What comes to mind when you think of Gifu? Gifu is one of Japan’s prefectures, located right in the center of the country. It’s surprisingly large, with beautiful nature, historic towns, and heavy snowfall in winter. ❄️ From peaceful rivers to majestic mountains, Gifu is full of charm and seasonal beauty.
Let’s dive into the unique appeal of Gifu—and discover one of its sweetest autumn delights: kuri kinton, a delicate chestnut confection that captures the spirit of the season.
Gifu
Gifu is famous for its rich history—especially as the stronghold of Oda Nobunaga, the legendary warlord who sought to unify Japan. The city of Gero, located in Gifu Prefecture, is well known for its many hot springs, offering relaxing escapes surrounded by nature.
One of Gifu’s most iconic destinations is Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village known for its traditional thatched-roof farmhouses. In winter, the rooftops are blanketed in snow, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene that feels like stepping into a fairytale.
The Nagara River is also famous for traditional cormorant fishing, a practice that has been passed down for over a thousand years.
Throughout the year, Gifu is full of natural beauty and historical charm—each season revealing a new side of its timeless appeal.
The Chestnut Town
Some cities in Gifu are known as “chestnut towns”, especially in the eastern region where high-quality chestnuts are harvested every autumn. During this season, a special sweet called kuri kinton makes its delicious appearance.
Usually, kuri kinton is a bright yellow dish served during New Year celebrations, made with sweetened chestnuts and mashed sweet potatoes. But Gifu’s version is completely different—it’s a delicate wagashi (Japanese confection) made only with chestnuts and sugar.
Soft, earthy, and full of natural flavor, Gifu-style kuri kinton is a true taste of autumn. Let’s take a closer look at this seasonal treat and discover why it’s so loved!
Kuri-Kinton 栗きんとん
It’s made from just two ingredients—chestnuts and sugar—but the flavor varies completely depending on the shop. Some are moist and smooth, others have a fluffy, crumbly texture, and some are rich with a deep, roasted aroma.
Each piece is shaped using the chakin-shibori method, where the mixture is gently wrapped in cloth to form a soft, rounded shape—like the graceful mountains of Gifu.
When you take a bite, it melts delicately in your mouth, releasing the gentle sweetness of pure chestnut. It’s a quiet, comforting kind of delicious—like autumn itself, wrapped in a single bite.
If you’re curious about Japanese sweets, be sure to check out my article below. I hope it brings a little taste of Japan to you—wherever you are!
Summary
The first time I tried Gifu’s kuri kinton, I was genuinely surprised—its appearance was so elegant, and the flavor was pure chestnut. Unlike the sweet yellow kuri kinton often eaten during New Year, Gifu’s version is a delicate wagashi that many Japanese people might not even know about.
It’s beautifully crafted, subtly sweet, and full of autumn charm. If you ever visit Japan, don’t miss the chance to taste Gifu’s kuri kinton—it’s a hidden gem that will leave a lasting impression.
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