“Tsuba” of the Sword… Transformed into a Japanese Confection!?

Did you know that Japanese swords have beautifully crafted handguards?
In Japanese, this part is called a tsuba. It’s the golden—or sometimes dark and intricate—piece between the blade and the handle. Originally designed to protect the wielder’s hand and balance the sword, the tsuba has evolved into a canvas of craftsmanship.

Tsuba come in many shapes, such as round, square, and even the elegant mokko (melon-shaped) style. They’re often made from iron, copper, or brass, and some are so ornate they’re considered works of art.

Such a beautiful tsuba has been transformed into a sweet in Hokkaido, Japan. It’s called Tsuba no Ne, which means “The Sound of the Tsuba.” This elegant treat captures the spirit of craftsmanship and nostalgia in every bite.

Let’s dive into this beautiful, quietly enchanting hidden gem from the snowy north!

Kitami 北見, Hokkaido 北海道

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island, known for its vast landscapes and heavy snowfall in winter. It takes about an hour and a half to fly there from Tokyo. But don’t be fooled—Hokkaido is big! Reaching Kitami, located in the eastern part of the island, takes time. From Sapporo or New Chitose Airport, the easiest way is to catch a domestic flight.

In Kitami, there’s a beloved local confectionery called Daimaru. This long-established shop is known for nostalgic, traditional Japanese sweets made with red bean paste. One of their most unique creations is Tsuba no Ne—a treat inspired by the elegant handguard of a Japanese sword.

Tusba on Ne

Do you know that a tsuba has a thin, oval opening where the blade fits through? Tsuba no Ne is shaped just like a classic round tsuba, complete with small cutouts that resemble the real thing. It’s not just inspired by the design—it actually looks like a miniature handguard.

The result? A nostalgic, stylish treat that blends tradition with craftsmanship. It’s cool, unique, and totally unforgettable.

It’s not just about the look—Tsuba no Ne tastes truly Japanese. Like many traditional confections, it’s filled with sweet red bean paste. But this one stands out. The paste is super smooth, not too sweet, and perfectly balanced.

The outside is made from pie dough that’s light and slightly crispy, with a rich buttery aroma that hits you the moment you open the package. It might look heavy, but it’s not. It’s just right—satisfying without being too much.

つばの音 | 北見のお菓子店「ほっちゃれ」の菓子處大丸　公式ホームページ

It’s not easy to get your hands on Tsuba no Ne, since the shop is tucked away in Hokkaido’s natural landscape. But that’s exactly what makes it a true hidden gem.

If you’re curious about more unique Hokkaido sweets, feel free to check out my article below. There’s so much deliciousness waiting to be discovered!

Summary

At first, I didn’t realize Tsuba no Ne was shaped like a sword’s handguard. I didn’t know much about the tsuba on Japanese swords, to be honest. And you know what’s funny? In Japanese, “tsuba” has two meanings—one is the handguard, and the other is… saliva! 😅

I was confused at first—why would a sweet be named after saliva?! But after doing some research, I found out it refers to the handguard. And once I understood the meaning, the sweet somehow tasted even better!