The originator of Sendai sweets! Kumagaya's Yubeshi is delicious!

When you hear the word "dagashi" (cheap sweets), what kind of sweets come to mind?

"Umaibo," "French fries," "Moroccan yogurt"... Although the sweets that evoke memories will differ from person to person, they are all wonderful sweets that evoke the scent of the good old Showa era. Yes, when you think of cheap snacks, you think of the Showa era!

However, the origins of dagashi in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, date back a whopping 300 years! That goes all the way back to the Edo period. And there's one very long-established store that continues to make Sendai dagashi to this day, and it's still in business today!

This time, we will be focusing on Sendai's dagashi (cheap sweets) and the original Sendai Dagashi Honpo Kumagayaya, which continues to carry them into the present day. Take a moment to reflect on these dagashi that connect the past and present of Sendai!

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The history of Sendai's cheap sweets

Dagashi are said to have originally been snacks for children made in townspeople's houses and on farms using scraps of rice. It was Jisaburo Kumagaya, the founder

The year was 1695, and Jisaburo was 30 years old when he founded his confectionery shop

At that time, Sendai was experiencing a flourishing tea ceremony culture thanks to the popularity of Date Masamune. The confectionery culture, which is closely related to the tea ceremony, was also well developed, which likely served as the foundation for the development of Sendai dagashi

However, sugar was so valuable in Japan at the time that it was used as medicine. This is because sugar was imported until the early Edo period. Domestic production was almost non-existent until imports were restricted by the 8th Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune

It wasn't until the end of the Edo period that stable domestic production began

Sendai's dagashi (cheap sweets) business grew rapidly in proportion to the amount of sugar produced. By 1905, the number of dagashi shops in the city was recorded at 292

This is about 15 times the number of McDonald's restaurants currently in Sendai city. That's how beloved Sendai's dagashi is!

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An idol born from Kumagayaya!

Currently, Kumagayaya has another attraction besides Sendai sweets. In fact, an idol representing Sendai was born here!

Airi Hayashida is a member of the idol anime "Wake Up Girls!" set in Miyagi Prefecture. Her family's Japanese confectionery shop is modeled after Kumagaya-ya!

The store also sells the yubeshi sweets that Airi ate in episodes 1 and 5. They're so proud of the product that they even sell barley snacks with "Hayashida Airi" written on them!

On your way home after buying Sendai sweets, take a photo of the life-size panels displayed inside the store and it will become a wonderful memory!

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Tasting Sendai Dagashi!

So, sorry to have kept you waiting! It's finally time for the Sendai Dagashi Tasting Corner!

This time I bought "Kurumi Yubeshi" and "Gomakko Yubeshi"

The deliciousness of the classic product, Walnut Yubeshi, which Airi also tried, is like a yardstick for measuring the quality of a candy store.
So, how good is Kumagayaya?

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Umm well

The firm yet chewy texture of yubeshi! A subtle sweetness, accented with the bitter and savory flavor of walnuts!

All of them are of high quality and will leave you feeling satisfied and happy!

Next up is sesame yubeshi

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Mmmmmmm!

Like the walnut yubeshi, this one also has a chewy texture! Plus, the aroma of sesame makes it even more appetizing!

And above all, the volume of these two yubeshi is incredible!

Even if you eat just one, it will leave a lasting impression on your stomach! Eating two will leave you feeling completely satisfied! If you eat one before club activities, the sweetness and volume will keep you from feeling tired!

Kumagayaya's Yubeshi is the perfect snack for growing children!

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access

Now, Kumagayaya's location is a little difficult to reach by car. However, it is within walking distance of Kitayonbancho Station on the Namboku Subway Line, so I recommend taking the subway rather than driving if possible

There are also branches in Sendai Station's Espal station building, Nagamachi The Mall, and Sendai Airport, so if you want to buy it as a souvenir, these are the best places to go

Kumagayaya <Information>

• Name: Original Sendai Dagashi Honpo Kumagaya
• Address: 2-2-57 Kimachidori, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0801
• Phone number: 022-234-1807
• Official URL: https://kumagai-ya.co.jp/

Google Map

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