Eternal ultimate souvenir. Makes you want to eat it yourself. Nishi Lake. If you go late, it may be sold out. It also needs to be refrigerated and doesn't last long, so you have to eat it quickly. Still, it has an irresistible charm. A perfect blend of sweetness, deliciousness, and coolness. I couldn't resist and ended up eating one on the Shinkansen.

This shop is located on the B1F of JR Kyoto Isetan, directly connected to various train lines at Kyoto Station, and offers traditional Japanese sweets and side dishes. I bought souvenirs for myself here before returning to Osaka from Kyoto. Although now a famous Kyoto ryotei, Wakuden originally started as an inn in Mineyama, Kyoto in 1870. It later moved to Kyoto's Nakagyo district in 1982. Wakuden operates high-class Kyoto cuisine restaurants such as "Kodai-ji Wakuden" and "Muromachi Wakuden," as well as a tea confectionery shop called "Mushiyashinai" and a retail store named "Omotase." In Kyoto Station, Wakuden has a Japanese restaurant called "Kyoto Wakuden" on the 11th floor of JR Kyoto Isetan, a rice bowl and noodle shop called "Hashitate" near the west exit ticket gates, and this "Omotase JR Kyoto Isetan store" on the B1F. The lotus root sweet "Saiho" (324 yen) I purchased this time is a symbol of Wakuden, made from lotus starch, wasanbon sugar, and wasanbon syrup, wrapped in two bamboo leaves. When you unwrap the bamboo leaves, you will find a black mochi-like substance. It has a jelly-like smooth texture, similar to warabi mochi or Mizumanju. It has a refined sweetness from wasanbon sugar and a refreshing taste. According to Wakuden's website, this was originally called "Wandane." The "Ren no Tsuyu" (216 yen) is a simple version of "Saiho," made only from lotus starch and wasanbon sugar. It has a short shelf life, so it should be eaten on the day of purchase. It is also only available during limited sales hours, so if you see it, you should buy it without hesitation.

I stopped by JR Kyoto Isetan "Shinoya Wakuden" to buy souvenirs. Here are some of the items I bought: - Seiko Lotus Root: Made from lotus flour and refined Wasanbon sugar, wrapped in two bamboo leaves. It has a fragrant scent of bamboo when you open the bag. - Lotus Root Soup (Limited to Kyoto JR Isetan): A simple confection made by mixing lotus root starch with Wasanbon sugar. - Sasa Hotaru: A confection inspired by catching fireflies on a summer evening on bamboo leaves. It consists of white bean matcha paste and fragrant hojicha amber jelly. Enjoying these refreshing water sweets on hot days has been very soothing. Thank you for the delicious treats! ❤️

Lotus root confection "Seiko" is light and has the sweetness of wasanbon sugar. The combination of this sweetness and the chewy texture of lotus root is wonderful. It goes down smoothly, passing through the throat. The two layers of bamboo leaves also add a nice aroma. In this season, there are many fresh and refreshing wagashi sweets to enjoy.

Famous shop known for its lotus root sweet "Saikei". The existing restaurant listed on Tabelog was a bento shop on the basement 2nd floor, so I added this new listing on the basement 1st floor. "Lotus Root Sweet Saikei" for 324 yen. A sweet made with brown sugar and lotus root. It has a unique sweetness and smooth texture. It cuts smoothly and brings happiness with its sweetness. Truly delicious. "Sasanoka Sweet Kisui" for 324 yen. A sweet wrapped in bamboo leaves, similar in shape to Saikei. This one uses apple juice among other ingredients. It's more refreshing compared to Saikei. The staff were friendly and the sweets were excellent.

I saw it in the guidebook and wanted to try it, so I made a reservation the day before. The Japanese sweet wrapped in bamboo leaves looks like a less appealing version of Mizu Yokan, with a deep green color that doesn't look very appetizing. I'll try it right away. When I cut it with a fork, it feels soft and chewy, with a refined sweetness that is delicious.

Small-sized sweets exclusive to this place.