Japanese chestnuts (waguri) are larger, stickier, and more succulent than other species. They are said to have a rich, elegant flavor, owing to their low astringency.

GRUYÉRES’ hometown of Kasama City, Ibaraki is Japan’s largest producer of waguri chestnuts. We think of the chestnuts raised and harvested here as “Kasama-brand” chestnuts and use them to craft our unique selection of sweets.

Kasama is a town with a long history and an abundance of nature. Famed as the birthplace of Kasama-yaki pottery and as a source for mikage-ishi granite, it is also recognized for the old shrines and ancient temples scattered throughout its scenery.
It charms visitors with its seasonal changes of nature, the tranquility of its historical sites, the burning of its kilns and the contents of its unique museums.
Additionally, as the birthplace of aikido, Kasama is home to the world’s only shrine dedicated to this popular martial art.

The Kasama Azalea Festival is held every spring.

The Kasama Inari Shrine is one of the three main Inari shrines in Japan.

Kasama is a major producer of granite, which is called Mikage Ishi in Japanese.

Kasama-yaki, or Kasama Pottery, is designated as a Traditional Japanese Craft by the national government.

Kasama is a city rich in nature.

The oldest chrysanthemum festival in Japan takes place in the city.