This is a recommended gift for those returning home for Obon, visiting friends, or as a token of appreciation for those who have helped you.

We'd like to introduce you to "Nio no Ukisu," a Kyoto confectionery that will bring a smile to the recipient's face as they exclaim, "How adorable..."

Chokyudo "Nio no Ukisu" - Box of 6 (1,320 yen)
Chokyudo, a long-established Kyoto confectionery maker founded in Kyoto in 1831 (Tenpo 2), has created their signature confection, "Nio no Ukisu," a kudzu soup with a motif of a waterfowl called a Nio. Lake Biwa in Shiga, near Kyoto, has long been home to many catfish, and in the past, the lake was also known as the "Sea of Catfish." Before summer arrived, these catfish would build nests on the water's surface using broken twigs, reeds, and aquatic plants. Matsuo Basho, upon seeing these floating nests, famously wrote the poem, "I go to see the catfish's floating nest in the May showers." Chosuke, the second-generation owner of Chokyudo, used kudzu soup to depict a pair of catfish mending their nest, swaying in the wind and waves, and then happily sending their chicks flying. This kudzu soup, shaped like a dried confectionery, depicts two catfish nestling together in their nest. Place it in a cup or bowl, pour about eight parts boiling water over it, and gently stir; a pair of catfish will float to the surface.


The image of two lovebirds swimming on the water's surface is captured in this kudzu soup, a beautiful sight that will have you smiling and staring straight into it. With a smooth texture and a refined, light sweetness, it's a gentle taste that will warm you up not only in the winter but also in the summer when chilled by air conditioning. It comes in three flavors: white kudzu, reddish-brown koshian, and yellow-green matcha, and has a shelf life of approximately 60 days at room temperature. This prestigious confection is perfect for wedding favors and other celebratory occasions.

You can order it online, but if you visit Chokyudo Kitayama store, be sure to immerse yourself in the scene at the attached tea room. To accompany your matcha, we also recommend beautiful seasonal high-quality sweets such as "Hanakajin" and "Kanzashi" (for the Shichi-Go-San celebration), which will leave you entranced by the art of Kyoto confectionery.