Kujira Monaka Honpo “Kujira Monaka”

Known as a Sendai specialty, “Kujira Monaka” is a traditional Japanese sweet carefully handmade one by one by the long-established Kujira Monaka Honpo in Miyagi Prefecture. The motif is the whale swimming in the waters around Kinkasan, known as “Kinkaoki,” off the Sanriku coast, an area known as one of the world’s three great fishing grounds and once prosperous for whaling. Inspired by that history, this sweet has been loved across generations.

In addition to the classic fillings of ogura red bean, matcha, and sesame, there are seven distinctive varieties in total, including Sendai miso for a local Miyagi touch, as well as coffee, wine, and aonori seaweed with its fresh ocean aroma. Made without preservatives or artificial coloring, each one brings out the natural flavor of its ingredients.

Its simple flavor has been passed down for over 40 years and pairs perfectly not only with Japanese tea, but also with coffee and black tea. Individually wrapped and easy to share, it also makes a convenient souvenir that captures the spirit of Sendai.