Ichimonjiya Wasuke (Japanese: 一文字屋和輔) is a traditional confectionery company located in Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It was established in the year 1000 and is operated by the 25th generation of the same family. The recent building is about 300 years old and contains many benches and stools around small tables. Local people call the shop "Ichiwa".[1]
The business was founded to provide refreshments to pilgrims coming to pray at the adjacent Imamiya Shrine, a holy place founded in 994.[2]
The restaurant produces and sells wagashi, traditional Japanese confections often served with tea, namely:
Over the centuries there have been minor changes made in concession to modernity. The water used for the mochi was originally sourced from a small spring in the shop's cellar, however this was changed after local health officials prohibited the use of well water.[2] They now use a mochi machine to mechanically pound rice.[2] After World War II they moved from charging on the honor system to a fixed price per plate.[2]
