Have you ever heard of a confectionary called "Wagiri Hoten"? It is an old-fashioned Japanese confectionery made by wrapping fragrant karinto in kneaded candy and cutting it into rings. It is said that the name "houten" comes from its origin as a stick candy dedicated to the god of heaven. In some areas, they are called "umebachi".

Kyoto's Itohken "Wagiri Mouten

The other day, I found at Seijyosui the "Wagiri Mokuten" of Ito-ken, a long-established shop in Kyoto. It's a simple snack that you can find on the shelf, but it's so delicious that I couldn't stop picking it up...!

Beautiful looking ring-shaped bokken.

A pure white candy wrapped around a golden brown Karintou. The color contrast is beautiful!


When you pick one up and put it in your mouth, you will feel the crunchy texture. In addition to the simple sweetness of the candy, which is made by cooking water and sugar, the richness and savory taste of the fried karintou fills your mouth at once. You won't be able to stop!

The candy is refreshingly soft.

I thought it would be hard because of the thickness of the candy. But it's not hard at all. The candy dough is made to be soft and smooth by letting air in.


The light crunchy texture, lingering aroma, and moderate sweetness are addictive. Once you eat one, you can't stop eating another, and another, and another. Sweets with lots of butter and cream are great, but sometimes it's nice to spend a relaxing afternoon snack time with a simple traditional sweet like this.