Kozakura (which means 'little cherry blossoms' in Japanese) specialises in karinto, which are sweet deep-fried snacks coated in brown sugar syrup. These bite-sized treats were once served to loyal customers at ryotei (Japanese-style restaurants) and one of them was Fukushima, which was established back in 1870 in Asakusa's geisha district Kannon-ura. Fukushima's guests loved the little karinto snacks made by the mother of Kozakura's current owner Kenji Ida – who is at that time the sixth generation head of the restaurant – due to its thin shape.
Unfortunately, Fukushima closed down but the family maintained their signature karinto, which they are now selling at Kozakura. The beautifully wrapped boxes of karinto with their dainty sakura design has a classic appeal. We think the family couldn't have chosen a better name for this shop; these small treats always put a smile on everyone's face, just like at the sight of cherry blossoms.