Kyoto’s Monzen-gashi: A Thousand-Year Tale of Japanese Sweets Walk through the streets of Kyoto, and you can’t help but feel the weight of history in the air. This millennia-old city, the heart of Japanese culture, has left an indelible mark on the world of wagashi, or traditional Japanese sweets. Among these, “monzen-gashi” – confections born […]
Karinto: A Beloved Commoner’s Sweet from the Edo Period to Modern Japan The Origins of Edo Karinto Karinto is a traditional Japanese snack with a unique shape and texture, offering a deep, rich flavor. These elongated, stick-like or irregularly shaped treats have a dark brown, glossy surface dusted with sugar. When held, they feel light […]
Wagashi: The Hidden Health Benefits Beyond Sweetness When people think of wagashi, many imagine sweets made with lots of sugar. Indeed, wagashi are known for their exquisite taste, but hidden behind this sweetness are unexpected health benefits. While wagashi are generally not considered healthy treats, this isn’t always the case. Let’s take a closer look […]
Azuki Varieties: The Secret Behind Wagashi and Japanese Sweets Diversity Azuki beans are the heart and soul of wagashi, the traditional Japanese sweets that have delighted palates for centuries. These small red beans play a crucial role in creating the distinct flavors and textures of numerous Japanese desserts. From the smooth anko in daifuku to […]
Kuzu mochi and Kuzu mochi: Two Traditional Japanese Sweets with the Same Name but Different Origins Exemplifying the richness of Japanese confectionery culture, there exist two entirely different sweets that share the same pronunciation: “kuzu mochi.” One is the “kuzu mochi” (葛餅) from the Kansai region, and the other is the “kuzu mochi” (くず餅) from […]
Uiro: A Traditional Japanese Sweet with Unique Transparency and Soft Texture Uiro is a traditional Japanese confection loved by many for its unique translucent appearance and soft texture. While it may seem simple at first glance, its history is deep and closely intertwined with Japanese culture. Let’s explore the charm of this unique wagashi. The […]
Castella: Japan’s Beloved Foreign Flavor Castella might appear to be a Western-style cake at first glance, but delving into its history reveals that it is, in fact, a genuine Japanese wagashi (traditional sweet). Following the start of Nanban trade, the baking culture using wheat, eggs, and sugar introduced from the West underwent a unique evolution […]
Obuse’s Exquisite Chestnut Wagashi and the Artistic Legacy of Hokusai Obuse, a small town in Nagano Prefecture, is renowned for its unique culture that blends chestnut confectionery traditions dating back to the Edo period with the legacy of the ukiyo-e artist Hokusai Katsushika. Let’s explore the charm of Obuse, where the aroma of chestnuts mingles […]