When visiting Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tochigi Prefecture, don’t forget to pick up some unique local souvenirs.
From rich and creamy cheesecakes to traditional wagashi, exclusive local beverages, and specialty snacks, each of these souvenirs captures the charm of Tochigi.
This article presents six must-buy Tochigi souvenirs—perfect for personal enjoyment or as special gifts.
Each of these souvenirs will bring you the authentic flavors and memories of Tochigi!
1. Cheese Garden – Goyotei Cheesecake
Cheese Garden is a famous cake brand from the Nasu region, known for its signature Goyotei Cheesecake.
This cheesecake is made using a secret recipe that blends different types of cheese from around the world.
After numerous trials and refinements, the cheesecake achieves an ideal soft and rich texture.
It has a smooth and moist consistency, with layers of deep and rich cheese flavor in every bite.
You can enjoy this cheesecake in different ways—eat it as is for a soft texture, lightly toast it for a crispy outer layer, or chill it for a firmer consistency.
With a shelf life of up to 16 days, this cake is a perfect souvenir or personal treat.
2. Nisshodo – Three Wise Monkeys Monaka
When talking about Nikko, one of its most iconic symbols is the Three Wise Monkeys from Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
Founded over 80 years ago, the wagashi shop Nisshodo has preserved this classic imagery in the form of wagashi, creating the Three Wise Monkeys Monaka (三猿もなか).
This snack features three monkey-shaped monaka, symbolizing “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil,” making it a unique and meaningful souvenir.
The crispy monaka shell is made from glutinous rice, while the filling is a special blend of walnuts and butter caramel, different from traditional monaka, which usually contains red bean paste.
The rich caramel aroma pairs perfectly with the crunch of walnuts, creating an irresistible mix of flavors and textures.
With a long shelf life and an eye-catching design, this souvenir is great as a gift or a personal treat.
3. Tochigi Dairy – Kanto Tochigi Lemon Milk
Kanto Tochigi Lemon Milk (関東・栃木レモン) was first introduced by the Kanto Dairy Company in Utsunomiya under the name “Kanto Lemon Milk”.
In post-war Tochigi, this beverage was originally served as a special school lunch drink, creating nostalgic memories for many locals.
Today, it has become a must-buy souvenir for visitors to Tochigi.
This milk-based drink is made from 100% fresh milk from Tochigi Prefecture, combined with sugar and lemon flavoring, giving it a soft lemon-yellow appearance.
The rich and creamy milk blends with the fresh citrusy aroma and subtle sweet-sour taste, creating a uniquely enjoyable experience.
Its retro packaging with a classic lemon design adds to its charm, making it a popular choice among fans.
Read:
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4. Nikko Yuba – Fresh Yuba
With a history of over 1,200 years, Fresh Yuba (生ゆば) is a specialty of Nikko and an essential ingredient in Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).
Yuba is made by heating soy milk and carefully lifting the thin layers that form on the surface.
Unlike Kyoto’s single-layered “Yuba” (湯葉), Nikko’s “Yuba” (湯波) is double-layered, trapping soy milk between the layers for a richer and softer texture.
Even the kanji characters used to write “Yuba” differ—Kyoto uses 湯葉, while Nikko uses 湯波.
Nikko’s Fresh Yuba is made from freshly squeezed soy milk on the same day, delivering the natural sweetness of high-quality soybeans.
Its soft, silky texture pairs beautifully with the distinct soy aroma.
You can enjoy Yuba with wasabi soy sauce, ginger soy sauce, or in dishes like Yuba shabu-shabu, offering a unique and delicious culinary experience.
5. Wagashi no Shiro – Goyotei no Tsuki
Located in the Nasu Highlands, Wagashi no Shiro (お菓子の城 那須ハートランド) is a popular confectionery shop selling various Nasu specialties.
The store also features a restaurant, strawberry-picking experiences, and hot spring baths, making it an exciting tourist destination.
One of its most famous treats is Goyotei no Tsuki (御用邸の月), which is known for its full-moon-like shape.
The cake’s filling is made using premium local Nasu Goyoran eggs and fresh cream, resulting in a rich and smooth custard cream.
This custard is then wrapped in a soft and fluffy honey sponge cake.
For the best experience, chill the cake before eating—it enhances the texture and flavor of the custard!
With a shelf life of up to 20 days and individually wrapped packaging, Goyotei no Tsuki is a practical and popular souvenir to take home from Nasu.
6. Torahiko Seika – Kinuno Seiryu
Kinu no Seiryu (きぬの清流) from Torahiko Seika is a classic souvenir from Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen.
This Japanese-style biscuit is filled with smooth red bean azuki paste.
Unlike typical butter-based cookies, these biscuits are made with wheat flour, sugar, and eggs, creating a light texture that melts instantly in your mouth.
The silky and subtly sweet azuki filling pairs perfectly with the biscuit’s delicate texture.
One of its biggest advantages is that Kinu no Seiryu contains no preservatives, yet it still boasts a shelf life of up to 80 days, making it an ideal travel snack or souvenir.
In addition to the classic azuki flavor, other filling variations include strawberry, chestnut, and chocolate.
These six must-buy Tochigi souvenirs not only offer delicious flavors but also represent the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the region.
Whether as a personal treat or a thoughtful gift, each item brings a piece of Tochigi’s charm home with you!
