Ichihara City offers the best of both worlds: the Keiyo industrial zone representing the area and the beautiful mountain villages that rank among the most scenic in southern Kanto. The city is famous for local specialties such as rice grown under the abundant sun, Anezaki daikon (radish), figs, and pears. Because of that, it’s not widely known that Ichihara is actually a treasure trove of sweets. Whether Japanese or Western, the city is full of great souvenir options. Here are some of the best picks!
1. Baumkuchen
If you’re buying souvenirs in Chiba Prefecture, this one’s a must. The Baumkuchen specialty store Sennen no Ki became famous for its signature “Toronama Chocolate Baumkuchen.” It’s a nationally recognized treat that won the Gold Prize for two consecutive years at Yoshimoto Kogyo’s “Yoshimoto 47 Shufuran,” selected by housewives from across Japan.
Just as the name “Toronama” (“melting fresh”) suggests, its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture completely redefines what Baumkuchen can be. The eggs used are a premium product called “Princess Eggs,” sourced exclusively from young hens at Kitagawa Poultry Farm in Sodegaura City—a brand that has even received the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award.
The “Toronama” series includes three main flavors—chocolate, matcha, and tiramisu—plus seasonal limited editions released each month. Every one of them makes an excellent souvenir! Don’t forget to check out the classic “Sennen Waumu” as well.
Name: Sennen no Ki
Address: 3-48-1 Goi Higashi, Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture
Official/Related Website: http://www.sennennoki.com/
2. Tomoe’s Kimchi
Kimchi has become a staple side dish even in Japan. You can easily find it in supermarkets these days, but if you’re looking for authentic, delicious flavor, Ichihara’s kimchi specialty store Tomoe is the place to go. They offer a wide variety of freshly made kimchi.
The most popular item is the premium kimchi. At first bite, a hint of sweetness spreads through your mouth, followed by the addictive spiciness unique to kimchi. It’s no wonder it was featured in Gurutto Chiba, a local information magazine—it pairs perfectly with rice.
In addition to the classic napa cabbage, cucumber (oi kimchi), and daikon (kakuteki) kimchi, Tomoe also offers unique varieties made with garlic, carrots, cabbage, and ginger, as well as seasoned fish innards (chanja). You can even sample before buying to find your favorite.
Name: Tomoe’s Kimchi
Address: 2-1-2 Shirakane-cho, Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture
3. KINU NO WA
KINU NO WA, sold at the café Shinpudo, is a carefully crafted cheesecake made by hand-straining a blend of Danish premium cream cheese “BUKO” and the branded “Princess Eggs” from Sodegaura City. Despite its rich flavor, it melts lightly in your mouth, making it a beloved souvenir.
This cheesecake once sold an astonishing 1,500 whole cakes per month. It was originally produced by an independent cheesecake shop, but when demand skyrocketed, production couldn’t keep up—so Shinpudo took over the recipe.
Be sure to check out the new “KINU NO WA Bottle Cheesecake,” launched in July 2017! As the name suggests, it’s the same popular cheesecake packed into a cute glass jar—no cutting needed, and it looks adorable. Perfect for gifting!
Name: Shinpudo
Address: 230 Shinsei, Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture
Official/Related Website: https://ja-jp.facebook.com/276030915902779/
4. Ushiku Manju
Azumado, a long-established Japanese-Western confectionery shop, has been selling “Ushiku Manju” for many years—a beloved treat among Ichihara locals. The chewy outer layer is made with kudzu starch, and the mildly sweet filling, made with brown sugar and honey, blends perfectly. It pairs wonderfully with both coffee and green tea.
Besides the signature “Ushiku Manju,” Azumado also offers the kid-favorite “Soft Milk Manju,” “Donut Karinto,” and “Peanut Dorayaki.” From traditional Japanese sweets to cakes and bread, they have something for everyone. A mix of several items makes a great souvenir gift set.
Name: Azumado
Address: 859 Ushiku, Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture
Official/Related Website: http://www.i-cci.or.jp/kaiin%20syoukai/kouri/adumado/adumado.html
◎ Summary
When it comes to souvenirs, sweets like Baumkuchen or manju are classics—but it’s also fun to gift something savory, like a meal accompaniment. Tomoe offers plenty of snackable items beyond kimchi, perfect for pairing with drinks—sure to please anyone who loves alcohol. Find the perfect souvenir to match the recipient’s taste and age!