Tabelog ratingHoused in a registered tangible cultural property, the Western-style Taisho-era architecture of Misuzu Ame Honpo Iijima Shoten Ueda honten (みすゞ飴本舗 飯島商店 上田本店) makes it a landmark in Ueda. This is the main store of a brand that has been producing its signature sweets for over a century, using a recipe that calls for domestic Japanese fruit and no artificial colourings.
The main draw is the Misuzu Ame, a traditional fruit jelly candy. While the classic boxed versions are popular souvenirs, visitors flock here for the "dekita-te Misuzu Ame" (できたてみすゞ飴) — a softer, factory-fresh version available exclusively at this location. Reviewers consistently praise its juicy, natural fruit flavour that isn't overly sweet. The shop also offers an extensive range of jams and marmalades, with generous tasting stations to help you choose. Favourites include the Tochiotome strawberry jam (完熟いちご) and the rare Sampokan (三宝柑) marmalade.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few visitors found some jam flavours sweeter than they prefer. The fresh "dekita-te" jellies have a short shelf life, and popular items can sell out, especially during holidays when the shop can get crowded. Staff are noted for their warm hospitality, often greeting guests at the door and offering helpful explanations.
A typical purchase for souvenirs is under ¥1,000. Reviewers in recent years paid around ¥630 for the exclusive fresh "dekita-te" jellies, ¥1,060 for a 24-piece box of classic Misuzu Ame, and between ¥820 and ¥1,100 for jars of jam. The quality and heritage are widely considered to offer excellent value, especially for gifts.
- Getting There: The shop is a 2-minute walk from Ueda Station, served by the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen, Shinano Railway, and Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line.
- Booking: Walk-ins are welcome and no booking is required. The shop can be busy on weekends and holidays.
- Payment: Accepts credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners), transportation IC cards (like Suica), other electronic money (Rakuten Edy, nanaco, WAON), and QR code payments (PayPay, Alipay).
- Children: All ages are welcome, and the space is accessible for strollers.
- Parking: Free parking for 21 cars is available.
- Smoking: The entire premises are non-smoking.
