Discover the unique flavors of Sendai at Kanezaki Sasakama-kan, a celebrated destination nestled in the heart of Miyagi Prefecture. Renowned for its rich history in fishcake production, this facility offers a rare glimpse into the traditional art of making sasakama, a local culinary delight shaped like bamboo leaves. Visitors can dive into interactive experiences, making it an ideal spot for food enthusiasts eager to explore authentic Japanese cuisine.
Why Visit Kanezaki Sasakama-kan
- Interactive Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops where you can make your own sasakama or age kamaboko (fried fish cake). It’s a fun activity that offers both a learning experience and a taste of local cuisine.
- Culinary Delights: Savor a variety of sasakama-based dishes at the on-site cafe, from traditional snacks to modern culinary creations, showcasing the versatility of this local specialty.
- Unique Souvenirs: Shop for exclusive sasakama-themed products, from edible treats to crafted goods, perfect for taking a piece of Sendai’s culinary heritage home with you.
The History of Sasakama and Its Cultural Significance
Sasakama, or bamboo leaf fishcake, is a traditional delicacy from Sendai, inspired by the family crest of the Date clan who founded the city. Its bamboo leaf shape symbolizes strength and resilience, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region. Kanezaki Sasakama-kan has been pivotal in preserving this tradition while innovating to meet modern tastes, thereby maintaining its relevance in contemporary cuisine.
Kanezaki’s adaptations include introducing new flavors and enhancing the classic fishcake’s texture, earning them nationwide recognition. Their commitment extends to educating visitors through workshops and factory tours, particularly during the Sendai Tanabata Festival, where Sasakama features prominently as both a cultural icon and a culinary delight.
Through these efforts, Kanezaki Sasakama-kan serves as both a guardian of tradition and a bridge to new culinary experiences, ensuring that the legacy of Sasakama continues to enrich Sendai’s cultural identity.
A Tour of Kanezaki Sasakama-kan
Visiting Kanezaki Sasakama-kan offers an immersive glimpse into the art of traditional Japanese fishcake making, blending educational insights with firsthand culinary experiences. Located in Sendai, this facility is renowned for its ability to engage visitors with its demonstration of Sasakama production—from the initial selection of ingredients to the final steps of cooking, all visible through large glass panels.
Facility Overview
Kanezaki Sasakama-kan is designed to captivate visitors at every turn. The layout includes a main viewing area where guests can observe the blending and shaping of fishcakes. The adjacent Tanabata Museum adds a cultural layer, showcasing the local festival’s history and its connection to Sasakama.
Interactive Workshops
One of the highlights at Kanezaki Sasakama-kan is the opportunity to participate in Sasakama-making workshops. These sessions, suitable for all ages, allow participants to get hands-on experience under the guidance of expert artisans. Visitors can knead their own fish paste and shape it using traditional tools, gaining appreciation for the skill and patience required to craft perfect Sasakama.
Culinary Delights
Visitors can also dine at the on-site cafe, which features dishes that highlight Sasakama as a star ingredient. The menu varies seasonally, offering everything from simple grilled Sasakama to more elaborate dishes that showcase the versatility of this beloved fishcake. Local beverages, including sake, are available to complement the savory flavors.
Souvenir Shopping
The experience can be rounded off with a visit to the gift shop, where freshly made Sasakama and a variety of Sasakama-themed goods are available for purchase. From food items to crafts, it’s easy to bring a piece of Sendai’s culinary heritage back home.
Culinary Delights at Kanezaki Sasakama-kan
Kanezaki Sasakama-kan isn’t just a showcase of traditional fishcake production; it’s also a place where visitors can indulge in the rich flavors of Sendai’s culinary heritage. The facility’s on-site cafe and gift shop offer a variety of ways to experience Sasakama, from tasting freshly made samples to purchasing unique, gourmet products.
On-Site Dining Experience
The cafe at Kanezaki Sasakama-kan serves as a culinary highlight, offering a menu that puts Sasakama at the forefront of innovative dishes. Visitors can enjoy:
- Sasakama Tasting Plate: A selection of differently prepared Sasakama, allowing guests to appreciate its versatility.
- Seasonal Specials: Dishes that incorporate local, seasonal ingredients with Sasakama, offering a fresh take on traditional flavors.
- Pairing with Local Sake: Recommendations on pairing Sasakama dishes with various types of local sake, enhancing the dining experience.
Specialty Products and Souvenirs
The gift shop at Kanezaki Sasakama-kan offers an array of Sasakama-themed products that make perfect souvenirs and gifts:
- Fresh Sasakama: Purchase the day’s freshly made Sasakama, perfect for taking home to cook.
- Prepared Snacks: Various snacks made from Sasakama, such as dried and seasoned versions, ideal for on-the-go treats.
- Cooking Kits: For those looking to recreate the Sasakama dishes at home, cooking kits with pre-measured ingredients and a recipe booklet are available.
Educational Offerings
Beyond just eating, the café and shop provide educational materials that help visitors learn about:
- The Nutritional Benefits of Sasakama: Information on how Sasakama is a healthy, protein-rich food.
- The Art of Sasakama Preparation: Insights into the traditional methods of preparing Sasakama and how these techniques have been passed down through generations.
Themed Events
Occasionally, Kanezaki Sasakama-kan hosts themed dining events that explore deeper aspects of Sendai’s cuisine and culture, such as:
- Seasonal Tasting Events: Events focused on the integration of Sasakama with other seasonal local foods.
- Cooking Classes: Led by expert chefs, these classes teach visitors how to make Sasakama and incorporate it into various dishes.
Video
Kanezaki Sasakama-kan is among the spots featured in this video about things to do in Miyagi. The segment starts at 00:58.
How to Get to Kanezaki Sasakama-kan
Kanezaki Sasakama-kan (鐘崎総本店 笹かま館)
9:30 AM to 6 PM
Official Website
By Bus
Take the Tozai subway line to Arai Station. From Arai Station, you can catch a bus from the Arai Station bus pool. Look for bus stop No. 16 if you’re taking the bus bound for “Wakabayashi Gymnasium / Tobu Industrial Area” or bus stop No. 18 for the bus bound for “Okada/Arahama.” Get off at “Oroshi-machi Higashi 5 Chome Kita” bus stop. Sasakama-kan is just a short walk from the bus stop. The entire bus ride from Arai Station takes about 10-15 minutes.
By Car
Start from central Sendai and take the Sendai-Tōbu Road heading east. Exit at Sendai East IC, which is the closest interchange to Sasakama-kan. From there, drive approximately 5 minutes along the local streets to reach the destination. The facility offers free parking, making it convenient for those traveling by car. The journey from downtown Sendai typically takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
