Moegi no Mura in Kiyosato has a charming European storybook atmosphere, with wooden cottages, gardens, and forests creating a beautiful setting. It’s a lovely place for a relaxing stroll.
The unique shops and cafés each have their own appeal, inviting you to slow down and enjoy nature at a leisurely pace. It’s a soothing destination well worth visiting.
Hozenji Meoto Zenzai
Nestled beside the Mizukake Fudoson in the charming Hozenji Yokocho, this sweet shop was founded in 1883 (Meiji 16). The shop’s specialty, "Meoto Zenzai," served in two separate bowls, is a symbol of good fortune for couples, believed to strengthen their bond and bring harmony. It is also said that two people drawn to each other who share this dessert will find their romance fulfilled. Traditionally, each person eats from two bowls.
Hozenji Meoto Zenzai, next to Hozenji Temple in Osaka, is a historic sweet shop best known for its signature red bean zenzai. The name “Meoto Zenzai” symbolizes a couple together and a happy relationship, so coming here isn’t just about eating dessert—it also represents wishing for happiness, a good match, and harmony in the family.
When served, the zenzai comes in two bowls. The portions don’t look very large, but each bowl contains piping-hot red bean soup and sweet, soft shiratama dumplings. The red bean soup is rich and warming, with just the right amount of sweetness. Paired with the chewy shiratama, it’s very satisfying—simple, but something you won’t get tired of eating.
After visiting Hozenji Mizukake Fudoson, having a serving of Meoto Zenzai felt like a very Osaka experience to me. The surrounding stone-paved alleys are filled with Showa-era charm, and together with the traditional Japanese dessert, the whole atmosphere has a special character. Even if you just sit down for one bowl, you can feel the unique nostalgia of Osaka’s old streets.
Namacha Jelly at Nakamura Tokichi Main Store
With its main shop in Uji, this veteran tea merchant boasts a history of some 170 years since its founding in 1854 (Ansei 1). Swing by to the cozy café attached to the shop for your choice of tasty sweets including parfaits, zenzai and more. The most popular item on the menu is Namacha jelly, available to takeaway so you can enjoy all the store goodness from the comforts of home.
Nakamura Tokichi Main Store's Namacha Jelly is a Japanese dessert that's perfect for matcha lovers. It looks simple and refreshing at first, but the flavors and textures are actually quite layered. The clear, green-tinted tea jelly has a light tea aroma and is smooth yet springy. Its cool, refreshing texture is especially enjoyable in hot weather.
What I like most is that it isn't overly sweet or heavy, so you can really taste the matcha's refreshing flavor and subtly sweet finish. The tea jelly itself has a delicate texture, and eating it with red beans, shiratama, or other toppings adds different levels of sweetness and chewiness. Every bite has the delicate quality of a Japanese dessert.
Nakamura Tokichi Ginza Store
Founded in the first year of Ansei (1854), "Nakamura Tokichi Honten," a Japanese tea specialty store based in Uji, Kyoto, opened its first store in Tokyo, located in the largest shopping mall in the Ginza district, "GINZA SIX." Popular among shoppers, daters, and tourists from both Japan and abroad, the store is always bustling with a line of customers. Upon entering through the "Maruto" noren (shop curtain) and taking a seat, guests are served a seasonally selected welcome tea, offering a moment of relaxation.
My first impression of Nakamura Tokichi Ginza Store was that it felt very refined. Even though it's located in the bustling Ginza district of Tokyo, you can still strongly feel the atmosphere of Uji matcha from Kyoto. The interior is simple and elegant, and sitting down to enjoy dessert makes you feel as though you've temporarily slowed down and stepped away from the noise of the city.
Of course, what I looked forward to most was the matcha desserts! The matcha aroma is rich, but it isn't just simply bitter. It has a delicate tea fragrance when you taste it, and pairing it with dessert creates layers of flavor. Anyone who loves matcha will be very happy here. You can taste the distinctive, refreshing aroma of Uji matcha in every bite.
I personally really like this combination of tea and dessert. It's sweet but not overwhelming, and a subtle matcha sweetness lingers in your mouth afterward. Besides matcha desserts, the store also sells tea leaves and various gifts. If you like Japanese tea or want to buy some to enjoy slowly at home, you can browse those as well.
