In October, I picked up a seasonal jōnamagashi called “Yamaji” from Tsuruya Hachiman, a long-established wagashi shop in Osaka. It’s a charming sweet that captures the feeling of autumn in both appearance and flavor.
What It Looks Like
“Yamaji” is shaped like a chestnut, with a soft, steamed outer shell made from UIRO (a type of rice flour dough). The surface is sprinkled with poppy seeds, giving it a rustic, earthy look—almost like a chestnut resting on fallen leaves.
Inside, it’s filled with chestnut bean paste, likely blended with white bean paste to create a smooth, mellow flavor.
- Size: Approx. 4.7 × 4.5 × 2.6 cm
- Price: ¥454 (tax included)
- Shelf life: 2 days including the purchase date
About Tsuruya Hachiman
Founded in 1863, Tsuruya Hachiman has been making traditional Japanese sweets for over 160 years. The shop traces its roots back to “Toraya Iori,” a wagashi maker that once served the imperial court. Their main store is located near Takamatsubashi in Osaka.
They offer a wide range of sweets—from seasonal jōnamagashi like this one to baked confections such as Hyakuraku and Maizuru.
Taste & Texture
The outer layer is soft and chewy, with a gentle rice aroma. The poppy seeds add a subtle crunch. The chestnut filling is smooth and not too sweet—perfect for pairing with matcha or unsweetened green tea.
It’s a delicate, understated wagashi that doesn’t overwhelm the palate. If you enjoy sweets with a seasonal theme and refined craftsmanship, this one is worth trying.
Personal Notes
There was no official description of the design, but to me, it looked like a chestnut nestled in autumn leaves. I appreciated the quiet elegance of the piece—it felt like a small poem in wagashi form.
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