Kanefuku is Japan's leading mentaiko (spicy marinated pollock roe) brand, and its Hokkaido retail shops — many near hot spring towns — let visitors buy freshly produced mentaiko, mentaiko pasta sauce, mentaiko onigiri, and mentaiko soft-serve ice cream (surprisingly delicious). A staple Hokkaido food souvenir.
Kanefuku is Japan's most recognized mentaiko brand, producing the spicy salted roe of walleye pollock that has been a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine for decades. The company's Hokkaido retail outlets — including the prominent shop at Noboribetsu Onsen — bring this beloved product directly to visitors in its freshest, most locally produced form.
Mentaiko is pollock roe marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and chilli. The Hokkaido version benefits from proximity to the northern fishing grounds of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific, where pollock is caught in large quantities. Kanefuku's production process emphasises the quality of the roe itself: pale, large-grained, and mildly briny before the marinade is applied. The final product ranges from barely-spiced versions suitable for those unfamiliar with the heat, to intensely chilli-saturated varieties favoured by regular consumers.
At the Noboribetsu Onsen shop and similar Kanefuku outlets around Hokkaido, the product range extends well beyond fresh mentaiko. Mentaiko pasta sauce — a creamy, mildly spiced condiment — has become a standalone product used widely in Japanese home cooking. Mentaiko mayonnaise, mentaiko butter, and mentaiko-filled rice balls (onigiri) are convenient eat-in options at the retail counters. The onigiri in particular — filled with a generous portion of fresh mentaiko inside Hokkaido rice — is one of the best convenience food items available anywhere in the region.
The most remarkable offering at Kanefuku shops is the mentaiko soft-serve ice cream. The combination sounds implausible but works: a creamy, lightly sweet soft-serve base is infused with a trace of mentaiko flavour and topped with a small amount of spiced roe, producing a dessert that is simultaneously sweet, umami-rich, and mildly spicy. It has become a minor Hokkaido tourist phenomenon and is consistently listed among the island's most distinctive food experiences.
Vacuum-packed fresh mentaiko is the primary souvenir purchase. The roe keeps well refrigerated for several days and can be transported on domestic flights within Japan in insulated packaging available from the shop. Several spice levels are stocked; first-time buyers are advised to choose the mid-level option.
Good to know
- Known for
- Mentaiko (spicy pollock roe) products
- Reservations
- Not applicable
Highlights
- Japan's top mentaiko brand
- Fresh mentaiko in various spice levels
- Mentaiko soft-serve ice cream
- Good souvenir food
Tips for visiting
- Buy vacuum-packed mentaiko for travel — stays fresh for several days
- The soft-serve has a delicate fishy-spicy kick unique to this shop
- Available at airports and many Hokkaido tourist towns
Accessibility
The Kanefuku retail shop is a ground-floor commercial space with a wide entrance suitable for wheelchair access. The Noboribetsu Onsen main street has a generally flat pavement surface. No specific stepped barriers are noted at the shop entrance; the layout is standard retail with clear aisles.
Frequently asked questions
What is mentaiko and how is it eaten?
Mentaiko is the spicy marinated roe of walleye pollock, seasoned with chilli, soy, and sake. It is most commonly eaten with plain rice or as a filling for onigiri rice balls, and is widely used as a pasta sauce ingredient. The Hokkaido variety from Kanefuku is considered among Japan's finest due to roe quality and freshness.
What is the difference between tarako and mentaiko?
Tarako is plain salted pollock roe with no spice. Mentaiko is the spicy version, marinated with chilli peppers as well as salt and soy. Both come from the same species but mentaiko has a bolder, more complex flavour profile. Kanefuku sells both at its Hokkaido shops.
Can visitors take mentaiko home as a souvenir?
Yes. Vacuum-packed mentaiko from Kanefuku is specifically packaged for travel and is a popular Hokkaido souvenir. It keeps refrigerated for several days. Confirm current airline biosecurity regulations if travelling internationally, as fresh fish products face restrictions.
Is the mentaiko soft-serve worth trying?
Most visitors find it a memorable and pleasant surprise. The flavour is subtler than expected — sweet and milky with a mild umami and spice note from the mentaiko. It is one of the more unusual flavours available at any Hokkaido soft-serve counter and is strongly recommended.
Is the Noboribetsu shop the only Kanefuku location in Hokkaido?
No. Kanefuku operates shops at multiple Hokkaido tourist locations including New Chitose Airport, Otaru, and various Sapporo sites. The Noboribetsu Onsen location is convenient for visitors passing through the hot spring resort on the way south from Sapporo.