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Unforgettable at First Sight & Sound! The Unique "Gokatteya Yokan"
In the town of Esashi in Southern Hokkaido, there is a traditional Japanese confectionery shop that is very familiar to the people of Hokkaido.
It's called "Gokatteya Honpo," and its signature product is the "Gokatteya Yokan."
First, the name "Gokatteya" has a unique ring to it, but the Gokatteya Yokan is also quite striking in its appearance.
Let's introduce you to what it's all about.
Gokatteya Honpo has a long history, founded in 1870, dating all the way back to the Meiji era. The name Gokatteya is said to originate from the former Gokatte Village, located south of Esashi. Incidentally, the village's name comes from the Ainu word "kokaite," meaning "a place where waves crash." Its signature product, the Gokatteya Yokan, became widely known in 1936. This was when Emperor Showa visited Hakodate and it was chosen as a souvenir for him. Since then, it has become a representative confectionery of Southern Hokkaido.
Now, when you think of yokan (sweet bean jelly), most people probably picture a rectangular block. However, Gokatteya's Marukan Yokan comes in a round, cylindrical tube. The way you eat it is also unique. You remove the round lid, push out the desired amount from the bottom, and then use the string attached to the container to cut it with a single twist. First-timers might be a little puzzled.
The price is quite reasonable, with the Marukan Yokan at 324 yen (tax included) per tube and the Mini Marukan Yokan at 249 yen (tax included). The yokan, made with Kintoki beans from Tokachi, has a gentle sweetness that everyone loves. The coarse sugar sprinkled only on the end adds a special touch, making you want to savor it carefully.
Of course, Gokatteya Honpo's store offers a variety of other products. There are different types of yokan, such as the standard rectangular "Nagashi Yokan" for 702 yen (tax included) and the "Tsugonomi" for 378 yen (tax included), which is a collection of just the sugary top part of the Marukan Yokan. But if you've never tried it, we really recommend the round, cylindrical Gokatteya Yokan. Its retro and cute container design and fun way of eating will surely make you want to tell someone else about it.
Gokatteya Honpo
Location: 38 Honcho, Esashi-cho, Hiyama-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0139-52-0022
Official Website: http://www.gokatteya.co.jp
It's called "Gokatteya Honpo," and its signature product is the "Gokatteya Yokan."
First, the name "Gokatteya" has a unique ring to it, but the Gokatteya Yokan is also quite striking in its appearance.
Let's introduce you to what it's all about.
Gokatteya Honpo has a long history, founded in 1870, dating all the way back to the Meiji era. The name Gokatteya is said to originate from the former Gokatte Village, located south of Esashi. Incidentally, the village's name comes from the Ainu word "kokaite," meaning "a place where waves crash." Its signature product, the Gokatteya Yokan, became widely known in 1936. This was when Emperor Showa visited Hakodate and it was chosen as a souvenir for him. Since then, it has become a representative confectionery of Southern Hokkaido.
Now, when you think of yokan (sweet bean jelly), most people probably picture a rectangular block. However, Gokatteya's Marukan Yokan comes in a round, cylindrical tube. The way you eat it is also unique. You remove the round lid, push out the desired amount from the bottom, and then use the string attached to the container to cut it with a single twist. First-timers might be a little puzzled.
The price is quite reasonable, with the Marukan Yokan at 324 yen (tax included) per tube and the Mini Marukan Yokan at 249 yen (tax included). The yokan, made with Kintoki beans from Tokachi, has a gentle sweetness that everyone loves. The coarse sugar sprinkled only on the end adds a special touch, making you want to savor it carefully.
Of course, Gokatteya Honpo's store offers a variety of other products. There are different types of yokan, such as the standard rectangular "Nagashi Yokan" for 702 yen (tax included) and the "Tsugonomi" for 378 yen (tax included), which is a collection of just the sugary top part of the Marukan Yokan. But if you've never tried it, we really recommend the round, cylindrical Gokatteya Yokan. Its retro and cute container design and fun way of eating will surely make you want to tell someone else about it.
Gokatteya Honpo
Location: 38 Honcho, Esashi-cho, Hiyama-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0139-52-0022
Official Website: http://www.gokatteya.co.jp
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Hokkaido Tourism Camera-Writer
Team Buchineko
We are "Team Buchineko," with many connections to tourist spots and facilities in Hokkaido. Even things that seem ordinary to us living in Hokkaido are wonderful resources. We will continue to share the charm of this wonderful Hokkaido.
