Tsuruyayoshinobu, the Kyoto-based wagashi maker founded in 1803, is adding a new seasonal flavor to its flagship confection. Kyokanze Matcha — an early-summer limited edition featuring stone-ground Uji matcha — launches at stores nationwide on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Online pre-orders via the official shop opened on March 30, 2026.
What Is Kyokanze?
Kyokanze — a confection with 106 years of history
Kyokanze (京観世) has been one of Tsuruyayoshinobu's signature sweets since its creation in 1920 (Taisho 9), making it a confection beloved for over 106 years. It combines fragrant ogura-kan (red bean jelly made from carefully selected Tokachi, Hokkaido azuki beans) with murasame — a crumbly, soboro-style sweet bean paste — and is hand-rolled by artisans using a traditional bamboo mat (makisu), one log at a time, into a beautiful swirl pattern.
The sweet takes its name from the legend of Kanze Inari Shrine, located near Tsuruyayoshinobu's main store, where a well called Kanzei-i is said to have been stirred into perpetual ripples when a dragon descended from the heavens long ago. Those ripples inspired the classic Japanese "Kanzemi" water pattern — and the name Kyokanze.
Artisans hand-roll Kyokanze one log at a time
Stone-Ground Uji Matcha — The Fragrance of Early Summer
Uji matcha (image)
Kyokanze Matcha uses only stone-ground Uji matcha, carefully milled to preserve the delicate aroma that can be lost with heat. The crumbly matcha murasame (soboro-an) is layered with matcha yokan containing Hokkaido-grown honey-marinated azuki beans, then hand-rolled by artisans into the same elegant spiral as the original. The result is a gently rich, softly fragrant Kyoto sweet.
Individual Packaging
The log-shaped Kyokanze Matcha is pre-sliced into single-serving pieces and individually wrapped. The packaging features the "Kanzemi" design by artist Domoto Insho, rendered in refreshing green tones evoking matcha. It can be combined with seasonal items, the original Kyokanze, or other assortments, making it a practical choice for gifts and souvenirs.
Product Details
- Product name: Kyokanze Matcha (京観世 抹茶)
- Online pre-sale: From March 30, 2026 (Monday) at 12:00 PM
- In-store release: April 11, 2026 (Saturday)
- Sales period: Mid-April through late June (online sales may end earlier)
- Available at: Tsuruyayoshinobu main store, directly managed stores, department stores, and the official online shop
- Prices (all tax included):
- 1 piece: ¥411
- 8-piece box: ¥3,500
- 12-piece box: ¥5,249
- 16-piece box: ¥6,999
- Additional assortment options available
- Not available in log (棹物) form
- Best by: 20 days
- Allergens: Wheat
8-piece Kyokanze Matcha assortment
Assortment for comparing Kyokanze and Kyokanze Matcha side by side
Assortment also featuring Tsuruyayoshinobu's signature Yubemochi
Individual wrapping makes it easy to share with a large group
Official online shop: https://shop.tsuruyayoshinobu.jp/collections/kyokanze-matcha
