Summer Kyoto Wagashi Tour: 4 Traditional Sweet Shops for International Visitors to Beat the Heat Kyoto, the ancient capital beloved by international tourists, is notorious for its sweltering summer heat reaching nearly 40°C (104°F). However, even during the hottest months, you can find respite through Japan’s traditional culture at exceptional wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) shops […]
Aito Denki Mochi Yoyogi Park: Tokyo’s Revolutionary 5-Hour Fresh Daifuku Experience Just a 1-minute walk from Yoyogi Park Station stands a stylish glass-fronted shop displaying colorful mochi like art pieces. “Aito Denki Mochi” represents a unique Japanese confectionery shop that seamlessly blends traditional techniques from the Taisho era with contemporary sensibilities. Their signature “nama daifuku” […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]