Usagiya, Chuo-dori Store
うさぎや 中央通り店
Recent Reviews
Even though it was around 1 pm, there was a line of about 4 people. I definitely recommend making a reservation if you want to try their sweets! I bought dorayaki and mochi, and they were truly worthy of being called one of the top 3 dorayaki in Japan! The skin and the red bean paste were both delicious! I want to go back and buy more!
I tried this place for the first time because the line was short when I was walking from Mitsukoshi to Takashimaya. It was around 11 am on a weekday. It was a pretty hot day, but dorayaki are convenient for gifts because you don't have to worry about temperature control like you would with a fresh cake. The box for the dorayaki is an extra charge, and the paper bag and plastic bag are free. The plastic bag containing the dorayaki is not sealed with tape or anything, perhaps due to humidity. They only accept cash. It's a small shop that doesn't seem likely to start accepting credit cards or electronic money in the future. The dorayaki were delicious.
Following my visit to the main branch of Usagiya in Nihonbashi, I headed straight to the Chuo-dori branch, which was just a short walk away. ^ ^ To my surprise, there were already four people waiting in line, three with reservations, and then another seven people quickly joined the queue. (^_^*) I couldn't help but think, "Hey, the main branch is empty!"(≧∀≦) However, on weekdays, there were no customers buying just a single dorayaki. Everyone seemed to be purchasing them in bulk for gifts. It felt a bit awkward to buy just one. (´∀`) I felt a little embarrassed to buy just one. (//∇//) But hey, who cares! ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶ A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do! (☝︎ ՞ਊ ՞)☝︎ After waiting for about five minutes, I finally got my dorayaki. ^ ^ I took a leisurely stroll and enjoyed my dorayaki as a 3 o'clock snack. ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡ As soon as I saw the bag, I had a feeling, and sure enough, the dorayaki inside was exactly the same. ^ ^ A double dose of Usagiya's dorayaki, from both the main branch and Chuo-dori. The dorayaki's quality is truly exceptional. The delicate filling perfectly complements the moist skin. (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵) I compared it to the Usagiya in Ueno, and while it's a subtle difference, I think Ueno's might have a slight edge. Just a feeling, though. (๑・̑◡・̑๑) It was delicious! Thank you for the treat. ^ ^
Although a "Sold Out" sign was displayed, I was able to purchase them in the end. The line wasn't as long as I expected, and I was able to get to the front in about 10 minutes. They come in packs of six for around ¥1,500. The fluffy, moist dorayaki are a surefire hit with anyone. However, the short shelf life of just one day makes them less convenient. They'd be a great choice for a close friend as a small gift.
**Usagiya, the Dora-yaki Shop** (March 2024) Usagiya is a popular shop specializing in Dora-yaki, a traditional Japanese sweet. You can order in advance either in person or by phone, and they accept orders for even a single Dora-yaki. If you have a specific date in mind, making a reservation is highly recommended. If you arrive without a reservation, they prioritize those who have made reservations. If you visit on a weekday during the day without a reservation, you'll usually find a line of 5 to 10 people. While they only accept cash payments, the quality of their Dora-yaki makes it worth the effort. Each Dora-yaki costs ¥240 (including tax) and has a shelf life of one day. The fluffy dough, infused with a subtle honey aroma, pairs perfectly with the sweet, delicate red bean paste. The fluffy texture is evident when you cut it open. I'm always impressed by the beautiful golden-brown color of the dough, no matter when I buy them. For ¥240, you get a generous 120g Dora-yaki, making it a great value. Even if you buy just one, they'll package it in a paper bag and then place it in a reusable plastic bag. The Dora-yaki is wrapped in a simple, clear plastic bag, not sealed. This allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: the fluffy, honey-infused dough and the moist red bean paste on the same day. The next day, the dough loses some of its fluffiness, and the red bean paste becomes slightly more watery.