Winter Nostalgia & The Legend of Uji Rabbits: A Matcha Sweet Treat
Hello, this is Jun from the online staff.
While we don't see it often here in the city, news of snowfall is arriving from all across Japan.
There is something deeply nostalgic about traditional Japanese houses standing quietly amidst the falling snow. This "primal landscape" (Genfukei) of Japan resonates deeply with us. A perfect example is the thatched-roof village of Shirakawa-go, a destination beloved by visitors from both Japan and abroad for its breathtaking winter scenery.
When I think of these winter landscapes, one animal immediately comes to mind: the Rabbit. From the charming "Yuki-usagi" (snow rabbits) that children build, to the tiny footprints left behind on a snowy plain, rabbits and winter seem to be an inseparable pair. Perhaps I am not the only one who feels this connection?
Uji and Ugashi (Rabbit Sweets)
Uji, home to Nakamura Tokichi Honten, has a deep historical connection with rabbits. According to legend, long ago, the name of this place was written in kanji as "Usagi no Michi" (Rabbit Road) and pronounced "Uji.
At the famous Uji Shrine and the World Heritage site Ujigami Shrine, the "Mikaeri Usagi" (Looking-Back Rabbit) is revered as a divine messenger. According to legend, when the enshrined deity lost his way, a rabbit guided him to the right path, repeatedly looking back to ensure he was following.
Ugashi: Exquisite Matcha Higashi & Japanese Sweets
When you think of rabbits at Nakamura Tokichi Honten, Usagi-gashi naturally comes to mind. This dried confectionery is made with plenty of matcha and wasanbon sugar and has a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
🐰A gentle, refined sweetness
🐰An elegant, melt-in-your-mouth texture
🐰A lingering finish where the rich aroma of Matcha softly spreads
Perfect as a tea accompaniment, these sweets are visually captivating. Simply placing them on your favorite plate or Kaishi paper reveals a charm so adorable you cannot help but gaze at them.
Let's try
Ugashi