【Local Gourmet】Addictive!? What is the "Jako-gawara" from Shonan Cookie Outlet

A yellow vending machine seen in the Shonan area of Kanagawa Prefecture. This is the outlet of a brand called Shonan Cookie, and I have become a regular customer. However, my local friends said that the "Jako-gawara" is amazing, and since I had never tried it before, I decided to go again.

This place, lined with vending machines, is a 24-hour outlet

"Shonan Cookies" sells various types of baked goods with the theme of "safe and delicious." Ever since I received them as a souvenir before, I’ve become really hooked on these Shonan Cookies. I often stop by and buy them during drives.

I usually get the simple strawberry jam cookie "Sea Breeze and Sun," but according to a friend who lives in the Shonan area, "Jako Gawara" is said to be addictive.

It's located about 10 minutes from Hiratsuka Station and about 30 minutes from Atsugi Station by car, and there’s a parking lot that can be used for free. It’s an easy spot to stop by during a drive.

Shonan Cookie Outlet
2-9-23 Higashi Yahata, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Business hours / 24 hours
Closed / None

The interior is packed with vending machines like lockers.

As you step into the store, a row of vending machines greets you. There are all sorts, from the common types of vending machines to ones that evoke a sense of history.

Upon closer inspection, they are not really vending machines, but lockers. The locker type that allows you to see inside is just the right size for large candy box types. While I was slowly checking inside, a staff member came by regularly to restock the products. It seems that there is a factory next door, so it doesn't look like they run out of stock, which is reassuring no matter when you visit.

While there are many common snacks like Shonan cookies, I also came across items I had never seen before, such as crepes made with liqueur.

Unfortunately, they do not support cashless payments, but there is a proper change machine.

As I continued to explore the store, I discovered the long-desired locker vending machine that contained "jikogawara”!

The packaging features a catchphrase that sounds like it makes sense but doesn’t quite: “A school of baby rockfish swimming over mirin-dried cookies.” It uses photos of the sea and Mount Fuji, creating a design that has a distinct Shonan feel.

Both the "jako-gawara" and "sea breeze and sun" are irresistible

Now, let's enjoy the long-awaited "jako-gawara." Priced at 170 yen for 6 pieces, it's quite reasonable. Each is individually packaged, so you can easily open one while driving and enjoy it on the go.

On top of the cookie are fried tiny sardines and sesame seeds. According to the official Shonan Cookie website, the recently added sardines have grown bigger.

Taking a bite, the salty flavor of the small sardines combined with the gentle sweetness of the cookie creates a harmony that far exceeds expectations. Though it’s a cookie, it has a Japanese feel similar to senbei, and indeed… I can't stop!

The "jako-gawara" was so delicious that I ended up buying another bag.

This day marked my first experience with "jako-gawara," but I also had the chance to try "sea breeze and sun" (170 yen)! The charmingly appropriate packaging really conveys a sense of Shonan. The taste of strawberry jam and cookie is very simple. Perhaps the strawberry jam in the center represents the sun?

Ah, it's truly delicious! The gentle sweetness of the cookie combined with the tang of the strawberry jam is a wonderful collaboration. Just a light bite causes it to crumble delicately, and once you start eating, you can't stop. There were 6 pieces, but before I knew it, they were all gone.

The Shonan Cookie outlet is open 24 hours, so you can casually buy cookies and other sweets anytime. If you're driving around the Hiratsuka area in Kanagawa Prefecture, make sure to stop by. These two are must-buys.

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