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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
A Hidden Gem of Tokyo Wagashi: Suikoudo’s Heavenly Strawberry Daifuku A Japanese Sweets Sanctuary by the Sumida River: Discovering Suikoudo In Tokyo’s Chuo Ward, where traditional row houses stand alongside modern high-rises, lies Suikoudo, a venerable Japanese sweets shop with over 80 years of history. Located just across the Sumida River from the rapidly developing […]