Not Another Natto Hand Roll - Famima Introduces A Unique Kind Designed by Ms. Yamate of Kashintei Shirahama!

The Japanese convenience store, Family Mart, has introduced a product designed by the manager of an exquisite hotel at Lake Tazawa, Kashintei Shirahama　（花心亭しらはま）.

"Temakizushi Iburitakuan Natto"
手巻寿司 燻り沢庵納豆 （しょっつるし使用）

Mr. Yamate has designed this hand roll with characteristic ingredients from Akita Prefecture. This is not a typical Nattomaki you could find – this hand roll features not only the natto, fermented soybeans, but also contains finely-chopped iburigakko, smoked pickled radish, and seasoned with aromatic shottsuru, the original fish sauce made with hatahata fish – both are popular specialties from Akita Prefecture.

Mr. Yamate is known for her classic style and her talent as an Okami who manages  the popular hotel. She has previously produed some unique product such as this beautiful o-manju cake.

Not a typical Nattomaki you can find!

With the subtle saltiness by the fish sauce, the hand roll can be enjoyed either alone or with a hint of some soy sauce. The hand roll is only 160 Yen each.

This is a commercial campaign by Family Mart to promote the delicious foods from Tohoku region that are recommended by famous Okami (lady masters) representing each prefecture. The campaign started on November 15 and will continue until December 12.

O-manju from Mizusawa Onsen and Kashintei Shirahama

On your travel in Japan, you would probably notice: no matter where you go you will find boxes of sweets for souvenirs. Perhaps the most common kind is o-manju （お饅頭）, which is a small steamed cake containing paste of sweet beans ("anko")

Also, in Tazawako, there are many different types of o-manju boxes available for your souvenir. You can find them at souvenir shops like Tazawako-ichi, Tazawako Kyoei Paresu, Tazawako Rest House, etc. And you can find specially designed ones at hotels, too.

Mizusawa Onsen's O-manju, the white anko (bean paste) is good!

Rotenburo Mizusawa Onsen gives away the special o-manju only four times a year. During the Tazawako Snow Festival at Tazawako Ski Area (only a few minutes away), the popular hot spring facility welcomed guests with a free o-manju! Theirs are bigger than the average size and specially made by a local pastry shop, Masaki Kashiya (near JR Tazawako Station).

Kashin-tei Shirahama （花心亭しらはま） is one of the most exquisite hotels on Lake Tazawa. While they accommodate more than 80 guests in their 5-story building, they give you the most personalized care and relaxing moment with the most beautiful view of Lake Tazawa.

The o-kami-san (lady manager) of Shirahama, Ms. Yuko Yamate, is a very nice lady and has a sophisticated sense of hospitality. Even this tiny o-manju designed by her can tell you so much about it: white and delicate sponge containing kabocha (Japanese pumpkin) paste with the salty dry sakura (cherry blossom) on the top! It’s delicious and goes perfectly good with your green tea!

Kashintei-Shirahama's O-manju