Already a tourist attraction in Hakata! A summer-only refreshing drink is now available♡ A long-established confectionery shop with a stylish atmosphere (Susaki, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City)

Hello! I'm Aya, a writer who loves hot information about Fukuoka.

This time, we will introduce you to some long-established confectionery shops that are especially popular at this time of year. They also have refreshing sweets and drinks that are perfect for the coming season!

Completely renovated and set to reopen in 2021! Long-established confectionery shop "Ishimura Manseido Main Store" (Susaki, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City)

Ishimura Manseido is a long-established confectionery shop in Hakata that was founded in 1905 (Meiji 38) and is celebrating its 117th year this year. The flagship store, located in Susaki, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, underwent a full renovation in 2019 and reopened on July 30, 2021.

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To access, take the subway Kuko Line or Hakozaki Line, Nakasu-Kawabata Station, Exit 7, and walk for about 4 minutes.

On the long noren curtain next to the entrance is a painting of "Puri-chan" by the monk Sengai Gibon, also known as "Hakata's Sengai-san," who served as the head priest of Shofukuji Temple (Gokusho-cho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City) during the Edo period and preached the teachings of Zen through calligraphy and painting. Puri-chan also appears on the packaging.

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Ishimura Manseido Main Store is also famous as the "Mawaridome," the final point of the Oi Yamakasa ritual of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, and as the "measuring station" where the time of each float is measured.

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This place has been a "measuring station" since the time of the old main store, and it is a common sight on television and other media, so I'm sure many of you have seen it before.

After the renovation, the "measurement station" on the second floor of the store is only open in the early morning of July 15th. Only the priests of Kushida Shrine, the shrine representative, and the measurers from Koda Watch Shop are allowed to climb up, but you can watch from below at any time, so you can feel the atmosphere of the Yamakasa festival all year round.

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A stylish interior filled with the warmth of wood

The entire store, including the "measuring station," is a beautiful space with a light wood color scheme.

In addition to the products, there are many exhibits related to Hakata, including the history of Ishimura Manseido, making it almost like a museum!

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Nowadays, "White Day" has become a well-established custom all over Japan as a way to return the Valentine's gift, but the origin of this custom can be found right here at Ishimura Manseido.

It all started in 1977 when the president at the time came up with the idea for creating new sweets, "Marshmallow Day." There are posters for "Marshmallow Day" on display in the store.

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On the left side of the store, you will find Ishimura Manseido's popular sweets lined up. This is the newly released "Hanakatakko" (5 pieces for 540 yen, 30 pieces for 3,240 yen).

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The "Iwaiute Sandwich" (248 yen each, 540 yen for 2 to 3,240 yen for 12) is a hand-shaped snack that was born from the "Hakata Teippon" custom, an indispensable "closing" custom at celebratory occasions in Hakata.

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It's filled with rich caramel cream and caramelized walnuts, making it a very filling treat. It also makes a great souvenir from Hakata.

Be sure to check out the refreshing "Hyuga Natsurunoko" available only during the summer!

This is the summer-only version of Ishimura Manseido's signature confectionery, "Tsuru no Ko," called "Hyuga Natsu Tsurunoko" (4 pieces for 367 yen, 12 pieces for 1,080 yen).

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This luxurious delicacy uses not only the juice but also slices of Hyuga Natsu, a specialty fruit of the tropical Miyazaki Prefecture.

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The rich flavor of Hyuganatsu can be felt inside the fluffy marshmallows, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and sourness!

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It has a fluffy texture when eaten as is, but when frozen it becomes chewy, so it might be fun to try them both.

Only available here now! A refreshing drink perfect for summer: "Natsugumo Squash"

There is a workshop on the right side of the store where you can enjoy sweets that can only be found here.

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You can take it out, or sit down and enjoy it at your leisure inside the store.

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This time, I tried the "Natsugumo Squash" (580 yen), which is only available during the summer (until around August).

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Refreshing lemon squash is topped with fluffy raw marshmallows that resemble cumulonimbus clouds.

This drink uses 100% Karatsu lemon puree, which contains not only the fruit but also the lemon peel, giving it a refreshing sour taste and a slight bitterness.

The bouncy, foamy fresh marshmallows jiggle and wobble when scooped up with a spoon - a truly unique sensation!

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The mixture of marshmallow and drink melts and fizzes, allowing you to enjoy different textures in one snack.

The sweet fresh marshmallows and the refreshing drink went perfectly together and were absolutely delicious.

Why not take a stroll through the streets of Hakata with a cup of "Natsugumo Squash" and feel the refreshing summer vibes? (Text by Aya.)

＜Click on the store name for more details about the store ↓＞
■ Ishimura Manseido Main Store
Address: 2-1 Susakicho, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00-19:00 (Workshop: 10:30-18:00)
Closed: 3rd Wednesday
*This article is current as of the time of publication. *Prices in the text include tax.

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