【Foodie Find】A Glimpse into Japan’s Traditional Sugar-Crafting Artistry

By:ECat

With the Japanese yen staying low lately, here’s yet another excuse toJapan. When it comes to traveling in Japan, it doesn’t always have to be about shopping, cherry blossom viewing, or soaking in hot springs—sometimes, immersing yourself in the local culture can be an ideal experience.

This time, we’re introducing you to aJapanesetraditional sugar-crafting art—“Amezaiku.” At first glance, Amezaiku may remind you of China’s sugarsculptureart. Both involve heatingmaltoseor cane sugarand then shaping it using techniques such asblowing, pulling, and painting to create exquisite candies. However, after learning more, you’ll find that Amezaiku is much stricter in terms of aesthetics and craftsmanship. For instance, the popular candy shop “AmezaikuAmeshin(Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin)” in Asakusa crafts candies that strive for hyper-realistic shapes and colors, so exquisitely made they’re almost lifelike—an amazing sight.

The owner of Amezaiku Ameshin,Mr. Shinri Tezuka, often createsAmezaikuin-store and possessesJapan’s top-tier sugar sculpture skills.

At Amezaiku Ameshin, everything from heating the sugar ingredients, shaping, polishing, to coloring is handled solely byMr. Tezuka and his apprentices—each piece is one of a kind.

How realistic are Amezaiku Ameshin’s candies? No need for more words—just look at the photos.Shown here is Mr. Tezuka’s specialty—goldfishAmezaiku.
The fish are crafted so vividly, they look almost alive.

For transportation, you can take the Tokyo Metro and get off at Asakusa Station, then walk for about10minutes to reach Ame-shin, the candy craft shop.If you don’t feel strongly about visiting the original store, you might also consider the new branch at Tokyo Skytree, where you can still find your favorite treats.

Ame-shin Shop Details:

Asakusa Main Store:
Business Hours:11:00amto6:00pm(Closed everyThursday)
Address: 8 Imado, Taito City, Tokyo1-4-3 1F(In front of Imado Shrine)

Tokyo SkytreeBranch:Business Hours:
to10:00amto9:00pm
Address: 2-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo4th Floor (Tokyo Solamachi 4F4Tokyo Skytree Town 4th Floor)11(Oshiage 1-chome, 2-1-2, Sumida)

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