たかひー
Established in 1689 (Year 2 of the Genroku era), this shop is known as one of the oldest stores specializing in Kyoto's famous souvenir, Yatsuhashi. Alongside Seigoin Yatsuhashi, which shares the same roots, it is considered the most ancient Yatsuhashi shop. The store has 12 directly operated stores in Kyoto, and its products are also available in tourist spots and souvenir shops. Additionally, you can purchase their products online and at department store events in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Their product lineup includes various flavors of Yatsuhashi (such as cinnamon, matcha, black sesame), fresh Yatsuhashi, crunchy chocolates, sablés, chiffon cakes, and a wide range of goods like ballpoint pens, can badges, and mascots. The selection of fresh Yatsuhashi is particularly extensive, with over 25 varieties including traditional flavors like red bean paste (chunky and smooth) and matcha, as well as sesame paste, chocolate, fruit flavors like strawberry, mandarin orange, peach, green apple, mango, and blueberry, and sweets flavors like ramune, chocolate mint, milk caramel, and baked sweets. They are priced at 250 yen for a pack of 5, allowing customers to enjoy choosing different flavors. Moreover, they offer high-end fresh Yatsuhashi called "Kaguwashiki Yatsuhashi" (1,700 yen for 10 pieces) sold exclusively at stores twice a month. The store's signature Yatsuhashi, Nikki, is priced at 432 yen for a pack of 32 pieces (4 pieces x 8 packs). Made with sugar, rice flour, cinnamon powder, sesame flour, and cinnamon oil, the Yatsuhashi has a slightly pale color. The Yatsuhashi from the Nishio family has a relatively thin crust, providing a crispy texture. It offers a refreshing aroma of cinnamon and a gentle sweetness when chewed. Compared to Nishio Tamechuu Shoten, which is only available in three directly operated stores in Kyoto, this Yatsuhashi is more accessible and convenient. While it may be difficult to distinguish the differences between various Yatsuhashi brands due to their similar shapes and basic ingredients, here is a rough comparison of the characteristics of the three major companies: - Nishio Yatsuhashi: [Texture] Thin and crispy / [Flavor, Aroma] Aroma of cinnamon and gentle sweetness - Seigoin Yatsuhashi: [Texture] Thick and firm / [Flavor, Aroma] Aroma of cinnamon with the flavor of poppy seeds - Izutsu Yatsuhashi: [Texture] Crispy and light / [Flavor, Aroma] Aroma of cinnamon with the flavor of white sesame Hope this information is helpful. [MEMO] Yatsuhashi shops related to the Nishio family (with Nishio Tameharu as the root): - Honke Nishio Yatsuhashi: Founded by Nishio Tameichi's eldest son, Nishio Tameichi - Motoyoshi Yatsuhashi Nishio Tamechuu Shoten: Founded by Nishio Tameharu's second son, Nishio Tamechuu - Honke Yatsuhashi: Founded by Nishio Tameharu's third son, Nishimura (Nishio's maiden name) Gentaro (Seigoin Yatsuhashi Main Store: Incorporated Nishio Tameharu's confectionery store, Gengakudo)