The Essence of Kyoto’s Traditional Wagashi: The Story of Gyokuedo Hikokuro
A Historic Japanese Sweets Shop in the Heart of Old Edo
Gyokuedo Hikokuro is a venerable Japanese confectionery located in Nihonbashi Ningyo-cho, Tokyo. Founded in Kyoto in 1576 (Tensho 4), the shop later established its presence in Ningyo-cho during the Showa era. It stands in the historic district of Ningyo-cho, an area that has flourished as an entertainment district since the early Edo period.
Ningyo-cho developed alongside the reclamation of the Nihonbashi area around 1590. By 1624, it became home to numerous theaters, including the Saruwaka-za established by the first Nakamura Kanzaburo. The district thrived with puppet theaters, attracted puppet craftsmen and artisans, and hosted seasonal doll markets. Today, Gyokuedo Hikokuro continues its traditional wagashi-making amidst the historic surroundings that include Suitengu Shrine and Amazake Yokocho, preserving the atmosphere of old Edo.
From Kyoto to Tokyo: Weaving 450 Years of Tradition
Gyokuedo Hikokuro’s history dates back to 1576 in Kyoto’s Sanjo Kawaramachi. Historical records show they supplied Suhama confections to various establishments from their earliest days. In 1954 (Showa 29), they relocated to Nihonbashi Ningyo-cho in Tokyo, where they began a new chapter, bringing Kyoto’s traditional confectionery techniques to the capital.
Signature Confections: Torayaki
Their flagship product, “Torayaki” (Dorayaki) is a unique Japanese sweet featuring a distinctive tiger-stripe pattern revealed when unwrapping its thin paper covering. It contains coarse sweet bean paste made from Hokkaido Dainagon azuki beans, wrapped in soft, hand-baked outer layers. The bean paste for Toraki is entirely handcrafted, requiring four days to complete. The process involves carefully removing impurities and cooking the beans to perfection, achieving a smooth texture while maintaining whole bean pieces.
The Ultimate Taste Created by Master Craftsmen
Experiencing Gyokuedo’s Toraki begins with visual appreciation – unwrapping the thin paper reveals the tiger-stripe pattern on the surface. The sight of premium Dainagon beans generously packed into the sweet paste creates an irresistible anticipation.
Upon tasting, the soft, sponge-like texture of the outer layer harmoniously complements the sweet bean paste, which maintains the integrity of the whole beans while offering a remarkably smooth mouthfeel. This perfect balance, combined with its refined sweetness, delivers a truly traditional taste experience.
Visiting Gyokuedo Hikokuro
Located at 2-3-2 Nihonbashi Ningyo-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo.
The shop is just a one-minute walk from Exit A1 of Ningyo-cho Station.
Business hours are 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturdays, and 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays and holidays. Closing days are irregular.