Authentic Japanese Sweets (Wagashi) & Culinary Traditions
The Hidden Gem of Myogadani: Experiencing Authentic Warabi Mochi at Ikkoan In the tranquil Koishikawa district of Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward, nestled among lush greenery, stands “Ikkoan” (一幸庵) – a renowned Japanese confectionery shop known to wagashi connoisseurs. Their signature creation, “warabi mochi,” continues to captivate Japanese sweet enthusiasts. This exceptional delicacy, made with 100% pure […]
A century old wagashi store nearby the Sumida River Nestled along the banks of the Sumida River stands a small Japanese confectionery shop, “Jiman Kusa mochi.” (you can find what mochi is here) This historic establishment has been captivating taste buds with its signature yomogi mochi (mugwort rice cakes) for over 150 years, since the […]
A Tale of Japan’s Original Cherry Blossom Sweet: Chomeiji Sakura mochi Along the cherry-lined banks of the Sumida River lies a taste that has endured for over 308 years (as of 2025). Chomeiji sakura mochi Yamamoto-ya, located in Tokyo’s Mukojima district, is renowned as the birthplace of Kanto-style sakura mochi, preserving its original recipe since […]
The Art of Karinto: A Journey Through Tokyo’s Traditional Sweet Shops Karinto, with its distinctive shape, crispy texture, and gentle sweetness from brown sugar, stands as one of Japan’s most beloved traditional sweets. This seemingly simple confection represents the crystallization of Japanese culinary wisdom, crafted from basic ingredients yet delivering profound flavors. The origins of […]
The Art of Mame Daifuku: A Japanese Sweet Tradition Mame daifuku, a traditional Japanese confection, represents the pinnacle of wagashi craftsmanship. This beloved sweet consists of soft mochi (pounded rice cake) wrapped around sweet bean paste (anko) with whole beans nestled inside. While simple in concept, the creation of exceptional mame daifuku requires masterful technique […]
A Historic Shop in Tokyo’s Cultural District Asakusa, with its over 1,400 years of history, stands as one of Tokyo’s most culturally significant districts. The area’s story began in 628 with the discovery of a Buddhist statue, which led to the establishment of Sensoji Temple. During the Edo period, Asakusa flourished as a bustling commercial […]
Japanese Sweet Artistry in Tokyo’s Fashion District: Mizuho’s Bean Daifuku The Evolution of Harajuku: Birth of Tokyo’s Fashion Hub Harajuku’s history dates back to medieval times when it served as a post station along the Kamakura Highway. During the Edo period, the area was known as Sendagahara, flourishing as a farming village that supplied vegetables […]
Ohagi: Where Traditional Wagashi Meets Contemporary Japanese Sweets The Rich Heritage of Traditional Japanese Rice Cakes Ohagi, a cherished Japanese sweet dating back to the Heian period (794-1185), represents the essence of traditional wagashi. This simple yet elegant dessert consists of sweet rice shaped into balls and covered with sweet bean paste. Its popularity grew […]