Wishing for health in June Kyoto: 'Sasa Minazuki,' a limited-time delicacy for Nagoshi no Harae

Wakuden will release its limited-time seasonal sweet, 'Sasanoha Gashi Sasa Minazuki,' inspired by the June 30th 'Nagoshi no Harae' (Summer Purification) ritual, available from June 1 to June 30, 2026.

In Kyoto, there is a long-standing tradition of eating 'Minazuki' sweets to coincide with Nagoshi no Harae. Wakuden has crafted this into 'Sasa Minazuki,' a treat designed to be enjoyed with the scent of green bamboo leaves. This year, they will also offer special in-store exclusive packaging decorated with bamboo motifs, evoking the coolness of early summer.

■ Minazuki: A Kyoto sweet for the end of June
Nagoshi no Harae is a ritual held on the last day of June to cleanse the impurities of the past six months and pray for health for the remainder of the year. In Kyoto, it is customary to eat Minazuki on this day to wish for good health.

■ Wakuden's 'Sasa Minazuki': Wrapped in the fragrance of green bamboo
Wakuden's 'Sasa Minazuki' is a seasonal sweet made by combining smooth arrowroot with azuki beans, all wrapped in fresh bamboo leaves. When unwrapped, a gentle fragrance of green bamboo wafts up. Its cool mouthfeel and subtle sweetness add a touch of refreshment to the time transitioning from the rainy season to early summer.

■ Refreshing Assortments with 'Seiko'
In addition to single items, 'Sasa Minazuki' is also available in assortments paired with their signature lotus root sweet, 'Seiko.'

■ Product Overview
・Product Name: Sasanoha Gashi Sasa Minazuki
・Sales Period: June 1 (Mon) – June 30 (Tue), 2026
・Locations: Murasakino Wakuden stores, Official Online Shop
・Storage: Must be refrigerated
・Shelf Life: 3 days