香川 | A Local Treat Inspired by Gyoki's Salt-Making Legacy

Whenever I visit a new place, I love seeking out local sweets—sometimes traditional Japanese wagashi, other times Western-style confections. Just like in Taiwan, where I would look for sun cakes and pineapple cakes, in Kagawa, there's a beloved local sweet called "kamado." Shaped like a small bun with a hollowed-out center, its design is inspired by traditional stoves. Legend has it that during the Nara period, Gyoki, a revered monk, traveled to Shikoku to spread Buddhist teachings. On Ano Beach, he gathered local girls and taught the community how to make salt from seawater using large traditional stoves. Eighty years ago, a local shop created "kamado" to commemorate this history. The treat is small and adorable, filled with white kidney bean paste, and its taste is reminiscent of Japan's popular souvenir, "chick buns." Over time, it has become a signature sweet of Kagawa. Another notable treat is "tiger buns," which gained fame after being featured on a TV program by celebrity Tsurutaro Kataoka. These buns are filled with chunky red bean paste and have a crust similar to mooncakes, offering a flavor that's both familiar and unique. If you're traveling to Kagawa, don't miss the chance to try these delightful local sweets. 📍Address: 〒766-0001 Kagawa Prefecture, Nakatado District, Kotohira Town 700-2 🚗 Access: An 8-minute walk from JR Kotohira Station or Kotoden Kotohira Station.