Satouden Masuo Shoten Honten

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Satouden Masuo Shoten Honten

A long-established confectionery shop cherished for more than 160 years, offering gently sweet sugar-based treats.

Last update :

Founded in 1854, Satouden Masuo Shoten traces its origins to its founder, Denjiro Masuo, who initially opened a Yamato tea shop in Gangoji Town. During his trading trips to Osaka and Sakai, he noticed that returning ships were often empty. To make the most of each trip, he began bringing back precious commodities such as Okinawan brown sugar and Awa wasanbon. This marked the shop’s transformation into a sugar specialty store. Since sugar was a rarity at the time, people began calling him "Satouden," the sugar merchant Denjiro, a name that has endured for over 160 years.

The store’s signature product is the "Mikadoko-ame", a beautifully amber-colored rice malt syrup. Made from rice and malt, it offers a gentle yet rich sweetness. It can be enjoyed as "hiyashi-ame" (a chilled sweet drink) or as a creamy topping for ice cream and yogurt.

Another standout item is the "Nara Confeito", a traditional Japanese sugar candy (konpeito) made using Mikadoko-ame and locally sourced Nara ingredients. Available in flavors such as Yamato tea, sencha, and blueberry, these delicate candies make perfect souvenirs. The packaging is inspired by Nara’s rich heritage, making Satouden Masuo Shoten a must-visit shop for anyone exploring Naramachi.

Highlights

  • A long-established sugar confectionery shop perfect for souvenirs when exploring Naramachi.
  • Experience komeame (rice malt syrup), a traditional sweetener dating back over 1,000 years.
  • The colorful and charming "Nara Confeito" offers a wide variety of flavors.
  • Sells not only confections but also a range of sugars, including white sugar, brown sugar, and wasanbon.

Photos

  • "Mikadoko-ame", crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations.

    "Mikadoko-ame", crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations.

  • The "Nara Confeito" comes in 13 different box designs, making the selection process enjoyable.

    The "Nara Confeito" comes in 13 different box designs, making the selection process enjoyable.

  • "Lucky Deer Gummies", made with locally sourced Nara honey.

    "Lucky Deer Gummies", made with locally sourced Nara honey.

  • The shop, bustling with visitors from both within and outside the prefecture, is located just south of Goryo Shrine.

    The shop, bustling with visitors from both within and outside the prefecture, is located just south of Goryo Shrine.

  • Customers can sample "Mikadoko-ame" in-store, though availability may vary due to virus prevention measures.

    Customers can sample "Mikadoko-ame" in-store, though availability may vary due to virus prevention measures.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Are there services in foreign languages? (If so, please provide the supported languages.)

A

Not available

Q

Do you offer tax-free services?

A

No, we don't.

Q

Is gift wrapping available?

A

Some items can be gift-wrapped, while others cannot. Please inquire for details.

Q

Do you have an overseas-shipping service?

A

International shipping is not available.

Q

When we earn points, can we use them immediately?

A

We don’t have a point system.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
砂糖傳 増尾商店 本店
Postal Code
630-8332
Address
10 Gangojicho, Nara City, Nara
Telephone
0742-26-2307
Closed
New Year’s holiday period.
Business hours
9:00am - 6:00pm
Directions
Approximately a 3-minute walk from Nara Kotsu Bus "Tanakamachi" stop.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)