If you’re into quirky local spots, check out Mentai Park – a small theme park dedicated to spicy cod roe (mentaiko), run by the brand Kanefuku. You can watch how mentaiko is made in the factory, sample fresh ones for free, and even buy limited-edition snacks and onigiri right at the source.
One of the strangest (but kind of fun) things to try is the mentaiko soft serve – yes, cod roe ice cream! It’s creamy with a salty umami twist… not for everyone, but worth a try if you’re adventurous.
There’s a location near Tokyo:
📍Mentai Park Oarai
茨城県東茨城郡大洗町磯浜町8255-3
(about 90 mins from Tokyo by train)
It’s free to enter and doesn’t take more than 1–2 hours, so it’s a fun and easy stop if you’re exploring off the beaten path.
by Sharrylovetrip