Saitama Travel / Saitama Tour

Did you know that there is an interesting corner in the town of Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture, known as "Koedo"? It is "Kashiya Yokocho," which is full of nostalgic atmosphere. As the name suggests, it is full of sweets that are fun just to look at. It is a sightseeing spot that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages. Kashiya Yokocho began around the beginning of the Meiji era. In this town, which flourished as a gate town of Yojuin Temple, a confectioner began to produce unpretentious confections that suited the tastes of Edo people, and they became popular. During the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, it even supplied the production and supply of confectioneries sold in various areas on behalf of the damaged Tokyo. It continued to flourish, and in the early Showa period, there were more than 70 stores. Although changes in lifestyle and culture have reduced the number of stores, about 20 stores still line the approximately 200-meter street. This side street, which gives visitors a gentle feeling, has even been selected as one of the "100 Scenery of Fragrance" by the Ministry of the Environment for the value of even the smell that wafts through the air.
How about taking a stroll in this pleasant season in Kashiya Yokocho, where you are likely to find both nostalgic and new discoveries?

When we talk about cooking, the word "fry" generally refers to deep-fried foods, but that is not necessarily the case in the city of Gyoda in Saitama Prefecture. In Gyoda, fry is not deep-fried, but rather baked. In Gyoda, fry is made by dissolving wheat flour in water, frying it thinly, adding ingredients such as meat and eggs, and eating it with sauce or soy sauce to your liking. Yes, it is almost like okonomiyaki, but it has a fluffy texture and is said to be better than okonomiyaki locally. The area around Gyoda City has long been a wheat-producing region, and it seems to have developed as a snack that farmers easily make. It is cheap, easy to carry, delicious, and filling, so it is also popular. One theory is that it became very popular among female workers at tabi factories that reached their peak in the early Showa period, and the number of stores selling this Gyoda fry increased, and it became established. Even now, more than 20 stores in the city serve Gyoda fry. Why not try this slightly unique local gourmet food that only those in the know know about at least once?