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” […]
Shooken Nagasaki: Where 340 Years of Castella Mastery Creates the Ultimate Japanese Sponge Cake Walking through Nagasaki‘s streets, exotic aromas drift alongside the city’s international atmosphere. Among these scents is the sweet fragrance of castella (wagashi), a confection that has been crafted in this region for over 340 years. “Shooken” (松翁軒) stands as the premier […]
Nagasaki: The Cultural Crossroads That Shaped Japanese Wagashi Traditions During Japan’s isolation period, Nagasaki served as the sole gateway to the outside world. Through this port city, various cultures, knowledge, and ingredients flowed into Japan, establishing the foundation for modern Japanese culture. In the realm of traditional Japanese confectionery (wagashi), Nagasaki’s contribution is immeasurable. Sugar […]
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 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 […]
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 […]