Highway service areas have often been highlighted as great spots for buying souvenirs. Takasaka Service Area in Saitama Prefecture stands out with unique features like pedestrian access between the inbound and outbound sides and a dog run. I also discovered some excellent souvenir finds there.
Since it’s a refrigerated item, timing your purchase may be important, but it’s highly recommended for those who want a hearty meal and something that pairs well with beer—especially for men.
Chichibu souvenir: Miso-marinated meat from Marunasei.
It says you can only buy it here. That means I have to get it!
They were lined up in rows, so this must be a featured item here!
There were two sizes available: 220g (small) for 760 yen and 320g (large) for 1,080 yen.
I chose the large size with 6 to 7 pieces since I wanted to have it for dinner that night.
“Handmade” is emphasized. The package features illustrations of fireworks, mountains, and towers, giving it a beautifully Japanese feel with a lovely artistic touch.
Keep refrigerated below 10°C. The expiration date is on the back, about two weeks from the processing date.
There’s an explanation about the miso-marinated meat. Originally, the purpose of marinating meat in miso was to preserve it—as a kind of natural refrigerator. This tradition has now been passed down as a Chichibu specialty.
It says there are 6–7 pieces, but there are actually more inside.
After cooking and tasting the miso-marinated meat, here’s my impression
That day, I wanted to enjoy it as a snack with beer, so I simply grilled it in a pan. The miso sizzled nicely, giving off a delicious aroma that filled the whole room.
Biting into the piping hot slices, I was greeted by tender loin meat and the rich flavor of the miso. There was a hint of sweetness and a fragrant touch of sesame oil. It paired perfectly with the green onions I added on the side. If you have green onions on hand, I highly recommend serving them with this dish!
It’s amazing to wash it down with a cold beer… but I have to say, this flavorful miso and tender meat just makes me crave white rice.
So the next day, I turned it into a rice bowl, topping it off with pickled ginger and chopped green onions.
A truly luxurious miso pork rice bowl was complete. Yes, there’s nothing quite like enjoying it heartily with white rice—this is pure happiness.
The generous portion allowed me to savor it over two days. With a reasonable price and exclusive availability at Takasaka SA, I highly recommend it as a souvenir!
If you plan to carry it for a while, be sure to get a cold pack.
Thank you for the delicious meal!
Miso-marinated meat Product Info, Expiration Date, Manufacturer
| Product Name | Miso-marinated meat |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / Seller | Miso-marinated meat from Marusei |
| Address | 1821 Kozakano-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture |
| Expiration Date | About two weeks |
| Place of Purchase | Takasaka Service Area |
| Price | 220g (small) 760 yen, 320g (large) 1,080 yen |