【Wakayama Guide】 The Iconic Black Candy of Kumano

• Table of Contents
• Origins and Motif
• Flavor and Ingredients
• How it's Enjoyed Today
• Where to Purchase "Nachiguro"?

Origins and Motif

(Dorokyo Meguri no-Sato) Nachiguro

One of the most distinctive things about Nachiguro is its shape: A smooth, rounded disc reminiscent of "Go" Stones (a japanese board game). This design is intentional-- Nachiguro was created as an edible nod to "Nachi-guroishi", a famous black stone traditionally used to make Go stones and other crafts. The candy's look and name connect it to local identity, turning a regional material cultural reference into something approachable, affordable, and shareable. 

Flavor and Ingredients

The core of the flavor comes from brown sugar, which gives Nachiguro its signature deep sweetness and rich taste. The ingredients are extremely simple: sugar, starch syrup, and brown sugar. No colorings or other flavorings are used. By avoiding unnecessary additives and letting the pure taste of brown sugar shine through, Nachiguro has remained beloved as a traditional black candy.

How it's Enjoyed Today

(Shionomisaki Tourist Tower) Nachiguro

Today, Nachiguro is sold broadly in the region as a representative Kumano / Wakayama souvenir, often in convenient packaging (including individually wrapped pieces) that suits gifting. Its familiarity also gives it a small cultural role beyond "just candy". People buy it for road trips, or keep it at home for a quick sweet fix.
Please try it out for yourselves! ヾ(≧ ▽ ≦)ゝ

Where to Purchase "Nachiguro"?

Nachiguro can be purchased as a standard souvenir in various places, mainly around Kumano and Nachi-katsuura in Wakayama Prefecture!
For more information, please refer to these articles below.