The candies from Gosho Amehonpo, founded in 1912, are a subtle way to add color to your trip. Behind their gentle sweetness that makes you want to reach for them and their cute appearance that makes you want to take them wherever you go, lies the stoic challenge of making candies using only natural ingredients.

The thoughts behind "Ichigo Ichie Ichigaki"

It took about five years from conception to complete renovation of Gosho Ame Honpo, which was completed in March 2024. In addition to renovating the store, they also reviewed all of their ingredients and now make candy using only natural ingredients. This was an unprecedented challenge in the candy industry, where the use of artificial flavorings is common.

"Ichigo ichie ichibu" is the new philosophy they adopted when they renewed their shop. "We want each candy to have a taste that can only be experienced at that time. Even if it's the same type of candy, the memories of 'the taste I had in that place' or 'the taste I had with that person' add to it, and it becomes a one-of-a-kind taste," say the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Kuwaori.

We want to deliver the little joys that lie beyond sweetness.

"We have been particular about sweetness since the beginning. We are determined to continue to maintain our commitment to a gentle sweetness, even as we change with the times."

Gosho Ame Honpo is particular about creating a light, not overly sweet, aftertaste so that you can feel at ease after eating. The sugar base of the candy is made from sugar beet. Sugar beet sugar contains a lot of oligosaccharides, which helps to slow down the absorption of sugar. Gosho Ame Honpo believes that their candy is gentle on the body.

To achieve both deliciousness and gentleness, Koori works on trial and error every day, adjusting the ingredients and adjusting the temperature. "It's very difficult to retain the flavor of natural ingredients. It was quite a struggle to capture the natural sourness and sweetness of strawberries, rather than the flavor of strawberry flavoring and sweeteners."

An old-fashioned factory that continues to preserve tradition

At the Gosho Ame Honpo factory, old equipment is still in use. Apparently, even during the war, when all kinds of metals were collected, they were buried underground and hidden, and protected.

Since even a slight difference in temperature can affect the taste, delicate research is being carried out repeatedly in this factory. The process of making candy at high temperatures is unimaginably dangerous, given the cute appearance of the finished product. Currently, the owner does all the work by himself.

Traveling candy. The attention to detail that complements it

The candies from Gosho Ame Honpo are perfect travel companions. Their candies are not flashy and are not the main focus of snack time, but their strength is that they can be carried around and enjoyed for a long time. The Kuwaori couple say that it is precisely because of these candies that they can help color the memories of their trip.

"When you eat something, doesn't the taste or smell sometimes bring back memories? I hope I can play a part in doing that. I don't know if it will magically bring back memories so vividly, but I think that a small candy can be one element that helps you remember important events. I would be happy if you would choose Gosho Ame Honpo candy as a travel companion so that you can enjoy your memories someday."

Candy that will be a part of your daily life. Also makes a great gift.

The candies from Gosho Ame Honpo, which come in cute packaging, are also popular as small souvenirs for travelers. They have an excellent balance of casualness that won't make the recipient feel too uncomfortable, sophisticated design, and delicious candy.

"I hope people will feel free to pick it up and say, "I've been to Kyoto, here you go!"" says Kuwaori.

We recommend that you gather a few of your favorites and carry them with you depending on your mood that day. Just like choosing your clothes, thinking about which candy to bring with you today will be an exciting experience.

Gentle on both the body and the mind. Why not go on a trip with some Gosho Ame Honpo candy that fits your lifestyle?

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Gosho Ame Honpo Kyoto Sanjo Main Store

電話：075-221-3072

Address: 1F Goshoame Building, 98 Nakajimacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Access: 3 minutes walk from Keihan Sanjo Station or Subway Sanjo Station

HP: https://www.goshoame.co.jp/

SNS: https://www.instagram.com/goshoamehonpo/

*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.