Matsuyatobe

Shino Matsukaze is more than simply sweet with miso. A signature sweet at Matsuyatobe, it combines the saltiness of Daitokuji natto with the fragrance of sesame for a sweet-and-savoury flavour. Visitors describe its substantial, chewy texture as closer to bread than castella. With each bite, the flavour of miso mingles with the saltiness of the natto, making this a sweet to savour slowly.

For a first taste of the shop’s take on Matsukaze, try the Shino Miso Matsukaze listed on the menu. It is an option for anyone looking beyond the matcha sweets often brought home from Kyoto, or choosing a gift for a tea gathering. For something lighter alongside it, consider Shugyoku Orihime, a set of dry sweets in five colours. Each colour has a different flavour—plum, ginger, yuzu, cinnamon or sesame—so there is pleasure in comparing them as well as admiring their appearance. Kayoiji is another dry sweet customers choose with Matsukaze. Visitors mention its semi-soft texture and fragrance; it makes a contrasting addition to a selection that includes Matsukaze’s firmer dough.

Some visitors buying sweets to take away report being able to choose between simple packaging for home and gift packaging. One visitor said their intended purchase had sold out on a Sunday just after midday. If you want to be sure of getting a particular sweet, reviews suggest going early or calling ahead to ask about setting one aside.