Focus on a new generation of Japanese confectioners!

Focus on a new generation of Japanese confectioners!

[Kyoto, the city of Chami! Spring Edition]

Cutting-edge Japanese confectionery that celebrates delicate sweetness and beauty

‘Kyoto, the city of Chami!’ Spring Edition,this issue focuses on a new generation of Japanese confectioners!

It goes without saying that the wagashi of long-established wagashi shops with a long history have chami, but the wagashi of artisans in their 30s who have set up their own shops in recent years also have a fresh Chami that is very appealing.

While based on traditional wagashi making methods, the beauty of the colours and delicate taste created by a soft sensibility is already becoming a topic of conversation among Kyoto’s tea masters, who have a rich sense of beauty.

The wagashi made by Nanushigawa Chie (名主川千恵) of the ‘kashiya Nona (菓子屋のな)’ are not only beautiful in form, but when you taste them, you will be surprised by their delicate and complex flavours and aromas, which break the stereotype of wagashi. The names of her wagashi ‘Mei (銘)’are sometimes inspired by literature, films or music. These small wagashi deeply enrich your tea time.

The wagashi made by Ito Tatsuya (伊藤達也) of ‘Omuro wagashi Itotatsu (御室和菓子いと達)’ have a sweetness that makes the most of the ingredients and a fresh, transparent colour and expression. His standard ‘Tsutsumi mochi (包み餅, wrapped rice cakes’, inspired by the colouration of the kasane of Heian costume, are so popular that people come from far and wide to buy them. It is popular as a new Kyoto souvenir.

Revolutionary Japanese confectionery that opens new doors [kashiya Nona (菓子屋のな)]

The restaurant was opened in 2020 by Nanushigawa Chie together with her husband Takayuki (高行). ‘Antonio to Lara (アントニオとララ)'(above right) is a tribute to Andersen’s ‘ Sokkyo sijin (即興詩人, Improvisatoren),’ translated by Mori Ogai (森鴎外).

Shop Information

Kashiya Nona (菓子屋のな)
Address: 75, Shinoya-cho, Banjoji-kaku, Samegai-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Tel: No number
Opening hours: 12:00 – 18:00
Closed: Sunday and Monday
*For enquiries, please visit Instagram. instagram.com/nonawagashi

Fresh confectionery for both daily snacks and gifts

[Omuro wagashi Itotatsu (御室和菓子いと達)]

Opened in 2019 by Ito Tatsuya, who trained for 17 years at a long-established Japanese confectionery in Kyoto. In addition to the ‘Tsutsumi mochi’ (pictured above), seasonal fresh confectionery such as kinton (きんとん) made to order is beautifully presented and delicately flavoured.

Shop Information

Omuro wagashi Itotatsu (御室和菓子いと達)
Address: 5-17, Ryoanji Tounoshita-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Tel: 075-203-6243
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm
Cheaper: Wednesdays and Sundays
Official website：https://itotatsu.com/

Photography by Ito Makoto (伊藤信) Composition by Takahashi Ayako (高橋亜弥子)
*This article is a reprint of the magazine Waraku (April/May 2021). Products listed are tax inclusive. Opening days and hours are subject to change, so please check the latest information before visiting.

This article is translated from https://intojapanwaraku.com/travel/238909/