Kyoto Sweets “Konpeito”
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I’d like to introduce some Japanese sweet shops in Kyoto that you might want to check out in case anyone says, “I’m sick of namayatsuhashi (very popular cinnamon-flavored sweets).” (Of course, you’re free to treat yourselves.)
These are Konpeito (sugar candy) from Ryokujuan Shimizu.
It’s the only shop specializing in Konpeito in Japan. They are handmade here and it takes about 20 days to make.
What’s surprising when you first go into the shop is its wide variety of flavors. From the basic to the seasonal, you will see almost 50 different types of Konpeito being displayed.
There are even saki-flavored and brandy-flavored ones, and they let you try some of them, too.
Its size is large for a Konpeito, and when you crunch it up you can savor its lovely flavor. It also has a pleasant sweetness.
They are often used for wedding presents (to be given to guests at wedding ceremonies), and apparently if you keep them in a bottle they won’t go bad for 10, 20 years. At the shop, they’ve got 20-year vintage Konpeito.
It’s worth visiting as it’s fun just to have look!