★Gion Shirakawa with a great atmosphere and historical charm★Taste: Otsutsu 110g bag for 1,188 yen (tax included). It's a new flavor for me and it's delicious♡ It's crispy on the outside and has black sugar ginger candy inside. I enjoyed the crunchiness. I think it would make a great souvenir gift that people would appreciate♡

The other day, I had some business in Kyoto and decided to visit the Gion Shijo area. I heard rumors that the long-established Surugaya shop had reopened after a renovation, so I decided to drop by. This shop has been around since 1818 and had temporarily closed for some reason, but now it has reopened. The store had a traditional feel typical of Gion, with charming pottery on display. Since Kyoto was hot at that time, I tried their takeout "Chilled Ame Soda." It was a refreshing drink with a perfect balance of carbonated water and the spiciness of ginger, unique to Kyoto. I also bought the traditional confectionery "Odzutsu" that I was looking for. It's great to see the old and established shops in Gion still thriving and supporting Kyoto's history. I purchased the Chilled Ame in a souvenir bottle for a friend as a gift. I will definitely visit again. #KyotoConfectioneryShop #KyotoOldEstablished #KyotoSurugaya #KyotoSweets #GionConfectioneryShop #GionOldEstablished #GionSurugaya #Odzutsu #KyotoChilledAme #GionChilledAme #ChilledAme

It seems to have reopened again. I bought some and I like it. The taste has not changed since old times. It is similar to the ginger candy from Tawaraya in Kanazawa, but this one should have been made first. It said that it was established in 1818. You can't deny something that has been made with the same taste for over 200 years! It's delicious. Kyoto has many shops with such a long history.

In the Gion district of Kyoto, I bought the signature product at a Japanese sweets shop. I purchased the "Gion Mame Hishitou" (800 yen + tax). The shape of this sweet is intriguing, as well as the fact that it contains beans inside. The beans are irregularly arranged, adding to the mystery. Despite all these questions, the taste is excellent. The balance between the sweetness and bitterness of the candy is perfect. The caramelization process stops at just the right moment, creating a slight bitterness that enhances the overall flavor. There is also a subtle aroma. The combination of soybeans and sugar, heated together, causes the beans to undergo Maillard reaction, adding a delicious nutty flavor. This unique taste is something you won't find in other candies. It's amazing how they have been able to bring out this flavor since the Edo period.

I had been curious about a candy called "Ootsutsu" that was introduced on a TV show, and for some reason, it had stuck in my head since then. I had the opportunity to visit the Gion area, so I decided to stop by the shop. The shop had a very historical appearance, and when I entered, the owner came out from the back. I quickly purchased the Ootsutsu and also their famous Mame Hira Tougashi. Both items cost 864 yen (tax included). When I got home, I tried the Ootsutsu first. As soon as I opened the bag, a nice ginger scent wafted out. The candy was covered with a crispy rice cracker. When I put it in my mouth, the rice cracker melted first, and then I reached the candy. It was sweet, but the ginger added a nice kick with a hint of spiciness. It seemed like a good candy for soothing the throat. Next, I tried the Mame Hira Tougashi. It was a beautiful candy with beans inside. I unwrapped it carefully and tasted it. It had a nostalgic sweet taste with a slight hint of bitterness, almost like it was slightly burnt. After a while, the beans appeared. They were like soybeans. Both candies had a sophisticated taste and would make a great souvenir from Kyoto. I will savor them slowly.

I received some delicious bean-shaped sugar candies that I saw in a souvenir book. The staff at the store was very friendly, and they also gave me some samples to try on my way out.

I received a gift of Daifuku. At first, I was puzzled about what to do with the senbei part, but it was delicious with a taste like sweet soup.

"Sugaragiya Gion Shimozato" is a traditional Japanese confectionery shop located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. Established in 1818, it is a branch of the renowned confectionery shop "Sougohonya Surugaya" that has been operating since the Muromachi period. I visited this shop before dinner at the famous restaurant "Ogata". The shop is located about a 4-5 minute walk northeast of Gion-Shijo Station. The building itself was constructed around 100 years ago in Meiji 28. Upon entering, I found a nostalgic atmosphere with a dimly lit interior. I purchased the "Ootsu" and "Gion Mamehiratou" confections, both of which had a simple yet delicious taste. The staff provided attentive service, and I appreciated their consideration for the heat. The delicate craftsmanship and rich history of this shop truly shine through its confections. I look forward to visiting again in the future. Kyoto Prefecture is home to many outstanding restaurants, each competing to offer the best dining experiences. The culinary expertise and long-standing traditions of these establishments make Kyoto a hub of gastronomic excellence."

Visited on a Saturday afternoon in April 2017. This candy shop has been in business since the Edo period, so it has a very traditional and dignified atmosphere. The shop is not easily recognizable from the outside, so if you don't know about this shop, it can be difficult to enter. There were no other customers inside, so I looked at the various sweets on display and purchased their signature product, "Mame Higashi" for 864 yen. It's compact and has a long shelf life, making it a great souvenir to carry around. I tried it later and found the harmony between the candy and beans to be interesting. However, it's quite hard, so those with weak teeth should be careful. Thank you for the meal.

I visited the renowned traditional Kyoto confectionery shop "Surugaya Gion Shimosato". The shop is small but elegant, with a limited selection of delicious-looking sweets. This shop is famous for its sweets made with agar. I tried the "Otsutsu" for 800 yen, which is shaped like a large tube. It was quite interesting. I thought the filling inside would be black sugar or sweet bean paste, but it turned out to be agar. The combination of agar and the outer layer was unique and tasty.

Visited a long-established candy shop in Gion, founded in 1818. The building of the shop is a traditional Kyoto townhouse and is designated as a tangible cultural property. They have unique candies called "Mamehira Ame" and "Ootsuso". Mamehira Ame is a stick-shaped candy with beans inside. Ootsuso is a ginger-flavored candy wrapped in senbei (rice cracker). Both are bite-sized and have a simple and rustic flavor. It's recommended to call in advance to check if they have the products you want, as availability may vary depending on the season. I made a reservation in advance this time, as they mentioned that they may not have stock if I just showed up on the day.

After leaving the FUKIYOSE Teramachi store, I headed to Kennin-ji temple. However, when it hit 4 o'clock, the visiting hours had already ended, leaving me disappointed (I thought big temples were open until 5 o'clock). I regained my composure and visited the sub-temple of Kennin-ji called "Shoden Eigendo-in" and then headed to my next destination, Gion Shinbashi. I was planning to buy mackerel sushi at Izuu and enjoy it with beer on the Shinkansen, but I wasn't feeling like it, so I decided to skip it. With limited time left, I hurried to the last destination of the day, this store. Last time, it turned out to be a closed day, so I made sure it was open before arriving at the site. Located in Gion, one of Japan's most prestigious geisha districts, the store's traditional machiya-style exterior was truly impressive. I learned that it was established in 1818, boasting a history of 200 years. The atmosphere inside seemed a bit uncertain from the outside, but since the lights were on, I opened the sliding door and entered, saying "excuse me." The owner and the hostess appeared, apologizing that they only had old products (with no expiration date issues) due to being sold out. However, they had a few items including cold amazake and sugar-coated beans, so I purchased a few items including souvenirs. They also offered me their signature product, "Oozutsu," which I tried. The amazake made with black sugar and ginger wrapped in senbei was rich, fragrant, and delicious. I had a conversation with the owner and the hostess, who were friendly, and left the store feeling very pleased. You can also purchase their products online, but these casual interactions are the true essence of a trip. I will enjoy these treats with tea at home later. The sugar-coated beans have a rich and flavorful taste, with burnt caramel notes, and the soybeans inside add an interesting touch. I really liked them. I decided to try making amazake (sweet sake) with them at home, and it turned out wonderfully. The smooth sweetness of malt sugar envelops the sharpness of ginger, creating a well-rounded flavor that highlights the ginger's aroma. The amazake made with sugar-coated beans is even more mellow and satisfying than the cold amazake, showcasing an outstanding taste. Honestly, I can't think of a better amazake than this. The ability to adjust the concentration according to my preference is also a plus. It's truly amazing. I can't imagine my life without this amazake (although that's an exaggeration). The original liquid of this amazake, when tasted a little, has a strong ginger flavor that is simply delicious. This can also be enjoyed as a sweet syrup, allowing for various creative uses (although I won't try it because it's too good). I highly recommend trying this amazake. When you visit Kyoto, be sure to purchase and try it out. I guarantee the taste. By the way, there are no images of the amazake, so please refer to the first review for that.

First Visit: In May 2016, I was looking for a unique Kyoto souvenir to bring back, and I came across this shop. With over 200 years of history, the shop had an old-fashioned appearance. Upon entering, the husband and wife owners greeted me and provided explanations as I purchased the sweets I was looking for. The Gion Mame Hiyatou for 864 yen was quite an unusual treat. It consists of a stick of candy with a whole soybean inside. Eating it requires patience as it's hard to lick, and biting into it made me worry about my dental fillings. However, the taste was wonderful, with a lovely aroma from the soybean wrapped in the candy, which had a simple flavor. The ingredients were only sugar and soybeans, with no unnecessary additives. But the most surprising thing was that this candy alone has sustained the business for over 200 years. What is Kyoto's secret? The mysteries only deepen...

After watching the Aoi Matsuri festival, I visited a shop with a particularly historical atmosphere, located among other restaurants I have dined at before, such as Yagenbori Sueyoshi-cho and Oogami-san. I had been bookmarking this place based on reviews from followers. I came here to get the specialty item, "Mame Higashi." While my husband waited outside, the owner noticed and kindly invited him inside. As I waited for the Mame Higashi to be wrapped, he offered me some "Suama" to enjoy. Suama is a simple and comforting snack made from kneaded soybean flour and sugar. The Mame Higashi, on the other hand, is a candy made by mixing roasted domestic soybeans with a secret honey mixture and stretching it into a stick shape. Traditional candies like this are often lightly sweet, but this one had a slight bitterness (nuttiness) when you put it in your mouth. The sweetness was a bit stronger, and I also sensed a richness to it. As the candy melts in your mouth, the soybean flavor emerges with a crunchy texture. The sweetness of the candy transitions into the nuttiness of the soybean. I usually don't enjoy traditional candies that much and often get tired of them halfway through, but I found this one to be very delicious. The conversation with the owner was enjoyable, and I left the shop feeling warm and content. I think this would make a great souvenir from Kyoto. Thank you for the wonderful treat!

This is a long-established traditional Japanese confectionery shop located in the flower district of Gion, Suyoshicho. The building is registered as a tangible cultural property of Kyoto City. The authentic machiya (townhouse) with remnants of a tea house attracts attention from afar. Established in 1818 (Bunsei era), it is currently run by the 6th generation. The first generation was a branch of the main house, Surugaya, which has been in existence since the Muromachi period, hence the name "Surugaya" in the shop's name. This shop specializes in traditional Japanese candies, particularly focusing on "ame" (hard candy), and has been passing down original candy recipes through the generations. The iconic "Gion Mamehiratou" was created during the time of the 3rd generation, featuring a unique appearance and flavor with beans enclosed in the candy. Subsequently, the "Ootsutsu" was developed, a candy made with ginger-flavored black sugar wrapped in senbei (rice cracker), which has also become a popular menu item. After trying some samples, I found the unique flavors intriguing and ended up purchasing the Gion Mamehiratou along with other candies. The Gion Mamehiratou is made using white sugar, zarami (coarse sugar), and a secret special honey, without using corn syrup or other sweeteners. The craftsmen continue to make it by boiling it over charcoal fire using traditional methods since the establishment. It has a simple yet distinctive flavor due to the beans, adding a unique taste and richness. As for the Ootsutsu, whether to eat the senbei with the candy is a matter of personal preference (laughs). I personally enjoy breaking the candy and licking it first. The ginger gives it a punchy and flavorful taste. Both candies are quite unique, so they would make an interesting gift for those who love traditional Japanese sweets!

【January 2016 Revisit】Located on the north side of Gion district, there is a particularly stylish and brightly lit traditional townhouse. It is a tangible cultural property of Kyoto City and is well known to many people. This is a branch of the famous "Sohonke Surugaya," known for its yokan, established in 1818 as "Gion Surugaya." While inheriting unique sweets such as candy and confections, it changed its store name to "Surugaya Gion Shimozato" during the era of the third generation. When you enter the shop, you are greeted with a charming space and always receive kind service, including free samples. This time, I took out the ■□ Ootsutsu (one bag for 800 yen + tax) and other items. It is a simple confection made of thinly baked senbei rolled with black sugar and ginger-flavored candy. The senbei crumbles crisply at first, and the elegant sweetness of the candy slowly spreads. In addition, there are other sweets such as "Mamesuhama" made with yellow powder that I mentioned in my previous post, candy confections "Mamehira-to," and the traditional "yokan" of Surugaya, all beautifully packaged for souvenirs. With a historical presence and hospitable service that has been passed down in Gion for about 200 years, these simple sweets are loved and cherished. You can also order from their website or purchase them at Kyoto Isetan basement, but it is recommended to buy them at the store and take them home. ------------------------- [July 1, 2015 Post] [May 2015 Night Visit] A traditional Japanese confectionery shop established in 1818 that stands out even more on the north side of Gion district. I purchased the following items while talking to the shop's staff: ■□ Mamesuhama one bag for 800 yen + tax - A half-raw kinako (roasted soybean flour) confection. I tried one piece that was offered to me and it suited my taste. The flavor of kinako is robust and very sweet. The harmony of sugar, mizuame (starch syrup), and kinako, along with the edge of the flavor, is exquisite. ■□ Mamehira-to one bag for 1000 yen + tax - A stick-shaped candy confection that was invented by the third-generation owner, as mentioned on the signboard. The beautiful amber color where the soybeans shine through catches the eye. The flavor gradually spreads in the mouth as you take your time to savor it. It has a refined sweetness and a simple deliciousness that combines the texture of Tamba-grown soybeans. With the recent news of the revival of the "Sohonke Surugaya" that had closed down, the shop also sells the traditional refined yokan of Surugaya. The warm service, careful packaging, etc., truly show that it is a shop that has been passed down for many generations in Gion. It is a gentle Japanese confectionery shop enveloped in an old-fashioned charm.

When traveling to Kyoto, I always visit this shop at night. It has a traditional storefront and offers delicious candies. The food and taste are 4 stars. The slightly bitter candy pairs perfectly with the beans inside, offering a combination of sweetness, bitterness, and nuttiness. While commercial candies come in various fruity flavors, the simplicity of these candies is also delicious. The service is 3.5 stars. The shop sometimes gives out candies as a service, which is a nice touch when feeling tired from walking around Gion. The atmosphere is 4 stars. It perfectly embodies the image of a Kyoto confectionery shop, with a historical charm that appeals to me as a Saitama resident. The value for money is 3 stars. Some may find the candies a bit pricey due to the perception of candies being cheap, but the amazing taste justifies the price for me. Overall, I love the nostalgic taste of the candies and the traditional atmosphere. I often buy them as souvenirs from Kyoto when I want to give a taste of Kyoto to someone. Personal opinions aside, I hope these candies, along with the ambiance of Gion, will continue to be enjoyed for a long time. Thank you for the meal.

Here is an introduction to a very cool shop! This candy shop was established in 1818 (during the Bunsei era). The current owner is the 6th generation. The shop is located just east of the Minami-za theater, two streets north of Nawate-dori, on the right side. The building itself is also very nice, dating back to Meiji 28 as one of the oldest forms of a teahouse. It was registered as a tangible cultural property of Kyoto in Heisei 5. The registered trademarks are Gion Mame Higashi (sweet beans) and Otsutsu. I tried the Otsutsu for 840 yen. It is named after the large cannonballs of the early Meiji period due to its size. The outside is wrapped in crispy, fragrant senbei (rice cracker), and as you roll it in your mouth, the senbei gradually melts, revealing the candy inside. The candy is a black sugar with a hint of ginger spiciness. The changing taste is addictive! They have a small variety of items like Kyoto zenzai and ameyu, but the unique way they sell their products is wonderful. I will definitely be visiting again!