Oita offers many souvenirs that are practical, easy to carry, and genuinely appreciated by families, friends, and international travelers. Based on my real experiences and what we actually buy at home, here are the best Oita souvenirs you can confidently take home.
🍠 Mitsuemon (Sweet Potato Cake)
A long-loved sweet potato dessert from Oita—simple, soft, and perfect for all ages.
- Tastes great even when chilled
- In winter, warming it slightly and adding a small piece of butter is delicious
- Easy for young children to eat
A reliable choice for families or coworkers.
🎁 Zabieru
A classic Oita confectionery that became even more popular in 2025 due to a Japanese drama.
- Silver: White bean paste – light and gentle
- Gold: Rum raisin – rich and aromatic (my personal favorite)
The Western-style flavor makes it very accessible for international visitors.
🌶 Yuzu Kosho (Citrus Chili Paste)
A must-have seasoning in many Oita households.
- Just a small amount transforms steak into a restaurant-quality dish
- Great for miso soup, soups, hot pot, and grilled chicken
- Small, lightweight, and easy to pack
This is a perfect gift for someone who enjoys cooking.
🥃 Oita’s Barley Shochu (Kanehachi, Iichiko, Nikaido)
I don’t drink alcohol myself, but these brands are extremely popular locally and make excellent gifts.
- Kanehachi: Once very hard to find and highly appreciated as a gift
- Iichiko: The most familiar shochu in local households
- Nikaido: Very popular and even sold in the MLB stadium where Shohei Ohtani plays
Great for people who enjoy trying local spirits with an interesting story.
🐟 Ryukyu Sauce (for Oita Seafood Dish)
Ryukyu is an Oita-style marinated fish dish. Recently, “sauce-only” versions have become available, making it possible to recreate the flavor abroad.
- Ideal for seafood lovers
- A unique but easy-to-use gift
🎋 Bamboo Crafts (Takezaiku)
Oita is one of Japan’s leading regions for bamboo craftsmanship.
- Available at Oita Airport – very convenient for travelers
- Famous artists’ works can be expensive, but small accessories such as earrings are affordable
- Lightweight, durable, and perfect for overseas gifts
- Bamboo craft exhibitions are sometimes held at OPAM (Oita Prefectural Art Museum)
A beautiful and “very Oita” souvenir that feels special.
Interested in Oita’s art and culture?
Check out my detailed review of OPAM here:
https://oyakotrip.com/opam/
✈️ Oita Airport Has the Best Selection
I often visit Oita Airport when sending off family members, and the souvenir area is extremely well stocked.
- Mitsuemon
- Zabieru
- Yuzu kosho
- Nikaido / Iichiko shochu
- Ryukyu sauce
- Bamboo accessories
- Other popular sweets
Even if you forget to shop in the city, you can buy almost everything on your way home.
✨ Summary: Souvenirs That Work for Anyone
- For kids → Mitsuemon
- For adults → Zabieru (Gold recommended)
- For cooks → Yuzu kosho
- For alcohol lovers → Barley shochu
- For international friends → Bamboo crafts / Ryukyu sauce
- For busy travelers → Oita Airport has everything
Oita’s souvenirs are practical, high quality, and full of local character—perfect for families and international visitors.
