This is the ninth installment of a series featuring gifts chosen by Kyoto's stylish people that will delight and impress. This article features "Kyoto no Yosuga" (Kyoto Gifts) from Kamesuehiro, recommended by Nobu Isomoto, president and CEO of Art Nishimura Co., Ltd., who commutes between Tokyo and Kyoto several times a week.

With the technical capabilities and intellectual property of the Chiso Group, a long-established Kyoto yuzen maker with a history of over 450 years, Art Nishimura not only creates kimonos but also expresses the beauty of yuzen in a free and creative way. In the past, they have collaborated with a variety of brands, including Chloe, Marni, Fendi, and Giorgio Armani.

Kamesuehiro, the shop featured in this article, was founded in 1804. Many of the shops that have been granted permission to branch out from Kamesuehiro have become famous, making it a well-established, traditional Japanese confectionery shop that truly represents Kyoto. Even in Kyoto's Japanese confectionery industry, there are few stores that do not have branches and do not sell at department stores or online.

"When giving gifts to loved ones, I would rather choose something well-made that has been specially purchased, rather than something that can be bought casually," says Isomoto.

Kamesuehiro's signature confection, "Kyoto no Yosuga," is packed in a cedar box resembling a four-and-a-half-tatami tea room, containing dried and semi-fresh sweets, rakugan (rakugan) and arieito (candied sugar). The beauty of the box is so striking that it makes you gasp in admiration when you open it, and the elaborate designs and colors allow you to feel the seasons of Kyoto.

"In an age where Kyoto products can be easily purchased in Tokyo through e-commerce and mail order, when choosing souvenirs for Tokyo, Isomoto's thoughtfulness is characteristic of the store.

The store is located at Anenokoji Karasuma Higashi-iru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. It's a one-minute walk from Karasuma-Oike Station on the subway. Business hours are 8:30am - 6pm, closed on Sundays and public holidays. The photo shows sweets from early July.