Hokonan

This teahouse stands in the Naka Senbon area of Mt. Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms. With over 60 years of history, it is a long-established shop said to be the first on Mt. Yoshino to serve tea and kuzumochi. In a calm setting created from a traditional Japanese house, guests can relax and enjoy handmade sweets made with ingredients from Yoshino.

The sweets are made with soybeans sourced from contracted farmers, as well as homegrown rice and azuki beans. The sweet bean paste used in the confections is handmade every morning by simmering azuki beans, and the kinako is made by slowly roasting large soybeans and carefully grinding them into powder, showing the shop’s attention to detail in every step.

Kuzubana, made by wrapping freshly cooked chunky sweet bean paste in freshly prepared hon-kuzu after each order is placed, is known for its beautiful translucent appearance and smooth, springy texture. The menu also includes kuzumochi dusted with kinako that brings out the natural sweetness of the beans, and kusamochi with a nostalgic old-fashioned flavor, among other treats.

While taking in the scenery of Mt. Yoshino from the terrace seats and the retro furnishings inside, such as the tea kettle and hanging scrolls, you can enjoy a relaxing moment with delicious Japanese sweets.