Bite Into A Sweet Piece Of Japan

Sakuragoromo ($3.50 each) and Ouka Shigure ($3.20 each)

Take a brief trip to Japan when you step into Minamoto Kitchoan. With locations at Ala Moana Center and Kahala Mall, guests immediately forget they are in Hawaii the minute they see all of the Japanese gourmet sweets, also known as wagashi, beautifully presented in glass cases throughout the confectionery.

Minamoto Kitchoan makes it easy to find the perfect omiyage (present) to help ring in the new year. Flown in directly from the Japanese prefecture of Okayama, patrons can spoil their loved ones with Daruma ($20), Oshishi ($18), Otafukumen ($25) and Geishun Kikka ($25) treats, each of which are said to bring good luck and health throughout 2017.

ALMOST TOO PRETTY TO EAT

It’s never too early to start preparing for sakura season, according to Minamoto Kitchoan. The worldwide famous blooming of cherry blossoms takes place typically in early April, but the Japanese confectionery already is in the spirit of the season by offering Sakuragoromo ($3.50 each) and Ouka Shigure ($3.20 each).

Sakuragoromo is made of red bean paste wrapped in a mochi-laced, cherry blossom-colored pancake, and is topped with a sakura flower-shaped jelly. Ouka Shigure, on the other hand, is a cherry blossom-colored sweet bean paste in a steamed sweet bean cake. A petal-shaped bean jelly sits atop this delicate and beautiful treat.

Minamoto Kitchoan

Ala Moana Center,
1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu (And In Kahala Mall)
947-0870
Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.