🎌 Fukuhira Kagerou

Fukubiraki Kagerou (かげろう) is renowned as a famous confection from Kishu. When mentioning the snack shops in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, the first name that comes to mind is the long-established Fukubiraki. This dessert shop was founded in 1933 and has been passed down through three generations, having won numerous prestigious awards at national dessert expos and competitions. The signature product, Fukubiraki Kagerou, features a sweet yet not overly rich cream sandwiched between soft baked dough. The combination of the crispy pastry and the fluffy filling is exquisite, making it a best-selling item that has maintained its original recipe since its launch in 1967. It also received the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award at the 26th All Japan Dessert Expo. The term Kagerou refers to the shimmering heat haze phenomenon that occurs when sunlight shines on the seaside, creating an illusion of objects wavering. In Japanese, it also conveys a sense of being ethereal and fleeting, perfectly describing how the pastry and cream melt in the mouth, providing a unique taste that lingers. Today, Fukubiraki Kagerou has seen a significant increase in production due to mechanization, and it can be found in many souvenir shops throughout Wakayama Prefecture. However, each step in the dough-making process is still done by hand, with daily adjustments made to the kneading process based on the temperature and humidity of the day. In addition to "Kagerou," there is also the yuzu-flavored "Yuzu Monaka (柚もなか)" and the elegantly light "Hamayu (はまゆう)." Furthermore, visitors can enjoy "Nama Kagerou" and a variety of Western-style pastries at the attached café.

Founded in 1933, this renowned confectionery shop has been a staple. Fukubiraki Kagerou, a best-selling product since its launch in 1967, has maintained its original recipe. Among the many Japanese dessert brands, it enjoys a high reputation and is one of the representative specialties of Wakayama.