I couldn't resist buying it because of the cuteness of the hamster visuals. Among the hamsters, there is one where you can fill it with red bean paste and nuts, which is a popular trend lately. If you want to eat it, why don't you make it yourself? It's a type of hamster that you can fill with red bean paste. It's cute ((o(｡･ω･｡)o)) The hamster can hold quite a bit of red bean paste, so you can be satisfied ( ¯﹀¯ ) It was delicious (* ^ω^ *)

I am interested in the combination of sweetness and spiciness in the Kyoto-style Kuro Shichimi Kinpintou. Even though it's from Kyoto, I received it from a friend in Wakayama. The cute round box with a cute red chili pepper illustration has added to my collection of boxes. When I put the small Kinpintou in my mouth, it's sweet at first, but then quickly becomes spicy, which is an interesting contrast. The name Koen-dou comes from the attitude of pursuing the true value of Honami Koetsu, and they have been striving to create genuine sweets since 1892. It truly embodies the authentic taste with only sugar and black shichimi as ingredients. Despite its small size, it has a presence. Thank you for the treat.

In October 2022, I received a gift from Mairevi-san. It was the "Kyoto Genryu Kakukyo Black Shichimi Kinpura" from Aoki Koetsudo's Kyoto Kinpura Selection. There are apparently 5 other types in the same series (total of 6): - Yuzu Kinpura from Kyoto Mizuo - Green Plum Kinpura from Kyoto Joyo - Sake Kasu Kinpura from Kyoto Sasaki Sake Brewery - Coffee Kinpura from Kyoto Maeda Coffee - Matcha Kinpura from Kyoto Maiko's Chaho I couldn't imagine how the slightly sweet Kinpura and Kyoto Genryu Kakukyo's black shichimi would blend together, but I decided to try it anyway. When I put it in my mouth, at first, the gentle sweetness of the Kinpura spreads, but then the subtle accent of the black shichimi starts to appear. However, it's not overly spicy, and it complements the sweetness of the Kinpura well, making it delicious. Thank you for the meal!

I received a gift of "Tamba Sasayama black edamame" with branches from an acquaintance in October 2022. Half a month later, I received a message from Mailevi in Wakayama saying that black edamame with branches had arrived from Sasayama yesterday evening. They asked if I wanted to eat it and said they would send it the next day. The package arrived with a large amount of black edamame with branches, 6 bags of drip coffee, and a round paper box. I also received Kyoto's Aoki Koetsudo's Kyoto Genryu Kakutei Black Shichimi Konpeito 45g. The combination of the spicy black shichimi and sweet konpeito was surprisingly delicious. The initial mild sweetness of the konpeito was followed by the savory aroma of seaweed and sesame used in the black shichimi, and finally, the spiciness of red pepper lingered, leaving a unique and delicious taste. It would be perfect as a snack or even as a side with whiskey. I will try it with a highball next time. Thank you for the meal!

I don't know the meaning of "Aoki Koetsudou Koetsue" but it reminded me of my wife's face sleeping drunk with drool coming out, so I bought it. I didn't think I would write about it, but since I have a registration, I decided to try the Kyoto Karinto. I can pair it with beer, so I chose Kyoto Karinto as the number one today. My wife from Sapporo will be gone from tomorrow, saying she will do laundry with spinach, cook tongue, scallops, and end with something mysterious. In the end, she disappeared. So, I decided to open the visible thing, which is Karinto. There are many types of Karinto, some are delicious, some are not so great, and some are just average. It's better to have fewer delicious ones, right?

I passed by a shop near Meishin Golf Center, a direct-operated shop of a confectionery wholesaler called Koetsuan, which I had been curious about for a while. There were signs outside saying "Sweets available" and "Sale", but this time I couldn't resist the sign saying "Nesting set available" and went in! Inside, there were nostalgic sweets lined up. I selected a few and took them out! I heard that you can also buy them at supermarkets where they supply, so I will definitely visit again!

In May 2020, I bought "Irodori Mame" from Aoki Koetsudo while staying at home and watching TV - (150g for 441 yen). This Kyoto-based confectionery shop, established in 1892, is popular for its kinpindou (gold sugar candy), senbei (rice crackers), and karinto (deep-fried sweet snack). The mix includes peanuts, fried rice crackers, persimmon seeds, fried almonds, and seaweed-wrapped rice crackers. Since it doesn't contain sweet items, it's perfect for enjoying with beer. I'm a nut fanatic, so I focused on the peanuts and fried almonds. Thank you for the delicious treat!

I purchased at F&F in Musashi Kosugi. The ingredients were simple and safe, and the food was delicious. Thank you for the meal.

"I tried the 'one-bite kinako mochi' and the 'one-bite daifuku mochi', both priced around 180 yen including tax. The cute appearance and affordable price tempted me to buy them. The one-bite sesame dango was also available, but I decided to pass on that. The kinako mochi had a unique flavor, different from the kinako powder on the outside. It seemed to have absorbed a subtle scent from the plastic container it was in. The filling was a mix of chunky and smooth anko, with occasional bits of red bean skin. The mochi itself, made with mochi flour, lacked the chewiness I was hoping for. Overall, the experience was a bit underwhelming. I hope for a better encounter next time. Thank you for the meal."

Camembert cheese cake from Kyoto's Aoki Koetsudo is a treat I received from a colleague. It has a fluffy texture and a mild sweetness. When chilled, it offers a different texture to enjoy. The cheese is rich and the bite-sized cakes are not too sweet.

I read the review from the reviewer Cherry-sensei and was immediately captivated by the cuteness, so I quickly placed an online order. I ordered the following items: - Hamster Monaka (6 pieces) 1620 yen x 2 boxes = 3240 yen - Shipping fee 550 yen Hamster Monaka is popular, so there were strict notes about not being able to order with other products, but I easily purchased it and it arrived in no time, which was a bit surprising. Although there was a shipping fee, it was my first time ordering, so I requested 2 boxes for now. The packaging was very simple, but it was delivered by Kuroneko in perfect condition without any breakage. I enjoyed it at home with Japanese tea. Inside the Monaka, there is sweet bean paste and nuts. The nuts included 2 walnuts, almonds, and cashews each. By cutting the end of the bean paste bag and squeezing it between the back side of the skin, then covering it with the belly side of the skin, you can neatly create it with just a little bit overflowing. It's round and very cute, and the tail from the back view is irresistible. The skin is crispy, the sweet bean paste is just right in sweetness, and it's delicious. Unless you dislike rodents, I think it would be appreciated as a gift. Since it's an area I wouldn't go out of my way to visit in Kyoto, I will order online again.

My friend C-chan's birthday present second round was "Hamster Monaka" from "Aoki Koetsudo"! "Aoki Koetsudo" is a long-established confectionery wholesaler in Kyoto founded in Meiji 25, named after the Bodaiji temple of Honami Koetsu, so the company name is "Koetsudo". Such a historic confectionery wholesaler's cute "Hamster Monaka" has been featured on TV shows like "ZIP!" and often sells out. Feeling a bit guilty for receiving such a gift, I opened the box eagerly. This Monaka has the Monaka shell and Hokkaido red bean paste separated, so you can make it yourself. The nuts are also individually packaged, adding to the fun of making it yourself. OK! Fill the Monaka shell with plenty of red bean paste, cover it with another Monaka shell, and place the nuts on the hamster's hands! Even for someone clumsy like me, it's easy to make (o･∇･o). You can eat it right after filling it with red bean paste, so the shell is crispy and goes well with the slightly sweet paste. It would probably look cute if I made all six at once, but that would be a waste as I would have to finish them all at once, so I resisted the temptation! Not only the appearance but also the attention to deliciousness is amazing. I am truly grateful to C-chan for introducing me to such a wonderful shop.

The popular hamster-shaped sweets that I couldn't purchase before are finally available for order now! I absolutely adore hamsters, so I couldn't resist ordering these. The "Hamster Sweets" cost around 1,680 yen and come in a box of 6. They are shaped like cute hamsters and even come with nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews) to give to the hamsters. When you open the box, you'll find the hamsters lying on their backs. So adorable! In the bottom compartment, there are individually wrapped sweet bean paste and nuts. You can squeeze the bean paste onto the hamsters and stick their backs and bellies together to complete the look! Even before eating them, I was already filled with joy. The bean paste was not too sweet, with a nice taste of red beans. The hamsters are so cute and delicious. They make a great gift and can be safely shipped as I did. The hamsters arrived intact and were a hit.

I was able to successfully recite "shishiodoshi" and purchase it at an event. Aoki Koetsudo, a Kyoto confectionery wholesaler, sells a wide range of seasonal sweets, including ramune, chocolate, and senbei. Their popular items include kinpaito and ame. Among the many varieties available, I noticed something called "Dorayaki Sankyodai" (Dorayaki Three Brothers). Inside are three types of sweet bean paste, hence the name. The flavors are regular dorayaki (smooth red bean paste), chestnut dorayaki, and hotcake dorayaki. The regular dorayaki is sweet with red bean paste, while the hotcake dorayaki has a margarine-like filling that isn't sweet. The sweetness is balanced out by a hint of saltiness. The combination of the three flavors is exquisite. Thank you for the delicious treat.

The days are getting warmer day by day. Another hot summer is coming! To survive that hot summer, there are seasonal sweets in the world of Japanese sweets that can help you feel a bit cooler. One of them is "Mizu Manju" (water steamed bun). "Aoki Koetsudo" uses the spring water of Harie in Shiga, which is known as one of Japan's top 100 waters. The water comes from rain and snow that fell on Mt. Hira and filtered through the ground. Inside the honey jelly are three cute Mizu Manju. The honey is very sweet! The filling of the Mizu Manju itself is elegant and mildly sweet, making it easy to eat, but I couldn't quite keep up with the sweetness of the honey jelly. (This is the impression of a nearly 60-year-old lady who enjoys sake.)

I received this "chestnut yokan" that was being sold at a nearby supermarket. It is tightly sealed in plastic and quite heavy. It is made with domestic sugar and chestnuts. It was less sweet than it looks.

It became even cuter when I put the nuts that I received as a souvenir on top! And it seems like they sell them at Kyoto Station Grand Kiosk, which is delicious!

Received as a gift, this castella cake is made with condensed milk and honey. The texture is fine and moist, with a fluffy mouthfeel. Each box contains 6 pieces, with each piece weighing 51g and measuring a thick 3.5cm.

I received a souvenir from a mom friend. Thank you! The sparkling colorful konpeito is so cute. Girls love it, right? I get excited when I receive souvenirs. I use it as a topping for ice cream or eat it when I'm tired. It's sweet and delicious.