Hato Sabure

Hato Sabure are very popular dove-shaped, butter cookies from Teshimaya in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Teshimaya has been a fixture in Kamakura City since the days of the Meiji Period, and began selling the cookies in 1894 after the store owner was able to sample European biscuits. The cookies focus on the light, buttery flavor instead of overpowering the senses with sweetness. Butter was much more rare during the Meiji period, so it was better to focus on the accentuating the butter's flavor. The result is a cookie somewhat between a shortbread and butter cookie with a light taste and crispy texture. The cookies are packed in simple, clear packaging meant to display the adorable dove-shaped cookie. The name comes from the the nearby shrine that used the character 八 or hachi which reminded the creator of a flying dove. This is why the cookies are shaped like doves. Sable is the French word for Butter Cookie, which is why the cookies are called Hato Sabure. This cookie has become a popular snack known throughout Japan, and can be found at many vendors across the country.

Sporting a unique design, give these flavorful butter cookies a try during your next vacation, or pick up a few souvenirs as gifts after a Cherry Blossom Japan Tour or Anime Japan Tour available March and April during Japan's dynamic sakura season!