Sweets are an essential part of tea. Typical sweets to accompany Japanese tea are made with red bean paste.
Tokyo is known as a city of gastronomy. In Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, which developed as a ryotei district. There is a confectionery shop loved by food connoisseurs and cultural figures. It is Shiono.
Shiono’s Japanese confectionery, which used to be sold wholesale to ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants), is delicate and prestigious. They are also popular as a gift.
Unique Points of Shiono’s Wagashi
The refined sweetness and smoothness of azuki beans are the characteristics of Shiono’s confectionery. They are sweet, and the richness of the azuki beans gives them the depth of flavor.
They are also characterized by their lovely appearance, which shows the season. Both jonamagashi and dried confectionery often use pretty designs. jonamagashi are small and easy to eat.
Review of Elegant Shiono’s Wagashi
Confectioneries at the Beginning of May
Shobu
Nerikiri made from red bean paste
The 5th of May is Children’s Day for Japanese people. This national holiday is a day to wish for the growth of children. It is also known as Tango-no Sekku. The motif of this festival is the samurai helmet.
As can be seen from the distinctive crescent moon fronts, the motif is based on the helmet of Date Masamune, the feudal lord of the Date clan. The Date clan was a famous samurai warlord in northeast Japan.
“Shobu” here means valuing the martial arts.
Hanafuji
Konashi, made from white bean paste with egg yolks
The mellow taste of the kimian bean paste is impressive. Kinian bean paste is made by mixing white bean paste made from kidney beans with egg yolks.
The rich, full flavor of the egg gives a sense of satisfaction after eating.
The motif is wisteria flowers in bloom in May.
Fujimusume (Wisteria Girls)
Tororo manju with azuki bean paste
This is a moist, smooth, azuki bean-flavored grated yam bun. The outer skin made of tororo potato has a peculiar texture and fluffy feel.
The Wisteria flower is the motif.
Let’s Buy Cherry Blossoms in Spring! Higashi, Lovely Dried Sweets from Shiono
Shiono’s Higashi dried confections are popular for their cute motifs. The sweets are as small as the tip of your finger, but they are colorful and a joy to receive.
Especially popular are the sakura cherry blossom motifs during spring. Sakura higashi is the perfect spring gift. It goes perfectly with tea and coffee as well as Japanese tea.
Shiono’s Location and Opening Hours
Summary of Shiono’s shop information
Opening hours
Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00
Sat 9:00-17:00
Sun Closed.
It is recommended to visit in the morning. This is because the most popular fresh wagashi run out first. For popular seasonal items, it is best to make a reservation by phone.
Budget
1,000 – 2,000 yen
Address
2-13-2 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052
