Vol.9 From souvenirs to tourist information, the "Hadano Specialty Center" is packed with the charms of "Hadano"

We spoke with Makishima-san, the manager of the Hadano Specialty Products Center, which stocks a wide variety of Hadano's famous sweets and local products.

Mr. Makishima, manager of the Hadano Specialty Center

-Please tell us about the Hadano Specialty Products Center.

Following the redevelopment of Hadano Station in 1997, the Hadano Specialty Products Center opened as a souvenir shop where you can purchase specialty products from Hadano City. It is run by the Hadano City Specialty Products Noren Association Cooperative, which was established by around 20 members who run local shops, and in addition to being a souvenir shop, it also distributes tourist information and pamphlets, and serves as a gateway to tourism in the region, disseminating information. I have been working at the store for over 10 years, and have helped many tourists.

It also serves as a base for local tourism and provides tourist information.

-What kind of souvenirs are popular?

Our strength is that we carry a wide range of products, from well-established confectioneries and staple foods to alcohol and miscellaneous goods. Popular items include Japanese sweets such as monaka and dorayaki made with Hadano peanuts. Our soba noodles and tea, grown taking advantage of the temperature differences unique to the basin, are also popular. Conveniently located on the first floor of the station, we recommend this shop to those who are short on time or who want to buy a variety of souvenirs at the same time.

A wide variety of Hadano specialties are lined up

-Are there many people who purchase sake from Kanai Sake Brewery?

That's right. Kanai Sake Brewery is the only sake brewery in Hadano, so it sells well. One of their best-selling products is Junmai Genshu Hadano, which is a great souvenir for sightseeing in Hadano. When the COVID-19 pandemic was starting to spread, the Yokai Sunfish Amabie was also popular as a lucky charm gift for good health. They also sell sake lees, which are so fresh and fragrant that some customers buy more than 10 at a time.

A wide selection of sake, from classics to seasonal specials

-What do you think is the appeal of Hadano?

Above all, Hadano is rich in cherry blossom viewing spots. When the rows of cherry blossom trees adjacent to the culture park are in full bloom, the area is filled with people enjoying walks and picnics, creating a beautiful sight. Zukkoyama, a popular hiking trail, is also famous for its double cherry blossoms in full bloom. Salted cherry blossoms, made from picked double cherry blossom buds, are a beloved Hadano specialty and are often used in peanut and jelly sweets.

Cherry blossoms along the Mizunashi River adjacent to Culture Park

-Please tell us about the future goals of the Hadano Specialty Products Center.

The number of members supporting the Hadano Specialty Products Center has decreased over time. However, the members, who love their local area, remain united in their desire to "inform the many people who visit Hadano about its tourist spots and local specialties."

We hope to continue to cherish the local flavors and traditions that have been created by the local climate and people of Hadano, and to continue to convey the unique charm of Hadano.

Introducing the "Hadano Specialty Center"

We sell Hadano's specialty products that have been certified as recommended by the Hadano City Tourism Association. Located on the first floor of the north exit of Hadano Station, we also provide tourist information as a tourist hub.

Store name: Hadano Specialty Center <br>Address: 1-1 Ohasumicho, Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Contact: 0463-83-6477
Business hours: 9:00-19:00
Closed: Open daily Access: 1 minute walk from Hadano Station on the Odakyu Line