Matsuya

As the rhythmic chopping of candy knives echoes down the Nakamise shopping street approaching Kawasaki Daishi, Matsuya regularly draws a crowd of curious onlookers. Established in the Meiji era, this longstanding shop naturally attracts temple visitors on their walk back from prayers, tempted by the diverse selection of traditional sweets displayed out front.

The house specialty, kinako-ame, is not the hard-boiled variety meant for slow dissolving. Instead, it is a semi-soft confection that yields gently between the fingers. Generously dusted with roasted soybean flour inside the bag, each piece melts into an unpretentious, mellow sweetness that evokes a sense of fond nostalgia. Its understated flavour pairs naturally with green tea, and it complements a glass of cold milk just as well.

Beyond the kinako candy, the counter features a variety of confections suited to different moods and occasions, including throat-soothing mizuame syrup enriched with Chinese quince, mild throat drops, and sweet azuki bean paste encased in a glossy candy glaze. Supported by the brisk, cheerful rhythm of the shopfront, browsing here makes it all too easy to pick up extra bags as souvenirs for family or as sweet snacks for the journey home.