Tsuruya Yoshinobu has been preserving the tradition of Japanese confectionery in Kyoto for centuries. Its origins date back to the Edo period (1603-1867), when it flourished along with the culture of the tea ceremony, and it continues to carry on its techniques and spirit in the modern age. This article explores how Tsuruya Yoshinobu shaped Japanese wagashi culture and how it continues to retain its importance in today’s society. We invite you, the reader, to enter the world of Tsuruya Yoshinobu, where tradition and innovation merge.

The History of Tsuruya Yoshinobu Honten and Kyoto Traditions

The history of Tsuruya Yoshinobu Honten is deeply connected to the culture of Kyoto. Since its establishment in 1803, Tsuruya Yoshinobu has preserved and developed the tradition of Japanese confectionery in the Nishijin district of Kyoto.
From the Genroku period (1688-1704) to the Bunka-Bunsei period (1818-1830), Kyoto experienced a revival of courtly culture and the culture of the tea ceremony flourished, and with it, the demand for Kyoto sweets increased. Inheriting the spirit of this period, Tsuruya Yoshinobu, together with his fellow Kamigashiya confectioners, refined the techniques and aesthetic sense of Japanese confectionery making.

In the Meiji period (1868-1912), Tsuruya Yoshinobu further innovated and created new famous confections such as yuzu-mochi and fuku-ha-nai. These were loved in Kyoto and eventually spread throughout the country. During the Showa period (1926-1989), Tsuruya Yoshinobu continued to make Japanese confections even under the harsh wartime conditions, and during the postwar reconstruction period, the business expanded to meet the demands of the new era.

Today, Tsuruya Yoshinobu continues to value Kyoto’s traditional culture, while at the same time focusing on the development of new wagashi to meet the changing times. This attitude symbolizes Kyoto’s culture of coexistence of tradition and innovation, and together with the history of Tsuruya Yoshinobu, conveys a part of Kyoto’s history and culture.

Tsuruya Yoshinobu’s wagashi passed down in modern Kyoto

Tsuruya Yoshinobu continues to innovate in modern Kyoto while respecting tradition.

Examples are the Tokyo store, which relocated and opened in 2014, and the Tsuruya Yoshinobu IRODORI, which opened at the Hachijo Exit of JR Kyoto Station.
Here, in an attempt to breathe new life into traditional Japanese confectionery, amber sugar with herbal flavors and colorful sticks of arihir sugar are sold. These new attempts have been well received not only by long-time fans of wagashi, but also by the younger generation and visitors from abroad.

In addition, the museum holds hands-on wagashi-making classes on an irregular basis, allowing participants to directly experience the art of wagashi making and the culture behind it. This symbolizes Tsuruya Yoshinobu’s commitment to preserving the tradition of wagashi while conveying it to the modern lifestyle and values.

Through these innovative activities, Tsuruya Yoshinobu continues to convey the appeal of traditional Japanese confectionery to the modern age and to introduce Kyoto culture to the world. By striking a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, Tsuruya Yoshinobu explores the possibilities of a new era of Japanese confectionery and has established itself as a brand loved by many.

Conclusion

Since its inception, Tsuruya Yoshinobu has been creating new charms of Japanese confectionery to meet the needs of the times while preserving the heart and traditions of Kyoto.Through a fusion of traditional techniques and innovative ideas, the company has passed on the culture of wagashi to the next generation and introduced the beauty of Kyoto to the world. We invite you to experience the tradition and innovation of wagashi at Tsuruya Yoshinobu and enjoy discovering something new.

Reference: Wagashi of Kyoto Confectionery Shop Tsuruya Yoshinobu – Tsuruya Yoshinobu Official Website