Their graceful and exquisite forms are nothing short of ‘Masterful craftsmanship’!
Exquisite dry confections from Kamehiroyasu, expressing a seasonal charm through meticulous artistry
Kamehiroyasu (亀廣保), a specialist in higashi, was founded in Muromachi-Nijo (室町二条) in 1915, having branched off from the long-established Kame Suehiro (亀末廣). Upon entering the shop, a small display case sits within a raised tatami area.
Seasonal higashi are lined up, available for purchase individually, but we recommend the small box (from ¥1,700) filled with about 10 varieties of seasonal colours. Their aruheito (有平糖, a type of hard candy) in particular, is highly acclaimed for its beautiful shapes, colours, and wide variety.
“Higashi such as oshimono (押物), uchimono (打物), and aruheito (有平糖) are indispensable wagashi for tea, not just as snacks, but especially in tea ceremonies,” says Kusano Masao (草野方夫), the 4th generation proprietor. “We are particular about the transparency of colours and the details of the craftsmanship, pouring our ingenuity and skill into the colour expression and intricate designs. We hope you can feel the seasons through the colours and designs, and enjoy them not only with your taste buds but also with your eyes.”
Kamehiroyasu Shop Information
Reading: Kamehiroyasu
Address: 288 Takoyakushicho, Muromachi-dori Nijo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-231-6737
Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Closed: Sundays and national holidays
Official website：http://kamehiroyasu.com/
The epitome of Kyoto-style wagashi! Suetomi’s elegant omogashi, full of beauty and playfulness
Meanwhile, Suetomi (末富), established in 1893, is a renowned Kyogashi (Kyoto-style wagashi) shop, serving temples and shrines, particularly Higashi Honganji (東本願寺), and tea ceremony grand masters. Among their offerings, the kinton, which expresses the ever-changing colours of the four seasons in breathtakingly beautiful gradations, has an undeniable presence! Every omogashi from Suetomi, crafted by skilled artisans, with its delicate taste and texture, can be called miniature pieces of artwork.
“The elegant colour combinations of layered robes worn by court ladies in the Heian period were called ‘kasane no irome (色目),’ and this has been incorporated into the vibrant colour palette of Kyogashi,” says Yamaguchi Shoji (山口祥二), the 4th generation proprietor. “It refers to the colours seen from both the front and back of nature’s beauty, expressing the seasons subtly through colour schemes and shades. Furthermore, some Kyogashi, like the May omogashi ‘Karagoromo (唐衣),’ directly incorporate the wit of famous poems from ‘The Tales of Ise’ into the confectionery, giving them evocative names. We would be delighted if you could also savour the sentiments and playfulness imbued in these sweets.”
Kyoto’s wagashi embody the Japanese people’s long-cherished appreciation for the seasons and the delicate handcrafts that have been passed down through generations.
Suetomi Shop Information
Reading: Suetomi
Address: Higashi-iru, Muromachi-dori Matsubara, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-351-0808
Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Closed: Sundays and national holidays
Official website：https://www.kyoto-suetomi.com/
*This article is reprinted from the magazine ‘WARAKU’ (April/May 2024 issue).
*All prices listed are inclusive of tax. Featured products may be sold out or their sales period may have ended. Prices and opening hours are also subject to change, so please check official websites before visiting
This article is translated from https://intojapanwaraku.com/craftsmanship/243924/
