Tel: (0467) 250 810
http://www.hato.co.jp/ (Japanese only)
Kamakura is a popular tourist destination, less than an hour south of Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture. The town is historically important, as it was briefly the capital of Japan when Shogun Minamoto Yoritomo established his new government in the area in 1192. Today, it is dubbed the Kyoto of East Japan, with Zen temples and shrines aplenty to explore; the town is popular as a day excursion from the nation’s capital. Kamakura’s greatest attraction is the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a 14-metre tall bronze statue of the Amida Buddha that is much photographed and featured in tourist brochures and promo’s.
Almost as famous as the Daibutsu is Kamakura’s best known souvenir, Hato Sabure, a dove-shaped biscuit that is sold in a little shop/bakery called Toshimaya. Mel and I were intrigued by the dozens of Japanese tourists carrying the distinctive yellow bags from Toshimaya. We figured that it was probably the done thing to buy some of these biscuits whilst in Kamakura.
Although the packaging was certainly gorgeous, the Hato Sabure itself was OK, resembling in taste to a buttery and eggy crispy biscuit. It was nothing to shout about, but people seemed to be really into it. Oh well, when in Kamakura, do as the Kamakurans do. That’s the beauty of Japan. Each region is famous for something, and to the rule-loving Japanese, it is the done thing to get whatever it is that a region is famous for, because that’s what you’re supposed to do 
Hey! All the adventures have been soo interesting! Youre making me want to book a ticket to Japan tomorrow! Alas, I think I might stick to my Portugal and Spain plans for now…
Welcome back by the way! Have a great Xmas/NYE! xx
I have tagged you to take part in the Christmas meme, it’s on my blog
meg
sorry, I meant to say its pennypincherspantry doh
Hey there anthony – ooh stop it, you’re putting ideas into my head! (I’ve always wanted to go to Portugal!). Have a FAB new years yourself, and look forward to reading some of your witty quip when you get back online.
Hey Meg – oops, I’m a little late for the Xmas meme!
i figured it out! it is an empty tin for hato sabure, a cute dove shaped biscuit. looks like it may have been a souvenir. http://tr.im/FbQS
I have very fond memory of the Hato-Sabure cookies. I used to call them Chicken cookies but I now have a greater love for these “Dove” Shaped cookies. I once worked for a Japanese company during my career and had the chance to receive these as a gift from people in Japan. How delightfully tasty we found these cookies were! Very light yet very sweet and less buttery than a shortbread cookie! These were cherished like gold in our house!
Thanks for your comment Gordon. And what a lovely memory! I wish someone would give me a box of them as well
I love the art of gift giving in Japan.
Can u guys help me figure out how to buy some of these?