Gokabou with Brown Sugar Syrup
Kuromitu And Gokabou
This is a traditional confection called Gokabou passed down since the Edo period. This unique flavor and texture are experiences that are hard to find outside of Japan.
A rare Edo-period confection with a unique flavor and texture, offering an authentic taste of Japan.
Gokabou
What is gokabou?
Gokabou is a type of confection that has been around since the late Edo period. It consists of puffed rice coated with syrup and sprinkled with soybean flour. The name "Gokabou" is derived from a prayer that the five grains are treasures of the home, wishing for an abundant harvest. It uses rice and wheat (malt syrup), beans (soybean) from the five grains (rice, wheat, beans, millet, and proso millet).
While traditionally enjoyed with tea, Gokabou also blends beautifully into modern desserts. With kinako gaining popularity worldwide, it can be enjoyed with ice cream, yogurt, or even used as a topping on pancakes. These new combinations bring out the natural goodness of the ingredients while preserving the heart of the original taste.
One place especially famous for its Gokabou is Kumagaya City in Saitama Prefecture. This area has been making Gokabou since the late Edo period. Back then, it was a popular treat among travelers walking the Nakasendō route—a major highway connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. Today, Kumagaya still preserves this tradition, with several long-established sweet shops continuing to handcraft Gokabou using time-honored methods. Kumagaya’s version is especially known for its fragrant kinako coating and pleasantly firm texture, making it a standout even among regional varieties.
Product Maker
Watato
Founded in 1921 in Nihonbashi, this specialty store for soybean flour sweets has been cherished in Tokyo's downtown for four generations. They value the culture of Gokabou, passed down since the Edo period, and deliver innovative soybean flour sweets that embrace the cherished traditions crafted by one of the few remaining Gokabou artisans in Tokyo.
Producing area
埼玉県 | Saitama
Saitama Prefecture lies near the center of the Kanto region, adjacent to Tokyo, and has developed as a landlocked area. Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo,” features storehouses and streets reminiscent of Japan’s Edo period, making it a popular tourist destination. The Chichibu region, by contrast, offers lush nature, hot springs, and festivals, notably the Chichibu Night Festival with its ornate floats and fireworks. Home to large shopping centers and stadiums for sports events, Saitama is easily accessible from central Tokyo, making it a favorite weekend getaway.
