Kyoto wagashi maker Tsuruyayoshinobu is releasing a new early summer variant of its bestselling confection "Tsubara Tsubara." Titled "Tsubara Tsubara Matcha," the new product incorporates stone-ground Uji matcha into both the baked outer skin and the filling, and will go on sale at stores across Japan from April 11, 2026 (Saturday). Pre-orders via the official online shop opened on April 6, 2026 (Monday) at 12:00 PM.
What Is Tsubara Tsubara?
"Tsubara Tsubara" was first released in 1996 and has since become one of Tsuruyayoshinobu's signature baked confections. Its appeal lies in a distinctive combination of glutinous rice flour and wheat flour that creates a soft, chewy, and moist baked skin, wrapped around a generous filling of smooth ogura paste made from Tokachi-grown azuki beans.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Tsubara Tsubara continues to attract fans across generations.
The new "Tsubara Tsubara Matcha" is a limited early summer flavor, with stone-ground Uji matcha used generously in both the baked skin and the filling. Matcha has been drawing growing attention both in Japan and abroad, and this new release lets its flavor take center stage throughout the entire confection.
Stone-Ground Uji Matcha Throughout
"Tsubara Tsubara Matcha" uses exclusively stone-ground Uji matcha in both its chewy baked skin and its smooth white bean-based matcha filling. The stone-grinding process preserves the matcha's delicate fragrance, which is sensitive to heat and easily lost during processing. Because stone mills yield only several dozen grams per hour, the resulting matcha carries a soft, rounded aroma that comes through clearly in the finished product.
Individual Packaging with Traditional Japanese Design
The packaging draws its colors from the deep green of matcha leaves, featuring a calm, nature-inspired aesthetic. The design incorporates the "tachiwaku" pattern—a traditional Japanese auspicious motif symbolizing rising energy—for a refined finish. Each piece comes individually wrapped, allowing for flexible use as a daily treat, a gift, or a souvenir in any quantity.
Tasting Feedback
At a special tasting session held at Tsuruyayoshinobu's Kyoto main store in March 2026, those who tried the product shared the following impressions:
"The combination of the chewy baked skin and matcha filling was excellent—the sweetness was clean and refreshing."
"The matcha flavor wasn't too sweet, and it had that irresistible quality that Tsubara Tsubara is known for. I thought it would be perfect as a souvenir."
"The tea flavor came through beautifully, and the balance of sweetness was just right."
Product Details
Product name: Tsubara Tsubara Matcha (つばらつばら 抹茶)
Online pre-order started: April 6, 2026 (Monday), from 12:00 PM
In-store release date: April 11, 2026 (Saturday)
Sales period: Mid-April through late June 2026 (online may end earlier)
Available at: Tsuruyayoshinobu main store, directly managed stores, department store counters, and the official online shop
Prices (all tax-included):
- 1 piece: ¥292
- 5-piece box: ¥1,566
- 10-piece box: ¥3,132
- 15-piece box: ¥4,644
- 20-piece box: ¥6,264
Combination orders with the original "Tsubara Tsubara" and other products are also available.
Best by: 8 days from production date
Allergens: Wheat, dairy, eggs
Official Online Shop: https://shop.tsuruyayoshinobu.jp/collections/tsubaratsubara-matcha
