"Kamehiro Nagi" is a shop that was spun off from the famous "Kyoto Yosuga," which is like a jewel box filled with seasonal sweets. This shop, "Kamehiro Nagi," is also a traditional and prestigious confectionery shop with 86 years of history. The main shop has been around for 218 years though 😉 However, in the summer, "Kamehiro Nagi" bustles with the famous confectionery "Shitadari"! "Shitadari" was born as a confectionery offered to the Kikusui Hoko, which has a deep connection to the Kikusui well, once known as a famous water source in the heart of Kyoto. The Kikusui Hoko is a float created based on the Chinese tale of "Jukujido," where a boy who drank the dew of chrysanthemum lived to be 700 years old, and the confectionery name also originates from this story. Especially during the summer season of the Gion Festival, "Shitadari" is a popular Kyoto confectionery. Wrapped in silver foil and priced at 1200 yen, "Shitadari" has a visual appearance like yokan but is even softer and more bouncy. Its transparent amber color is beautiful, and its refreshing appearance and transparency bring a sense of coolness. It melts in your mouth like it's falling apart, with a texture different from jelly or agar, truly embodying the meaning of "Shitadaru" (*´³`*) The ingredients are very simple, using domestically produced black sugar, mizuame, wasanbon, agar, resulting in a rich flavor of black sugar that fills your mouth, making you feel very elegant. Also, in the current season, it seems to go well with chilled sake when served cold! Pairing it with Daiginjo sake and black sugar is a match made in heaven. I would love to try it someday (｡ >艸<) Its sweetness and aroma are subtle, leaving a clean aftertaste that smoothly slides down your throat. The Gion Festival was held this year after a 3-year hiatus. I was looking forward to it every year, but unfortunately, I couldn't visit due to overlapping events. I had to settle for images sent by my friend in Kyoto. I hope it will be held again next year. Thank you for the meal (*´▽`人)

Located about a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Station, this shop is famous for its "shitatari" (dripping) sweets, which almost all customers were ordering. Since the portions are large, this time I opted for the pastes. There were 4 types available, but I had no idea what was what, so I randomly ordered. I bought 2 types, but each paste was quite sweet. Both the outer layer and the filling were sweet, making it a taste that could be divisive depending on preferences. With its convenient location and a wide selection of well-known sweets, this shop is also suitable for souvenirs. I would like to revisit if I have the chance.

The amber-colored sweet red bean soup with black sugar flavor has a light and refreshing taste, making you feel rejuvenated in the intense summer heat. It is a traditional Japanese confectionery with a wonderful flavor that I enjoy every summer. I am truly delighted to receive it as a gift or when I stop by at Takashimaya's famous confectionery selection. Since I won't be able to visit Kyoto during the Bon Festival season, having it brings me great joy! The smooth texture is delightful.

With a gentle sweetness of dripping black sugar and wasanbon sugar, it's perfect for the refreshing summer. It had a mysterious texture that seemed to melt in the mouth. I enjoyed it best when well chilled in the refrigerator. I heard that this dripping was originally created as a confectionery offered to the Chochin Float at the Gion Festival. If you happen to visit the Gion Festival, be sure to get it as a souvenir.

As expected, it's exactly what I like. I used to evaluate restaurants based on overall points, so I didn't score takeout options, but this one is perfect! I'll start scoring them from now on. Just by the name, it sounds delicious. I'll dig in, going wild. I'll have it nice and cold, please! I'll buy it every day.

From Shijo Street, head north on Takakura Street and about 200 meters ahead, the shop is on the left. When you open the door, you will find a small sales floor. The owner appears from the back with a polite greeting. The must-buy item for summer sweets is the single option. It is in the form of a stick like a dripping yokan. It is cut into luxurious 5mm slices. With a plump texture and smooth throat sensation, there is no stickiness in the mouth. It is a delightful sweet made only with agar, different from yokan or ohagi. The aroma of brown sugar wafts gently. The soft sweetness of wasanbon sugar envelops the brown sugar. It has a very gentle sweetness. The brown sugar does not overpower, creating a deep flavor that pairs well with Japanese tea and even black tea. The brown sugar does not linger heavily on the palate, making it easy to recommend. The next day, when cut into 8mm thickness, I expected a richer taste, but it was just as easy to eat and flavorful as the 5mm slice. I encountered a delicious summer wagashi!

Kyoto souvenir #3 Kamehiroei "Shitadari" Kyoto's summer confectionery is this, in amber color! Enjoy it chilled. And, "What is this?" "It's kinako powder. If you like kinako..." "I love it." This will be a regular treat from now on. #KyotoSummerSweets #KamehiroeiShitadari #Kamehiroei #Suhama #Kyoto #KyotoSouvenir

I stopped by Kamehiro Nagisa for the first time in a year. During the Gion Festival, I tried the sweets served at the Chikusui Float's tea ceremony, called "Shitadari." It's like a black sugar-flavored agar jelly, when chilled, it gives a refreshing light sweetness. The area around Shijo-Muromachi, where the Chikusui Float is located, is the most crowded during the week after the float procession starts. It takes quite an effort to enjoy it there, so every year I end up going there to relax and savor it at home. It's a cute shop next to an elementary school. Looking at various photos posted by different people, there are always two bicycles in front of the store in every picture. This time, they were lined up as well. When I opened the glass door and entered the store, the "Shitadari" was displayed all over the place. It must be the busiest season of the year. I peeked into the back, wondering if there was no one there, and found the lady hiding behind the showcase. She handed me the "Shitadari" quietly, looking elderly. The soft word "ookini" she used at that time, a nostalgic Kyoto dialect that is rarely used even by people around 40, made me feel a sense of nostalgia as if I had heard a familiar word while living there. With that, I completely forgot to take photos or observe inside the store. I brought it home, chilled it, and enjoyed it with cold tea. One piece costs 1300 yen. It's a taste of summer.

Kikusui Hoko is known for a traditional Japanese sweet called "Shitatari," named by the chief priest of Yasaka Shrine, Yoshitada Takahara. The name comes from the image of medicinal water dripping from chrysanthemum leaves. The calligraphy for "Shitatari" on the sweet's wrapping paper was also done by Chief Priest Takahara. I was told that "Shitatari" is a type of agar jelly dessert with the sweetness of brown sugar. It is soft and has a sweet aroma of brown sugar. When you taste it, the flavor of brown sugar gently spreads in your mouth.

Until now, I had no interest in agar desserts, but after trying the agar droplets here, I had a revelation. The first bite hits you with the sweetness of black sugar. The texture is smooth and slips down your throat, leaving a refreshing aftertaste. I could eat endless amounts of this. The sweetness comes from black sugar, coarse sugar, and wasanbon, but I wonder what ratio creates this perfect balance. As an experiment, I tried the canned sweet beans, but they were just a supporting role, with agar's taste remaining the same as before.

This is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop located near Karasuma Station. I visited for the first time on a Saturday afternoon. The friendly mother welcomed us. The "Shitadari" for 1200 yen is said to be their specialty. It looks like yokan but is transparent because it doesn't use red beans. Made with black sugar and agar, it has an amber color. It has a fragrant black sugar aroma and a smooth texture. They also have beautiful fresh confectioneries and large sweets resembling chrysanthemum flowers.

【Overall】Located about a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Station in Kyoto. This traditional Japanese confectionery shop is situated past the entrance of Nishiki Market along Takakura Street. While Kyoto is home to many longstanding traditional sweet shops, this one exudes a particularly refined atmosphere. Among the various seasonal fresh sweets and dried confections they offer, their specialty is the beautiful amber-colored "shitatari" jelly made with brown sugar. It has a sweet fragrance and a gelatinous texture, offering a sophisticated taste experience. This confection also has relatively good shelf life, making it a perfect souvenir.-----------------------------------------During my visit to Kyoto, I indulged in "manju" in the morning, had "manbo yaki," enjoyed a drink at Akagakiya, and ate mackerel sushi at Suehiro before heading back to Tokyo on the Shinkansen. Even after returning to Tokyo, a part of Kyoto remains with me through its traditional sweets. Whenever I visit Kyoto, I always purchase traditional Japanese confections. They are seasonal, reasonably priced, and delicious, embodying the charm of Kyoto. The shop I visited this time was Kamekouei. I stopped by on my walk from Kyoto City Hall Station towards Sanjo. The shop is slightly off the bustling Nishiki Market area, a common location for traditional sweet shops in Kyoto. While the exterior has a mix of traditional and modern elements, the wooden display cases inside suggest that the shop is quite established. I visited on a weekday evening, and I was the only customer besides an elderly gentleman. He kindly shared insights from an article in a local magazine. I had already decided to purchase their specialty "shitatari," and decided to try one more dried confection.・Shitatari - 1200 yenA type of jelly made from solidified agar with a beautiful amber color and a unique sweetness reminiscent of brown sugar. It is slightly softer than traditional yokan, with a prominent aroma and flavor of brown sugar that leaves a lingering impression. Truly a sophisticated traditional Japanese sweet.・Ochobo - 900 yenA dried confection made with wasanbon sugar. It delicately dissolves on the tongue with a subtle sweetness. The red part has a hint of tartness, and true to its name, it is meant to be enjoyed in a single bite. A charming and interesting traditional sweet with a clever name.-----------------------------------------【Final Thoughts】I always enjoy exploring traditional Japanese confectionery shops during my visits to Kyoto, and each time I encounter delightful surprises. Kyoto's traditional sweets are truly remarkable. The total bill for today came to 2100 yen. Thank you for the wonderful meal.

Located a 3-5 minute walk from Karasuma Station is the traditional Japanese confectionery shop Kamehironaga. This long-established shop is famous for its amber-colored, water yokan-like confections called shitatari. Founded in 1936, the shop exudes a sense of history. While the main shop has been around for over 200 years, this branch has also accumulated a significant amount of history, which is reflected in the atmosphere of the shop. I purchased two popular items of wagashi this time. Having previously bought shitatari at the main shop, I intentionally chose different wagashi this time. Both items had vibrant colors and were filled with smooth and intensely sweet red bean paste, making them rich and satisfying sweets! In addition to shitatari, this popular wagashi shop offers a variety of delicious Japanese sweets, so be sure to visit. Thank you for the meal! *Instagram gourmet account: https://www.instagram.com/shunsuke.naka/ (Over 10,000 followers!)

Located in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, is the traditional Japanese confectionery shop "Kamehironaga." Despite its current Tabelog rating of 3.64, it ranks 471st in the Tabelog ranking for Kyoto Prefecture out of approximately 22,000 establishments. In the Tabelog ranking for "Kyoto Prefecture [Japanese Sweets]," it holds the 39th position, which is quite respectable. Before dinner, I visited the shop for some confectionery takeout. The shop is situated northeast of Hankyu Railway's Karasuma Station, about a 5-6 minute walk from the station. Upon arrival, I entered the quaint shop exuding a traditional atmosphere and a sense of long-established presence. I stood in front of the showcase to check out the products and decided to purchase the popular "Shitadari" for 1200 yen (tax included), which I found to be delicious with a satisfying sweetness that suited my taste. This chilled confection is ideal for summer, although it can be a bit delicate, requiring caution when cutting. It has a certain shelf life, making it suitable for souvenirs. While not strictly requiring refrigeration, the packaging recommends consuming it promptly after refrigerating, as it enhances the flavor significantly. Established in 1936 as a long-standing shop, it seems to be a branch of the renowned "Kamesuehiro." I would love to visit again given the opportunity, as Kyoto Prefecture boasts many outstanding establishments, nurturing a rich culinary culture. With renowned establishments like Kyoto cuisine "Kusakui Nakahigashi," Japanese cuisine "Mizai," Kappo cuisine "Shunseki Suzue," French cuisine "Ryouriya Stephane Pantel," Italian cuisine "Yamaguchi," meat cuisine "Niku no Takumi Miyoshi," Chinese cuisine "Saika," and Japanese sweets "Shokuyue," the region is home to celebrated establishments that compete and strive for excellence. Among them are numerous long-standing establishments with a wealth of expertise cultivated over the years. Visiting "Kamehironaga" in such a lineup of popular establishments in Kyoto Prefecture and experiencing high-quality dining was truly significant. I look forward to learning from the wisdom of gourmet enthusiasts, expanding my knowledge, and deepening my experiences in the future.

It is a summer treat that you crave when the season arrives. Originally a confection served at the tea ceremonies during the Gion Festival in Kyoto, it used to be available only during that time. However, due to its popularity, you can now purchase it year-round. This beautiful amber-colored sweet is a simple confection made with agar and sweet ingredients like black sugar. It has a unique texture that delicately crumbles and melts in your mouth. It seems that no one can replicate this texture elsewhere, as it is said to be a combination of skill and the high-quality water from Kyoto. Enjoy it at home by carefully preparing matcha tea to accompany it. The sparkling beauty and refreshing sensation of summer can be savored. Looking forward to indulging in it again next year. Thank you for the feast!♪

I didn't go to the Gion Festival this time because it was as crowded as expected, so I just had someone buy souvenirs for me. The refreshing Japanese sweets I've seen before, which are associated with the Kikusui Float, are lovely. You can buy them year-round now, but it feels special to enjoy them during the Gion Festival. When you unwrap them, they are jelly-like. You can taste the aroma and richness of brown sugar. They taste even better when chilled. Surprisingly, they also have a good shelf life, so I recommend them.

I went to Kyoto for the Kin-Kame exhibition and since it's the Gion Festival, I wanted to get some souvenirs related to that, so I went to Kamehiro Nagasaka. It's located on Takakura Street, just like the Kyoto Cultural Museum. The confectionery related to the Gion Festival was "Shitatari," available for purchase year-round now. Even though it's available all year, its refreshing appearance makes it perfect to buy during this season. It was my first time trying it haha. When you unwrap and cut it, it has a deep amber color. The taste of brown sugar is rich and elegant. It pairs well with coffee. This traditional Japanese confectionery shop is famous for its confectionery related to the Gion Festival, "Shitatari." Originally created for the tea ceremony of the Kikusui Float during the Gion Festival, it became popular and is now made throughout the year. The name "Shitatari" comes from the Chinese story of "Jukujido," where a boy who drank the dew of chrysanthemums on the Kikusui Float gained longevity. Shitatari costs 1200 yen and has a shelf life of 10 days.

During the Gion Festival, I heard that "shitatari" is a limited-time offering. It is a confectionery dedicated to the Kikusui Float. I finally got to try it. This refreshing sweet treat sparkles with a sweet aroma of brown sugar and a beautiful amber color. It paired perfectly with strong tea.

Located north on Takakura Street after passing through Nishiki Market is Kamehironaga-san. This is a branch of the famous Kamekohiro-san from Hyakumeiten. While not as long in history as Kamekohiro-san, they are known for their sweet called "Shitadari" served at the Chrysanthemum Water Float during the Gion Festival procession. This time, I aimed for this "Shitadari" and enjoyed it chilled at home. The appearance is a beautiful amber color that captivates you at first sight. The texture is incredibly bouncy, even more delicate than Mizuyokan. You must be careful until you place it on a plate after taking it out. But once you take a bite... oh, irresistible. It easily crushes in your mouth, spreading the deep sweetness of brown sugar. While I can't eat a lot of Yokan or Mizuyokan, I could easily finish a whole stick of this Shitadari. I'd love to see the Gion Festival procession live while enjoying this Shitadari. It seems that the procession will be held for the first time in three years this year. I envy the people at the Chrysanthemum Water Float tea ceremony. Thank you for the meal!

I visited the long-established Japanese confectionery shop "Kamehironaga" in Kyoto. It is about a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line Karasuma Station. It is also within walking distance from Karasuma Oike Station on the subway Karasuma Line. It is a Japanese confectionery shop facing Takakura Street. The signboard displayed gives a sense of history. Today, I tried a Japanese confectionery called "Shitadari". I enjoyed it after chilling it. It has a subtle agar texture and an elegant taste of black sugar. It goes well with strong tea. "Shitadari" is said to be inspired by the refreshing droplets of Kikusui no I, a famous water source in Kyoto named after the Chrysanthemum Water Basin. The ingredients include black sugar from Okinawa, high-quality coarse sugar, the finest wasanbon sugar from Awa, and agar from Tanba. It is said to be made using groundwater from Kyoto. There were also Kyoto-style dried sweets and fresh confections. Thank you for the delicious treat.

During Golden Week, my wife and I went on a date in Kyoto. We bought some cool sweets at Kyoto Takashimaya. It was a beautiful amber-colored agar about 40x25mm thick, 170mm long. It has a soft and crumbly texture. The agar has a rich sweetness with a deep flavor of black sugar and a smooth acidity. It wraps your mouth in sweetness without feeling heavy or overwhelming. It can last for a little over a week.