Monkey means "going away" and is believed to bring good luck, such as "all troubles will go away. It has also a history of being cherished as a "messenger of the gods. The "Masaru" monkey at Hiyoshi-taisha Shrine (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture) is said to be a symbol of protection against evil, as it means "the devil goes away" or "victory over evil.
Sweets in the shape of such a lucky monkey are now available at various stores. Here are some of them that you can use as souvenirs. How about bringing a souvenir for the New Year? All prices include tax.
Mameya Kanazawa Mankyu "Kin no Kastella - Zodiac Sign of the Year - Shin" (1,350 yen)
Kanazawa Mankyu, famous for its "gold kastela" with a single sheet of gold leaf applied, offers an ingenious product that takes the shape of a monkey when cut out. The "Golden Castella: Zodiac Sign of the Year, Shen" has a complicated shape cut out by a French-made cutting machine. It is available in stores and by mail order.
Godiva " Nouvelanet Collection" (6 pieces from 1,728 yen)
This is the famous chocolate brand's limited collection for the year-end and New Year holidays. The chocolates, including a limited-edition monkey-shaped piece, are packaged in a chic box with an illustration of a monkey. The collection will be available at department stores and Godiva specialty stores nationwide until January 5.
Chateraise " Gasho Cake Osaru no Choco Mousse" (432 yen)
Confectionery store Chateraise has come out with a cake that has been cutely finished. The cake is made of chocolate sponge and chocolate mousse, and is served with fruit.
Rihga Royal Hotel " Congratulations, that it is" (10,800 yen)
Congratulations, that is," a cake for 4 to 6 people, is sold at Gourmet Boutique Melissa in Rihga Royal Hotel (Kita-ku, Osaka City). The surface of the cake is said to be sprayed with chocolate to express fluffy fur. Only three cakes per day are available for pre-order, and reservations will be accepted until January 28.
In addition, "monkey sweets" are available at various stores. Why not bring a souvenir with a monkey motif to wish you a happy new year?