Gokatteya Yokan is a famous traditional confection from Hakodate, made by Gokatteya Honpo, a long-established confectionery founded in 1870. Unlike many varieties of yokan, which are traditionally made with azuki beans, Gokatteya Yokan uses Kintoki beans, creating a distinctive flavor with a rich yet refreshingly mild sweetness.
Gokatteya Yokan has been made in the Esashi area of Hokkaido since the Meiji era. It is produced in two main forms: Nagashi Yokan, a traditional rectangular style, and the distinctive Marukan Yokan, which comes in a round cylindrical container.
Its enduring popularity comes from its unusual balance of richness and clean sweetness. The use of Kintoki beans instead of the more familiar azuki beans gives the yokan a unique character that remains pleasant even after several bites.
The Marukan Yokan is especially distinctive because of its shape and unusual serving method. The yokan is packed inside a cylindrical container. By pushing up the bottom of the container, you can bring out only the amount you wish to eat.
A string attached to the package is then wrapped around the exposed yokan and pulled to cut it into neat portions. This clever design was created so that the yokan could be enjoyed conveniently even when traveling, without the need for a knife.
First, peel back the section marked “Kiriguchi” on the top of the label and remove the lid. Next, grasp the upper end of the string attached to the container and pull it downward while tearing the vertical seal.
The dry surface of the yokan, which is formed by drying the surface with sugar, should then be gently pressed from the outside. This helps the yokan slide out of the container more easily.
Push up the bottom of the container until the desired amount of yokan is exposed. Wrap the string around the exposed portion and pull it through to cut the yokan. The pieces can then be placed on a plate and enjoyed.
The name Gokatteya comes from the historical name of the area. The settlement was once known as Gokatte, originally written as “Gokatte” with different Japanese characters.
The name is said to have developed from the Ainu word “Kokaite,” meaning “a beach where waves break.” The name therefore carries a connection to the coastal landscape and history of southern Hokkaido.
The Kintoki beans used in Gokatteya Yokan have also changed over time. The product originally used Beni Kintoki, but Taisho Kintoki, a variety known for stronger disease resistance and higher yields, later became widely cultivated.
Since the 1970s, Taisho Kintoki beans have been used for Gokatteya Yokan, helping maintain the distinctive flavor and character of this long-loved Hokkaido confection.
The retro illustrations on the packaging add to its old-fashioned charm and evoke the long history of the confectionery. Gokatteya Yokan is popular not only as a traditional sweet to enjoy yourself, but also as a gift or souvenir from Hakodate and southern Hokkaido.
For travelers interested in Japanese confectionery, the combination of Kintoki beans, elegant sweetness and the ingenious string-cutting package makes Gokatteya Yokan a particularly distinctive taste of Hokkaido.