Seki no To is a renowned Japanese confection made by Fukawaya, a traditional sweets shop founded in 1642 during the Edo period, when Tokugawa Iemitsu was Japan’s third shogun. The shop is located in Seki, a historic town where streetscapes from the past have been carefully preserved. Seki once flourished as Seki-juku, an important post station along the Tokaido, the historic route connecting Edo, present-day Tokyo, with Kyoto.
According to local tradition, Fukawaya’s history is also associated with ninja folklore. The confectionery shop is said to have served as a cover for concealing shinobi, and Seki no To is believed to have been devised by a descendant of the Iga ninja tradition. This story adds an intriguing layer of history to a sweet that has been carefully made and passed down through generations.
Seki no To consists of smooth red bean paste made from azuki beans, wrapped in a thin, soft layer of gyuhi, a tender type of mochi made from glutinous rice. The exterior is dusted with Wasanbon, a fine-grained traditional Japanese sugar particularly associated with Tokushima Prefecture.
The confection’s delicate white coating is said to evoke snow settling on the Suzuka Mountains, whose peaks have long watched over the town of Seki. Its understated appearance reflects this inspiration, while the soft texture and finely balanced sweetness create a refined taste that is never overpowering.
Although simple in appearance, Seki no To is a delicate confection that requires considerable care. Each piece is painstakingly prepared by hand, preserving the traditional methods that have sustained its reputation for centuries.
For visitors exploring Seki’s historic streets, tasting Seki no To is a wonderful way to discover the region’s confectionery heritage. Its gentle sweetness, soft texture, and connection to the snowy Suzuka Mountains make it a memorable specialty of Mie Prefecture.