Goshiki-ito

Goshiki-ito is a traditional type of wagashi called higashi (dry, pressed Japanese sweets). It comes in the form of colorful weaved threads and the threads are flavored with ginger, yuzu, mint, plum, and cinnamon. Combined with wasanbon sugar, the threads come to life and they are dyed in five distinctive colors. During the Tanabata Star Festival in July, women traditionally hang the goshiki-ito from leafy bamboo branches. For them, these threads represent their prayers for better skills in sewing and weaving.