Kanazawa is known for the beautiful sweets used for the tea ceremony and other important events. Lean more about how they were made in the Edo Period by visiting the Kashi Bunka Kaikan 菓子文化会館, a Confectionery Museum which features a complete exhibit of tools and records from the time period. Examples of candies include explanations of the occasions when they are used.
Ishikawa Confectionery Culture Center display
Modern masters have created sweets that are amazing to behold, such as the realistic flower arrangements which are completely composed of colored sugar.
Ishikawa Confectionery Culture Center candy flower display
Goshiki Nama Kashi 五色生菓子 (Five colors of unbaked cakes) is on display which are traditional cakes made for wedding celebrations. The five colors represent “bounty in the universe” (天地の恵み, tenchi no megumi);
Goshiki Nama Kashi – Five colors of unbaked cakes
Some items can be touched by Kashi Bunka Kaikan museum visitors. They are wooden molds used to make Rakugan 落雁 (sugar candy which is beautifully embossed).
Rakugan wooden mold at Kashi Bunka Kaikan
In addition to the exhibits, visitors can learn how to make a variety of candies under the guidance of experienced confectioners. A 60 minute course covers instructions for 4 sweets, and a 90 minute program introduces 6 types. These classes have an additional fee. The regular admission is 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for seniors over 65 years old, and free for junior high school students and younger.
The Kashi Bunka Kaikan is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm, with a last admission at 4:30. It is closed on Wednesdays and from December 29 through January 3.
It is about a 15 minute walk or a short bus ride from JR Kanazawa Station, near Kazue-Machi to Kashi Bunka Kaikan. It is located between two major tourist spots, Omicho Ichiba and Higashi Chaya. So an idea for a nice walk during good weather is to go to these three spots in a day, or take a bus in less hospitable weather.
Address is 2-12-1, Owaricho, Kanazawa city, Ishikawa
