kinton

Kinton can refer to several things, most notably a type of traditional Japanese confectionery and a specific term in Buddhism.

In Japanese cuisine, Kinton is a type of wagashi, or traditional Japanese sweet. It is typically made from mashed sweet potatoes or chestnuts, sugar, and sometimes other ingredients like azuki bean paste or edible gold leaf for decoration. The texture is often smooth and slightly chewy, and it is commonly enjoyed with green tea. Kinton is often shaped into decorative forms, especially during festive occasions like the New Year.

In Buddhism, particularly within certain Japanese schools, "kintō" (金塔) can refer to a golden stupa or reliquary. Stupas are ancient Buddhist monumental structures, often containing relics. A golden stupa signifies reverence and importance, often used in ceremonial contexts or as a representation of the Buddha's teachings and enlightened nature. The term emphasizes the preciousness and spiritual significance associated with these objects.