This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of shumai, a local B-class gourmet food from Kanagawa Prefecture.

Kanagawa Prefecture is located in the Kanto region of Japan. It is easily accessible to Tokyo, and you can enjoy urban culture in Yokohama, such as Chinatown and Minato Mirai. On the other hand, you can enjoy marine sports in Enoshima and Shonan, and there are also many areas rich in nature.

Kanagawa Prefecture has easy transportation access, a variety of tourist destinations perfect for day trips, and a diverse range of attractions that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

In this article, we will be giving you a thorough explanation of shumai, a local B-class gourmet food from Kanagawa Prefecture that is packed with such charm!

What is Shumai?

Shumai is one of the most famous specialties of Yokohama City in Kanagawa Prefecture, and is a type of dim sum that originated in Chinese cuisine.

It is shaped like a steamed dumpling and is stuffed with pork, onion, and scallops and wrapped in a thin skin.

Among them, the most famous is the shumai from "Kiyoken." Kiyoken shumai was created in 1928. It is characterized by a manufacturing method that makes the most of the flavor of the ingredients without using preservatives, and is popular for its healthiness and deliciousness without relying on additives.

Shumai are also popular as ekiben (train station lunches) and souvenirs because they are easy to eat. Although small, shumai are juicy and full of flavor, and are loved by both locals and tourists alike.

The History of Shumai

Shumai originated from the Chinese dim sum dish "shumai."

It is said that Kiyoken started producing shumai and it spread throughout the country. Kiyoken shumai was born in Yokohama in 1928. At the time, Yokohama was an international port city with Chinese culture in particular prevalent, so Mokichi Nonami, the first president of Kiyoken, developed it inspired by Chinese cuisine.

At the time, shumai had a short shelf life, which posed many challenges in terms of transportation and storage, but Kiyoken came up with a method of adding scallops that ensured the flavor would not deteriorate even when the shumai cooled.

This was a hit, and now it has established itself as an ekiben. After World War II, it became known not only in Kanagawa Prefecture but throughout the country as a taste enjoyed by the common people.

Characteristics of Shumai

Shumai is characterized by its simple seasoning that makes the most of the natural flavor of the ingredients.

It is characterized by the way it is made using simple ingredients such as pork, onions, and scallops, and by the way it is made to bring out the flavor of each ingredient. In particular, Kiyoken's shumai does not use preservatives, and is made to be "delicious even when cooled."

Another feature is that they are small and easy to eat.

Shumai are bite-sized, making them easy to eat and convenient to carry around.

This makes them popular not only as a side dish at home, but also as a travel companion or in bento boxes at train stations. Despite their small size, they are appealing for their satisfying flavor.

Tourist spots in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture

From here, we will introduce tourist spots in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a tourist attraction that combines historical architecture with modern culture.

The facility is a renovated warehouse that was constructed between the end of the Meiji period and the Taisho period, and now houses a general store, cafe, restaurant, and event space.

The beautiful brick building is also a popular photogenic spot.

In addition, various seasonal events are held here, such as pop-up markets, music festivals, and a winter ice skating rink, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Yokohama Cosmo World

Yokohama Cosmo World is an amusement park located in Yokohama Minato Mirai. Admission is free, but you pay for each attraction.

Particularly popular is the Ferris wheel "Cosmo Clock 21," which offers a beautiful view of Yokohama at night. The Ferris wheel itself is also lit up, so many people come to see it.

There are also thrilling roller coasters and other attractions that the whole family can enjoy, making it popular with people of all ages.

Yokohama Chinatown

Yokohama Chinatown is one of the largest in Japan, a gourmet and cultural spot with over 500 restaurants and cafes.

The exotic streetscape is popular as a photogenic spot. There are gorgeous gates and traditional Chinese restaurants lined up, where you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine such as Peking duck and Xiaolongbao.

There are also many fortune-telling halls, souvenir shops, and restaurants serving light meals, so you can enjoy just strolling around.

Access to Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture

From here, we will introduce how to access Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

The best way to get from Tokyo to Yokohama is by train. You can get there from Shibuya Station to Yokohama Station in about 27 minutes on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.

To get from Osaka to Yokohama, we recommend using the Shinkansen and train. You can take the Tokaido Shinkansen "Nozomi" to Shin-Yokohama Station in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. After that, you can take the JR Yokohama Line or the city subway from Shin-Yokohama Station to Yokohama Station in about 10 to 15 minutes.

Location of Kanagawa Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced the history and characteristics of shumai, a local B-class gourmet food from Kanagawa Prefecture.

We now know that shumai is a dish based on the Chinese shumai, and that it was Kiyoken that popularized it throughout the country.

They are small and easy to eat, and are popular as ekiben (train station bento).

If you are heading back from Kanagawa by Shinkansen or other train, be sure to try some shumai as an ekiben!

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