A salt butter an (sweet bean paste) version of the beloved Hamster Monaka has arrived as a limited-edition addition. Sales began in the Aoki Kouetsudo online shop at approximately 10:00 AM on Friday, June 19.
The Hamster Monaka is a collaboration between Aoki Kouetsudo — a 130-year-old established Kyoto confectionery — and 株式会社2時, a Kyoto-based creative design company known for its unique product concepts. The new salt butter an version pairs crispy monaka wafers with a summery salt butter filling that tastes great even when chilled, along with sunflower-shaped rakugan (dry confectionery). The set lets you fill the wafers yourself and press them together, adding a hands-on element to the experience.
The hamster's belly has a small hollow where you can rest the sunflower-shaped rakugan, making it look as though the hamster is cradling a sunflower — a playful detail that adds to the charm.
The cheerful packaging, featuring bright blue with sunny yellow sunflowers, makes it an ideal gift or souvenir.
The salt butter flavor adds a subtle savory richness that becomes irresistible. It pairs beautifully with the crisp, fragrant monaka wafer, with the taste receiving as much attention as the adorable appearance.
The hamster even has a cute little tail on its backside.
The blue-based packaging with yellow sunflowers evokes the freshness of Kyoto's early summer. It makes a thoughtful small gift for anyone who loves sweets.
Product Details
Product Name: Handmade Hamster Monaka Salt Butter (2-piece set with salt butter an)
Price: ¥929 (tax included) per set
Set Contents:
- Monaka wafers: 2 sheets × 2 bags
- Salt butter an: 50g (individually wrapped) × 2 bags
- Sunflower-shaped rakugan: 2 pieces
How to Assemble
Spoon the an filling into the hamster monaka wafer shells.
Once filled, place the lid on top, then rest the sunflower rakugan in the hamster's paws to complete the Hamster Monaka Salt Butter An.
Where to Buy
The Handmade Hamster Monaka Salt Butter An is available online and in select stores.
Retail Locations:
- Kyoto Station stores (PLUSTA) — availability varies by location
- Aoki Kouetsudo Direct Store: Koetsuan
〒607-8179 京都市山科区大宅御所田町30番地3
TEL: 075-592-8773
Hours: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (weekdays only; closed on weekends and public holidays)
Note: Closed during extended holidays such as New Year
Online Shop: https://aokikouetudou.com/
Gift Option
A bamboo basket gift set (2-piece set with Japanese black tea) is also available — a perfect small present for hamster fans or anyone who loves cute things.
The Classic Hamster Monaka Is Also Available
The original Hamster Monaka, where the hamster holds a nut, remains on sale:
- Handmade Hamster Monaka 6-piece set (tsubu-an): https://aokikouetudou.com/products/detail/3084
- Handmade Hamster Monaka 2-piece set (tsubu-an): https://aokikouetudou.com/products/detail/3150
