Kanefuku has been producing mentaiko since 1971, originating in Fukuoka before expanding to multiple dedicated theme park locations.
The facility uses high-speed conveyor systems to process tons of pollock roe daily.
The park's mascot, Tarapiyo, is a stylized character based on a pollock fish.
Mentaiko production at the park involves a strict temperature-controlled environment to maintain product freshness and food safety standards.
The site features interactive digital panels that explain the migration patterns of Alaska pollock in the northern Pacific.
Mentaiko soft-serve ice cream is a signature unconventional product available only at Kanefuku parks.
Kanefuku Mentai Park Biwako is a specialized food theme park dedicated to mentaiko, or spicy cod roe, operated by the long-standing manufacturer Kanefuku. The facility features a glass-walled viewing gallery where visitors can observe the industrial-scale manufacturing, sorting, and packaging process of mentaiko. A dedicated museum section explains the life cycle of pollock and the historical development of mentaiko production. The onsite food court serves mentaiko-based delicacies, including mentaiko rice balls and mentaiko soft-serve ice cream. The park includes an indoor children's play area, 'Tarapiyo Kids Park', equipped with physical activity equipment. A large retail shop offers a variety of fresh and frozen mentaiko products, snacks, and collaborative merchandise. It is situated on the southern shore of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. The facility is designed for family-oriented tourism with free admission to most exhibit areas.
The large, colorful mascot statues of Tarapiyo located near the main entrance.
Sample the various mentaiko products offered at the tasting counters before purchasing.
Visit the viewing gallery during the morning hours to see the factory workers at their most active production phase.
Bring children specifically for the indoor play zone if you need a weather-independent activity.
Do not skip the free food samples, as they provide a good indicator of which products you may want to buy from the retail section.
Open seven days a week; rarely closes except for occasional facility maintenance days.
