Himeji signature sweet
Tamatsubaki (玉椿)
What It Tastes Like and Where to Try It in Himeji
Last checked: 2026-10
Our tasting notes
- Sweetness
- 2/5 · Lightly sweet
- Texture
- SoftSmoothChewy
- Bean paste (anko)
- Kimi-an 黄身あん — bean paste with egg yolk
- Keeps for
- About a week
- Souvenir?
- Good for souvenirs
Tasting notes, not shop-verified.
What is Tamatsubaki?
A classic Himeji sweet: a soft pink gyuhi rice cake wrapped around yellow egg-yolk bean paste, shaped like a camellia bud.
Tamatsubaki is one Himeji shop's own sweet, not a general type of wagashi you will find all over Japan. It is made mainly from glutinous rice flour (gyuhi), white azuki and white beans, egg yolk and sugar. You may also see it called “jewel camellia”.
What the name means
玉椿
玉 (tama) means jewel or a round, precious thing; 椿 (tsubaki) is the camellia. The name was given by Kawai Sun'o, a celebrated chief retainer of the Himeji domain, around the time a daughter of the shogun Tokugawa Ienari married the lord of Himeji Castle. A sweet made for a celebration, named like a flower.
Where to try Tamatsubaki in Himeji
FAQ
What does it taste like?
Gently sweet, with a soft, slightly stretchy skin and a smooth, egg-yolk bean paste. It pairs well with strong matcha or green tea.
How long does it keep?
About a week (slightly longer in winter). Check the date on the box.
Diet and allergy notes
Ask the shop about ingredients. Recipes differ from shop to shop, and we have not confirmed vegan, halal or allergen details for this sweet. If you have dietary needs, ask the staff before you buy.