黄色のたぬき
Located near Kyoto Imperial Palace in Okurayamachi, this traditional Japanese confectionery shop offers a signature item called "Hon Warabi Mochi" made with Shinshu-produced "Warabi Flour" and Tamba black soybean "Kinako." The large-sized "Hon Warabi Mochi" is perfect for everyday enjoyment and is popular among locals. The owner, Mr. Horie, honed his skills as a confectioner at "Kameya Kiyonaga" for many years before opening this shop after retiring. The shop is situated on Yuzukoji Street, between Shimonagashacho Street and Desuji Street, to the west of Kyoto Imperial Palace, about 8-9 minutes from Hamagurigomon. The nearest Marutamachi Station is a 12-minute walk, while Imadegawa Station is about 13 minutes away. Look for the signboard of "Warabi Mochi" hanging in front of the old house. I visited in the afternoon. The shop is small, only accommodating one group (1-2 people) at a time. I had to wait a few minutes as there was a customer ahead of me. The interior is cluttered but cozy, with a small sales area and a workshop in the back. Mr. Horie and his wife run the shop, with Mr. Horie making the "Hon Warabi Mochi" and his wife handling customer service. The warm atmosphere created by the elderly couple is comforting. Upon entering, I was offered a sample of "Hon Warabi Mochi" by Mr. Horie. The piece was large (4-5cm) and quite satisfying, with some people possibly feeling full after just one. I was able to watch the process of making "Warabi Mochi" right in front of me. The "Warabi Mochi" is solidified in a large vat, then cut into bite-sized pieces and coated with special roasted "Kinako" mixed with Japanese raw sugar. The efficiency and somewhat rough handling of Mr. Horie were impressive. The shop mainly sells long-lasting traditional Japanese sweets and the sample "Warabi Mochi." (Seasonal sweets were not available on that day.) The "Hon Warabi Mochi" is priced at 324 yen for a single serving (5 pieces), 540 yen for two servings (10 pieces), and 1,080 yen for four servings (20 pieces) (tax included). It can last at room temperature for 2-3 days. Since it is for takeout only, I asked Mrs. Horie for a nearby place to eat, and she kindly provided a suggestion. She was very kind and provided excellent customer service from the sample tasting to the purchase. The product display could be improved for better presentation. I purchased the following items:
- Hon Warabi Mochi (10 pieces, 540 yen)
The "Warabi Mochi" was soft and elastic, stretching when lifted. The coating of Tamba black soybean "Kinako" on the surface was fragrant, and the "Warabi Mochi" itself was chewy. It had a subtle sweetness, good melt-in-the-mouth texture, and a lingering aftertaste. Since each piece was large, I felt satisfied with 5 pieces (including the sample I tried, totaling 6 pieces). (Ingredients: Sugar, Japanese raw sugar, bean powder, black sugar, Warabi flour, Tamba black soybeans, corn syrup) The "Warabi Mochi" made with Warabi flour was truly satisfying. The generous portion, reasonable price, and friendly service left a lasting impression.