Treats are peaches and cream at this shop

Hakutou Mochi ($15.20 for eight pieces, $19.80 for 12, $32 for 20)

Within the hustle and bustle of Ala Moana Center, you’ll find a peaceful oasis the minute you walk into Minamoto Kitchoan. The confectionery exudes elegance and perfection with ease, offering a wide selection of wagashi, or Japanese sweets, including candies, cookies, mochi and cakes.

Not only does Minamoto Kitchoan satisfy your every treat craving, but the goodies are carefully wrapped and ready to be given to loved ones as gifts as well. Plus, customers are treated like royalty, as that is the “Japanese way,” according to office manager Yayoi Akana.

“The customer service here is proper, friendly and welcoming,” says Akana. “In Japan, the customer is treated like a god, so there is a big difference in our service.”

Everything offered at Minamoto Kitchoan is shipped from Japan.

Hakutou Jelly ($12 individually, $25 for two pieces, $37 for three, $49 for four)

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Just in time for Father’s Day are two specialties: Hakutou Jelly and Hakutou Mochi. Both treats highlight Japan’s white peach. “The white peach is very, very juicy, which is perfect because it is now the summer season and these treats will be so refreshing,” explains Akana.

The Hakutou Jelly is made with a mineral-rich spring water and pureed with several white peaches from the Okayama prefecture, an area of Japan known for the yummy fruit. The jelly treat is sold individually for $12; two pieces are $25; three are $37; and four are $49.

The elegant Ala Moana Center shop boasts pristine display cases of Japanese wagashi. N. WALKER PHOTO

According to Akana, the Hakutou Mochi is a specialty at Minamoto Kitchoan. “The light pink mochi is soft and rich, stuffed with white peach beans,” she says. The product comes with eight pieces for $15.20; 12 for $19.80; 20 for $32; and there also is the option of a Hakutou and Matcha Mochi Set for $31.40.

Minamoto Kitchoan

Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
947-0870
Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.