「Enriching the mind with “colorful harmony” and “soothing flavors” of Japan」

Iseyoshi

Our first stop was “Iseyoshi,” located on Kopamru-dori, where the Komparu-ryu (Komparu school) of Nohgaku theatre originated. Iseyoshi is a long-established kimono store with a history of 140 years.

The store was established in 1878 (Meiji 11) in Nihonbashi and moved to Ginza in 1933 (Showa 8). Its customers include Kabuki actors’ wives, and professionals in the world of Japanese arts, such as tea ceremony and traditional Japanese music. For those who are not used to wearing a kimono, the store lately also sells kimono and obi that can be put on easily. There are also small and chic Japanese accessories that would make perfect gifts.

This is a “Japanese pattern shawl” (21,000 yen, including tax) with soft colors that are even more beautiful when put on. With a full length of 180cm, it can be used as a stole for both kimonos and Western-style dress.

These are “Rikyu” bags (a rectangular bag that stands on its own) (47,000 yen, including tax) and “obiage” (kimono sash) (12,500 yen, including tax) with a variety of lucky items printed on them.

How lovely it would be have a bag matching your “obiage.”

These are “Asa-no-ha (hemp leaf pattern) swaddling clothes” (3,700 yen, including tax), which have been their bestseller for decades. This year, “Mom’s pajamas” (9,000 yen incl. tax) have been newly added to the collection. Sheets and baby towels also come in the same pattern, allowing customers looking for a baby gift to select a combination of items according to their budget.

All of Iseyoshi’s products feature original patterns and every piece is carefully made, so it may be exciting to discover patterns and colors depicting seasonal events and nature that are unique to kimonos. Iseyoshi receives many foreign customers every day.

The inquisitive customer can learn about seasonal color combinations and patterns expressed by the stylish Japanese “iki” spirit, and at the same time feel a sense of comfort surrounded by such beauty.

Ginza Konparu-dori Iseyoshi
8-8-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Store hours: 11：00 – 18：00
Closed on Sundays and holidays
http://ginza-iseyoshi.co.jp

Ginza Kanoko

Our last destination was the main store of Ginza Kanoko, strongly recommended by Mitsuoka-san as a Japanese tea room that serves delicious “mochi” (rice cakes) all year round.

Ginza Kanoko is located very close to the Ginza 4-chome intersection and we had a good view of Wako Department Store and the townscape of Ginza from the tea room on the second floor.

The store is famous for its “Kanoko” a Japanese confectionary covered with sweet chestnut and beans of five different colors which is sold on the first store along with other confectionaries.

We ordered a “Kanoko An-mitsu” along with Mitsuoka-san’s favorites, the “Zohni” and “Isobe-mochi.”

Their menu offers has a variety of items, including not only desserts such as “An-mitsu” (a dessert with small cubes of agar jelly, anko (sweet azuki bean paste), boiled peas, and rice flour dumplings) and “Kaki-gori” (shaved ice) but also “Ozoni” (a soup containing mochi rice cakes) and “Okowa” (steamed sticky glutinous rice mixed with vegetables or meat).

The popular “Kanoko An-mitsu” (1,380 yen, without tax) is the perfect fusion of plump boiled peas and beans, chewy “shiratama” (rice flour dumplings) and elegant “tsubu-an” (coarse sweet azuki bean paste).

The “An-mitsu” was full of large and shiny scarlet runner beans and other colorful beans. According to Mr. Ogawa, the President of Kanoko, they select large beans because the larger the beans, the stronger the taste.

The “Ozoni” (1,380 yen, without tax) is made with a savory broth. Containing three pieces of mochi, it was quite filling.

The “Isobe-mochi” (1,180 yen, without tax) was made with freshly pounded mochi. It was very soft and the soy sauce and nori (laver) is quite appetizing.

The mochi is made from sticky glutinous rice produced in Niigata Prefecture and is freshly pounded at their factory.

It was a pleasure to join Mitusoka-san on her luscious and enriching weekend stroll.

Ginza Kanoko
5-7-19 Ginza, Ginza Suzuran-dori, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Store hours
Sunday -Friday
Shop (First floor) 10：30～19：00 Tea Room (Second floor) 11：30～19：00（18：45 L.O）
Saturdays and day before holidays
Shop (First floor) 10：30～20：00 Tea Room (Second floor) 11：30～20：00（19：45 L.O）

Closed on New Year’s Day
http://kanoko.la.coocan.jp