Visited around 9:20 on December 18, 2021. Second visit in 8 years and 1 month. Japanese sweets that go into your body without any burden. The taste, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and balance of sweetness are exactly to my liking! Personally, I think this shop is the pinnacle among the Kashiokai stores. When you put it in your mouth, it feels like it melts away instantly. The sweetness and flavors linger in your mouth, but without any excessive feeling, it naturally goes into your body. A taste that can only be described as the epitome of sophistication. It's truly appreciated that you can purchase this confection without reservation or lining up. Items purchased: Yuki Mochi for 420 yen, Kinako Sweet Potato with Whole Bean Paste - smooth and melt-in-your-mouth sweet potato with whole bean paste inside. Exquisite taste and texture. Rakuyou for 400 yen, Hagiwara Double-Layer with Whole Bean Paste - the aroma of mugwort in the Hagiwara Double-Layer gives a pleasant rustic charm, yet there's nothing clumsy about it. The balance between the mugwort flavor and the firmly remaining bean paste is excellent. Kyogoshiko for 400 yen, White Bean Paste Coated with Agar - the inside is finely strained white bean paste, coated with agar. The smoothness of the strained bean paste, the texture of the beans, and the agar create an indescribable harmony. Total bill: 1,317 yen. Location: Turn left at Horikawa Nakatateuri and head west. Go north on Kuromon-dori, which is the third street from Nakatateuri-dori. It's on the left side in the direction you're going. About a 3-minute walk from Horikawa Nakatateuri bus stop. Kuromon-dori is a one-way street heading south, so you can't enter from Nakatateuri by car, so be careful! Shop situation and atmosphere: Traditional wooden building with a quaint charm (designated as a historically significant building in Kyoto City). No previous or subsequent customers. The female staff's service is simple and very pleasant. About Kashiokai: Japanese sweets, known as "Kamigashi," have been passed down to future generations as a refined taste and craftsmanship through their connection with the Imperial Palace, shrines, and temples, learning the elegance of the royal culture and exploring the roots of wabi-sabi through tea ceremony. During the Edo period, the "Kamigashiya Nakama," a gathering of confectionery artisans designated by the shogunate, contributed to the development of the confectionery industry. With the Meiji Restoration, the "Kamigashiya Nakama" was dissolved. The Kashiokai was formed to continue and develop this tradition. Over 100 years have passed, and it continues to this day. Kashiokai Member Stores (respectfully omitted, in alphabetical order) (December 2021) 18 stores: Kagi Zenryobo, Kameyahiro, Kamehiro Tamotsu, Kameya Kiyonaga, Kameya Mutsu, Kameya Yoshinaga, Kameya Yoshinaga, Kyokadoryuho, Sasayao Iori, Shioyoshiken, Shogatsu, Senfuku, Senbon Tamagokenshu, Chokudo, Tsuruya Yoshinobu, Nijo Wakasaya, Honke Tamagokenshu, Saitomachi Surugaya (2013) 20 stores: Kagi Zenryobo, Kameyahiro, Kamehiro Tamotsu, Kameya Kiyonaga, Kameya Mutsu, Kameya Yoshinaga, Kameya Yoshinaga, Kyokadoryuho, Sasayao Iori, Sanjo Wakasaya, Shioyoshiken, Shogatsu, Senfuku, Senbon Tamagokenshu, Sohonge Surugaya, Chokudo, Tsuruya Yoshinobu, Nijo Wakasaya, Honke Tamagokenshu, Saitomachi Surugaya (December 18, 2021) 218 reviews. 3.77 from 33 reviewers. 4.13.

I didn't have time to visit the restaurant, so I was walking along the souvenir street feeling disappointed. However, I spotted the name of the restaurant I wanted to go to and ended up buying some "yukimaroge." I liked how it had a simple sweetness that melts in your mouth and spreads out. Since the restaurant is a bit far from the station, I haven't been able to visit the actual store yet, but I would like to buy some fresh sweets there next time.

In Nishijin, Kyoto, there is a famous traditional Japanese confectionery shop called Shioyoshiken. Established in 1882, it is a pillar of Kyoto's longstanding confectionery shops. I visited seeking their exquisite fresh confections. I tried Hoshisuzumi and Kyokashiko. The joy of fresh confections lies in their adorable appearance and names. They offer a bit of coolness in the summer heat. Such confections reflect the spirit of hospitality. Despite Kyoto's hot summers, there are places to find respite. I was truly captivated. Thank you for the wonderful meal.

I went to buy "Minazuki" on June 30th, and also purchased the fresh sweets "Amaoto" and "Hydrangea", the baked sweets "Juraku", and the Wasanbon sugar "Yukimaroge". The texture of "Minazuki" is neither too firm nor too soft, but rather smooth. It has a mysteriously light and unique eating sensation. The sweetness is quite restrained. The distinctive features are the texture of the rice cake and the changing texture of the azuki beans from fluffy to moist. "Amaoto" melts in your mouth with a gentle flavor. "Hydrangea" contains coarse sweet bean paste in a smooth dough, creating a graceful harmony without overpowering each other. "Juraku" has a slightly firm sweetness, and the moistness of the dough and bean paste, along with the moderate sweetness, give a sense of a high-quality and standard steamed bun. "Yukimaroge" has the elegant sweetness of Wasanbon sugar that gradually dissolves, leaving a bittersweet feeling of wanting to savor it on the tongue forever, yet it disappears smoothly. Each item has a gentle and refined quality that seems to effortlessly blend into your body. It's the craftsmanship of a venerable Kyoto establishment.

I purchased about 5 types of half-baked sweets. It was my first time visiting the store, so I was grateful that I could easily buy without a reservation. I had previously bought Juraku at a department store basement and thought that Juraku was the only recommended choice, but all the half-baked sweets were delicious, especially the surprising softness of the Hanejuu Mochi. You can also buy them without a reservation, so this is a store I definitely want to visit when I come to Kyoto.

I stopped by because I wanted to bring back some Japanese sweets when I come to Kyoto. I called ahead for a reservation and was told I could choose whatever I liked until around noon. I arrived a bit early at 3 pm, but everything was still available. The view of the important historical buildings was impressive. The shop had a charming atmosphere and was very calming. I listened to the explanation from the staff and chose the Blue Maple with mugwort mochi and whole bean paste, Kyoto Shiranui with white bean paste, and Princess Utsugi with fluffy skin and white bean paste. I opted for the Hydrangea with whole bean paste. The bean paste was elegant, and the balance with the outer skin was just right. The size was also cute, so I shared them with my husband when I got home and enjoyed them all. It was so satisfying to have such elegant and delicious steamed buns after a long time. I ate well today. Thank you for the meal!♪( ´▽｀)

I visited right after the opening on the weekend. It didn't seem to be a busy time yet. I bought some classic sweets and ones with sweet bean paste and chestnuts inside. Jura-ku has a well-balanced sweetness, and Kuri Sumi Nakamura has a fine texture and a slightly sticky and very delicious taste. I would like to eat them again.

Visited around 11:30 on a weekday. There were no other customers, so I was able to make a purchase quickly. This is a renowned traditional Japanese confectionery shop that has been around since the Edo period. The Kyoto-style storefront was very impressive. I bought two of their store-exclusive "Juraku" for 173 yen each. It is a representative sweet that has been passed down since the first generation. It is said to be named after its proximity to the site of Jurakudai, which was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It has a substantial weight and features a moist sweet bean paste and a unique dough flavor. It has a simple and delicious taste. The shelf life is said to be about 7 days. It seems like a good souvenir in terms of price. However, honestly speaking, the taste is decent. It's probably true that you won't know its true value until you try high-quality confectionery. Thank you for the meal.

The Juuraku manju with red bean paste filling has a rather thick skin. It's not to my liking as I prefer thinner skins. The red bean paste inside is very refined. Juuraku offers a taste that appeals to everyone. Inside the moist skin, there is also moist red bean paste packed tightly. I like this.

Today, on May 5th, I came seeking kashiwa-mochi. It was around 10 a.m., but they were already sold out by the time I arrived. The chimaki were also sold out. Please keep this in mind if you plan to buy next year. As for the main item, there was only one type of sweet bean paste, and the outer layer was made of mochi rice. I was impressed by the refined texture and flavor. It's priced at 432 yen per piece, which may seem high, but I believe it's definitely worth it.

Today, I traveled from Nachi to Wakayama to Mount Koya to Nara, and now I'm heading back to Kyoto. I bought some dried sweets made from Japanese sugar as souvenirs. They look good and are elegant and high-quality products.

After visiting three restaurants near Nijo Station and heading to Rent-a-cycle Kyoto Station, I first stopped by this place. I purchased Jyuraku and Kuri here, then boarded the New Rapid train from Kyoto Station to Kusatsu Station where I enjoyed them on the train. The flavors were refined, especially the Kuri which I didn't know had chestnuts kneaded into the sweet bean paste.

I visited without a reservation on a weekday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Since I didn't make a reservation in advance, most of the items were sold out except for products like manju. The item I purchased had a refined sweet bean paste without any overwhelming sweetness, and I was able to enjoy it.

Shiohoken in Kyoto is a place with a historical and charming atmosphere, designated as a historical costume building! Even looking at their website, the Indian cotton noren curtain is stylish ♡ Their signature product is the "Juraku Manju," a famous confection passed down since the first generation. Although it is a very prestigious long-established store, it seems you can buy freshly made sweets without a reservation until closing time at this "potentially" accessible traditional Japanese confectionery shop. So, for those who visit Kyoto and realize, "Oh no! I forgot to make a reservation by the day before!" why not give it a try?? You might still be able to purchase something. Now, what did I eat this time?? I tried the "Uguisu Mochi" - 2 pieces for ¥972. It's so surprising when you take a bite!! My daughter said, "Wow~ what is this~!? What is this white thing?? What is this skin made of???" Haha. This is a "Hinadouble Mochi." Well, I'm not very familiar with it either, but, a Hinadouble Mochi is such a soft thing, isn't it∑(°口°๑)!!?? Anyway, it's so fluffy~ "melting" is truly the perfect word for this mochi!! And inside this Hinadouble Mochi, there are two layers of sweet bean paste. The outer layer is white koshi-an, and the inner layer is tsubuan. Oh my goodness~! It's delicious!! Overflowing sweet bean paste inside the fluffy and melty mochi!!! The accent of Uguisu powder enhances it even more, isn't this a delightful first experience of deliciousness. Thank you, Kyoto Airlines. Thank you, Takashimaya. If you go to Kyoto, I would like to visit here too! ( ..)φ Notes Notes

I visited Gokashio Hoken. I purchased three types: Kantsubaki, Kono Hanakinnto, and Haru no Yuki. They are not too sweet and have a good red bean flavor. My favorite was the Hanakinnto. They were all elegant and delicious. Thank you for the meal.

The restaurant has a historical and elegant atmosphere, with a showcase displaying artistically crafted Japanese sweets. Each one is delicious, making it quite difficult to choose, but after listening to the staff's explanations, I finally ordered the representative confections, Jyuraku and Kintond. Jyuraku features a beautiful color scheme resembling a flower, made with glossy white kidney beans. With each bite, I was impressed by the exquisite texture and perfect level of sweetness. I definitely want to revisit when I go to Kyoto next time.

I visited "Gokashiji Shioyoshiken," which has won the "Tabelog Sweets WEST Top 100" award multiple times. It is located in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City. It took about 17 minutes on foot from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Line. The establishment has over 130 years of history, giving it a charming appearance. The interior of the shop has a similar atmosphere, with a showcase displaying colorful traditional Japanese sweets, making it difficult to choose. The items I purchased this time are as follows (with some brief impressions): ○ Oshima black sugar sweet potato with white bean paste inside. The black sugar flavor is rich, but the texture is fluffy, allowing you to enjoy the taste of the bean paste as well. ○ Tsubaki Ball: The mark is a pressed leaf. It contains coarse red bean paste in a mochi cake. When you bite into it, the flavor of mugwort spreads throughout your mouth, followed by a subtly sweet red bean paste. ○ Kyoto "Kanoko" Deer motif sweets: Thank you for the meal.

I bought a large quantity of the representative specialty "Juraku" and also purchased one for myself. One piece costs 195 yen. It goes well with tea, is easy to eat, and makes a good souvenir. There were also fresh sweets available, but I refrained from trying them as I bought them for souvenirs. The chestnut paste seemed to be popular as it was sold out. The interior of the store was lovely with a calm atmosphere, making it a pleasant experience. It's a shop where you can truly feel the essence of Kyoto.

I received a Kyoto souvenir, the seasonal dried sweets "Momotose" from the confectionery shop "Shioyoshiken". Established in 1882, "Shioyoshiken" may not be considered a long-standing store in Kyoto with this level of history. Nevertheless, it is very popular as a traditional Kyoto confectionery shop and has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Sweets WEST 2022" by Tabelog. "Momotose" means one hundred years, one hundred years old, symbolizing many years, a long time. The "Momotose" from "Shioyoshiken" is a dried sweet finished only with wasanbon sugar. It features traditional Japanese patterns of chrysanthemum, paulownia, dragon, and phoenix. The smooth texture and the flavor of wasanbon sugar are delightful. I thought it was a lovely Japanese confectionery. It's wonderful to receive such a souvenir. Thank you for the meal.

I wanted to buy fresh Japanese sweets as souvenirs, but I was worried about their short shelf life. Eventually, I found this shop, Juuraku Wagashi. Salt Hoiken is well-known for those who love traditional Japanese sweets, but Juuraku's sweets last for 8 days. The shop is located in a corner of Nishijin and has a true traditional Japanese sweets shop atmosphere. I was moved by their fresh sweets, but since I had no time to eat them right away, I bought two as souvenirs and for myself. I tried them 4 days and 8 days after purchase. The smoothness of the sweet bean paste was excellent. The outer layer became less moist as time passed. It goes without saying that they tasted better on the 4th day than on the 8th day. Regardless of the expiration date, it's better to eat them as soon as possible. By the way, Salt Hoiken is available in department stores in Kyoto, but Juuraku can only be purchased at the main store in Nishijin.

I visited Enyoshi-ken in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto today. It is a long-established traditional Japanese confectionery shop known for its signature sweet called "Juraku." Personally, I really like this shop and have visited it many times before. While they usually only sell their products in-store, there was an event called "Moon Viewing Teahouse and Admiring Utensils" from September 15th to 17th, so I decided to check it out. I purchased a tea ceremony ticket for 1,100 yen. At the time of purchase, I could choose the type of tea, such as matcha or sencha. I enjoyed the tea on the first-floor seat with a view of the garden. They served moon-viewing dumplings, dried sweets, and matcha on a tea tree board. The matcha was beautifully frothy and had a rich flavor. The tea sweets included moon-viewing dumplings, edamame-shaped confection, and rabbit-shaped dried sweets. The moon-viewing dumplings have different shapes in Kanto and Kansai regions. In Kanto, they are round dumplings, while in Kansai, they are rolled with sweet bean paste inside. The dumplings had a chewy texture and paired well with the mildly sweet bean paste, making them delicious. The rabbit-shaped rakugan was sweet and enjoyed with the matcha. I relaxed and savored the matcha and traditional sweets in a lovely tea setting.