In a creative fusion of traditional Japanese flavors and French pastry techniques, Kyoto's "Shinonome Teramachi" has partnered with the esteemed confectionery shop "Ichijoji Nakatani" to launch two innovative sansho-flavored sweets. The new products, "Sansho Merengue" and "Sansho Financier," went on sale starting February 13th, 2026.
A Natural Collaboration
Shinonome Teramachi, known for its specialty chirimen sansho (seasoned dried fish with sansho pepper), has previously collaborated with confectioners to create original sansho-infused sweets. This new partnership with Ichijoji Nakatani represents a harmonious meeting of complementary expertise - the mastery of sansho from Shinonome and the refined confectionery skills from Nakatani.
The Collaboration Products
The collaboration has resulted in two distinct confections that showcase the versatility of sansho pepper:
Sansho Merengue (¥500 tax included)
A delicate French-style meringue cookie infused with the subtle, numbing spiciness of sansho pepper. The light, airy texture provides an elegant canvas for the distinctive Japanese spice.
Sansho Financier (¥260 tax included)
A classic French almond cake reimagined with the addition of sansho pepper. The rich, buttery financier balances beautifully with the aromatic, citrus-like notes of the Japanese spice.
Photo taken in front of Ichijoji Nakatani's charming storefront in Kyoto's Ichijoji Shimo-ri Matsu area, featuring the Japanese confectionery artisan owner, his patissier wife, and Shinonome Teramachi's representative.
About the Collaborators
Kyojako Sansho - Shinonome Teramachi
A specialty shop dedicated to chirimen sansho, located in Kyoto's historic Teramachi shopping district. The shop has built a reputation for its high-quality sansho products and innovative collaborations with confectioners.
- Location: 669-3 Kuon-in Mae-cho, Teramachi-dori Ebisugawa Agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0993
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Closed: Wednesday and Thursday
- Phone: 075-255-7008
- Website: https://kyoto-jako.jp
Ichijoji Nakatani
A renowned confectionery shop in Kyoto's Ichijoji district, where a Japanese confectionery master and a French-trained pastry chef create both traditional wagashi and Western-style sweets with meticulous attention to detail.
- Location: 5 Hana-no-ki-cho, Ichijoji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8151
- Phone: 075-781-5504
These unique sansho-flavored confections offer visitors a taste of innovative Kyoto craftsmanship, making them excellent souvenirs or gifts that showcase the city's ability to honor tradition while embracing creative new directions.
