Celebrate Tanabata with 'Hoshiai' Wagashi
In celebration of the Tanabata Festival, the renowned Kyoto-based company, Tsuruyayoshinobu, is set to release a special limited edition wagashi named
'Hoshiai'. This exquisite sweet is available only for one week, from
July 1 to
July 7, 2025, making it a unique treat for Tanabata enthusiasts.
A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship
'Hoshiai' takes inspiration from the enchanting tale of Tanabata, where the stars Altair and Vega meet just once a year. The wagashi beautifully represents this celestial meeting with its artistic design, featuring colors reminiscent of the starry sky and the Milky Way. Crafted by skilled artisans, each piece of 'Hoshiai' showcases a stunning translucence and depth, ensuring that every bite brings a moment of serene delight.
This visually striking wagashi has a light and elegant sweetness that complements the ritual of afternoon tea. Patrons can slice the treat into their desired sizes, allowing them to enjoy the changes in translucence and color, enhancing their overall experience of this seasonal delight.
With only a week of availability, this refreshingly sweet treat allows you to savor the fleeting moments of summer, dedicated to the annual reunion of the stars.
A Taste of Summer
The composition of 'Hoshiai' includes a smooth and glossy
Kohakugan (amber jelly) made from agar, artfully layered in pale blue and purple hues, evoking the colors of the night sky. Beneath this delicate layer lies a subtly sweet
shioyokan, a salted agar jelly, enhancing the tasting experience with a gentle hint of saltiness.
The salt used in the shioyokan comes from the beautiful coastline of
Koto Beach in Kyoto's Tango Peninsula, where the sea's natural essence is harvested. This gives the wagashi a light, refreshing quality—perfect for the warm summer months.
Discover Koto Beach
Koto Beach, located in Kyotango City, stretches approximately 1,800 meters along the shore. Recognized as a national natural monument, it's known for its striking white sands and pine forests. The beach is famous for its
singing sand, which produces melodious sounds when walked upon, making it a picturesque spot for visitors and locals alike.
Product Details
Name
Hoshiai
Release Dates
Pre-orders start on
June 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM until sold out. Choose delivery dates from
July 3 to July 7.
URL:
Tsuruyayoshinobu Online Shop
Available from
July 1 to July 7, 2025.
Note: Both online and in-store products are available for a limited time and quantity, concluding once sold out.
Price
1,728 JPY (including tax)
Availability
- - Tsuruyayoshinobu main store, directly operated shops, department stores, and the official online shop. Some locations may not offer this product.
Shelf Life
20 days
Ingredients
Contains milk and soybeans (28 designated allergens).
About Tsuruyayoshinobu
Established in
1803 by the first-generation owner,
Ibe Tsuruya, in Kyoto's Nishijin district, Tsuruyayoshinobu has a legacy of over 220 years of excellence in traditional Kyoto confections. Upholding the family motto of