Located in Koyaguchi Town, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture, Kanazawa Juoken is a long-standing wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shop that has been loved by the local community since its founding in 1911. Situated along the historic Yamato Kaido, which leads to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Koya, the store has preserved its traditional production methods while embracing new challenges. Now in the capable hands of the fourth-generation owner, Mr. Takanori Kanazawa, the shop continues to evolve.
Dedication to Making Wagashi Loved by All
Kanazawa Juoken’s wagashi making is rooted in three major pillars
1. Wagashi-Making Experience
The first is the Wagashi-making experience, created with the desire for people to grow fonder of wagashi. Visitors can use traditional tools inside the retro store, which has been preserved since the Meiji period, to craft their own sweets. This experience has brought joy to many customers.
2. Development of Ice Kuzubars Packed with Local Fruits
The second initiative is the development of Ice Kuzubars, filled with an abundance of local Wakayama fruits. This product has gained popularity, especially among younger customers, and is available not only at the physical store but also online via platforms like Cake.jp and Giftmall. It is also distributed to hotels, roadside stations, and even unmanned sweets shops, making it widely accessible.
3. Incorporating Western Ingredients into New Wagashi Creations
Lastly, the shop takes on the challenge of incorporating western ingredients into traditional wagashi. With a spirit of “preserving the unchanging taste while exploring new horizons,” the store continues to innovate while cherishing the principle of “onko chishin” (learning from the past to create new ideas).
The Dedication of the Fourth-Generation Owner, Mr. Takanori Kanazawa
Mr. Kanazawa, who grew up in Koyaguchi, decided to take over the family business after interacting with sons of other wagashi shop owners while studying at a confectionery school in Tokyo. After training in Kanagawa and Nagoya, he returned home to continue the family legacy.
His work ethic is driven by the philosophy of putting “maximum effort into everything” and he faces challenges, such as staff shortages and the demands of running an online shop, with determination.
Customer Smiles as the Greatest Reward
For Mr. Kanazawa, the most rewarding aspect of his work is seeing the smiles on his customers’ faces. The joy and satisfaction of customers who enjoy his sweets and return as repeat patrons bring him the greatest fulfillment. His goal is to spread the delights of Wakayama’s fruits not just locally, but across Japan.
Looking Ahead: Connecting Locals and a Nationwide Audience
Kanazawa Juoken aims to preserve the local culture through wagashi while introducing new products nationwide. Their popular Ice Kuzubars, as well as other unique offerings, are highly recommended not just for locals but for fruit enthusiasts throughout Japan. Through their wagashi-making experiences and innovative products, the store continues to bring joy and inspiration to all who visit.
For more information, visit the official website of Kanazawa Juoken and experience their charm firsthand. Look forward to more exciting challenges from Kanazawa Juoken as they deliver the rich, natural flavors of Wakayama to people all over Japan.
