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)

Photographed on June 21, 25. CAFE ANDON's café au lait and lemon Butter sandwich. Lemon Butter Sandwich and coffee go well together. 🍋☕️

Warm compassion in a single skewer The owner of the storefront who stopped by suddenly. When you ask for mochi, they ask you how much you favorite, such as the amount of mitarashi and kina flour. A shop where you can talk kindly and cheerfully to school trip students, feel the care for customers, and enjoy mochi and smiles.

〈Enjoying Teshikaga〉Local Specialties Edition Teshikaga offers many fine and delicious local specialties. When you travel to Teshikaga, be sure to check them out. This time, we introduce spots where you can pick up those specialties. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/?cats=651%2C662...

🍑Toyooka Village Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan (Peach)– 🚴‍♀️ Enjoy a rewarding ride wrapped in Shinshu’s nature, feeling the breeze as you go. On the Toyooka Village Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan – local guides lead you to relish the village’s scenic charms and seasonal flavors. The seasonal fruit for summer is “peach”! After cycling along roads lined with orchards, take a break with a special dessert made lavishly with peaches. The juicy, sweet aroma of peach fills the dessert, offering a blissful treat you can only taste here. Tour Information ■Meeting Time 12:50 PM ■Duration About 2 hours 30 minutes ■Distance Less than 10 km. The tour uses E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles). (No electric-assist bicycles for children are available.) Children who cannot ride a bicycle can use a carrier bike (weight limits and other restrictions apply). ■Group Size 2 to 5 people ※Participation as a single person or groups larger than five can also be discussed. ■Price Ages 3 and up: JPY 5,000 per person Ages 0–2: Free (please share the fruit and sweets with an accompanying adult) ※The above price applies when the fruit is “peach.” Prices vary depending on the fruit. ■Inquiries & Reservations Toyooka Tabijikan 0265-49-3395 (Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM) You can also see more details on the Toyooka Tabijikan website. https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/guide-tour/cycling-guide-tour-02/5975/...

Photographed 6/16/25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. Lemon coffee and semifred (ice cake) with caramel nuts. Coffee and lemon go well together. 🍋

On this day, foodie Kasai followed the usual sweet scent and dropped by @suwa_clover. The person who spoke with us that day was the owner, Komatsu. It seems clover has been here for about ten years. At first, his mother worked the register while Komatsu focused on baking. Now, he appears to handle everything on his own. The first and most striking thing when I entered was the huge variety of cookies!!! There are so many kinds of cookies. For a cookie lover like Kasai, it was pure bliss🍪🎶 When I asked why, the answer surprised me: “The reason is I love cookies!!!” Those words were so wonderful I felt time stop🤣 You can tell without being told that cookies made by a cookie‑loving owner are special🍪 Tarts are a must-try, but the cookies are top recommendations too!!! They also make message cookies, which are popular for people who find it hard to express feelings directly or as substitutes for retirement cards—many people place large reservation orders. And above all, the original cakes! If you look at clover’s website, you’ll see how beautiful the original cakes are!!! They’re almost too pretty to eat!!! They require a reservation, but if you provide a portrait or photo, they can make a custom order. How about a one‑and‑only original cake just for you!? One last insider note: the drip coffee is a completely original coffee chosen and prepared by a friend of owner Komatsu to pair with clover’s cakes. It’s a coffee they don’t serve anywhere else, so it’s a must for anyone who wants it☕!!! ◎ clover 📍 Suwa City, Kogandori 4-10-21 ☎ 0266-57-0374 ◎ Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:30–18:00 ◎ Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday ◎ Parking: About four spaces in front of the shop ◎ Website: https://suwa-clover.com//

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//

[That's why it's 🍦🍎 open] The ice cream shop "Yote Kassaiya" at the Roadside Station Kita Shinshu Yamauchi, which used to have a good night in winter, has been open 🍨 since April 26 The sundae topped with a sauce made with plenty of Locally Produced fruit and the Monkey Sundae topped with Soba cookies made with Local Soba flour are popular 🐵🍦 Seasonal soft serve ice cream has a different 🍦 flavor depending on the time of year It is said that 🍓🍑 peaches are next to strawberries It's going to be hot from now on, so come on! !️ !️ !️ * Therefore, what is Kashai ... In the dialect of the Hokushin region of Nagano Prefecture, stop by! It means

The 2nd Yamaga Waguri Sweets Fair [Trade Show] has begun! Yamaga City is the largest chestnut-producing area in western Japan. This season brings sweets made with those “Yamaga waguri” chestnuts. At each of 11 shops, you’ll find new items not sold last autumn or upgraded versions of previous offerings. Chestnut lovers, please visit each shop. Also, if you complete the survey, you’ll be entered into a draw to win “chestnut goods” and more. Pick up a brochure and be sure to apply. Event period: June 1, 2025 (Sunday) to June 30, 2025 (Monday) Search for “Yamaga waguri”!!

Photographed on June 1, 25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. It is a soy chai tea latte and an Earl Grey & orange scone sandwich.

At Rokka no Mori, Shirane-aoi, large-flowered Trillium, and anemone are in full bloom 😊 At the attached Rokka’ café (Rokkafe), you can enjoy freshly made Marusei butter sand, so please try one during tea time after strolling through the garden 🎵 📌 Rokka no Mori [Open Period] April 25, 2025 – October 26, 2025 [Opening Hours] ■ April, May, August, September, October 10:00–16:00 Shop: 10:30–16:00, Café: 11:00–16:00 (last order 15:30) ■ June, July 9:00–16:00 Shop: 9:30–16:00 Café: 11:00–16:00 (last order 15:30) [Admission] Adults ¥1,000, elementary and junior high school students ¥500 [Access] 🚗 About 40 minutes by car from Obihiro Station, about 20 minutes by car from Tokachi-Obihiro Airport, 🚌 About 1 hour by bus from Obihiro Station (get off at the nearest stop: Michi-no-Eki Nakasatsunai) From Michi-no-Eki Nakasatsunai it’s about a 15-minute walk, or rent a bicycle at Michi-no-Eki Nakasatsunai and cycle about 5 minutes https://www.rokkatei.co.jp/facilities/%E5%85%AD%E8%8A%B1%E3%81%AE%E6%A3%AE-...

Photographed on May 12, 25. LEC COFFEE's black latte and gateau fromage 🍊. 🍊 I'm happy because I like it 🍋. 😊

Photographed on May 12, 25. This is LEC COFFEE's gateau fromage. 🍊 🍊 ☕️ But it goes well with.

Photographed on April 9, 25. After the cherry blossom viewing, we visited Maestro of Resona Coedo Terrace. It is a café latte, matcha, and a new product An Butter Financier. An Butter Financier uses Essire Butter.

Introducing Arao’s sweet shops! Alongside delicious cakes, you’ll find sweets made with Arao’s local specialties and confections inspired by the city of Arao! Try to discover them for yourself. Patisserie Himaki They pride themselves not only on flavor but also on a wide variety of cakes and baked sweets made with Arao pears. Genre Sweets Address 2-3-1 Higashiyayakata, Arao City Phone 0968-64-7112 Business hours 10:00 – 20:00 Closed Thursday Parking 6 spaces Instagram https://www.instagram.com/patisserie_himaki?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==...

Photographed 5/1/25. After the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. It's a cappuccino cinnamon roll. Cinnamon rolls have gotten bigger, haven't they? 😊

Introducing Arao’s sweet shops! Alongside delicious cakes, you’ll find sweets made with Arao’s specialty products and confections inspired by Arao! Be sure to discover them. ◆European Confections MAEHIRO From classic to creative, we offer a wide range of sweets for many occasions. You’re sure to find a favorite. Address 2443-2 Arao, Arao City Phone 0968-62-1144 Hours 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Closed Wednesdays (may change for seasonal events) Parking Space available in front of the shop Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maehiro_cake?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==...

Arao’s food scene offers a rich variety! Families and friends alike will find plenty of flavors to love. Arao’s dining options range from specialty sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, and yakiniku restaurants to chic cafes and restaurants, plus numerous confectioneries and nightlife spots. After a day of fun, relax at your favorite spot. ~Maki Cafe~ A takeout shop on Greenland Street known for freshly made crepes, sweets, and café-style menu items. Genre Takeout-only cafe Address 827-2 Miyauchi, Arao City Phone 070-5400-7654 Hours 12:00 – 17:00 Closed Tuesdays (next day if a public holiday) plus one irregular day per month Parking 5 spaces Instagram https://www.instagram.com/makicafe_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==...

Photographed on April 7, 25. CAFE ANDON's Moke Chocolate and Strawberry Butter Sandwich. 🍓 On warm days, terrace seating is also good.

On April 26th I visited the Atami Pudding Kinomiya Station shop that opened the day before. The retro atmosphere of Kinomiya Station fits it perfectly. The first photo shows the Kinomiya-only “Mugikogashi Pudding.” I recommend it. ❤️ https://www.instagram.com/atami_kankou/...

Arao’s food scene offers a rich variety! Families and friends alike will find plenty of satisfying flavors. From specialty sushi bars, ramen shops, okonomiyaki and yakiniku restaurants to chic cafes and eateries, plus a wide selection of confectioneries and nighttime drinking spots, Arao’s gourmet options are abundant. After a day of fun, enjoy a meal at your favorite place. ~Sharara (Sharara)~ After a meal and a parfait, savor a gentle coffee brewed with a siphon. Genre Cafe Address 1107-3 Miyauchi, Arao City Phone 0968-64-3825 Hours 11:00 – 21:00 (Last order 20:30) Closed Mondays; if a public holiday falls on Monday, the next day will be observed Parking 25 spaces Capacity 40 people Official site https://sharara1985.com//

[Notice] Taramaru Square 2025 is now open! First phase: April 26–27, April 29 Second phase: May 3–5 At the Roadside Station event plaza See the image for vendor information ↓

Photographed on April 5, 25. This is LEC COFFEE's matcha tiramisu.

Photographed on April 15, 25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. It is an oat milk latte and a strawberry tart.

[Cycling Guided Tour - Fruit Sweets Plan] Yesterday we guided guests from India! We picked strawberries while cycling 🍓 The strawberries we picked were turned into sweets at the cafe♪ It seems you don’t often get to eat strawberries in India. The freshly picked, sweet strawberries 🍓 They looked very pleased with the sweets at the cafe. For information on the guided tour, see below: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/guide-tour/cycling-guide-tour-02/5975/... [Cycling Guided Tour - Fruit Sweets Plan] Yesterday, we guided a customer from India! We picked strawberries while cycling 🍓 The strawberries we picked were made into sweets at the cafe ♪ It seems that you can't eat strawberries very often in India. The freshly picked sweet strawberries 🍓 And they seemed very satisfied with the sweets at the cafe.

Introducing an experiential tour you can enjoy in Tokachi, Hokkaido 😄 —Enjoy with a strawberry farmer— A half-day strawberry-focused plan in Shikaoicho Farm Bell Veggy is a family-run farm where a husband and wife carefully grow and sell their home-grown strawberries. In this program, you’ll pick ripe strawberries grown energetically inside the greenhouse, then use your harvest to try making processed strawberry products and sweets. Farm Bell Veggy also operates a kitchen car selling food and drinks, so they know the best ways to enjoy their strawberries. This tour is a dream for sweet lovers, offering plenty of fresh strawberries to enjoy. Tour Schedule 13:30 Meet at Farm Bell Veggy 13:35 Program briefing and strawberry picking experience Enter the greenhouse where bright red strawberries grow. Harvest strawberries raised safely. 14:00 Strawberry jam-making experience Make jam from the strawberries you picked! 15:00 Pancake-making experience and tasting Make pancakes using fresh strawberries! Adding your own toppings makes the pancakes even more delicious. 16:30 Tour ends Operating period: Around late June to October Time: 13:30–16:30 (about 3 hours) Group size: 2–10 people (minimum 2 adults) Price: For 2 people (per person) Adult JPY 16,500, Elementary school student JPY 4,500 For 3 or more people (per person) Adult JPY 12,100, Elementary school student JPY 4,500 *With English interpretation, prices are as follows.* For 2 people (per person) Adult JPY 23,200, Elementary school student JPY 4,500 For 3 or more people (per person) Adult JPY 17,600, Elementary school student JPY 4,500 Please make a reservation at least 14 days before your desired date. Depending on guide availability, we may not be able to accommodate your preferred date. Thank you for your understanding. This is a great opportunity to meet and talk with the producers and learn about the behind-the-scenes of farming and food!! We hope this experience leads to new discoveries and perspectives, enriching your lifestyle. We would be delighted if a Tokachi experience became one page of your travel memories 😄 If you are interested, please visit the federation’s official website page “BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE —Journeys Connecting to the Roots of Food in Tokachi—” via the URL below! Contact KUNAU Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com

After the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. Cappuccino and JoKind Snoopy American Waffles.

【Events】 Saturday, March 22 【Tour of sweets shops in Ikeda Town】 will be ✨ held in One person 2000 yen Capacity: 20 people The application period is until Monday, March 17. Because it has become, Apply as soon as possible (^^) Ikeda Town's Exquisite Sweets It is ♪ a very nice Events The time is also snack time after lunch. Ikeda Town's Aroma Coffee Take a breather at the craft park Gari to serve ♪ You can Fun both Japanese sweets and Western sweets, so please take this opportunity to participate! ------------------------------------------- 〈Application〉 Ikeda Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry TEL　0261-62-5085 *Reception hours are Weekdays 9:00~17:00 -------------------------------------------

Akindo City♪ Today (the 21st) and tomorrow (the 22nd) for two days Roadside Station Iwanai marks the Hina Festival with a special offer Beniko plush normally ¥2,100 is now ¥1,800! Beniko pudding (Fujita Confectionery Shop) Normally ¥200, now ¥180!! This pudding was recently enjoyed by Ichiyamamoto Seki on HBC’s Taku⭐︎Aki Bura Research We look forward to seeing you 😊