Hanamitsu (Minabe Store)

This longstanding Japanese confectionary company shop is located a short distance north of Minabe Station. Established around 1895, the company has even received an award from the prefectural government given to businesses which have been operating in Wakayama for a century or more. The company is particularly famous for its Kokyu Mikasa, a type of dorayaki pancake sandwich which is very popular and which is stuffed with sweet, high quality Tanba dainagon adzuki beans grown in Tokachi, and a heaping helping of whipped cream mixed with bean paste and honey. The company also offers a seasonal strawberry version in summer and a chestnut one in autumn. Another popular product is the daifuku rice cakes stuffed with Hassaku orange. The shop only normally closes on New Year's Day.