Minami Sanriku Revives 'Minamina-ya' as a Place to Take Home Travel Memories
The Minami Sanriku Town Tourism Association has renovated the souvenir corner inside its Minami Sanriku Portal Center, relaunching it under the name 'Minamina-ya.' This revives the name of the official shop that closed in March 2021, responding to visitor requests for portable souvenirs. The association has introduced new products like 'Michi-no-Eki' (Roadside Station) magnets to enhance its role as a hub for taking home travel memories.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 19:09
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The Minami Sanriku Town Tourism Association (Minami Sanriku, Miyagi Prefecture) has renovated the souvenir corner within its tourist information center, the 'Minami Sanriku Portal Center,' and has begun new operations under the name 'Minamina-ya.'
Based on the concept of 'offering unique items from Minami Sanriku (a roadside station) that deepen the memory of a trip,' the renewal features a selection of products and unique local items that visitors will want to take home as mementos. Responding to customer feedback, the shop has introduced popular series such as 'Michi-no-Eki' (Roadside Station) magnets and National Route stickers, offering products that can be enjoyed as souvenirs or collectibles.
Background of the 'Minamina-ya' Revival
The original 'Minamina-ya' antenna shop, operated by the tourism association, was named with the thought, 'Everyone, come to Minami Sanriku!' It was cherished as a 'town general store,' connecting people and goods, and featured items like small accessories, bags, and jewelry made by artisans affected by the earthquake in Minami Sanriku, alongside other unique local souvenirs. However, the shop closed on March 31, 2021, due to facility reorganization.
Even after its closure, a corner of the Minami Sanriku Portal Center continued to sell local products. The tourism association received numerous requests from visitors, such as, 'I want a typical Minami Sanriku souvenir that is easy to carry,' and 'It would be nice to have something to commemorate my visit to the roadside station.' In response, the association decided to renovate the souvenir corner, revive the 'Minamina-ya' name, and make a fresh start as a place for visitors to take home memories of their trip to Minami Sanriku.
New Key Products
The renewal introduces new goods popular among travel and driving enthusiasts.
Sample of products for sale:
- Michi-no-Eki magnets
- Michi-no-Eki stickers
- National Route stickers
- Route 45 keychains
- Octopus-kun stickers (Zodiac-themed items are sold exclusively at Minami Sanriku Yes Kobo and the Minami Sanriku Portal Center)
- 'Tabi Suru Magnet' (Traveling Magnets)
These items are perfect for collecting as mementos of places visited or preserving travel memories.
Selling Unique Minami Sanriku Products
In addition to new items, the shop continues to carry products that reflect the culture and stories of Minami Sanriku.
- Sansan Minamisanriku limited wood plates
- Refreshing Air Mist (using Minami Sanriku cedar)
- Fossil pin badges, and more
The sales floor is designed to allow visitors to take home the charm of Minami Sanriku through products that showcase local materials and background.
Role as a Gateway for Tourism
The Minami Sanriku Portal Center serves as a tourist information hub, providing tourist guidance, pamphlets, simple souvenir-making experiences (no reservation required), bicycle rentals (500 yen per 3 hours), baggage storage (300 yen), and a Roadside Station stamp location. With the renovation of the souvenir corner, the center has strengthened its role not only in disseminating information but also as a base for taking home travel memories.
■ Facility Overview
Minami Sanriku Portal Center
Location: 200-1 Itsukamachi, Shizugawa, Minami Sanriku-cho, Motoyoshi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
Operator: Minami Sanriku Town Tourism Association
Based on the concept of 'offering unique items from Minami Sanriku (a roadside station) that deepen the memory of a trip,' the renewal features a selection of products and unique local items that visitors will want to take home as mementos. Responding to customer feedback, the shop has introduced popular series such as 'Michi-no-Eki' (Roadside Station) magnets and National Route stickers, offering products that can be enjoyed as souvenirs or collectibles.
Background of the 'Minamina-ya' Revival
The original 'Minamina-ya' antenna shop, operated by the tourism association, was named with the thought, 'Everyone, come to Minami Sanriku!' It was cherished as a 'town general store,' connecting people and goods, and featured items like small accessories, bags, and jewelry made by artisans affected by the earthquake in Minami Sanriku, alongside other unique local souvenirs. However, the shop closed on March 31, 2021, due to facility reorganization.
Even after its closure, a corner of the Minami Sanriku Portal Center continued to sell local products. The tourism association received numerous requests from visitors, such as, 'I want a typical Minami Sanriku souvenir that is easy to carry,' and 'It would be nice to have something to commemorate my visit to the roadside station.' In response, the association decided to renovate the souvenir corner, revive the 'Minamina-ya' name, and make a fresh start as a place for visitors to take home memories of their trip to Minami Sanriku.
New Key Products
The renewal introduces new goods popular among travel and driving enthusiasts.
Sample of products for sale:
- Michi-no-Eki magnets
- Michi-no-Eki stickers
- National Route stickers
- Route 45 keychains
- Octopus-kun stickers (Zodiac-themed items are sold exclusively at Minami Sanriku Yes Kobo and the Minami Sanriku Portal Center)
- 'Tabi Suru Magnet' (Traveling Magnets)
These items are perfect for collecting as mementos of places visited or preserving travel memories.
Selling Unique Minami Sanriku Products
In addition to new items, the shop continues to carry products that reflect the culture and stories of Minami Sanriku.
- Sansan Minamisanriku limited wood plates
- Refreshing Air Mist (using Minami Sanriku cedar)
- Fossil pin badges, and more
The sales floor is designed to allow visitors to take home the charm of Minami Sanriku through products that showcase local materials and background.
Role as a Gateway for Tourism
The Minami Sanriku Portal Center serves as a tourist information hub, providing tourist guidance, pamphlets, simple souvenir-making experiences (no reservation required), bicycle rentals (500 yen per 3 hours), baggage storage (300 yen), and a Roadside Station stamp location. With the renovation of the souvenir corner, the center has strengthened its role not only in disseminating information but also as a base for taking home travel memories.
■ Facility Overview
Minami Sanriku Portal Center
Location: 200-1 Itsukamachi, Shizugawa, Minami Sanriku-cho, Motoyoshi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
Operator: Minami Sanriku Town Tourism Association