5 places in Tomachi, chosen by Rin and checked by the editors.
Made in Kakunodate
Kabazaiku (Wild Cherry-Bark Craft)Kabazaiku is a designated traditional craft made from the bark of wild mountain cherry. The bark is stripped in August and September and dried for about two years. Tea caddies are the typical piece, and they gain a shine as hands touch them. The craft in Kakunodate has about 240 years of history.
Tomachi
A kabazaiku house in Shimoshinmachi, founded in 1851. Its main shop is a renovated storehouse from the end of the Edo period, selling tea caddies and tea ware made of wild cherry bark. Open 10:00–17:00, closed on Wednesdays.
RinA tea caddy gains a shine as it is used. Hold one first.
Made in Kakunodate
Miso and Soy Sauce BrewingIn Shimoshinmachi, in the merchant quarter, Ando Jozo has brewed since 1853. It makes additive-free, naturally fermented miso, soy sauce and pickles, and opens the brick storehouse parlor of its main shop, built in the middle of the Meiji era, to visitors.
Tomachi
The main shop of a miso and soy sauce brewer in Shimoshinmachi, founded in 1853 and brewing without additives, naturally fermented. Its brick storehouse parlor from the middle of the Meiji era, a designated local cultural property, is free to see, and miso, soy sauce and pickles are set out to taste. Open 8:30–17:00.
RinThe parlor is free. Taste first, then buy.
Tomachi
A Mont Blanc specialist in Shimoshinmachi, making baked Mont Blanc, Mont Blanc pudding and soft serve from local Saimyoji chestnuts. The shop is a koji storehouse over 120 years old, taken over from a soy sauce and miso brewer. Open 10:00–17:00, closed only at the New Year.
RinThe Saimyoji chestnuts are harvested from October. Go in chestnut season.
Tomachi
A pudding specialist in Yokomachi, making its smooth pudding by hand in a workshop at the back, with Madagascar vanilla beans and domestic eggs and milk. A pumpkin pudding comes out in autumn. Open 10:00–17:00, closed only at the New Year.
RinThe pumpkin pudding is autumn only. Holds can be asked for by phone.
Kakunodate · Kabazaiku (Wild Cherry-Bark Craft)Kakunodate · Miso and Soy Sauce BrewingKakunodate · CraftKakunodate · SweetsKakunodate · FoodKakunodate · Cafés
All of Rin's Kakunodate →Rin is a fictional traveller. Every place here was checked by the editors to exist and be open. Please confirm hours on the official site before you go.