Plenty of charming local specialties besides dadacha beans! 4 must-buy souvenirs from Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture

One of the traditional snacks loved in the Shonai region is “Karakara Senbei.” Made from dough using wheat flour and Okinawan brown sugar, the thickly baked crackers are folded into triangles, and inside are various small toys wrapped in Japanese paper. The name “Karakara Senbei” comes from the rattling “karakara” sound it makes when shaken.
The toys inside range widely—from traditional Japanese paper dolls, paper balloons, shogi pieces, and kokeshi dolls representing Yamagata folk crafts, to modern items like plastic straps. You won’t know what’s inside until you open it! It’s a fun treat for both children and adults, making it a delightful souvenir.
Several makers produce Karakara Senbei, but the most famous is Usami Senbei Shop. You can even order custom-made Karakara Senbei with your own message or chosen toy for occasions like weddings or year-end gifts. It’s a fun and popular souvenir, like a Yamagata-style fortune cookie.

2. Kokyo

A representative confectionery of Tsuruoka City is “Kokyo.” The first owner of Kimuraya, who trained at the famous Kimuraya in Ginza, Tokyo, established the Tsuruoka branch after being granted permission to use the Kimuraya name. At its founding, the shop sold Ginza Kimuraya’s traditional sake-based anpan, caramel, and chocolate, but later began crafting sweets suited to Yamagata’s climate, using its signature sweet bean paste.
The confection “Kokyo” is a semi-dried sweet shaped like an ancient mirror, modeled after one excavated from Kagamike Pond on Mt. Haguro, one of the sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains. It consists of gyuhi mochi (soft rice cake) wrapped in special red bean paste. The outside is crisp, while the inside is moist and not overly sweet, allowing the flavor of the refined bean paste to shine. The seasonal wrapping papers are also beautiful, making this a perfect and elegant gift.

3. Howaito Pari Roll

One of the most famous sweets in Yamagata—known by everyone—is the “Howaito Pari Roll.” Its pure white appearance gives it the nickname “Angel’s Roll Cake.” Surprisingly, it doesn’t use any egg yolk or butter, which is why it’s completely white! The generously whipped fresh cream gives it a fluffy texture and a rich, milky taste.
As a Yamagata-style souvenir, the recommended flavor is the “Cherry Roll,” made with Yamagata-grown cherries. It uses both whole cherries and crushed fruit to fully bring out the natural flavor of the fruit. Produced by Kiyokawaya, a long-established confectionery with a 340-year history, the main store also has a section dedicated to Yamagata specialty products—making it a great place to choose souvenirs. Be sure to stop by when you visit.

4. Painted Candles (E-Rousoku)

Tsuruoka’s famous painted candles are renowned throughout Japan for their beauty. They originated in the Kyōhō era of the Edo period and were once presented to the shogunate as official gifts. The traditional style features vividly painted floral patterns, also known as “Kamonshoku” (flower-patterned candles). A newer type—round, ball-shaped floating candles decorated with floral designs—has also become a popular souvenir.
At Togashi Candle Shop, the only remaining shop in Tsuruoka, you can make a reservation for a paid candle-painting experience. The friendly artisans teach you how to paint traditional designs so you can create your own unique candle. A handmade painted candle makes a special souvenir for a loved one.

◎ Summary

How did you like this introduction to popular souvenirs from Tsuruoka City? During the summer season, you’ll also find many souvenirs made with Tsuruoka’s specialty—dadacha beans. If you visit at the right time of year, dadacha bean products will surely make wonderful gifts too.

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Plenty of charming local specialties besides dadacha beans! 4 must-buy souvenirs from Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture