Matsushima Bay

Matsushima Kouren Senbei

松島こうれん | Matsushima Kouren

Delicate rice cracker recipe passed down for over twenty generations

Photo by Roger Smith

Photo by Roger Smith

Photo by Matsushima Kouren

Photo by Matsushima Kouren

  • Roger Smith

    Writer & Inaugural editor

    Last Update
    October 7, 2023

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  • The story of Matsushima Kouren began over seven hundred years ago when a young woman journeyed to Matsushima to become a bride. However, by the time she reached Matsushima, her husband-to-be had passed away. She stayed in Matsushima, becoming a Buddhist nun, taking the name Kouren (Red Lotus). In 1327, she began to make senbei rice crackers using rice offered to a Kannon statue on the grounds of Zuiganji Temple. Matsushima Kouren senbei are still baked by hand using the recipe that has been passed down for more than twenty generations.

    These baked rice crackers are made from premium Miyagi Sasanishiki rice. They retain a light and delicate quality with a subtly sweet flavor. Matsushima Kouren come in three traditional varieties, each using different types of sugar, and two new varieties flavored with Okinawa brown sugar and sea salt, respectively.

    I had never tried a senbei rice cracker like those at Matsushima Kouren before. They are so light they melt in your mouth and their mild flavor goes well with tea. Find which one you like best by trying the free samples, or get a variety pack and enjoy them all! Across from Entsuin Temple is a memorial stone dedicated to the widow Kouren and her husband.

    WEBSITEhttp://matsushimakouren.com/

  • Matsushima Bay

    Tags

    Food & Drink History Matsushima Bay Shopping Temples & Shrines Vegetarian/Vegan

Details

ADDRESS

Chonai-82 Matsushima, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi-ken 981-0213

ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT

5-minute walk from Matsushimakaigan Station (Senseki Line)

CREDIT CARDS

Accepted

LANGUAGES

Limited English

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

Yes

HOURS

Weekdays 10:00-16:00  Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00-17:00

CLOSED DAYS

Tuesdays*
New Year's holiday period
*If Tuesday is a public holiday, shop will be closed Wednesday instead.

PHONE

022-354-2605

Food & Drink Details

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

Yes

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