Souun Yokan Honpo

“Souun Yokan Honpo” is a long-established wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop in Ashikaga. The “Souun” in its name is said to come from Tazaki Souun, a painter with ties to Ashikaga who was active from the end of the Edo period (1853-1868) until the Meiji era (1868-1912). As the shop’s name suggests, it specializes in yokan, a jellied desert made with red bean paste. They take extreme care in utilizing only the best ingredients, including carefully selected Adzuki beans from Tokachi, sugar, agar, and chestnuts.

Among their many products, one that has become quite popular recently is their “Kurimushi Yokan,” or steamed chestnut yokan, which is made with kudzu powder from Yoshino as a binder, and a whole chestnut, which is then squeezed in a tea cloth. The stewed chestnuts are slightly sweet, with a pleasantly soft texture, and they pair beautifully with the yokan’s bean paste.

Yokan is a simple dish, but the use of carefully selected ingredients by a long-standing shop with years of experience gives it a sophisticated flavor. As the yokan is handmade, quantities are limited and it may sell out, so you may want to reserve some in advance. If left unopened, the yokan will keep for 20 days, making it great for souvenirs.