Category Archives: Shopping

A Must-Try for Sweet Tooths! Tomobe Bakery’s “Ultimate Melon Bread” Makes the Perfect Souvenir

If you find yourself stopping at the Tomobe Service Area (upbound) on the Joban Expressway, don’t miss the chance to try Tomobe Bakery’s “Ultimate Melon Bread.”

What makes this melon bread so special?
The dough is made entirely without water, using only the juice and pulp of Hokota-grown Quincy melons.
The result is a soft, moist texture with a gentle sweetness and rich melon aroma.

Inside, you’ll find a generous filling of mixed “Moaro” cream and whipped cream.
When you cut it open, the cream oozes out and the bright orange color of the melon-based dough is simply irresistible!

From the first bite to the aftertaste, the flavor of melon lingers beautifully—offering a dessert-like level of satisfaction.
At just 300 yen, it’s a great choice whether you’re picking up a gift or treating yourself.

Next time you’re at Tomobe SA, be sure to check it out!

📍Where to Find It

Tomobe Bakery, inside Tomobe Service Area (upbound)
Note: Availability may vary depending on the day.

🐣 Kasama Pottery Loved by Princess Masako — The “Chick Bowl”

During her visit to Kasama, Princess Masako of the Imperial Family was said to have been taken by a charming Kasama-yaki pottery piece — the adorable “Chick Bowl” created by local artisan Eiichi Kojima. She even gifted one to her daughter, Princess Aiko.

You can find this heartwarming piece at Kirara-kan, a gallery and shop in Kasama City.

In fact, we also received the same bowl from my parents when our child was born.
Its gentle shape and warmth bring a sense of calm and comfort every time we use it.

🏠 Kirara-kan

Address: 2258-1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Open daily)

🛒 New Spot in Kasama! “Agri no Mori” Farmers Market Now Open

A brand-new local market, “Agri no Mori”, has just opened at Kasama SC Pole Pole City!

As a satellite shop representing Tochigi Prefecture, it offers not only fresh vegetables and fruits, but also local specialties like Iwashi no Shinshoga (pickled ginger) and the famous Lemon Milk.

There’s even a cozy eat-in space, so next time I’d love to take my time and enjoy something there.

If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth checking out!

🏠 Store Information

Location: Kasama Shopping Center Pole Pole City, 1F
Address: 8 Akasaka, Kasama City, Ibaraki 309-1616, Japan

🍰 Mont Blanc with Iwama Chestnuts – Patisserie KOSAI

I recently visited the popular cake shop Patisserie KOSAI in Mito City — and what a treat it was!

Their display case was filled with beautiful, mouthwatering cakes that made it hard to choose… but I finally settled on the Mont Blanc made with Iwama chestnuts 🌰

To my delight, it had a whole chestnut inside, and the presentation was just adorable.
Kasama is known for its Iwama chestnuts, so seeing a local ingredient featured like this gave it an extra special feeling.

The flavor? Rich and refined — you can really taste the natural sweetness of the chestnut. It was absolutely delicious!

My personal favorites also include their cream puffs and macarons.
Every macaron flavor I’ve tried has been a winner — I find myself coming back for more!

Whether you’re treating yourself or picking up a gift, this patisserie is the perfect stop for something sweet. 🍬✨

🏠 Shop Information

Patisserie KOSAI
2238-6 Motoyoshidamachi, Mito City, Ibaraki
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays

【A tasty souvenir from Kasama!】Don’t Miss “Kurumi Yubeshi” from Yoshidaya Seika When Visiting Kasama Inari Shrine!

Right in front of the iconic red torii gate of Kasama Inari Shrine, you’ll find a traditional sweets shop called Yoshidaya Seika.

My top recommendation here? Definitely their Kurumi Yubeshi (walnut mochi). It’s generously packed with walnuts and has a gentle sweetness that’s simply irresistible.

Interestingly, Kasama Inari Shrine is also affectionately known by locals as “Kurumigashita Inari Shrine”, a name that includes the word for walnut—making this treat even more meaningful!

The shop also offers other delights like freshly steamed walnut manju and karinto manju. Be sure to stop by when you visit the shrine—it’s the perfect place for a sweet break after your prayers.

Shop Information
Name: Yoshidaya Seika
Address: 1341 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki 309-1611, Japan
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays

We Visited the “Nattoku! Factory” by Takano Foods!

Opened on April 12, the Nattoku! Factory is a brand-new museum and factory tour facility created by Takano Foods—the company famous for Okame Natto. Designed to share the appeal of natto with future generations, the facility welcomes visitors to learn about this traditional Japanese food in a fun and engaging way.

At the Nattoku! Factory, you can watch the actual production process of natto and learn about its nutrition and how it’s made through cute characters and fun videos. Guided tours are available only on weekends, twice a day (10:00 / 13:30), and must be booked in advance via the official website.

Although I visited on a weekday and couldn’t join the factory tour, I was still able to enjoy the museum’s original animated movie “Discover Natto with Nattorip!” in the mini theater (usually for tour participants only). The friendly mascot Okame-chan guides viewers through the history and health benefits of natto in a fun and family-friendly way. I really enjoyed it, and I definitely plan to book a tour next time!

Even without the tour, the museum has plenty to explore—from Takano Foods’ company history to exhibits on their products and fun video corners. There are also great photo spots, including a giant Okame-chan statue and a natto pack you can “step into” for a fun souvenir picture!

The gift shop offers Okame-chan merchandise, local Ibaraki specialties, and of course, plenty of natto. It’s a perfect spot for families and anyone looking for a unique and educational outing.

Why not visit the Nattoku! Factory and discover the world of natto for yourself?

📍 Nattoku! Factory by Takano Foods
Location: 1320-2 Nagatoro, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays & Year-end Holidays
Admission: Free
Access:

  • About 20 minutes (7.5 km) by taxi southeast of Tomobe Station
  • About 5 minutes (2 km) east from the Tomobe SA Smart Interchange (downward exit)
    Parking: 46 regular spaces, 3 for large buses

A Bear in a Yogurt Bath?! The Adorable Pottery of “assa.” from Kasama

This year’s Kasama Himatsuri (Pottery Festival) was once again bustling with visitors and ended on a high note!

Although I couldn’t make it this time, I’d love to introduce one of my favorite pieces I picked up at a past festival.

It’s a super cute bear bowl crafted by “assa.”, a talented ceramic artist based in Kasama, who also participated in this year’s event.

The little bear’s expression is just heart-melting, and it instantly brings a smile to my face.

When you pour yogurt into the bowl, it looks like the bear is soaking in a cozy hot bath—too adorable for words!
It makes breakfast time feel special, and mornings a bit more cheerful.

Of course, practicality matters when choosing tableware, but a playful touch like this adds real joy to everyday life.

“assa.”’s creations are filled with that kind of magic—charming, useful, and sure to brighten your day.

Stop by for Delicious Yakitori at Torisentei — Right Inside Aeon Kasama!

Let me introduce “Sumibi Kushiyaki Torisentei – Kasama Pole Pole Branch”, located inside Aeon Kasama Shopping Center.

They offer a wide variety of yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and each one is bursting with that irresistible flavor only charcoal grilling can bring.

One of the best parts? You can enjoy it as a tasty break while shopping!

Treat yourself to a little moment of indulgence with their delicious yakitori—you won’t regret it.

Shop Information
Name: Sumibi Kushiyaki Torisentei – Kasama Pole Pole Branch
Address: 8 Akasaka, Kasama City, Ibaraki 309-1616, Japan

Healing Through Handmade – Adorable Ceramics from Ōkubo Kōbō

If you’re looking for something heartwarming at this year’s Kasama Himatsuri, don’t miss the charming ceramic creations from Ōkubo Kōbō. Their adorable animal-themed pottery—featuring tiny creatures perched ever so gently on cups and plates—is simply irresistible!

We’re happy to hear that they’ll be participating in this year’s festival as well, so be sure to keep an eye out for their booth. If you spot it, definitely stop by and take a closer look!

🎪 Kasama Himatsuri Pottery Festival
📅 April 29 (Tue) – May 5 (Mon), 2025
🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Kasama Geijutsu-no-Mori Park Event Plaza