Founded in Ansei 1 (1854)
The original chestnut steamed yokan, loved for over 160 years since the Edo period.
As soon as you step inside the shop, the showcase is filled with sweets lined up everywhere.In the very center, neatly lined up, is the “Chestnut Steamed Yokan” passed down from the first generation.Said to be the original, it remains the shop’s signature item, maintaining unwavering popularity for over 160 years.It is made by steaming a dough of wheat flour mixed with smooth red bean paste and topping it with syrup-soaked candied chestnuts.It is well-known for its mild sweetness, chewy texture, and smooth mouthfeel.The recipe inherited from the first generation is updated little by little,and craftsmen knead the dough with great care, watching how its condition changes depending on the day’s weather and ingredients.
Supporting products include “Tokyo Kasuteira,” which uses more wheat flour than Nagasaki Castella for a simple taste,and “Hagoromo,” a busse sandwich filled with apricot jam or cheese butter, both beloved by long-time fans.Even if you come only for the Chestnut Steamed Yokan, you may find yourself tempted by many other sweets.
The shop’s creed is: “Made by hand, not by machines” and “A taste that lets you feel the seasons like fresh fruits.”In winter, snowflake stamps are placed on dorayaki,and during the Flower Festival—Buddha’s birthday—limited sweets called “Itadaki” are sold, expressing the season.Many customers eagerly look forward to seasonal limited sweets every year.They also became a sensation on social media by introducing nerikiri sweets inspired by popular anime trends.While protecting tradition, they continue to playfully challenge themselves with new sweets — likely the reason they have been loved for so many years.
Asked about the secret to preserving the long-established shop, the fifth-generation owner Jun Nishimura says, “It is only thanks to the support of neighboring shops and our customers.”His answer perfectly reflects Ryushotei Nishimura, which has operated for many years in Asakusa while supporting and being supported by the local community.
History
The main store of Ryushotei Nishimura is located directly in front of Asakusa’s landmark, Kaminarimon Gate, diagonally across Kaminarimon Street.It began as a teahouse in front of the temple gate in the late Edo period, and its teahouse appearance already appears in Hiroshige Utagawa’s “In Front of Kaminarimon” (1829).The “Chestnut Steamed Yokan” invented by the first generation became popular, leading to the founding of the fresh Japanese confectionery shop in 1854.Just as it was more than 165 years ago, the shop still operates in front of Kaminarimon today.The name “Ryushotei” comes from their long-standing role of supplying offerings to “Kinryuzan Senso-ji.”Many items are connected to Senso-ji, such as “Kinryu,” a momoyama confection of smooth red bean paste wrapped in thin skin shaped like the large lantern of Kaminarimon.They also prepare sweets for the 18th of each month, the sacred day of Kannon.
We want to continue preserving this taste for customers who visit generation after generation.
Jun Nishimura
Fifth-generation head of Ryushotei Nishimura
Many families have visited for generations, and seeing regular customers bring their new family members in strollers is the greatest joy of a long-established shop.I myself grew up in Asakusa surrounded by kind people, and naturally came to feel that I wanted to protect this shop.Please do visit Asakusa, a place full of warmth.
This Notable Item
Chestnut Steamed Yokan
1,080 yen
A smooth mouthfeel with a flavor that brings out the natural taste of azuki beans.Following the traditional recipe, it is luxuriously topped with plenty of chestnuts, making you smile the moment you open the package.Made with azuki beans from Tokachi, its refined sweetness is so pleasant that one person could eat an entire block.It keeps well, making it an excellent gift to bring to others.
Spot Overview
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