Nestled in the heart of Northern Nagano Prefecture’s snow country, Obuse Town is a hidden gem where the charm of yesteryear meets the exquisite flavors of today. This idyllic destination is not only a visual feast for art lovers, but also a haven for those with a sweet tooth.

Let's embark on a delightful journey through the enchanting sweet shops and cafes that define the culinary landscape of Obuse.

Kurinoki Terrace: Old-school Tea Shop with Bundles of Charm

Our adventure begins with one of Obuse’s most well-known sweet shops, Kurinoki Terrace. Here, the skilled artisans weave magic, creating edible masterpieces that are as visually captivating as they are delicious. Kurinoki Terrace invites patrons to experience the artistry of modern confectionery techniques in a perfectly preserved historic setting.

Sakurai Kanseido: Wagashi Perfection

As we traverse the charming streets of Obuse, Sakurai Kanseido emerges as a sanctuary of traditional Japanese sweets, or wagashi. Established more than two centuries ago and renowned for its chestnut-themed creations, this shop may be the secret to the town's love affair with the seasonal delicacy.

Entotsu Cafe: Where Creativity Brews

Down a quaint cobblestoned side street, Entotsu Cafe welcomes visitors with a cozy and unpretentious atmosphere. This popular establishment not only serves up meticulously brewed coffee and tea but also pairs it with uniquely crafted sweets. The generously proportioned Mont Blanc dessert showcases a fusion of traditional flavors and contemporary flair and is almost a meal in itself.

Hokusaitei: Mont Blanc Magic

On a hot summer day, Hokusaitei's Mont Blanc soft serve ice cream is a must-try. The velvety swirls of chestnut-puree on a creamy vanilla soft serve cone add another dimension to the town's chestnut obsession.

Ichinii: Style and Sweetness

Ichinii Cafe, inside a thoughtfully restored kura storehouse, beckons visitors with an eclectic blend of creativity and caffeine. Delight your taste buds with a chestnut latte and explore the menu of fresh-made sandwiches and original chestnut-infused desserts for a genuine taste of local flavors.

Patisserie Rond-to: Bon Appetit!

The entrance to Patisserie Rond-to opens the door to a world of heavenly confections. This patisserie is a destination for those with a penchant for the finer things in life. From their luscious éclairs to the meticulously layered mille-feuille, each offering at Rond-to is a testament to the mastery of flavor balance and texture.

Shinano Seika's Oyaki: Pure Comfort Bites

We end our journey at Shinano Seika, where simplicity steals the show with these tasty oyaki. These comforting dumplings are filled with either sweet red bean paste or savory local ingredients, such as eggplant or daikon radish and miso. With a soft, pillowy exterior, each bite is a warm embrace of Nagano's culinary heritage.

Access

By Train: 12 min walk from Obuse Station (Nagano Dentetsu Nagano Line)
By Car: 20 min from Suzaka Nagano East Interchange / 10 min from Shinshu-Nakano Interchange 

External link:

https://www.obusekanko.jp/obuse-guide/