
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)







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