Explore Traditional Japanese Sweets in Sakai at Maruichi Kashiho

In Sakai, Osaka, there’s a little shop where confections are not just tasty! They are miniature works of art that tell the story of Japan’s soul. Maruichi Kashiho, a humble yet historic wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shop, has been transforming seasonal beauty into edible poetry for over 120 years.

Founded in 1895, Maruichi Kashiho has become a quiet icon of Sakai’s artisanal heritage. The shop draws inspiration from the philosophies of tea master Sen no Rikyū and the region’s famed blade-making tradition, expressing both through the delicate art of wagashi.

Step into their flagship store in Ichinocho, and you will be welcomed not just by the aroma of sweet bean paste, but by walls adorned with awards, certificates, and a palpable sense of enduring pride. Here, sweets are not simply made, they are composed like haiku (Japan’s elegant form of poetry), with centuries of culture folded into every bite.

Meet the Artisans

Behind the scenes of this edible art is Kozo Noma, the fifth-generation artisan in the kitchen, a man who lives by the motto: “Convenience may be acceptable, but compromise never is.” At a time when most shops rely on ready-made ingredients, Kozo insists on crafting his own bean paste, creating over 30 varieties tailored to each sweet’s unique character. Even in years of poor harvests, the shop continues to source the same trusted red beans it has used for over 50 years—because taste, like tradition, should never be compromised.

While Kozo handles the sweets, his son, Takahisa Noma, is shaping the story. As the sixth-generation heir, Takahisa may not be crafting confections, but he is creating something just as important: cultural connection—through DIY wagashi kits for fun at home and engaging content on social media.

Crafting Culture Through Seasonal Sweets

Maruichi Kashiho’s star attraction? Its ever-changing lineup of seasonal namagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). With over 300 original designs created to date, each confection captures a fleeting moment in Japan’s nature—be it spring blossoms, summer breezes, autumn leaves, or snowy serenity.

These edible artworks offer more than Instagrammable beauty, they give international visitors a window into Japan’s deep seasonal sensibilities.

Edible Stories: Sweets Inspired by Sakai’s History

Each sweet at Maruichi Kashiho comes with a tale. Here, wagashi isn’t just dessert, it’s dialogue.

• Dotoya Chawan: A baked sweet modeled after Sen no Rikyū’s favourite tea bowl, filled with yuzu and premium adzuki bean paste
• Hōchō Bōro (Featured at Expo 2025): A buckwheat cookie that nods to Sakai’s iconic blades
• Rikyū Koin: Sugar sweets shaped like Rikyū’s personal seal, made with delicate wasanbon sugar
• Kurumi Mochi (Also featured at Expo 2025): Mochi dumplings topped with sweet green soybean paste—now also available in a canned, travel-friendly version

Craving the full cultural pairing? Maruichi Kashiho has teamed up with us to create a hands-on Matcha and Wagashi Experience that’s part snack, part storytelling.

Held in a tranquil setting with locally grown Sakai matcha, this session delves into the meaning behind every movement, every flavour, and every fold of tradition. Explore the five-day itinerary of Osaka here, or craft your own adventure with a custom private tour tailored to your travel plans.

Contact us to learn more, and don’t forget to check out our other travel guides here for more incredible destinations across Japan!