Kuri Kinton (Sweet Chestnut) Day

What Is Kuri Kinton Day?

September 9th is "Kuri Kinton Day," established by Nakatsugawa City in Gifu Prefecture, widely regarded as the birthplace of kuri kinton, a simple sweet made from chestnuts. The date traces back to the "Chestnut Festival," once celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, and September is also when shops across the region begin selling kuri kinton made with the season's first fresh chestnuts.

The Link Between Kuri Kinton and the Chrysanthemum Festival

September 9th is Choyo no Sekku, the Chrysanthemum Festival, built around the doubling of 9, the largest odd digit — long considered an auspicious day for warding off misfortune and praying for longevity. Because the old lunar calendar's 9th day of the 9th month coincided with chestnut harvest season, a custom arose of eating chestnuts to pray for good health, giving rise to this anniversary.

• Ingredients: Nakatsugawa's kuri kinton is a simple wagashi made from nothing more than steamed chestnuts and sugar
• Season: runs from September, when fresh autumn chestnuts arrive, through the following year
• Tradition: each September 9th, the Nakatsugawa Confectioners' Association holds a Chestnut Festival ritual alongside a free distribution of kuri kinton

Nakatsugawa, Birthplace of Kuri Kinton

The area around Nakatsugawa is known for producing high-quality chestnuts, and its chestnut confectionery culture developed as a post town along the Edo-period Nakasendo highway. The simple sweetness that lets the natural chestnut flavor shine has won over generations of wagashi lovers.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Order kuri kinton online or enjoy it at a shop
• Learn about the history and culture of chestnut-producing regions like Nakatsugawa
• Enjoy other autumn flavors tied to the Chrysanthemum Festival, like chrysanthemum sake or chestnut rice
• Try making a simple chestnut sweet at home

One Chestnut, Full of Gratitude for Autumn's Bounty

Made by gently mashing steamed chestnuts, kuri kinton is a simple wagashi whose flavor comes entirely from the natural sweetness of its ingredient. Let September 9th be a moment to savor that pure chestnut flavor with gratitude for autumn's harvest.