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 […]
Chomei-ji : The Mind-Blowing Story of Tokyo’s First Sakura Mochi
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 […]
Kozakura: Crafting Traditional Karinto in the Heart of Asakusa
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 […]
Mizuho: Where Traditional Wagashi Meets Harajuku Youth Culture
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 […]
Gyokuedo: 450 Years of Japanese Sweet-Making Tradition in Ningyo-cho
The Essence of Kyoto’s Traditional Wagashi: The Story of Gyokuedo Hikokuro A Historic Japanese Sweets Shop in the Heart of Old Edo Gyokuedo Hikokuro is a venerable Japanese confectionery located in Nihonbashi Ningyo-cho, Tokyo. Founded in Kyoto in 1576 (Tensho 4), the shop later established its presence in Ningyo-cho during the Showa era. It stands […]
Yoshiya: A Century of Traditional Dorayaki in Ginza’s Kobikicho Theater District
Yoshiya Dorayaki: 100 Years of Enchanting Artists Near Kabukiza Theater A Haven for Artists: The Allure of Kobikicho Yoshiya In Tokyo’s Ginza district, Kobikicho Yoshiya stands as a beloved traditional Japanese sweets shop, cherished by kabuki actors, entertainers, and business professionals alike. The shop’s name “Kobikicho” comes from the historic district name, established in 1603 […]
Nakazato: Birthplace of Japan’s Original Fried Monaka in Tokyo
The Wagashi Revolution of Early Showa Era: Nakazato’s Fried Monaka Breaking New Ground in Japanese Sweets: The Charm of Nakazato Nakazato, a venerable Japanese sweets shop in Tokyo’s Kita Ward, is renowned for its “fried monaka” and “nanban-yaki.” Their signature fried monaka, made with premium sesame oil and filled with ogura-an (sweet bean paste) from […]
Gunrindo : The Astonishing Marriage of Tokyo’s Heritage and Craftsmanship in Wagashi
Hidden Gem of Japanese Sweets: Gunrindo’s Masterful Daifuku in Bunkyo A Sanctuary of Tokyo Wagashi: Discovering Gunrindo In Bunkyo Ward, where the historic Gokokuji Temple, the renowned Hotel Chinzanso with its magnificent gardens, and Ochanomizu Women’s University create an atmosphere of timeless elegance, stands Gunrindo, a venerable Japanese sweets shop that embodies Tokyo’s rich wagashi […]