arrive on the day you return from your trip or the next day. It's an exquisite treat that's perfect for sharing as a souvenir at home parties, and highly recommended for personal enjoyment! These fresh truffles are a must-try. 12 pieces for 1,300 yen (tax included).

<Store Information>
★Shop name: Angelique Voyage
★Address:3-11 Yayoi-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
★Telephone: 0138-76-7150
★Business hours: 10:00 AM - 19:00 PM

　　　

5. "What? You made it into a dessert!?" - This is the "Squid Ink Roll" that elicits such reactions.

Looking for a unique souvenir? Want to surprise someone? This is a must-see for anyone who loves surprises! A bold sweet treat made with squid ink kneaded into the dough is quietly creating a buzz.

Of course, we've eliminated that fishy smell using our own unique method. This unusual souvenir, which retains only the flavor, is recommended for those who are always looking for something new! It's sure to be a conversation starter, like, "Have you ever heard of squid ink rolls?"

Incidentally, Mizunoya is a long-established confectionery shop that has been in business for over 30 years. As you can expect from a shop where skilled pastry chefs have perfected their craft, the taste is absolutely superb!
One piece (11.5cm) costs 702 yen including tax.

<Store Information>
★Store name:Mizunoya Confectionery
★Address: 14-6 Miyamae-cho, Hakodate City
★Telephone: 0138-43-3137
★Business hours: 8:00 AM - 19:00 PM

Food and snacks

6. Take home a consistently delicious treat! "Hakodate Men Chubo Ajisai's Salt Ramen"

This popular ramen shop, which sells up to 900 bowls a day on busy days, now offers ramen as a souvenir! The light broth is beautifully clear and transparent! Made with a kelp base and simmered with pork and chicken bones, the luxurious flavor is rich and delicious.

It's easy to make at home, making it a perfect souvenir for anyone who considers ramen a must-have when eating out! Even ramen connoisseurs will be impressed by its delicious flavor. Two servings included, 756 yen (tax included).

<Store Information>
★Store name:Hakodate Men Kobo Ajisai(Head office)
★Address:29-22 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
★Telephone: 0138-51-8373
★Opening hours: 11:00 - 20:30 (Last order at 20:25)
★Regular closing day: 4th Wednesday (If it's a public holiday, the following day will be closed)
*Available for purchase in stores.

7. Originally, it wasn't intended to be sold as a souvenir!? "The President's Salted Squid"

The company president made a special salted squid as a gift for business partners, and it was so delicious that it was commercialized. Its unique flavor is its selling point. It's delicious served generously over hot, freshly cooked rice, but it's also a fantastic accompaniment to alcoholic beverages (sake or barley shochu are recommended).

Anyone who enjoys alcohol will be overjoyed to receive this! My personal recommendation is pasta! Mix it with boiled pasta noodles, top with chopped green onions and seaweed, and it's incredibly delicious! 250g pack, 540 yen (tax included).

<Store Information>
★Store name: JR Hakodate Station Shop Poppo (Distributor: Nunome)
★Address:12-13 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate City
★Telephone: 0138-26-6706
★Business hours: 6:30 - 19:30
*Available for purchase inside JR Hakodate Station.

8. An exquisite dish that transcends the boundaries of tsukudani! "Homemade sea urchin tsukudani"

It was originally on the menu of a restaurant run by a sea urchin specialty shop (the only restaurant in Japan specializing in raw sea urchin dishes operated by a sea urchin processing company!). However, it was created as a product in response to requests from repeat customers who said, "We really want you to make it available for purchase."

It's so fresh that calling it "tsukudani" (simmered in soy sauce) is almost an understatement; the delicious flavor of the sea urchin is intensely concentrated. While squid and Matsumae-zuke (pickled seafood and vegetables) can be difficult to eat, this sea urchin tsukudani is a delightful treat that even the elderly will enjoy. 60g pack, 2,160 yen.

<Store Information>
★Store name: Unimurakami Hakodate Store
★Address:22-1 Otemachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
★Telephone: 0138-26-8821
★Opening hours: November 1st to mid-April 　
Morning session: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM (Last order 2:00 PM)
Evening session: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Last order 9:00 PM)
★Opening hours: Mid-April to October 31st 　
Morning session: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Last order 2:00 PM)
Evening session: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Last order 9:00 PM)
*Please purchase directly at the store.

9. "Thuringer" - an authentic taste passed down from a German chef that will leave you wanting more.

Going back in time to the Taisho era, Karl Raymond, who emigrated from Germany to Hakodate, personally taught the art of making German sausages and ham. This historical sausage is still made using the same methods today.

Since it requires refrigeration and can be sent via refrigerated delivery, you can also put it in a gift box and send it directly as a present. The ease of delivering the delicious taste of Hakodate directly to your parents or loved ones' homes is also a major attraction. It comes in a pack of two (140g) and costs 810 yen (tax included).

<Store Information>
★Store name: Hakodate Carl Raymond Motomachi Store
★Address:30-3 Motomachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
★Telephone: 0138-55-4596
*There is also a store at Marui Imai (Hakodate branch) in front of Goryokaku Park Station.

Extra edition

10. Make your own souvenir!?

Image source　http://www.hakodate-factory.com/ikabay/main.htm
Product Overview: This hands-on souvenir experience, using fresh squid from southern Hokkaido, is gaining popularity. You can choose from salted squid, Matsumae-zuke (pickled squid), or squid rice, so pickle your favorite souvenir! It only takes about 60 minutes to make, so you can easily participate♪ You can also add a message to the label, so why not make a gift for your beloved boyfriend in Hokkaido?

The experience fee is 1,500 yen (tax included). Squid salted guts course: 60 minutes; Matsumae-zuke and squid rice course: 40 minutes. You can take home what you make as a souvenir.

<Store Information>
★Shop name: Hakodate Handmade Squid Workshop Ika Bay
★Address:24-6 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City　West Wharf 2F
★Telephone: 0138-24-8107
★Opening hours: 11:00 - 16:00 (Experience registration time: every hour from 11:1)

A summary of major spots in Hakodate that are convenient for buying souvenirs.

Finally, here are some of the main spots in Hakodate that are convenient for buying souvenirs. If you want to compare various souvenirs, please feel free to wander around (?) and explore!
・Hakodate Airport　In addition to several shops, there is also a "Southern Hokkaido Products Corner" where you can buy local crafts and works by the Ainu people.
・JR Hakodate Station Shop　We have a wide selection of souvenirs from Hakodate and throughout Hokkaido, with over 1000 items available.
・Hakodate morning market　This is the place to buy seafood like crabs and squid, as well as agricultural products!
・Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse　A tourist spot in the Bay Area with warehouses and canals. There are many popular shops!
・Marui Imai Hakodate Store　This department store is located in front of the Goryokaku Park tram station. Checking out the local food in the basement food hall is also highly recommended!

Afterword

So, what did you think? Choosing souvenirs should be fun, but sometimes the crowds depending on the time of year can make it difficult to browse at your leisure. There are still so many things to see and do in Hakodate (I actually wanted to introduce alcohol and wine as well, but I'll save that for next time!), but I've introduced some things that I truly think are a must-try.

I think the key to choosing a souvenir is to consider "why you're choosing this particular souvenir for that person." I've also included who I recommend each souvenir to, so I hope you'll find it helpful.

☆Check this out too!
・Spectacular Views! Everything You Need to Know and Hidden Gems to Enjoy Hakodate's Night View to the Fullest
Enjoy a leisurely trip around Hakodate by streetcar! A model itinerary for exploring Hakodate by streetcar.
Recommended hot spring spots in Hakodate and southern Hokkaido [from famous hot springs to hidden gems]!
11 Must-Buy Souvenirs at New Chitose Airport! [2015 Edition]

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