There is a Japanese confectionery shop familiar to Hokkaido residents in Esashi Town in southern Hokkaido. The shop's name is "Gokatteya Honpo" and its signature product is "Gokatteya Yokan." First of all, the word "gokatte" has an impact, but Gokatteya Yokan also has an impressive appearance. Let me introduce you to what it is. Gokatteya Honpo has a long history, having been founded in 1870, dating all the way back to the Meiji period. The name Gokatteya is said to come from Gokatte Village, which used to be located south of Esashi. The village name is said to come from the Ainu word "Kokaite," meaning "place where the waves crash." It was in 1936 that the store's signature product, Gokatteya Yokan, became widely known. This was triggered by Emperor Showa's choice of it as a souvenir when he visited Hakodate. Since then, it has become a famous confectionery representing southern Hokkaido. Well, when you think of yokan, most people probably imagine it to be rectangular in shape. However, Gokatteya's round canned yokan is round and tubular. The way to eat it is also unique. Remove the round lid, push out the amount you want to eat from the bottom, give the container a quick twist and cut the string before eating. People who have eaten it for the first time might be a little confused. The prices are quite reasonable, with a full can of yokan for 324 yen (tax included) and a mini can of yokan for 249 yen (tax included). Yokan made with red kidney beans from Tokachi has a gentle sweetness that everyone loves. The sugar sprinkled only on the edge also gives it a special feel, making you want to savor each bite. Of course, there are many other products on offer at Gokatteya Honpo. There are many different kinds of yokan, including the regular rectangular "Nagashi Yokan" for 702 yen (tax included) and the "Connoisseur's Choice" which is made from just the sugary top part of a round can of yokan for 378 yen (tax included). But if you've never tried it, we recommend trying the round, cylindrical Gokatteya Yokan. You'll want to tell others about the cute, retro container design and the fun way to eat it. Gokatteya Honpo Address: 38 Honmachi, Esashi-cho, Hiyama-gun, Hokkaido Phone: 0139-52-0022 Official website: http://www.gokatteya.co.jp