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Futaba in Demachi-yanagi, near the Masugata shopping arcade, is one of the most popular wagashi (Japanese sweets) shops in Kyoto. It was established in 1896 (Meiji 26).

They sell “mame-mochi,” rice cakes with a filling of azuki beans (both whole ones and a paste inside) - nothing fancy, a sturdy snack loved by ordinary Kyotoites.

There are allways people lining up in front of Futaba, even in the cold winter. Mamemochi are not too sweet, they have a resilient texture and are at the same time soft and easy to eat. The smell of the beans is also good.

Confectionery shops of Kyoto are divided into two types: Omanya and Kashiya. Omanya are shops selling ohagi, dango and sweets based on mochi as Futaba. Kashiya are the more exclusive shops catering to the tea ceremony.