Japan’s Only Exclusive Shop: Kyoto’s Century-Old Confectionery Store Makes One Konpeito in 20 Days

Text and photos / Excerpted fromTreading Through Kyoto’s Slow TimeBy Pseudo-Japanese MAY, Published by Kingwalk Culture Publishing

The culturally rich “Kyoto University,” steeped in Japan’s long-standing traditional culture, boasts a naturally beautiful campus environment. Many people detour into the university on their way back from Imadegawa Street to the city center to enjoy the leisurely pace of life. In addition, don’t miss the century-old shops hidden in the alleys. Though they may seem unassuming, they have histories spanning over a hundred years. In Kyoto, a city that has endured for millennia, it’s common to find businesses that have been open for two or three hundred years. These establishments represent the artisans’ dedication to craftsmanship and their efforts to preserve tradition.

There’s also a monthly handmade market that gathers many local artisans or craftspeople who have relocated from other cities. Aside from running their own shops or consigning their works, they also showcase their creations at the market, selling handmade goods and crafts directly to customers. This allows them to better convey their creative vision, and you might even uncover some rare treasures there.

Ryukyu-an Shimizu (Green Longevity Hermitage Shimizu)

“Konpeito” is a traditional Japanese confection with origins dating back to the Muromachi period in 1550, introduced to Japan by the Portuguese. Also known as sugar flowers or gold rice candy, its main ingredient is sugar. Established in 1847, “Ryukyu-an Shimizu” is currently Japan’s only store specializing in konpeito. Since its opening, it has maintained traditional production methods, insisting on using all-natural ingredients. The process starts with an extremely small sugar core, which is continuously agitated in a frying pan while malt sugar syrup is gradually added. It is slowly dried and then left to sit for a period to allow natural crystallization to form the characteristic “antennae.” This repeated process means that a single konpeito, just 0.5 centimeters in size, takes 15 to 20 days to complete—this is the commitment of a Kyoto century-old shop.

The store displays a variety of flavored konpeito, available in regular packaging as well as designs suitable for gifting. What appears to be a simple candy actually has an exceptionally refined sweetness, making it distinct from typical souvenirs.

Ryukyu-an Shimizu (Green Longevity Hermitage Shimizu)
Address: 38-2 Yoshida Izumidono-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Phone: 075-771-0755
Business Hours: 10:00–17:00 (Closed every Wednesday and the fourth Tuesday of each month)
Access: From Kyoto City Bus 17 → Get off at “Hyakumanben” and walk 2 minutes; from Kyoto City Bus 206 → Get off at “Hyakumanben” and walk 5 minutes; from Keihan Electric Railway → Get off at “Demachiyanagi” and walk 10 minutes

Hyakumanben Handmade Market

Among so many handmade markets, the “Hyakumanben Handmade Market,” held every 15th of the month at Chion-in Temple, is the most popular. It’s a stark contrast to the usually quiet temple grounds on regular days—visitors crowd the stalls, hunting for treasures, creating a lively atmosphere. The market offers everything from leather goods and accessories to handicrafts, desserts, and coffee. If you happen to visit during the market, be sure to set aside plenty of time to explore and soak in the local Kyoto lifestyle.

Hyakumanben Handmade Market
Address: 103 Tagamonmaecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Phone: 075-781-9171
Business Hours: 08:00–16:00 on the 15th of each month (open even in rain)
Access: Kyoto City Bus 3, 17, 203, Rokujō 102 → Get off at “Hyakumanben” and walk 3 minutes; Keihan Electric Railway → Get off at “Demachiyanagi” and walk 10 minutes

Kamigamo Shrine Handmade Market

If you want to go treasure hunting in the forest, head to the “Kamigamo Shrine Handmade Market.” The market is held within the grounds of Kamigamo Shrine and is organized by the same group behind the Kitayama Craft Garden and Okazaki Park’s Heianraku Market. However, it features even more stalls, with a similar variety of goods—though you’ll often spot familiar vendors. May once ran into the same oil blotting paper uncle three times in a row. Not only did he remember me, but we also chatted for quite a while. It was very heartwarming.

Kamigamo Shrine Handmade Market
Address: 339 Kamigamo Hongū, Kita-ku, Kyoto
Phone: 075-781-0011
Business Hours: 09:00–16:00 on the fourth Sunday of each month (open even in rain)
Access: Kyoto City Bus 3, 17, 203, Rokujō 102 → Get off at “Kamigamo Jinja Mae” and you’re there