This product is not too expensive but looks good and tastes decent, making it perfect for casual use. "Kyoto light baked snacks" is one of those items. It's nice to be able to eat it without feeling pressured, especially when received as a gift from a close friend. There are different flavors of "Kyoto light baked snacks," but this "black pepper" flavor is new to me. It's not too peppery, so even those who don't like pepper much could enjoy it.

I passed by a certain shop and decided to stop by since it was a lucky day. I bought a selection of various sweets from Kogetsuan. I used a department store gift for payment, which was a good deal. When I got home and tried them, I personally liked the Teika's Moon series as always. The downside is that it's hard to find a lucky day, but if you do, it's worth it.

I always purchase the assorted Saganoyaki from Ogurayama Sojo. I received individually wrapped Saganoyaki. It's definitely not your ordinary senbei. It has a delicious taste that never gets old. Saganoyaki is a great value senbei that can be enjoyed to the fullest, so I look forward to limited edition offerings.

I got this at the Kyoto Takashimaya basement. I've been into chocolate arare lately. Actually, Kuritaro-san also sells chocolate arare, but my wife whispered that they also sell it at Kokurayamaso, so I was really curious and decided to get it at Takashimaya. There were cans and bags to choose from, but this time I got this one. "Omoisomeshi Large Bag Sweet & Bitter 12 bags each 1782 yen." The name "Omoisomeshi" is quite unique, taken from the Manyoshu, it's a Kyoto arare shop after all! I brought it back home, but hmm, the chocolate flavor is... a bit subtle. Well, it's a showdown with Kuritaro-san's chocolate arare, so let's see how it goes. But chocolate arare is delicious, so please try it. Thank you for the meal!

This time, I couldn't decide on a souvenir for my workplace, and my husband was getting frustrated. So, I decided to buy some rice crackers here because I couldn't spend any more time. I bought "Tsuki ni Momiji" and "Arare Zutsumi Komachi". Tsuki ni Momiji is a variety of small rice crackers on a tray. Arare Zutsumi Komachi has "Butter" and "Cheese" flavors, which I found interesting and bought. It has soy sauce-flavored rice crackers in the center, surrounded by a wheat flour dough. The wheat flour dough is like a firm, slightly sweet waffle dough with added butter and cheese flavors. It was my first time seeing these rice crackers, and the texture and sweet-savory taste were interesting. I had small paper bags from several shops, but the staff here kindly offered to consolidate them into one big bag. Ease of reservation - Likelihood of revisiting: ★★☆☆☆ It's available in department stores nationwide, so it may not be a strong choice as a Kyoto-specific souvenir. Thank you for the meal!

I received a gift of Ogura Yamashunju from the Depachika at Kyoto Takashimaya! It's a set of 8 small rice crackers that represent the four seasons in Japan. It's a popular snack from Ogura Sanso and comes in 8 different flavors. It's definitely delicious and perfect for souvenirs or gifts. If you're looking for a snack to bring back, be sure to check out Ogura Sanso at Kyoto Takashimaya!

When it comes to Ogurayama Villa, the must-try items are Ogura Meigetsu (lightly salted fried senbei), Teishuku no Tsuki (salad-style), and Saga-no-yaki, in addition to the Silk Road's gift of Hatan Kyo (almonds with black beans) that I received this time. Among the assortment, there was one standout item called Kyoto's grilled rice cake. The black bean rice cracker from Tango has a perfect balance of crispy texture and saltiness that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. The Hatan Kyo, which is made with almonds and a touch of salt, has a delightful taste and texture. The Ebisen from Ogurayama Villa is quite crunchy with a strong saltiness, making it a perfect accompaniment for drinks. However, the arare rolled in cookie dough with a soy sauce flavor was not to my liking. It had a mix of sweet and salty flavors that felt somewhat incomplete. The chocolate-coated kaki no tane was another item I didn't enjoy, as the white chocolate, strawberry, and matcha flavors were too sweet for my taste. Despite these personal preferences, the black bean rice cracker and Hatan Kyo from Tango were delightful snacks that I would love to have on hand at all times.

(In August 2016) A simple visual with a golden sash and black ink writing that says "White Peach Jelly" exudes a certain sense of luxury unique to the brand, Kokurayamaso. I was told by the president to serve this peach jelly when Mr./Ms. ◯◯ visits, and it was presented to us with that note. I had only known Kokurayamaso for their rice cracker assortment, so I was surprised to learn that they also offer seasonal products like white peach jelly. The sales director who was with me suddenly said, "Well then, I'll have some too!" and took out a bag of Kokurayamaso rice crackers from his bag! We all had a good laugh. We enjoyed the chilled white peach jelly together, and it was a delightful experience. The packaging of the jelly appears more yellowish due to the showroom lights and marble top, but in reality, it has a more transparent look with a clear depiction of white peaches. The strength of the brand is evident in this exquisite product. (In April 2015) A gift wrapped in a cherry blossom-colored furoshiki, filled with handmade "flowers," Kyoto Goshiki beans, and assorted rice crackers and senbei. The gentle visual of spring brings a sense of peace. The rice crackers, part of the "Haruaki" series, and senbei have a light and elegant finish, typical of Kokurayamaso. The variety of carefully crafted rice crackers and the unique flavors of the senbei, especially the lightly salted Kokura Meigetsu and the shrimp-filled Myougetsu senbei, left a lasting impression. Fried senbei often tend to be heavy, but the sweet soy sauce Kokura Meigetsu melts in the mouth with a lightness. Truly, Kokurayamaso excels in creating senbei with depth. (In April 2014) I received a can of "Ogura Mountain Shunju" medium size (22 bags) from Ogurayama in Nagaokakyo as a gift for the office. The packaging paper features waka poetry and the can is filled with small rice crackers expressing the beauty of the four seasons, flowers, birds, wind, and moon. The "Arare Hasshu" made from domestic water rice and mochi rice includes eight flavors like seaweed, black sesame, salad, zaramame, nori, shrimp, black beans, and sweet and salty soy sauce. Each flavor is rich in aroma and the cute size still has a strong presence. The seaweed, with a strong scent of the sea, was memorable, but the cherry blossom petal-shaped shrimp and Tamba black bean senbei were particularly delicious, making you want more. The senbei, made with a sticky and sweet rice called Mangestu Mochi, had a perfect balance of saltiness that enhanced the taste of the mochi. What was even more surprising was that each individual tray in the packaging had a poem written on it. The eighty-second poem reads: "Sorrowful thoughts, even though life remains, not worrying about it is indeed a tearful thing." The poems added an extra touch to the experience.

Recommended souvenir senbei with two pieces in high-quality packaging. Available in cans or gift boxes, perfect for gifting to friends. The size is satisfying and the balance of sweet rice, soy sauce aroma, and seaweed flavor is exquisite. The outer sauce may seem a bit sweet, but it actually complements the overall taste. The texture is not too hard, with a satisfying crunch.

I received a gift of Ogura Sanso's arare. There are three bags of arare in a spring-themed box. Each bag contains around 10 different types of arare, with two of them coated in chocolate - strawberry and milk. The chocolate on the salty arare adds a nice touch of sweetness. While it's not necessary, it's a nice addition. I have received other Japanese sweets as gifts before, but I would like to visit this place when I go to Kyoto. Thank you for the treat!

I tried the "Ogurayama Shunju Arare & Chocolate" from the well-established Kyoto rice cracker and senbei specialty shop "Ogurayamaso". It comes in a small bag with 7 different varieties: - Maple Leaf: A senbei shaped like a maple leaf with ao-nori seaweed mixed in, deliciously crispy with a sweet soy sauce flavor. - Scattered Flowers: Pink arare shaped like cherry blossom petals with a fragrant shrimp aroma. - Midnight Moon: A popular almond rice cracker, crispy and flavorful, one of my favorites. - Nara Leaf: A senbei with black sesame, also fragrant and crispy. - Moon and Flowers: Disk-shaped milk chocolate. - Leafy Senbei: Senbei coated with matcha chocolate. - Crunchy An: Square-shaped puffed chocolate made with five-grain rice. Light and crispy, another favorite! I really liked these, so I looked up the price and found out it's only 810 yen for a pack of 6 bags. That's a great deal!

Kokura Sanso. It's pronounced as "ogura sanso," but as a resident of Kokura in Kitakyushu City, I always get it wrong haha. They brought me some sweets to the gallery, which is a place where you can drink alcohol, so I opened it right away and shared it with everyone as a snack. The sweets are packed in a perfect-sized semi-transparent Tetra Pak. They are chocolate-coated persimmon seeds, with various flavors ranging from bitter to sweet, so you won't get tired of them. We enjoyed the bitter ones with whiskey and the sweet ones with brandy.

I received the popular product "Saga no Yaki" from Kokurayamaso, a long-established senbei and okaki specialty store in Kyoto. The soft texture, sweet and savory flavor, and the delicious seaweed from Ariake all go together surprisingly well. Made with 100% Kyoto-grown rice, this senbei is soft and delicious. The sweet and savory seasoning also pairs well as a tea snack. This item has a high repeat rate. I plan to use it not only for myself but also as a gift in the future. Thank you for the meal!

I received this as a souvenir. It's my first time trying it. It's called "Ogura-san Shunju". There are about 8 small rice crackers inside. Each one has a different flavor. They are all crispy and delicious. The shapes are not just simple circles, they also have cherry blossom shapes, squares, some with beans, and some wrapped in seaweed. The flavors are quite strong, but tasty, and I couldn't stop eating them. There are small packs of rice crackers from various shops, but this product is my favorite.

Today's snack options have become quite diverse, with various types available. There are sets for home use where you can choose your favorite items to purchase, and they also cater to offerings, gifts, and souvenirs. The packaging is lovely, with Kyoto-themed designs like Hyakunin Isshu poems and autumn leaves. Each item is individually wrapped, which is convenient. I purchased rice crackers, rice crackers with different flavors, and senbei (rice crackers). The rice crackers are made with mochi rice, while the senbei are made with regular rice. There are two types of fried senbei available: lightly salted and sweet soy sauce. The lightly salted senbei has a hint of saltiness and sweetness, while the sweet soy sauce senbei is a high-quality product with a rich flavor. Both have a light and delicious texture. The senbei also come in two varieties: salad and wasanbon (Japanese sugar) flavors. The salad flavor is lightly salted, suitable even for children. The wasanbon flavor is also light and easy to eat. The Arare Tsuzumi combines Japanese and Western flavors, with soy sauce rice crackers wrapped in sesame cookies. It was a surprising and delightful combination of flavors. There is also almond rice crackers, a variation of the common black bean rice crackers with almonds. It's unique and interesting. Overall, there is a variety of options available, from traditional to innovative, all of which are enjoyable. While they may not be top-tier products, they are all quite tasty. I personally like the Arare Tsuzumi the best, as it is affordable and has a universally appealing flavor. The constant introduction of new items keeps things exciting, and seasonal Japanese sweets are also available, which is a nice touch.

To avoid any misunderstanding, when I say "alone," I mean that I don't have friends or companions, just eating alone in a corner of the city. The snacks I had were like crispy rice crackers, slightly larger and individually wrapped. They came in sweet soy sauce and light salt flavors, both with a refined taste. Eating them alone, they tasted even better, especially the light salt flavor. It's like getting two delicious experiences in one! That's the kind of snack it was. Bon appétit!

◇Located at Hankyu Kawaramachi Station (West) on Shijo Street, Takashimaya B1, is Ogura Sanso. The main store is a long-established rice cracker shop in Takeshi no Sato (Nagaokakyo), Kyoto. When it comes to Kyoto souvenirs, this is the place to go. I bought some for my family, daughter's house, and my own home. The beautifully wrapped packages depict the four seasons of Ogura Mountain. Easy to carry back home. I purchased the Ogura Mountain Haru-Aki refill pack (20 bags) for ¥1575. They also have Ogura Mountain Haru-Aki (5 bags) for ¥420. For gifts, they offer cans of Ogura Mountain Haru-Aki in different sizes: medium can for ¥2100 (22 bags) and small can for ¥1575 (16 bags). I bought the refill pack. The total amount spent was a bit surprising. My mother was delighted. Ogura Sanso is famous in Kyoto for their rice crackers. The most popular item is here. Each small bag features Ogura Mountain and a tray with a different poem from Hyakunin Isshu, although strangely, only the fourth poem kept appearing. It's like a fortune cookie. When you open the package, a pleasant aroma fills the air. Inside are 8 types of rice crackers: Some are sweet, some are savory. Each bite-sized piece is delicious. They pair perfectly with green tea. However, they don't go well with beer due to the soy sauce base and other flavors. The salad (salt) flavored rice cracker and the shrimp rice cracker are recommended for beer. Kyoto rice crackers are not only visually appealing but also delicious, showcasing the refined elegance of Kyoto. ◇From the information provided... A collection of rice crackers inspired by poems from Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, featuring cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and the moon, representing seasonal landscapes in 8 different shapes.