The Japanese chestnut specialty store "Waguri Hakuro" in the ancient city of Kanazawa is taking on a new challenge in Ginza with Noto chestnuts.
■Waguri Hakuro is a Japanese chestnut specialty store from Kanazawa that offers chestnut sweets.
Since opening in Higashiyama, Kanazawa City in 2020, Waguri Hakuro has been well received by many customers for its commitment to ingredients and high-quality presentation. In particular, we are proud to have made the deliciousness and rarity of Noto chestnuts, which are grown on the Noto Peninsula, widely known by communicating their appeal from a unique perspective.
The origin of "Waguri Hakuro" is a strong desire to convey the charm of the blessings of nature itself, including Noto chestnuts. For us, who have provided special experiences for customers to enjoy the original taste of Japanese chestnuts while looking out over the streets of the ancient city of Kanazawa, opening a store at Ginza Six is a big step in making our desire to "deliver the charm of Japanese chestnuts to customers who know and seek the real thing" a reality. Please come and enjoy the true deliciousness of Japanese chestnuts.
Stores in Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa
■Taking over a disaster-hit chestnut farm, moving from cultivation to production and sales
I, Sakamoto, the owner of the store, am originally from the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. I love Noto, an area rich in nature, and wanted to do something for the area, so I started up a Japanese chestnut confectionery shop called "Waguri Hakuro." Since starting our business in 2020, we have built relationships with Noto chestnut farmers, Japanese chestnut farmers, and fruit farmers.
However, on January 1, 2024, just when we were thinking, "Okay, let's get started," the Noto Peninsula earthquake and torrential rains hit the chestnut farm. Matsuo Chestnut Farm, our supplier of Noto chestnuts, also suffered extensive damage and decided to close the farm. Given the damage, we could not ask them to reopen, but at the same time, we felt a strong desire to not let the culture of Noto chestnuts disappear. We decided to take over the farm, wanting to protect the unique flavor of the land and pass it on to the future.
Chestnut orchard after the disaster
Although I was a complete novice when it came to growing Japanese chestnuts, I decided to give it a try. I experienced everything from pruning, processing the branches, weeding, pest control, and harvesting. Because there is a shortage of accommodation in the disaster-stricken areas, I slept in my car during my stay in Noto. Having experienced everything, I felt like I could do it somehow. Now, I have established collection points and processing facilities in Noto and Kanazawa, and I am excited to be able to deliver a reliable, authentic taste by carrying out strict quality control from harvesting to manufacturing and sales.
■ Why Noto chestnuts are delicious
The flagship product of "Waguri Hakuro" is the "Noto chestnut" grown on the Noto Peninsula. The chestnuts take root in mineral-rich soil and grow in the harsh climate with extreme temperature differences, giving them a rich sweetness and flavor.
The unique climate and topography of the Noto Peninsula are major factors in cultivating the deliciousness of Noto chestnuts. There is a large difference in temperature between day and night, which is a major factor in bringing out the sweetness and flavor of chestnuts. In addition, Noto's soil is clayey and rich in iron and calcium, giving chestnuts a deep, mellow flavor. Furthermore, Noto's natural environment, with little rain and long hours of sunshine, provides ideal conditions for growing chestnuts.
Of course, when processing Japanese chestnuts, our first priority is to make the most of the flavor of the ingredients.We do not use any additives or artificial flavorings, and instead pursue a simple, deep flavor that makes the most of the natural flavor of the ingredients.
■About the products offered at "GINZA SIX"
GINZA SIX uses carefully selected Japanese chestnuts to offer exquisite Japanese chestnut sweets that bring out the full flavor of the chestnuts.
■ Shiko Kuchinashi This Mont Blanc uses the queen of chestnuts, Mikuri, sent from a contracted farmer, giving it a strong Japanese chestnut flavor. The inside is a sponge crumble of domestic mascarpone and a layer of carefully selected fresh cream.
■Finally, towards the future with chestnuts, Japanese spirit, and people.
By focusing on ingredients and supporting farmers, Waguri Hakuro aims to deliver the deliciousness of real Japanese chestnuts and to be a base that connects people and the community through Japanese chestnuts.
We aim to evolve Japanese chestnut culture and grow into a Japanese chestnut confectionery brand that is recognized worldwide. We also hope to contribute to the revitalization of the entire region by increasing demand for Noto chestnuts, helping to improve the income of chestnut farmers and alleviating the lack of successors.
Furthermore, we are actively involved in supporting Noto farmers who are struggling with a lack of successors to grow figs, persimmons, and other crops, and by boosting agriculture in the region as a whole, we hope to pass on Noto's rich food culture to the future.
We are currently seeking support to make this dream a reality on the crowdfunding site CAMPFIRE. Your support will help brighten the future of Noto. We appreciate your support.
Waguri Hakuro Store Information
｜ Store name: WAGURISHIRATSUYU GINZA
| Address: GINZA SIX B2F, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo | Phone number: 03-5938-4537 *From March 4th | Business hours: 10:30-20:30
｜ Contact: fiamma@wagurishiratsuyu.com
◉Website: https://www.wagurishiratsuyu.com/
◉ Online site: https://x.gd/mpJnZ
◉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagurishiratsuyu/
From the press release of Fiamma Inc.
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