A Century of Japanese Sweets Mastery: Matsushimaya’s Legendary Daifuku
A Tokyo Wagashi Treasure at Gyoranazaka: Discovering Matsushimaya
On Gyoranazaka, the historic slope connecting Shirokane-Takanawa and Sengakuji Temple, stands Matsushimaya, a venerable Japanese sweets shop established in 1918. The traditional storefront, adorned with a large white noren curtain featuring red lettering, preserves the atmosphere of old Tokyo.
This shop, which sells a thousand daifuku daily, holds a special place in Japanese history. Located near the former Takanawa Imperial Residence, it was reportedly a favorite of Emperor Showa himself. The tradition of excellence continues today, with artisans beginning their meticulous handcrafting process at 4 AM each morning.
From Taisho to Reiwa: Matsushimaya’s Sweet Legacy
Since its establishment in 1918, Matsushimaya has maintained unwavering dedication to traditional methods and quality craftsmanship. This commitment has earned them recognition as one of Tokyo’s “Three Great Daifuku Shops.”
While famous for their daifuku, Matsushimaya also crafts other traditional Japanese sweets like mitarashi dango and kibi daifuku. They use only carefully selected ingredients, including Hokkaido-grown azuki beans and Miyagi rice, with no preservatives or additives.
Their autumn-exclusive steamed chestnut yokan has become so popular that reservations are required as early as August. This seasonal creation exemplifies Matsushimaya’s mastery of traditional wagashi techniques.
Artisanal Excellence: Matsushimaya’s Japanese Sweets
The signature daifuku at Matsushimaya represents the pinnacle of traditional Japanese confectionery. Each piece combines soft mochi, elegantly sweet bean paste, and perfectly salted red peas in precise proportions.
Their chestnut manjū also deserves special mention. This treat showcases the rich flavors of carefully selected chestnuts, demonstrating the shop’s artisanal expertise.
The seasonal steamed chestnut yokan, available only in autumn, has earned a devoted following. This luxurious creation allows customers to fully appreciate the authentic taste of premium chestnuts.
Savoring a Masterpiece: The Matsushimaya Daifuku Experience
The hallmark of Matsushimaya’s daifuku is its perfect balance of components. Each element – the mochi, sweet bean paste, and red peas – contributes to a harmonious whole.
The generous amount of red peas makes a strong impression, with their subtle saltiness perfectly complementing the overall flavor. The thin yet elastic mochi wrapper demonstrates remarkable strength, securely containing the substantial bean paste filling.
The sweet bean paste has a pleasantly dry texture and substantial volume. Its restrained sweetness contributes to the daifuku’s overall refined taste, creating a sophisticated wagashi experience.
Visiting Tokyo’s Historic Wagashi Shop: Finding Matsushimaya
Here’s how to find Matsushimaya:
Address: 1-5-25 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo Access: 7-minute walk from Sengakuji Station
Hours: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM (or until sold out)
Closed: Sundays and alternate Mondays
As a popular destination for Japanese sweets enthusiasts, their daifuku often sells out by midday. Advance reservations are recommended to secure your purchase.
Why not take a walk up Gyoranazaka to experience these masterpieces of traditional Tokyo wagashi? At Matsushimaya, you’ll discover Japanese sweets that have captivated discerning palates for over a century.