This translation was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
Shindo Shoten is a century-old dried-fish specialist in Shingu, northeast of Fukuoka City. Its best-known products are gindara mirin, marinated sablefish that must be cooked, and Sabakun, smoked mackerel designed to be sliced and eaten after thawing.
The shop is more practical for travellers with a car or suitable cold storage. For a gift or hotel without cooking facilities, distinguish ready-to-eat Sabakun from raw or dried products that require refrigeration and heating.
Product guide
Official product and award information checked on 23 July 2026.
| Signature | Gindara mirin: sablefish in a sweet-savoury house marinade; cook before eating |
|---|---|
| Ready after thawing | Sabakun smoked mackerel; slice while partly frozen |
| Traditional choice | Whole dried urume sardines; grill gently |
| Shop | 904-27 Shimofu, Shingu, Kasuya District |
| Hours shown | Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00; Sun/holidays 10:00–16:00 |
What should you buy?
Gindara mirin is the safest first choice for someone who can cook: the fatty fish and Hakata-style soy marinade make it a substantial main dish. Sabakun is easier in accommodation with no kitchen because the official page says it is eaten without grilling after thawing.
Urume sardines are saltier and more traditional. Assortments such as Mouke-mon, Homare and Fukuyose suit families or gifts, but contents can vary by season and stock.
Storage and cooking
- Confirm whether each pack is frozen, chilled or shelf-stable before buying.
- Use an insulated bag for a long journey and ask staff how long the product can safely travel.
- Cook gindara mirin and ordinary dried fish fully according to the label; sweet marinades can burn quickly.
- Slice Sabakun while partly frozen, then follow the package thawing and storage instructions.
Awards and authenticity
The official company site lists multiple national seafood-processing awards. It states that Gindara Mirin received the Alaska Seafood Award at the 36th national judging, presented in March 2026, and that Sabakun previously received major agriculture and fisheries honours.
The company also warns about fraudulent websites and unsolicited sellers. Use the official shop or linked official online stores rather than an unfamiliar discount site.
Getting to the shop
The store is near Shingu’s coastal area rather than central Hakata or Tenjin. A car makes cold-product transport easier. If travelling by public transport, check the route and return timing in advance and avoid combining a frozen purchase with a long outdoor itinerary.
Official confirmation
Check the official Shindo Shoten site for current products, hours, temporary closures and authorized online shops.
Explore Shingu and Fukuoka flavours
Pair the shop with nearby sightseeing or other souvenirs.
