The Home of Kurikinton:Suya’s Traditional Sweet Chestnut Treat

A signature chestnut treat from a historic sweets shop in Nakatsugawa

Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture, is an old way station town, where travelers would traditional stop by, situated at the entrance to the Kiso (木曽) Road. It is renowned as a production area for high-quality chestnuts, such as the Ena (恵那) chestnut, and is celebrated as the birthplace of the confection, Kurikinton.

Suya, established during the Genroku (元禄) era (1688–1704), is one of the most prominent old families in Nakatsugawa and originally operated as a vinegar shop. It was the 7th generation who began making confectionery, and the 8th generation who devised the Kurikinton that is enjoyed today. Ever since, many people eagerly await the autumn arrival of this famous confection.

The process is simple: Steamed chestnuts are halved, the flesh is scraped out with a bamboo spatula, mashed, strained, and then cooked while gradually adding sugar. Finally, the mixture is squeezed tightly using a chakin (茶巾, tea cloth). Because it is a simple confection that relies solely on the natural flavour of the chestnut, with absolutely no unnecessary ingredients added, the subtle adjustments to heat, cooking time, level of sweetness, and shaping are all entrusted to the skilled hands of seasoned artisans.

When you open the small wrapper and place a piece in your mouth, it is gently moist, and melts softly… The gentle sweetness and aroma of the chestnut itself slowly spread, creating a truly indulgent experience. This, combined with the rustic look that mimics the shape of a chestnut, evokes a genuine sense of autumn’s arrival.

A melt-in-your-mouth chestnut treat, soft and delicate

Suya (すや) DATA

Address: 2-40 Shinmachi, Nakatsugawa-shi, Gifu
Phone: 0120-020780 (Toll-free)
Hours: 9:00 – 19:00
Closed: Wednesdays (Open daily from September to December)
Website: https://www.suya-honke.co.jp