
Enlightenment gets even sweeter.
Last month, we looked at the hemp-infused chocolates being sold by one Kyoto candymaker which are shaped like the head of a Buddha statue. Of course, nutritionists say it’s important to eat a variety of foods, and that includes Buddha head-shaped sweets, so thankfully there’s now a second option in that rather specific food category.
Hiroshima confectioner Patisserie Matilda calls its newest creation Daibutsu-sama Chocolate. “Daibutsu” is what large-scale Buddhist statuary in Japan is called, and that’s exactly what Matilda drew inspiration of in crafting the eye-catching sweets.
The 3.5-centimeter (1.4-inch) candies are made with chocolate imbued with the taste of umeshu, Japanese plum wine, to impart a bit of mature appeal. It’s an especially timely choice of flavoring, as this is also the time of year when the plum blossoms bloom.
Each piece, priced at 1,080 yen (US$9), comes packaged in its own sophisticated-looking box.
With so much craftsmanship going into the Daibutsu-sama Chocolate, it’s only natural that some recipients are going to be reluctant to eat it right away. Thankfully, the head is packaged atop a bed of small, round French chocolates, so you can admire the main attraction’s artistry while still indulging your sweet tooth.
Daibutsu-sama Chocolate can be ordered online through Rakuten here.
Shop information
Patisserie MATILDA / マチルダ
Address: Hiroshima-ken, Hiroshima-shi, Asaminami-ku, Tomominami 4-7-1
広島県広島市安佐南区伴南4-7-1
Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Closed Tuesday (Wednesday if Tuesday is a national holiday)







Kyoto confectioner selling hemp-infused Buddha head chocolates
Hiroshima’s crème marche is half cream puff, half custard cone, and all delicious
Chocolate-covered shrimp snacks make a comeback in Japan this winter
Starbucks Japan’s new banana chocolate pudding is so good we can’t keep our language clean
Is roughly half of Japan preconditioned to hate mint chocolate sweets?
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
We try out the joys of Japan’s kakuuchi wine vending machine
Speed trap camera stolen from Saitama Police while in use
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan’s mint chocolate sweet bean fish cakes are a delicious mouthful in both name and flavor
Time to go bananas for McDonald’s Japan’s chocolate banana smoothie and other new treats
Mister Donut and Pierre Marcolini team up in Japan, but is it a match made in chocolate heaven?
McDonald’s Japan teams up with Godiva for the first time to create delicious new dessert drink
McDonald’s adds a Mint Chocolate Oreo Frappe to its menu in Japan for a limited time