Naruto Kintoki Sweets

These are sweets made with Naruto Kintoki, a brand sweet potato grown in the sandy soil of the Naruto area. Known for its fluffy texture and refined, chestnut like sweetness, it transforms into a variety of confections, from roasted sweet potato to sweet potato cakes, pudding, and soft serve.

Naruto Kintoki is a collective name for sweet potatoes grown in the sandy soils of the Naruto Strait, the Yoshino River, and the old Yoshino River, using the Kintoki variety selected from Kokei No. 14. The name is a registered trademark of the national federation of agricultural cooperatives, and it was approved as a regional collective trademark in 2007. Only those harvested in designated areas, such as Otsu and Satoura in Naruto City, Kawauchi in Tokushima City, and Matsushige and Kitajima in Itano District, may bear the name. There are also sub brands such as Satomusume and Matsushige Bijin.

Highlights

Sandy soil near the sea and mineral rich earth nurture a sweet, powdery sweet potato. Its vivid red skin and golden interior are beautiful, and many Western and Japanese style confections making use of the natural sweetness are made locally.

Enjoying the Seasons

The season runs from autumn into winter, when sweetness increases after harvest. It is the tastiest time for roasted sweet potato and sweet potato cakes. In summer, cooling off with sweet potato soft serve or ice cream is also recommended.

Access and Basic Information

Various sweets can be found at farm stands, confectionery shops, and roadside stations in Naruto City. The area is easy to reach from around the Naruto interchange on the Kobe Awaji Naruto Expressway.

A Quick Tip

First confirm the natural sweetness with a simple roasted sweet potato, then choose processed items like sweet potato cakes to enjoy the differences. They also make a welcome souvenir.

Practical Travel Notes

Sweets made with Naruto Kintoki can be found at confectionery shops, farm stands, and roadside stations in Naruto City, with a wide variety such as sweet potato cakes, roasted sweet potato, and soft serve. Roasted sweet potato and soft serve run around a few hundred yen, while boxed confections for souvenirs are often available from around a thousand yen. Shelf stable baked goods make good souvenirs, while freshly roasted potato or soft serve is recommended for eating on the spot. To choose the genuine article from a designated area, use the Naruto Kintoki label as a marker. It is easy to combine with a tour of Naruto sights such as whirlpool viewing and the Otsuka Museum of Art, and by car the shops around the Naruto interchange are convenient to visit. If taking home raw potatoes, store them in a cool, well ventilated place.