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 […]
Tag: tokyo
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 […]
Edo Karinto: A Complete Guide to Tokyo’s Finest Shops
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 […]
Top 5 Mame Daifuku Shops in Tokyo: Local Guide 2024
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 […]
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 […]