Enjoy the delicious karinto at Asahi Seika Saginomiya Store, a shop with a 100-year history!

Hello! I'm Azarashigaoka, a Nakano Tourism Reporter. This time, I'd like to introduce you to Asahi Seika Saginomiya Branch, a karinto specialty store that I've loved since I was a child.

Asahi Seika is a historic confectionery manufacturer that will celebrate its 100th anniversary in October 2024. The company is extremely particular about its ingredients, such as flour and sugar, and its manufacturing methods, and is passionate about creating safe and secure products that are loved by many people.

Their skills are well-known, having won the Honorary President's Award at the National Confectionery Exposition, where famous confectioneries from all over Japan compete for taste and technique. They are also working on new products such as popcorn that make use of their karinto techniques.

There is a directly managed store of Asahi Seika near Saginomiya Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line. We spoke to staff member Hashizume-san about it.

-What are the features of the Saginomiya store? "We opened in 2005 and are loved by locals, from children to the elderly. We have a wide selection of products that are perfect as gifts for friends and loved ones."

All of the products in the diverse lineup are karinto! There are also some unique varieties that can only be found at a specialty store. You can enjoy shopping at your leisure while admiring the seasonal decorations.

"If you ask, you can try some," says Hashizume. I loved this tasting corner when I was little (laughs).

From here on, I'd like to introduce some of Hashizume's recommended products.

"Asahi no Kuro Karinto" has been a firm favorite since the company's founding. It has a great bite! It's just the right amount of sweet, and it's delicious. "Maromitsu Karinto Kuro" uses premium brown sugar from Hateruma Island, Okinawa Prefecture. Its mellow, deep flavor and richness are irresistible.

"Karintou sweets" are becoming increasingly popular as they go beyond the boundaries of karintou and have a Western sweet feel to them!

The coffee flavor I tried had a perfect bittersweetness! The chocolate added as a secret ingredient is addictive, and goes well with coffee or latte.

The packaging is so cute. Great gift for someone special!

The syrup used in the karinto sweets is made from beet sugar from Hokkaido, and raw sugar from Tanegashima and Kikaijima. The best ingredients are selected for each type of karinto, and you can feel the passion that goes into making them.

"Karinmochi Black Pepper" is a product commemorating the 100th anniversary of the company's founding. The moment I ate it, I had a strange feeling: "Huh? No, karinto? Maybe it's senbei after all." I was surprised because it was exactly as written on the package!

The spiciness of the black pepper and the sweetness of the honey complement each other perfectly. This is a must-try dish.

My recommendation at Azarashigaoka is their "Vegetable Karinto". I've been a big fan for years. It's so delicious that I can't stop eating it. Their "Wasabi Fried Karinto" is also a perfect snack to go with your drinks.

The "Cookie Salt Butter Flavored Karinto" is crispy and soft like a cookie. Chibi Nakano was delighted!

There are many other varieties, including seasonal karinto, and personally, I would like to try them all someday. They are all really delicious, so be careful not to eat too much. You can also purchase them from the online shop, so please check out the official website.

For everyday snacks, to accompany your drinks, or as a gift for someone special, please visit Asahi Confectionery Saginomiya Store.

Asahi Confectionery Saginomiya store

Location: 3-17-3 Saginomiya, Nakano-ku

Access: 1 minute walk from Saginomiya Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line

TEL & FAX: 03-3330-4158

Business hours: 9:30 to 18:00

Closed: New Year's holiday

Official website