⋆⸜ꕤ🔸[Nishio Meikyuen] Announcement of Goku-Sakai Hojicha Tasting Event 🔸ꕤ⸝⋆ We will hold a tasting event where you can enjoy “Goku-Sakai Hojicha” from Sakai’s renowned shop, Nishio Meikyuen.🍵 Please take this opportunity to savor the rich flavor of “Goku-Sakai Hojicha,” perfected for its roasted aroma and mellow taste.✨ We warmly look forward to seeing you there‼🌈 📅 Date and Time: Sunday, December 7, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM 📍 Location: Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum, 1st floor, TAKUMI SHOP [Traditional Industry and Sakai Products Corner] (@sakaidensan) 🔍 For details, search “Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum hojicha tasting”! 🔗 https://www.sakaidensan.jp/news/425096... https://www.sakaidensan.jp/news/425096...

🍂A Model Course to Savor Autumn Flavors🍂 🔸—Moat Area Central Section—🔸 The season for hearty autumn eating has finally arrived! ⋈😊⋈ Sakai’s Moat Area is full of not only tourist attractions but also shops serving seasonal sweets made with fluffy chestnuts, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and autumn gourmet dishes featuring mushrooms like matsutake. 🌰🧡 Here we present a short model course to enjoy autumn gourmet food and sightseeing in the Moat Area central section. ⋆⸜ ⚘ ⸝⋆ 📍"A course to visit shrines, temples, and shopping streets while enjoying autumn flavors (Central Area)" ① Ako Shrine ( @aguchijinja_official_ ) ↓ ② Sakai Yamanokuchi Shopping Street ↓ ③ Taste the season: autumn flavors 🌰✨ ・Rosier ( @rosier_fruits Mont Blanc parfait) ・D..labo ( @d_labo_ice Muscat parfait) ・Tenjinmochi ( @tenjinmochi Steamed chestnut yokan) ・Maruichi Confectionery ( @maruichikashiho Chestnut zenzai) ・SAKAINOMA ( @sakainoma Mushroom bagel sandwich) ・Cafe Lapin (mushroom stew hamburger, etc.) ↓ ④ Myokokuji Temple 🔍For details, search for “Taste the Season: Autumn Flavors Special”! 🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96... https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96...

🍁Autumn Flavors Model Course🍁 ◽️– Moat Area, Southern Section –◽️ The season for hearty appetites has finally arrived! ୨୧😊୨୧ Sakai’s Moat Area is home not only to sightseeing spots but also to many shops offering autumn sweets made with fluffy chestnuts, sweet potatoes and pumpkin, as well as mushroom dishes featuring matsutake. 🌰🍱💛 Here is a short model course for enjoying autumn cuisine and attractions in the Moat Area’s southern section. ⋆⸜ ⚘ ⸝⋆ 📍"A Route Tracing Rikyu’s Connections and Autumn Flavors (Southern Section)" ① Sakai Rishō no Mori (@rishonomori) ↓ ② 868 Building (@hachirokuhachi) ↓ ③ Savor Seasonal Autumn Flavors🌰✨ ・Mimiu Sakai (shrimp and mushroom tempura soba) ・BLUE KETTLE (baked sweets: sweet potato, chestnut, pumpkin) ・Ume no Hana Sakai Rishō no Mori branch (special autumn kaiseki) ↓ ④ Nanshu-ji Temple 🔍For details, search "Spotlight on Seasonal Autumn Flavors"! 🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96... https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96...

🍂Autumn Flavors Model Course🍂 🔸— Moat Area, North —🔸 The season for hearty appetites has finally arrived! ❊😊❊ Sakai’s Moat Area is full of shops offering not only tourist attractions but also sweets made with freshly roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin, plus autumn gourmet dishes featuring matsutake and other mushrooms. 🌰🤎 Here is a short model course (Moat Area, North) to enjoy autumn flavors and sightseeing⋆⸜ ⚘ ⸝⋆ 📍"Ironworking History and Autumn Flavors Course" 1. Sakai Denshokan ( @sakaidensan ) ↓ 2. SAKAINOMA PLAZA Yanagi ( @sakainoma ) ↓ 3. Savor the Season’s Autumn Flavors🌰✨ ・Tsuboichi Tea Main Shop ( @saryo.tsuboichi — chestnut parfait ) ・Rosier Yanagi ( @rosier_fruits — autumn selected mixed parfait ) ・Zelkova Shokudo ( @zelkova_shokudo — healthy lunch ) ・Asahido Confectionery ( best in Senshu ) ・Sorori ( @__sorori__ — Naruto Kintoki sweet potato ) ↓ 4. Teppou Blacksmith Residence ( @sakaimachiyamuseums ) 🔍Search for "Savor the Season’s Autumn Flavors Special" for details! 🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96... https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96...

#012 Tsunocho is home to about fifty restaurants and confectioneries. This is the third installment in our gourmet series! Here we introduce a long-established Japanese and Western confectionery shop loved both inside and outside the town. ~Founded in 1950, a taste that recalls Tsunocho~ Kashiho Kikuya Kikuya is a long-standing Japanese and Western confectionery shop founded in 1950 by the family of my childhood friend. It continues to be loved by both local residents and visitors from outside the town. Kikuya makes many well-known sweets. First is the wagashi called “Ichinomiya,” which people associate with Kikuya. The name comes from the town’s representative sightseeing spot, Tsuno Shrine, formally the ichinomiya of Hyūga Province. The moist cake contains white bean paste and cream, combining the best of Japanese and Western tastes. Other confections that remind people of Tsunocho include Tsuno Station, Tsunayahime, and Kinfugu Monaka. Why use names derived from Tsunocho? The owners say they want recipients to think, “This is from Tsunocho,” or “How nostalgic.” Indeed, someone who left the prefecture and receives one of these sweets after years would likely feel nostalgic. Such treats exist in Tsuno. These days, customers come from within the town, from other towns, and even from other prefectures specifically to buy these sweets. In addition to regular items, Kikuya also makes custom birthday cakes featuring character designs. That, too, is one reason the shop remains beloved. Kikuya’s confections are also sold at the station café inside the tourism association office. They make excellent gifts for loved ones or people who have helped you. Hours 9:00–18:00 Sundays 14:00–17:00 Closed Irregular holidays Parking About 10 spaces Phone 0983-25-0127 Address 〒889-1201 4939 Kawakita, Tsunocho, Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture (in front of Akagike Residence)

Roro Kurofune, a confectionery about a 10-minute walk from Izukyu-Shimoda Station, has just won the top prize at the National Confectionery Expo °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖° The award-winning item is the Kaikoku Caramel Monaka. It’s a personal favorite of mine: homemade caramel densely packed with walnuts delivers an irresistible bite. I highly recommend it for anyone puzzling over souvenirs ✨ Although they are wagashi artisans, Roro Kurofune also creates sweets with a Western feel, and they offer seasonal limited items that make you want to keep coming back. Another must-try is the wasanbon pudding. Also fun is the Kuro-Mona, where you inject sweet bean paste into a crispy monaka shell yourself (the paste is added just before eating so it stays crunchy), and bite-sized cookies dusted with wasanbon sugar called "Koko Shimoda"... the recommendations never end 💦 The shop is lined with many other confections (≧▽≦) When you visit Shimoda, please stop by and discover your own Roro Kurofune sweets!

sakaitourism_official 🍨Sakai’s Cool Summer Sweets Feature🍨 ~Moat Area~ 🇯🇵JP 🇬🇧EN Below⬇️ #Chilled Sweets 🍉Chilled treats you crave in summer♪🍦 The Moat Area in Sakai is home not only to tourist spots but also to many shops selling chilled sweets🩷 Enjoy sightseeing around the Moat Area while savoring refreshing, delicious sweets to get you through the summer♪🌻 On the feature page, we introduce Moat Area sweet shops and a short model course that visits sweets shops and tourist spots.✨ ・Kanbukuro ・Saryo Tsuboichi Seicha Honpo ・Rosier ・SAKAINOMA Cafe Kuma ・D..labo ・Baked Goods & Gelato BLUE KETTLE ・Cafe Lapin ・Tenjin Mochi ・Sorori ・Maruichi Confectionery ・Asahido Confectionery

🎑Saturday, October 4 — “Moon Viewing Yoga” (＊) — Now accepting participants🌔🍁 On an autumn evening when summer heat fades, we will hold Moon Viewing Yoga (＊) at a historic temple wrapped in silence🎑 Practice yoga that focuses on the rhythms of the moon and the body, and listen to a talk on the yin-yang and five elements theory from the deputy chief priest, spending a special time feeling the connection between the moon, people, and nature🌙 After yoga, enjoy a hospitality tea ceremony and Japanese sweets🍵 We look forward to your reservations😊🎶 📅 Date: Saturday, October 4 📍 Venue: Myohoji Temple (4-1-3 Nakanomachi Higashi, Sakai Ward, Sakai City) 🕣 Meeting time: 3:50 PM 💴 Fee: ¥5,000 ・ ¥5,100 with rental mat 💁‍♀️ Instructor: Hiroko Izumi, hive terrace The moon’s phases, such as the new moon and full moon, are deeply connected to the rhythms of nature. By practicing yoga with awareness of the moon’s rhythm, you can gently turn inward and cultivate a sense of harmony with nature. For details, search “Sakai Moon Viewing Yoga” (＊)🔍 ＊The schedule is set to the moonrise time, but visibility of the moon is not guaranteed due to weather conditions. https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/tourism/detail/199...

Kotobuki-dou Confectionery On this day, foodie Kasai followed the usual sweet aroma and dropped into Kotobuki-dou! My host that day was Mr. Takemura. The shop has been in business for about 64 years. Kotobuki-dou is locally famous for ankoro mochi, dango, and salted monaka. This ankoro mochi often appears at funerals around the Suwa area. Although I was born and raised in Suwa, I’ve rarely heard of an Otsukimi (moon-viewing) tradition here. I have heard of ohagi and botamochi, though. Foodie Kasai bought a roll cake, daifuku, and dango. The sliced roll had a gentle, high-quality fresh cream and that day it included chestnut, which made it irresistibly delicious. The daifuku had mildly sweet anko and soft mochi; each piece was bite-sized, so it’s recommended for women as well. The dango’s mitarashi glaze was perfect, coating each dumpling nicely; they’re bite-sized and easy to grab. The foodie was also tempted by the apple cake in the showcase. It wasn’t in the showcase that day, but my gourmet mentor “Satchan” at the station information desk highly recommends the cream puffs as exceptional, so everyone should try them if they get the chance! Mr. Takemura’s top picks were ankoro mochi, dango, and salted monaka. ◎ Kotobuki-dou Confectionery 📍 2-1-17 Suwa, Suwa City ☎ 0266-52-2555 ◎ Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:30 ◎ Regular holidays: January 1st; irregular holidays (closed once a month) ◎ Parking: 2 spaces (one in front of the house next to the shop and the other at the very front on the right side of the parking area across the street from the shop entrance.) Today, Gluttony Kasai went to Kotobuki-dou. Mr. Takemura introduced me to Kotobuki-dou. Kotobuki-dou is famous for ankoro mochi, dango, and salted monaka. I saw ankoro mochi at a funeral. This regional custom persists around the Suwa area. Also, in this area I don’t hear much about Otsukimi (moon viewing). That day I bought daifuku, a roll cake, and dango. The roll cake wasn’t too sweet; the cream was smooth and soft. The daifuku wasn’t too sweet either and came in bite-sized portions, so it’s easy for children and women to eat. The dango were also bite-sized; the mitarashi sauce matched them perfectly. Hmmm… so good! I was curious about the apple cake too. My gourmet mentor “Satchan” recommended the cream puffs, but they weren’t available that day. I’ll try them another day! Mr. Takemura’s recommendations are daifuku, dango, and salted monaka. ◎ Sweets place Kotobuki-dou ◎ 2-1-17 Suwa, Suwa City ☎ 0266-52-2555 ◎ Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:30 ◎ Regular holiday: January 1st; irregular holiday (closed once a month) ◎ Parking: 2 cars (please see pictures 10 and 11)

Today, June 16th, is "Japanese Sweets Day"! Introducing Japanese sweets and famous confectionery originating in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. (1) Milk Dango ・ Nostalgic taste that has not changed since the old days A Commitment Gastronomical delicacies made by mixing mochi powder, sugar, Water candy, honey, etc. on a milk base without using a single drop of Water. The nostalgic taste that has not changed since ancient times is popular. Milk Dango is manufactured and sold by Izumi Kowado, a long-established Japanese confectionery store located in Shobara City in northeastern Hiroshima Prefecture. It was released in Showa 9, and since winning a prize at the National Confectionery Grand Competition, it has won numerous honors in various places. It is no exaggeration to say that Shobara's Souvenirs are milk dango, and they have been loved for a long time as a front line. Please enjoy such milk dango as an accompaniment to Tea and danran. (2) Onbashi ・ Famous confectionery raised in Tojo Town that reminds me of Teishaku Gorge Enjodo's "Male Bridge" is derived from the natural bridge "Male Bridge of Teishaku Gorge" in Tojo Town, Shobara City. It is a two-layered confectionery reminiscent of a stone bridge. Underneath, moist cookie dough. On top is a sweet Famous Confectionery raised in Tojo Town with caramel and almond slices on top. At Enjodo, the best Ingredients are carefully selected and examined, and we try to bring out the original taste of confectionery by kneading techniques without using any [artificial synthetic coloring], [chemical synthetic preservatives], [additives such as bleach], etc. (3) Takeya Manju ・ Gentle taste that has continued since the Edo period Shobara City Tojo is proud of its Famous Confectionery of Takeya Manju. Takeya Manju Honpo started making buns in the Edo period. Since its founding, its signature products have been Sake Manju and Takeya Manju made with koji. Sake Manju is made from sake with clean water, and even if you take a bite, it has a gentle taste that you can't think of as a Sake Manju. Since it does not use additives, it can be safely eaten by children and the elderly. (4) Hibagon egg ・ A unique famous confectionery bearing the name "Hibagon" Famous confectionery "Hibagon no Tamago" created by love for the Township. In 1970, when Hibagon was spotted, the confectionery shop "Daikokudo" released "Hibagon Manju". Then, in 2003, I heard rumors of a merger Town/Village city due to the influence of the great merger of the Heisei era, and Squid I thought that "Hibagun" might disappear, so I developed and released "Hibagon no Tamago". It is a three-layered confectionery that imitates an egg consisting of "shell", "white meat", and "yolk". The "shell" consists of cocoa flavor, the "white meat" consists of white bean paste with condensed milk, and the "yolk" consists of yellow bean paste with sweet potato. Along with the appearance, the taste is also very popular. (5) Tabusa Yokan ・Yokan made in the town of Soryo with an elegant taste Carefully selected Hokkaido azuki beans are luxuriously used and carefully made over two days, and the original taste and aroma of azuki beans are brought out with delicious water unique to the countryside. "Taso" is the old place name of the current Soryo Town, and in the Showa era, it was merged with the neighboring Ryōkeson Village to become the Soryo Town, and the place name of Taso disappeared. Tagan Yokan is a confectionery that retains its ancient place name, and is a signature product with a history of more than 130 years, and is a traditional Famous Confectionery. Shobara Sightseeing Navi HP is here ▽ https://www.shobara-info.com/3708...

Taisha Senbei Suwa Shop On this day, foodie Kawanishi was drawn in by a sweet aroma and visited Taisha Senbei Suwa Shop. Since childhood, foodie Kawanishi has loved Taisha Senbei’s peanut senbei and castella senbei; they are among his favorite treats. Despite being busy, Mrs. Sasaki, wife of President Sasaki, spoke with foodie Kawanishi. Taisha Senbei’s history began with its founding in Shimosuwa Town near the end of the Taisho era, and the shop moved to Suwa City in 1955. The Suwa Confectioners’ Association roster from 2011 lists the founding year as Taisho 10 (1921), but the source of that information seems unclear. Still, you get the sense that Taisha Senbei belongs to Suwa. When people hear Taisha Senbei, don’t they picture the peanut senbei? Actually, the first item sold as Taisha Senbei seems to have been the castella senbei (unofficial). The peanut senbei bears the name “Taisha” on the snack itself, so people naturally imagine Taisha Senbei means peanut senbei. That’s not the case. At first, castella senbei was the product known as Taisha Senbei. Both peanut senbei and castella senbei have been popular signature items since the founding. I learned this only after hearing the story myself! Taisha Senbei’s origin story says the founder had a close relationship with the chief priest of Suwa Taisha’s Lower Shrine at the time. The priest asked the founder to make distributable treats that parishioners could receive during the Onbashira festival. The senbei the shop then made, called Asahi Senbei (today’s castella senbei), was allowed to be called “Taisha Senbei,” and so Taisha Senbei was born. I was deeply moved to finally learn the origin of a name I had wondered about since childhood. The recipes for Taisha Senbei are fixed in their basic proportions, but the craftsmen adjust them daily according to the season, temperature, and humidity. I believe this deep trust in the artisans is why Taisha Senbei has been loved in Suwa for so long. Taisha Senbei’s recommended products are, of course, all of their offerings, but one item that especially caught my eye was the salted yokan with walnuts. They use large walnuts so generously that you can plainly see big chunks of walnut with the naked eye. It’s a must-buy souvenir for walnut lovers!!! The tourist association reports that visitors from other prefectures often buy Taisha Senbei as souvenirs in Suwa, and the taste prompts questions like “Can this be bought online or at department stores?” That’s how popular it is. When you visit Suwa, please pick some up as a souvenir!!! ◎ Taisha Senbei Suwa Shop 📍 5320-9 Nakasu, Suwa City ☎ 0266-53-2777 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 – 17:15 ◎ Closed: Sundays ◎ Parking: About 10 spaces in front of the shop ◎ Website: http://taisyasenbei.jp//

We will hold a grand tea gathering where you can enjoy Sakai’s diverse charms and performances by artists connected to Sakai 🍵🍡🎶 Would you like to spend a special time experiencing Sakai’s spirit of hospitality at the Osaka-Kansai Expo? 😊 Not only can you enjoy tea service by the three Sen families and sweets from long-established wagashi shops, but you can also relax to pleasant music by artists with ties to Sakai 🍵🍡🎶 📅 Period: Saturday, May 10 – Tuesday, May 13 🏠 Venue: Osaka-Kansai Expo Pop-up Stage South and Gallery EAST 🔴 Participation: A numbered ticket (first-come, first-served) is required for the tea ceremony and meditation experience at Gallery EAST. 💰 Cost: Free 🔍 For event details, search “Sakai Expo”! 🌟 During the event, we will run a campaign giving wagashi from Sakai’s long-established confectioners on the spot to those who post photos of the Sakai event on social media with #matchasakai #japaneseculture.‼️ Please post and enjoy Sakai’s delicious wagashi 😋🍡 ・Maruichi Kashiho ( @maruichikashiho ) ・Kaan Satoya ( @satoya._ ) ・Hosen Kashipo ( @takamotimoti ) ・Hamadera Mochi Kagetsudo ・Okashi Tsukasa Tenjinmochi ( @tenjinmochi ) ・Okayoshi Mishoan 🌟 Also, if you scan the QR code for SAKAI TICKET at the venue with your smartphone, you can enter a lottery to win digital coupons usable in Sakai City‼️If you’re lucky, you might win a 10,000-yen subsidy voucher usable at hotels in Sakai City⁉️There are no losing entries—everyone wins something—so please join us 🤗 🔍 Also check the “Sakai Tourism Guide Expo Special Site (If you came to the Expo, come to Sakai too)”! We look forward to your visit 😄

Osaka–Kansai Expo: Live Wagashi Demonstrations🍡 At the Osaka–Kansai Expo EXPO Messe, we present live demonstrations of wagashi, sweets that developed alongside the tea ceremony culture.😋🍡 Skilled confectioners from wagashi shops in Sakai City will be making sweets on site for you to watch.✨ Each shop will also offer many of their popular items, so if you visit the Expo venue, please stop by.🎵 📅 Schedule: Saturday, May 10 — Tenjinmochi 9:00–21:00 Sunday, May 11 — Minoya 9:00–16:00 🔴 Registration: No advance registration required (limited quantities available) Anyone attending the Osaka–Kansai Expo EXPO Messe is welcome to join.😊 🏠 Location: Osaka–Kansai Expo EXPO Messe You can also purchase each shop’s products in Sakai City, so please consider visiting Sakai.🎶 🔍 For event details, search for “Re‐Discover”! 🔍 For information on each shop, search “Tenjinmochi” and “Minoya”! 🔍 Also be sure to check the Sakai Tourism Guide Expo Special Site (If you’re coming to the Expo, come to Sakai too)! We look forward to welcoming you all.😄

📢 The “Futari Demo Sakai” Campaign Is Here!💑✨ Starting Friday, March 14, Sakai City kicks off the “Futari Demo Sakai” campaign!🎯🚶‍♂️ Enjoy plenty of activities made for pairs, from journeys decided by dart throws to special Sakai-only experiences💛🎉 📅 Period: Friday, March 14 – Saturday, May 31 ✅ Free to participate 🆓 ✅ No reservation required 📆✖️ ✅ Chances to win prizes!🎁 🔍 For details, visit the Sakai tourism guide website and search “Futari Demo Sakai”! 💡 Campaign Highlights 1. Dart Trip Let fate choose your destination! Visit spots while taking on quizzes along the way🎯 Answer all questions at a spot correctly to earn a chance to play a prize-winning dart game✨ 2. Special Experiences Try Sakai cultural activities like wagashi (Japanese confection) making and tea ceremony experiences🍵 3. Digital Stamp Rally Visit any 4 of the 7 spots to enter a lottery for prizes🎁 4. Share Campaign Post photos or videos of your pair trip in Sakai on Instagram with both hashtags #futari_demo_sakai and #futari_tabi! 🏯💑💫 Five winners will be chosen by lottery from those who post to receive lovely prizes!🎁 Share your memories and join the campaign!📲✨ We have posted a reel video for this campaign on our official Instagram and Facebook. Please take a look👀

Exploring Japan goes beyond just stunning landscapes; it’s a journey steeped in rich traditions. Experiencing traditional Japanese style tea ceremony and making Wagashi with friends in Kimono or Yukata is just a wonderful experience which I will remember my whole life. This is the other side of cool Japan beyond the Natural beauty and mouth watering food. We enjoyed it in Asakusa area of Tokyo.

Hello! This is the Yamaga Onsen Tourism Association. Yamaga Onsen is a famous hot spring in northern Kumamoto Prefecture with a history of over 1,300 years. Its waters are characterized by alkaline simple hot spring quality, known for enhancing skin beauty. The water is clear and colorless, tasteless and odorless, with temperatures ranging from 39 to 45°C. This account will share recommendations and the latest information about Yamaga Onsen, so please follow us! ◆About Yamaga Onsen, Kumamoto Prefecture You can enjoy flowing-only (gensen-kakenagashi) hot spring water at many inns, and there are plenty of outdoor baths and family baths available for day use, making the area beloved by both visitors and locals. The town offers a historic atmosphere, and popular sights include Yachiyoza Theater and the Buzen Highway. ◆Access to Yamaga Onsen Yamaga Onsen is conveniently accessible from Fukuoka. By car: Take the Kyushu Expressway and exit at Kikusui IC or Ueki Interchange; it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Fukuoka City. By bus: Take the Hinokuni Bus from Fukuoka Tenjin to Yamaga Bus Center, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the bus center, hot springs and attractions are within walking distance. ◆History of Yamaga Onsen Yamaga has long been a hot spring town. In the Edo Period it prospered as a post town along the Buzen Highway, where many travelers stopped for healing baths. In the Meiji Era the playhouse Yachiyoza was built, adding cultural appeal to the hot spring area. Today, the town continues to enchant many visitors as a hot spring town where history and tradition live on. ◆Popular attractions in Yamaga Onsen ・Buzen Highway The Buzen Highway runs through the heart of Yamaga Onsen and preserves the historic streetscape of an Edo Period post town. Along the cobblestone road you will find white-walled townhouses and old folk houses, perfect for a stroll through a retro atmosphere. Cafes and souvenir shops dot the area, making it an ideal spot to buy local specialties. ・Sakura-yu Hot Spring Sakura-yu, a symbol of Yamaga Onsen, is a public bathhouse with roots in the Edo Period. It was restored in 2012 as one of Kyushu’s largest wooden hot springs using traditional Japanese construction methods. The spacious main bath retains the charm of wooden architecture and offers flowing-only hot spring water. It’s an easy place to enjoy a soak between sightseeing. ・Yachiyoza Theater Built in 1910 (Meiji 43), Yachiyoza Theater was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1988 (Showa 63). It features lavish ceiling paintings and a revolving stage, and performances are still held today. You can tour the interior and experience the atmosphere of this historic theater. ・Yamaga Lantern Folk Art Museum This facility exhibits Yamaga City’s traditional craft, the Yamaga lantern. Inside, you can admire the beauty of gold lanterns made from delicate Japanese paper and learn about their production process. ・Kongojoji Temple / Stone Gate Kongojoji Temple, with a history of 1,300 years, features an imposing Stone Gate that evokes foreign lands. ◆Local specialties and souvenirs of Yamaga Onsen ・Lantern Monaka Lantern Monaka is a signature confection of Yamaga Onsen shaped like a gold lantern. Its crispy wafer shell is filled with delicately sweet red bean paste, making it a popular souvenir. ・Yamaga Yokan Made in the traditional way, Yamaga Yokan is known for its gentle sweetness and moist texture. It pairs well with green tea or coffee and is a welcome gift. ◆Events and festivals at Yamaga Onsen ・Yamaga Lantern Festival Held annually on August 15 and 16, the Yamaga Lantern Festival is one of Kyushu’s premier summer events, when the whole town glows with mystical light. The Thousand Lantern Dancers, where more than a thousand performers dance gracefully, is a breathtaking sight. ・Yamaga Lantern Romance: A Hundred Flowers, A Hundred Lights Held every winter, Yamaga Lantern Romance: A Hundred Flowers, A Hundred Lights welcomes visitors with enchanting lights created from Japanese umbrellas and bamboo installations along the historic streets. The Buzen Highway is illuminated at night, offering photogenic scenes unlike any other time of year. ◆Enjoy Yamaga Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture Yamaga Onsen is a hot spring town known for waters that beautify the skin and for its historic attractions. In addition to overnight stays, there are many outdoor baths and family baths available for day visitors, and the area consistently ranks highly on hot spring lists. Beyond the baths, Yamaga Onsen offers diverse pleasures—local cuisine, traditional crafts, and festivals—so please come and visit.

2024.12.03 Maruyasu Tanakaya Main Store Once again, Kasai — a self-confessed foodie — was lured by the sweet aroma and paid a visit to Maruyasu Tanakaya's main store. Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Tsuchihashi, the company's Managing Director, kindly spoke with us. The main store sits near Lake Suwa, and they also operate a Kamisuwa Ekimae store near Kami-Suwa Station, giving them two locations in Suwa City. Maruyasu Tanakaya began in 1929 in front of Kami-Suwa Station. This year marks their 95th anniversary, making them a confectionery and cake shop with a proud history. When you think of Maruyasu Tanakaya, the Cheesecake Entremet, available by mail order, comes to mind! Beauty advisor Chizu Saeki helped bring it wider recognition. The Cheesecake Entremet itself has been a beloved flagship product for 40 years. They offer nationwide shipping, so people across Japan can enjoy it. Although Maruyasu Tanakaya is strongly associated with Western-style confections, they originally made Japanese sweets. The yokan (sweet bean jelly) preserves recipes from those early days. Because they previously supplied azuki beans and rice, they make yokan from carefully selected azuki beans—please enjoy it as well! Mr. Tsuchihashi's top recommendation is "Shinano no Kuni" — a butter castella sponge cake studded with chopped chestnuts and coated in a refreshing lemon cream. Named after the prefectural song "Shinano no Kuni," it has been loved for about 50 years. On the side of the wrapping paper you can even see the old provincial name 'Jūshū' (literally 'Ten Provinces'), a reference to the line 'Shinano no kuni wa jūshū ni…' from the prefectural song. I love that packaging so much that I even use the previous design as teaching material (laughs). Maruyasu Tanakaya offers many sweets and has a seating area. Come and enjoy tea time with friends and savor their treats. ★ Maruyasu Tanakaya Main Store 📍 3-1421-1 Takashima, Suwa-shi, Nagano Prefecture ☎ 0266-52-0126 ◎ Business hours: 10:00 – 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Closed on Wednesdays ◎ Online shop: https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp/products/list... ◎ Homepage: https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp// They have another branch close to Kami-Suwa Station. They started in 1929, so this year is their 95th anniversary. Many Japanese traditional sweets shops have long histories. On this day, Mr. Tsuchihashi, the Managing Director, talked with me. Their shop’s famous product is Cheesecake Entremet. It has been loved for 40 years. Numerous media and magazines have spotlighted the Cheesecake Entremet. They operate an online shop and offer nationwide shipping, so please enjoy it at home. I had pictured Maruyasu Tanakaya making Western-style sweets like the Cheesecake Entremet, but I was mistaken. At the beginning, the shop produced Japanese traditional sweets. The yokan remains as it was back then. Mr. Tsuchihashi’s recommendation is Shinano no Kuni. It is a butter sponge cake with finely chopped chestnuts inside, finished with lemon cream on the outside. Sounds delicious, right? Absolutely! They offer many kinds of sweets. If you visit Suwa City, please try them—I’m sure you’ll like them! ★ Maruyasu Tanakaya Main Branch 3-1421-1 Takashima, Suwa-shi, Nagano Prefecture ☎ 0266-52-0126 ◎ Business hours: 10:00 – 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Closed on Wednesdays ◎ Online shop: https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp/products/list... ◎ Homepage: https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp// https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp/products/list... https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp//

Nov. 27th in 2024 Today, the gluttonous Kasai went to a Japanese sweets shop for research again!!! It's Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch! But, everyone, do you notice anything in the pictures? Look! Look!!! I was so excited to go to Engetsu-dou that I forgot to take a picture of the shop's exterior... I'm really driven by my appetite... I'm ashamed... I'll make sure to do it next time! I spoke with Mrs. Katagiri, the proprietress of Engetsu-dou Hompo! It seems that they started with a different shop name 78 years ago (Showa 21), before it became Engetsu-dou. At first, it was in front of Kamisuwa Station! Four years later, they expanded to Kowada, and eight years after that, to Shimizu. Now, they have the Shimizu store and this Fukushima store, which opened in 1992, offering Japanese sweets at two stores in the city!!! The proprietress's recommendations are the revived "Kojou Monaka" and "Kabuto Monaka"!!! There are about four types of Monaka, and there are many different kinds. According to the proprietress, "Each Japanese sweets shop has a different red bean paste, so it's fun to try and find your favorite!" Also, she said "Recently, the number of foreign customers has been increasing little by little, and I think they may be paying attention to red bean paste because it is lower in calories than Western-style cream." ◎ Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch 📍Nakasu-Fukushima, 5398-1 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-58-1547 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Shimizu and Fukushima stores, every Tuesday ◎ Engetsu-dou Hompo Shimizu branch 📍Shimizu 1-2-12 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-52-1543 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00 Nov. 27th in 2024 Today I went to Engetsu-dou Hompo which is Japanese traditional sweets (Wagashi) shop in Suwa city! “Wa” means Japan. “Gashi” means sweets. So, Japanese traditional sweets call Wagashi? They have two shops in Suwa, Shimizu-machi area and Fukujima area. I went to Fukujima location. Don’t you notice about pictures??? Did you? I was focus for Wagashi… That’s why I forgot to take a picture about Engetsu-dou’s exterior… That’s big mistake! Horrible!!! I’m so sorry about that. I’m gluttony. Wagashi was right front of me, I lost from Wagashi’s temptation. So, I forgot took the shop’s exterior photo… Ms. Katagiri (landlady) introduce her shop and Wagashi. They founded in 1946. About 78 years. The shop was front of Kamisuwa station. They started with the different name of the shop. It became Engetsu-dou in 1950. Shimizu-machi branch opened in 1958. Fukujima branch opened in 1992. I asked her, “what is your recommendation Wagashi?” She told me Kojou Monaka and Kabuto Monaka. Monaka is a Japanese sweet that is bean‐jam‐filled wafers. Also, she said “You can enjoy Wagashi every season, and each shop has original sweetened red bean paste. So, you can enjoy to find your favorite shop. Now, gradually increasing foreign customers. I think they realized Wagashi is less than calories compare to cake.” ★ Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch 📍Nakasu-Fukushima, 5398-1 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-58-1547 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Shimizu and Fukushima stores, every Tuesday ★ Engetsu-dou Hompo Shimizu branch 📍Shimizu 1-2-12 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-52-1543 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00

Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) Japanese Sweets Making Experience Learn about Japanese food culture Wagashi plays an important role in learning about Japanese food culture. Beautiful appearance By making them beautifully, such as in the shape of seasonal flowers, you can enjoy not only the taste but also the appearance. As a samurai, I must strengthen my character from the experience of making traditional cultural wagashi. I must continue to perfect my spirit.

That day, greedy Kawanishi visited a wagashi shop he had long been curious about! It was Koshido, located in Suehiro, Suwa. I spoke with President Kurita. To my surprise, this long-established wagashi shop has been in business for 99 years since Taisho 14 (1925). The current president appears to be the third generation. By chance, five days before my visit, a local newspaper ran a story saying students from Suwa Jitsugyo High School had designed the shop’s classic packaging and stickers. Even amid such history, I was charmed by this flexible approach and arranged an appointment. According to the president, the Suwa Confectioners’ Association once included 60–70 shops, and many were in the city, but now only 17 remain. I want to cherish the wagashi culture left by earlier generations and pass it on. I personally love anko (sweet red bean paste), so I’ve always liked wagashi. That day I learned that wagashi can be enjoyed in every season, and I gained new insights!!! In spring there are sakura-mochi and kashiwa-mochi; for the equinoctial week there are botamochi and ohagi; in autumn there are inoko-mochi and tsutsugayu, and more. I hope to introduce these delicate and delicious wagashi to everyone! ◎ Koshido 📍 Suehiro 12-12-9, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture ☎ 0266-52-0920 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 – 18:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Closed Wednesdays ◎ Online shop: www.okashi-net.com/mall/koshido/ That day, I went to Koshido, a traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Suwa. Mr. Kurita is the shop’s president and craftsman. The shop has been open for 99 years, and he is the third generation. On November 9th, I saw a newspaper article about the shop: students from Suwa Jitsugyo High School designed stickers for the product. He told me that long ago there were 60–70 wagashi shops in Suwa city, but now only 17 remain. I feel it’s important to preserve this great tradition for future generations. I didn’t know wagashi could be enjoyed across the four seasons! It’s true. In autumn there are dango, inoko-mochi, and tsutsugayu; in spring there are sakura-mochi and kashiwa-mochi, among others. I still have much to learn about traditional Japanese sweets, and I will continue to write about seasonal wagashi from now on! ◎ KOSHIDO 📍 Suehiro 12-12-9, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan ◎ Tel: 0266-52-0920 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 – 18:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Closed on Wednesdays ◎ Online shop: www.okashi-net.com/mall/koshido/

Autumn 🍂 to taste with the eyes and tongue

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho specialty souvenir: Hanameguri (yokan and yuzu yokan) Hanameguri is a handmade yokan made from Gokase-grown azuki beans that are slowly simmered over time and carefully kneaded by hand for many hours. You can taste the full flavor of the azuki beans, and the exquisite balance of sweetness and saltiness reveals a profound flavor that opens your eyes the moment you bite into it. Enjoy a peaceful moment with this Gokasecho specialty paired with the rare kama-iri tea, a local prized tea.

Japanese Garden "Mihamaen" A Japanese Garden in Makuhari Seaside Park with an area of about 1.6 hectares. In the pond spring circulation Garden, mountains, rivers, seas, forests, etc. are expressed, and you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. It has a reputation for being able to easily experience Japanese culture. At the authentic tea house "Shoreitei", which is built in a number of strange houses, you can overlook the proud Garden and spend a relaxing time while enjoying seasonal Japanese sweets from Chiba long-established stores and matcha tea for a fee from long-established stores in Kyoto. You can also enjoy the experience of feeding beautiful carp that swim gracefully in the pond in the garden. Paid / Closed in winter In addition, there are plenty of events where you can easily experience Japanese culture. A variety of events are held, such as koto concerts and guided tours of gardens and tea rooms, so if you would like to participate, please check the official website. If you are staying near Kaihin Makuhari Station, it is within walking distance, so please extend your visit! ■ Business hours: 8:00-17:00 ■ Closed: Yes please check the website Fee: ・Admission fee: 100 yen for Adult, 50 yen for elementary, junior high and high school students * If you are 65 years old or older, admission is free upon presentation of your ID. * Matcha with Japanese sweets 700 yen for 1 cup sweets change depending on the season ■ Access: By < train> About a 10-minute walk from the south exit of Kaihin Makuhari Station on the JR Keiyo Line <By car> From Tokyo Approximately 7 minutes after exiting the Higashi-Kando "Wangan Narashino IC" 　　　　　　　 About 5 minutes after exiting the Higashikando "Wangan Chiba IC" from the Chiba direction ■Address: 2-116 Hibino, Mihama-ku, Chiba City

It's Hoha-maki season!! "Hooba maki" is a Japanese confectionery made by wrapping bean paste in a rice cake made by kneading rice flour, wrapping it in magnolia leaves, and steaming it. In Kiso, it has been made since ancient times as a celebratory mochi for the Dragon Boat Festival, which is held on June 5. It is made using twigs with several leaves attached to one tree as it is, so it has a different appearance and is appreciated as a Souvenirs. It is sold at many confectionery stores from mid ~ end of May every year. There are also people who come from far away in search of hooba rolls. It is available until mid-July, so if you come to Kiso this season, please try it at least once! Please refer to the following for Kiso dealers. It is also Publication on the seasonal Information on the Home page "Kiso Valley Rippu", so please take a look. [Dealer] ♦ Shiojiri City Tea House "Kodemari" 0264-34-3072 　　　　Roadside Station "Kiso Narakawa" 0264-34-3888 　　　　Tezukara 0264-34-3236 ♦ Kiso village Kitahara Confectionery 0264-36-2069 　　　　Buckwheat 0264-24-0188 　　　　Roadside Station "Kiso River Headwaters Village Kisomura" 0264-36-1050 ♦ Kiso town Roadside Station "Hiyoshi Kiso Koma Kogen" 0264-23-3644 　　　　Sweets Tsukasa Taguchi 0264-22-2023 　　　　Omuraya 0264-22-2841 　　　　Orihashi Confectionery 0264-22-2421 　　　　Confectionery 0264-22-2134 　　　　Sweets Priest Horaiya 0264-22-2372 　　　　Confectionery Brewery Yoshishiro 　　　Ohashi Confectionery 0264-22-4800 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　0264-22-2413 　　　　Roadside Station "Kiso Fukushima" 0264-21-1818 　　　　Roadside Station "Sangaku" 0264-46-3677 　　　　Farmer's Market "Saisaikan" 0264-42-1360 ♦ Otaki village Himeya 0264-48-2020 ♦ Agematsu town Agematsu town Specialty Products Development Center Use Union 0264-52-1505 　　　　Washin 0264-52-5588 　　　　Cafeteria Nakamura 0264-52-2183 　　　　Hokodo 0264-52-4648 ♦ Okuwa Village Roadside Station "Okuwa" 0264-55-4192 　　　　Yoneko Okuwa 0264-55-3633 　　　　Michikusa 050-2006-2025 　　　　Traditional Japanese straw raincoat 0264-55-4380 　　　　Wood sawing village 0264-55-2900 ♦ Nagiso Town Toyama Confectionery 0264-57-2209 　　　　　Tsutaya Confectionery 0264–57-2069 　　　　　Ebiya 0264-57-3054 　　　　　Sawadaya 0264-57-2272 　　　　　Chokane Sawadaya Tsumago 0264-57-3268 ♦ Nakatsugawa City Roadside Station "Shizumo" 0573-75-5255

Atami Ginza Shopping Street Once the bustling heart of Atami, the Ginza Street drew many visitors to the town center. At the corner of the shopping street’s entrance intersection stands the Atami Chamber of Commerce & Industry, housed in a building that operated as a bank until 1975. Its solid, retro façade preserves the atmosphere of that era. Stroll down the Ginza Shopping Street and you’ll encounter sights unchanged from the past: dried fish hanging under the eaves, a coffee shop still running in Showa-era style, and long-established wagashi confectioners. Recently, the street has welcomed restaurants popular for seafood, cafes using local ingredients, sweets shops such as Atami Pudding, matcha at Atami Satori Main Store, the premium Mont Blanc shop Silk kiito, and gelato shops. Guesthouses offering interaction between locals and travelers have also opened, giving the street a renewed, renovated feel. Address / 〒413-0013 Ginzacho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Access / About a 20-minute walk from atami station

Japanese sweets that have stores in the basement of famous department stores nationwide: Taneya and Western confectionery: Club Harrie's headquarters is "La Colina" in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture. On a site that is 10 times larger than the Koshien Stadium Ground, there are restaurants and direct sales shops scattered along the corridor that connects the buildings, as well as balmkuchen demonstration sales and dorayaki demonstration sales, which are all covered with greenery, and there are fields along the corridor that connects the buildings. There are many limited items such as expiration date that are not found in other stores. There is also a tourist attraction Hachiman-dug in the immediate vicinity, so when you come to Lake Biwa for sightseeing, why not stop by to eat delicious sweets?

Kyoto Gion Food Walk

Ehime Nakai, mother Megumi. The season-limited honey lemon flavor is different from the traditional original flavor, with a light lemon aroma. The filling is moist, sweet and sour, and when paired with a cup of hot green tea, it accentuates the lemon flavor from the Seto Inland Sea.

I thought it looked delicious because it was a Choshi specialty, so I came to "Sanoya"! If you eat red bean paste and white bean paste and put freshly baked bean paste in your mouth, it will be too hot and burn you 🥵 lol. But there were so many bean pastes and they were so delicious!

[English/Japanese] Mitsuhashi", a store specializing in natto sweetened fermented soybeans, is a 15-minute walk from the school. Kanro natto is a Japanese sweet made by boiling down beans in molasses and sprinkling sugar on them. Mitsubashi's natto is very carefully made and has an elegant taste. When I talked about natto to foreign students, they all reacted to the word "natto" and made a disgusted face. There are so many foreigners who do not like natto. But when I explain it properly, they all say they would love to try it. Since there are many bean snacks in Southeast Asia, they are interested in kanro natto. They don't sell kanro natto in midsummer, so if you are interested in kanro natto, please go there before summer. A 15-minute walk from the school is Mitsubashi, a honeydew natto specialty store. Honeydew natto is a Japanese confectionery made by boiling beans in molasses and sprinkling them with sugar. Mitsubashi's honeydew natto was made very carefully and tasted elegant. When I talk to international students about honeydew natto, they react to the word "natto" and make disgusted faces. There are so many foreigners who don't like natto. However, if you explain it properly, everyone will definitely want to try it. There are many bean sweets in Southeast Asia, so they are worried about honeydew natto. It seems that honeydew natto is not sold in midsummer, so if you are interested, please go there before summer.