Looking for a Tokyo souvenir that goes beyond the usual cookies, sandwich cookies, and cakes? Meet Minamoto Kitchoan (源吉兆庵), a traditional Japanese confectionery (wagashi, 和菓子) shop with a long history and its flagship store in Ginza. Its seasonal Nature Series, made with whole natural fruit, caught my eye on a short trip to Tokyo, and the gifts I picked up were a big hit. Here is where to find the shop and what I bought.
Where to Find Minamoto Kitchoan in Tokyo
I visited two locations, and each is easy to fit into a day of shopping.
Daimaru Tokyo, 1F: Connected directly to Tokyo Station, the first floor of Daimaru Tokyo is packed with dessert shops selling cookies, cakes, jelly, and more. Minamoto Kitchoan has a counter here. I bought two Nature Series sweets, Rikuno Hoju (made with green grapes) and Tosenka (with a whole white peach), along with a box of N.Y.C. New York City Sand.
Matsuya Ginza Store (宗家 源吉兆庵 松屋銀座店): Even in glamorous Ginza, the shop stands out, directly across from the shopping mall Ginza Six. The first floor is a sales floor, and from the second floor up it is run as a café, so you can sit down for a dessert and a drink in the middle of your shopping. This is where I picked up a set of four Shimizu Shiramomo Jelly, the one I had missed at Daimaru and kept thinking about.
Cartier boutique, Ginza, Tokyo
Minamoto Kitchoan, across from Ginza Six
Rikuno Hoju (陸乃宝珠): One Green Grape at a Time
The Fruit: Rikuno Hoju is made with Muscat of Alexandria grapes grown in Okayama Prefecture. This variety is considered an original "ancient vine" that has not been genetically modified. It is a key grape for white wine and the parent of the Shine Muscat, and it is known for a delicate aroma that fills your mouth.
The Craft: Each piece is made by hand, with a single whole Muscat grape wrapped inside. You get the grape's natural flavor, its juice, and a refreshing tartness.
Rikuno Hoju
Tosenka (桃泉果): A Whole White Peach
The Fruit: Tosenka uses milky-white peaches. A fully ripe peach is halved, its pit and skin are removed, and the flesh is finished by preserving it in honey.
The Texture: The peach is covered with a puree made with white peach juice, which keeps that juicy, watery quality that peaches are known for.
My Tip: Chill it in the refrigerator before eating. It brings out a rich peach aroma and flavor.
Opening a Tosenka
Shimizu Shiramomo Jelly (清水白桃ぜりぃ)
The Peach: The Shimizu white peach (Shimizu hakuto) was discovered in Okayama. It is known for dense, juicy, fragrant flesh with plenty of sweetness. Both the skin and the flesh are very pale, and it is a premium variety often called the "queen of peaches."
The Jelly: This jelly uses only Shimizu white peaches, made so you can enjoy the fruit in its purest form. Keep it cold before eating.
Essential Visitor Info
- 📍 Daimaru Tokyo store: 1F, connected to Tokyo Station
- 📍 Matsuya Ginza store: Across from Ginza Six; shop on 1F, café from 2F
- 🍇 What I bought: Rikuno Hoju, Tosenka, Shimizu Shiramomo Jelly (plus N.Y.C. New York City Sand)
- ⏳ Shelf life: Short, since real fruit is used; the expiration date is printed on the bottom of each product
- ❄️ Storage: Staff said refrigeration isn't necessary, but I preferred them chilled
- 🌐 Website: https://www.kitchoan.co.jp/
Buying Tips
Eat Them Soon: The Nature Series changes with the seasons, and because it uses real fruit, the shelf life isn't long. Eat as soon as you can after buying.
Check the Date: The expiration date is on the bottom of each product, so look before you buy gifts for later.
Serve Them Cool: Even though the staff said refrigeration isn't required, a slightly chilled sweet tasted best to me.
Final Verdict
I wanted a gift with some personality, something other than the usual cookies, sandwich cookies, and cakes, and Minamoto Kitchoan's traditional Japanese sweets fit perfectly. The person who received them was astonished, and watching them marvel at the first bite made me glad I had chosen them. If you're heading to Tokyo and want a souvenir that feels special and seasonal, put Minamoto Kitchoan on your list.
Which would you try first: the grape, the white peach, or the jelly? Tell me in the comments!
Access Map
Daimaru Tokyo store:
Matsuya Ginza store:
