Iidaya Candy Shop
Traditional Japanese Candy Shop from the Edo Period
Established in 1796, Iidaya is a traditional candy shop continuing since the Edo era. The ninth shop owner said, “We are making candies to succeed the spirits and souls of artisans who refined their skills to pursue good tastes".A candy called Amesenbei which is made by the skills of artisans, is crunchy and rich and Okinawa brown sugar-flavored. There are salt-flavored, and coffee-flavored candies, etc. Besides that, the prices are very reasonable (about 420 yen to 525 yen at the time of writing).
They don’t have only the main attractive candy, amesenbei, but also have many kinds of small size candies, for example Shinshu miso (soybean paste) candies. Shinshu miso is made in Nagano and is famous all over Japan.Matsumoto Candy History
Matsumoto has the perfect climate for making candy. It is surrounded by Japan Alps, and therefore has clear and dry air. The water is also pure, and it is thawed water from Japan Alps which irrigates the fields, so high quality sticky rice is made. This is a main material of candies.
In the Meiji era (about 100 to 140 years ago), the candy output in Matsumoto was number one in Japan on record.
A shopkeeper said, “We have many customers who often buy candies from outside Nagano prefecture. Some of them send us letters and give us calls every year."
You can buy their candies on the Internet, if you can’t come to Matsumoto. Once you have Amesenbei, you will get into the texture and the sweetness of brown sugar. Iidaya's candy is a good souvenir, isn’t it?
A message from the owners
Where do you recommend visiting in Matsumoto?A： Nakamachi Street, Nawate Street, and Matsumoto Museum of Art.
| Name | Iidaya Candy Shop (飯田屋飴店) |
|---|---|
| Specialties | Candy, Sweets |
| Location | 2-4-2, Ote (Japanese Map) |
| Tel | 0263-32-1983 |
| Website | http://www.iidaya.com/ (Japanese) |
| Hours | 9:00-18:00 |
| Closed | Open 7 days a week (closed on an irregular basis) |
| Credit Cards | Not accepted |
| Non Smoking Seats | Yes - The entire floor is a designated non-smoking area. |
| Parking | No |
| Access | About 8-minute walk from Matsumoto Station |