Maker’s Story: Premium Japanese Chestnuts from Kasama Kuri Factory

Japanese chestnuts, or kuri (栗), are beloved for their rich, sweet flavour and have long been a seasonal delicacy in Japan. Among the various regions where chestnuts are cultivated, Kasama City (笠間市), located in Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県), is renowned for producing some of the finest chestnuts in the country. 

Known for their larger size, perfect sweetness, and premium quality, Kasama chestnuts are often considered the gold standard, thanks to the area’s mild climate and volcanic ash soil.

One notable producer in this area is the Kasama Kuri Factory (笠間栗ファクトリー), a specialty maker dedicated to crafting chestnut-based products using the highest quality Kasama chestnuts. We spoke to the company’s representative Mr. Takahashi (高橋) to find out more about how the brand became a beloved name in the region and beyond.

©Video by JR East

Introduction to Kasama Kuri Factory

Kasama Chestnuts. | ©Sue Lynn

Hi Takahashi-san! Please tell us more about Kasama Kuri Factory.

“Ibaraki Prefecture is the leading producer of chestnuts in Japan. Among its cities, Kasama is a prominent chestnut-producing area. Founded in March 2021, Kasama Kuri Factory was established as an initiative to increase the income levels of local chestnut makers and to revitalise the region by branding “Kasama Chestnuts” (笠間の栗) as our signature product.

Kasama Kuri Factory is currently run by four parties: Ibaraki Prefectural Government, Kasama City, JR East, and JA Hitachi.

Chestnut paste: Kasama Kuri Factory’s specialty

What are your representative products?

Kasama Kuri Factory specialises primarily in the production of chestnut paste, both sweetened and unsweetened. Even with our sweetened chestnut paste, we reduced the amount of sugar used, allowing the natural chestnut flavour to shine through.

The unsweetened chestnut paste is made by pureeing the chestnut as they are.

©JR Mito Branch Office / Kinase

Our chestnut paste is widely used in many confectionery and dessert shops not only in Ibaraki Prefecture, but throughout Japan. For instance, you can have a taste of our Kasama chestnut paste right next door to our factory at Kasama Roadside Station (道の駅かさま Michi-no-eki Kasama) where the Mont Blanc dessert (モンブラン) is sold.

Of course, all chestnuts used are Kasama chestnuts harvested in Kasama City.

Inside Kasama Kuri Factory. | ©Sue Lynn

Definitely a must-try if you are a chestnut fan! Are your products sold overseas?

We have neither exported nor sold our products overseas. However, we work closely with the prefectural government to develop overseas sales channels.

Must-visit spots in Kasama City

Are there any must-visit attractions in Kasama City that you would like to recommend to our readers, especially during the autumn season?

Shunpu Banri-sou. | ©JR Mito Branch Office / Kinase

Apart from trying the Mont Blanc at Michi-no-Eki Kasama, I recommend visiting Shunpu Banri-so (春風万里荘) for a tranquil time in an Edo-period villa amongst momiji leaves. It is once the residence of the renowned artist Kitaōji Rosanjin (北大路 魯山人), relocated from Kita-Kamakura in 1965.

Kasama Inari Shrine. | ©photoAC / ringonome

I also recommend visiting the Kasama Inari Shrine (笠間稲荷神社), which is one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines, alongside Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Yutoku Inari in Saga. It has a history spanning over 1300 years, and it is particularly popular during the Kasama Chrysanthemum Festival (笠間の菊まつり Kasama Kiku Matsuri) where chrysanthemums are in full bloom between late October to late November.

©JR Mito Branch Office / Kinase

Kasama Craft Hills (笠間工芸の丘) is Kasama City’s cultural and artistic hub. Here, you can enjoy a hands-on pottery experience and purchase handcrafted ceramics from local artisans.

©JR Mito Branch Office / Kinase

Of course, there is also the Kasama Chestnut Harvest Festival (かさま新栗まつり Kasama Shinkuri Matsuri), which took place in 4–6 October this year, where you can enjoy all things chestnuts such as more Mont Blanc, chestnut gelato, and many more.

Getting to Kasama Kuri Factory

Kasama Kuri Factory. | ©Sue Lynn

From Tokyo, you can take the JR Joban Line (常磐線) to Tomobe Station (友部駅). From Tomobe Station, take the “Kasama City Tour Bus” and get off at the stop “Michi-no-Eki Kasama”.

Message from Kasama Kuri Factory

Takahashi-san from Kasama Kuri Factory. | ©Sue Lynn

Thank you Takahashi-san! Do you have any parting messages for our fellow readers from all around the world?

Kasama City is one of the most popular tourist areas in Ibaraki prefecture. During this autumn season, come over to try some delicious chestnut sweets and enjoy a fun pottery activity for a truly local experience. We look forward to seeing you!

Enjoy “Autumn in Ibaraki” with JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s Omiyage Snack Box this November 2024!

JAPAN RAIL CLUB is proud to introduce the snack “Fluffy Marron” (マロンふわっせ Maron Fuwasse) which features the creamy and luxurious chestnut paste made by Kasama Kuri Factory! For more autumnal snacks curated and sourced in Japan, check out our “Autumn in Ibaraki” Omiyage Snack Box, made in collaboration with JR Mito Branch Office. Subscribe to JAPAN RAIL CLUB today!