黄色のたぬき
This is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1884 (Meiji 17) in Gion. Their specialty items include freshly made Monaka and steamed chestnut yokan (available from October to April) or Mizu-yokan (available from April to September). It is a hidden gem located in a narrow alley. You can reach it in about 5-6 minutes from Gion Shijo Station Exit 7. Head towards Yasaka Shrine on Shijo Street, cross Hanami-koji Street, and then turn left into a very narrow alley next to the Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art. The entrance is a traditional house with a curtain hanging. The corner to turn into the alley is a bit hard to notice, so be careful not to miss it. There is a cafe (Harmony) in front of the shop. Visit in the morning. There are sample products displayed outside, and purchases are made through the glass door. On the day of the visit, the available items were "Steamed Chestnut Yokan (2,000 yen)", "Shikunshi (instant red bean soup) (1 piece for 350 yen)", "Goshiki Monaka (1,200 yen)" to be filled with red bean paste after ordering, and "Toridori Monaka". (It was mentioned that reservations are prioritized.) Ring the bell at the entrance, and a staff member will appear. On this occasion, it was the young master who came out. Place your order, receive the items in a bag, and pay. The service may not be very friendly, but it is quick. The purchased items were as follows (prices include tax). ● Steamed Chestnut Yokan (2,000 yen) Steamed in bamboo skin. According to the sample display, it seems to be cut while still wrapped in bamboo skin, but I wanted to see the whole shape, so I opened the wrapping before cutting. Upon opening the wrapping, a refreshing bamboo scent lightly wafts up. It is about 22cm in length. The surface still retains bamboo fibers, indicating that it was steamed while wrapped. Now, let's cut it into 4 pieces and try it! The red bean steamed yokan is chewy, light, and not too sweet. The amount of whole chestnuts included is just right. The chestnuts are cooked to the same firmness as the yokan, with a mild sweetness and a subtle chestnut flavor. The chestnuts play a supporting role in enhancing the main character, the steamed yokan. The balance is exquisite. It can be stored for up to 4 days. [Ingredients] Red beans, sugar, chestnuts, wheat flour, potato starch (* Allergen: wheat flour) Many customers seem to make reservations. The steamed chestnut yokan may be a bit pricey, but its enduring flavor seems to be favored by many. I enjoyed the level of sweetness in the steamed yokan, so I am looking forward to trying the Mizu-yokan they sell in the summer.