Kotohira has a sweet tradition that runs up the shrine steps. At Ike Syouten, a family shop with centuries of history, Ike san welcomes small groups for a candy making experience that blends storytelling with craft. You will learn the meaning behind Kamiyo-ame, pull and press warm syrup into shining pieces, and leave with treats you made yourself. It is friendly, close to Kotori, and easy to fit between a work session.

Table of contents

• Context: what kind of candy and why it matters?
• Practical information
• Candy making: about the experience
• Why do this in Kotohira
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Context: what kind of candy and why it matters

The candy is Kamiyo-ame, a clear, fan-shaped sweet scented with yuzu. Its story is tied to Kotohira Shrine and to five long-standing families known as the Gonin Byakusho. For centuries these families assisted the shrine and held the exclusive right to sell this candy within the precinct under the white umbrellas on the upper approach. People traditionally break the candy into pieces with a small hammer to share blessings with family and friends.

Ike Syouten is one of those historic houses, and the current shopkeeper, Ike san, continues the craft while sharing the lore in an engaging, practical way. For a deeper look at the man behind the counter and the shop’s lineage, see our portrait of Ike san.

Practical information

Where: Ike Syouten, 933 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa. On the Kotohira Shrine approach at the 69th step. A short walk from Kotori.

What you will do: Learn the Kamiyo-ame story, watch a demonstration, then make your own candy with guidance. You can take home what you make.

Formats and price: Candy making is offered as part of the “lecture + candy making” plan. Total time about 90 to 120 minutes. Price is 7,000 yen per person. Up to 8 participants per session.

Booking: Reserve through the online calendar form. Ask Kotori staff to help you.

Payment and cancellation: Pay on site. Please notify cancellations by the day before. Same-day cancellations may incur a fee.

Languages: The session is primarily in Japanese with easy-to-follow demonstration. Simple English support is available through gestures and visuals. Printed notes can be provided if needed.

Who can join: Solo travelers and small groups of digital nomads. Find friends at Kotori Coworking to enjoy a great experience together.

Candy making: about the experience

Think of it as a small, close-up workshop at a shared table, guided with care by Ike san. The tone is warm and welcoming, and the pace is unhurried so you can ask questions as you go.

Discover the story

You begin with a short talk about the shrine, the five families, and why Kamiyo-ame is made in this particular fan shape. It gives meaning to the craft that follows. A perfect start to understand better this shop, this family but also Kotohira and Kotohira gu shrine.

A special technique

The chief candymaker heats the syrup and scents it with yuzu, then you pour the golden mixture into fan-shaped molds, working quickly while it is still pliable. You can stand close enough to see texture and shine.

Time to bake

Wearing gloves, you first learn how the yuzu-scented syrup is prepared to the right texture using the shop’s traditional recipe. Then you pour and settle it into the special fan-shaped molds, tidying the edges with simple tools. Pay close attention to the clarity, aiming for a smooth, translucent finish with a clean snap once cooled. No worries, the candymaker is by your side from step one to the end to explain and help.

Last step: degustation

Let the candies cool on trays until firm and clear. Pop them from the molds, check the finish, then pack your pieces. You can take away your candy for later or grab a hammer and share a piece of happiness with your group after the workshop.

Why doing this in Kotohira?

A living history. The lesson connects you to the shrine, the five families, and a tradition that still shapes daily life on the steps.

Fits a nomad schedule. Sessions are short, next to Kotori, and easy to book between work blocks. It is a focused break that leaves you energized.

This workshop creates meaningful gifts. The candy carries a story about sharing good fortune. Bringing it to a friend or host means more than a generic souvenir.

Conclusion

Making Kamiyo-ame at Ike Syouten is more than a class. You follow a traditional recipe linked to the five shrine families, shaping clear, fan-shaped candy scented with yuzu and meant to be shared for good fortune. It is an only-in-Kotohira experience that deserves a spot on your plan, especially if you are a digital nomad based at Kotori and want a short, meaningful break from work. Book a slot, invite a few coworkers, and leave with sweet souvenirs and a story to take home.

FAQ

How long does the class take?

About 90 to 120 minutes including the introductory talk and hands-on work.

How much does it cost?

7,000 yen per person for the lecture plus candy making plan.

How many people can join?

Up to 8 participants per session. Private groups are available on request.

Do I need to book?

Yes. Use the reservation calendar. If you do not see a time that fits, contact the shop through the inquiry form.

What language is it in?

Primarily Japanese with demonstration-based guidance. Non-Japanese speakers follow easily by watching and mimicking.

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