Narita no Kuri Yokan is a Japanese confection created by Nagomi no Yoneya, a long-established confectionery founded in 1899 (Meiji 32) on the approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Its founder, Morooka Chozo, is said to have taken inspiration from 'kurikan,' a chestnut sweet served as part of the temple's shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), and created Japan's first kuri yokan (chestnut yokan) using locally grown small chestnuts called shiba-guri, selling it as a souvenir for visitors to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Since then it has been cherished as a signature souvenir of the temple's approach, and the main shop houses the 'Narita Yokan Museum,' which displays the shop's history since its founding along with tools used in making yokan. Known for its refined sweetness that highlights the flavor of shiba-guri chestnuts, it remains a popular choice today both as a snack to enjoy while strolling the approach and as a souvenir for visitors and returning travelers.
Origin
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple's shojin ryori included a chestnut sweet called 'kurikan.' Morooka Chozo, founder of Nagomi no Yoneya, took inspiration from this kurikan and created a kuri yokan made with locally grown small chestnuts called shiba-guri, selling it as a souvenir for temple visitors.
History
Nagomi no Yoneya began in 1899 (Meiji 32), when Morooka Chozo opened a shop on the approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Known as the first shop in Japan to create and sell kuri yokan, it has been cherished for more than a hundred years since as a signature souvenir for visitors to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.
Features
The confection is characterized by its generous use of locally grown shiba-guri chestnuts, finished with a refined sweetness. It continues to be made at the main shop today following traditional methods, and is chosen for a wide range of occasions, from a snack to enjoy while walking the approach to a gift for others.
Main Ingredients
Food Culture
This souvenir confection developed alongside the culture of visiting Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and has become established as a signature specialty of the temple's approach. The 'Narita Yokan Museum,' located behind the main shop, allows visitors to see the shop's history since its founding along with tools used in making yokan.
Famous Shops
なごみの米屋 總本店
千葉県成田市上町500
Founded in 1899 (Meiji 32); a long-established confectionery on the approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. The finest kuri yokan starts at around 2,300 yen per bar.
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