Hyperlocal Tokyo

I recently visited Yamada-ya, a long-established ningyo-yaki (stuffed pastry) shop in Kinshicho, after watching the movie "Kinshicho Paradise." There are various theories about the "Oki-teke-bori" (Abandoned Ditch), one of the Seven Mysteries of Honjo, but one theory states that the tanuki (raccoon dog) stole the fish caught in the Kinshicho ditch, which is why the ningyo-yaki is shaped like a tanuki. Incidentally, there is another kappa (water imp) statue in Kinshicho-bori Park based on the kappa theory. As for the ningyo-yaki, it's delicious with a sweet, restrained red bean paste filling and a firm dough. There are three sizes of red bean paste filling: tanuki (large), taiko (medium), and mikasa (small). There's also a mochi (rice cake) shaped like a maple leaf with no red bean paste. I'm happy they sell them individually. Thank you for the delicious treat! **Please Note:** Closed on Wednesdays.

Located about a 2-minute walk south of Kinshicho Station, along Yotsume-dori Street, you'll find Yamada-ya, a renowned人形焼 (ningyo-yaki) shop known for its (tanuki) raccoon dog mascot with a distinctive (tanuki) sign. Established in (1909), the shop originally started as a poultry egg wholesaler, seeking ways to utilize their eggs. In (1951), they opened their doors as a (ningyo-yaki) specialty store, becoming a beloved local institution in Kinshicho. Their (tanuki) (ningyo-yaki) are priced at (170 yen) each. A (tanuki) set includes (16 pieces). The (dough) is a delight, with a sweet and fragrant aroma. The rich egg yolk and honey-infused dough create a golden hue and a delightful flavor. The (sweet bean paste) is made with Hokkaido beans and melts smoothly in your mouth. The seamless blend of the dough and the smooth, sweet bean paste creates a truly satisfying experience. These (ningyo-yaki) are perfect for all ages and make excellent souvenirs or gifts.

After lunch, I craved some sweet anko (red bean paste), so I visited this ningyo-yaki (baked doll) shop. When I looked in the display case, all I saw were boxed ningyo-yaki. I asked about the expiration date, and they said it was four days. I wasn't sure if I'd want to eat one every day, so I hoped they'd sell me two or three individually. Then I noticed a price list for individual purchases on the bottom shelf of the display case. The individual prices were as follows: * Tanuki (raccoon dog): 170 yen * Taiko (drum): 150 yen * Mikasa-yama (Mount Mikasa): 120 yen * Momiji (maple leaf): 50 yen For some reason, the momiji was significantly cheaper. Since I was there, I bought one of each. The total for four was 490 yen. I enjoyed the ningyo-yaki at home. The anko was surprisingly light and delicious. I ate all four in about five minutes while sipping tea. Thank you for the delicious treat.

Currently, there's a PayPay 30% off campaign in Sumida Ward, so you can get a better deal at Termina (they're not participating) than at Yamada-ya! Yamada-ya's ningyo-yaki (stuffed pastry) will completely change your concept of ningyo-yaki. It's truly a masterpiece. The delicate sweet bean paste is packed generously into the soft dough, guaranteed to impress. It's a confident choice for a souvenir, and often, the recipient will tell you how incredibly delicious it was, even without you asking. They also have ningyo-yaki without the filling, but the bean paste is so delicious, I highly recommend the filled version!

These "ningyo-yaki" (人形焼き) are delightfully fluffy and delicious. The dough is moist, and the sweet bean paste has a subtle sweetness. I thought they were large, but I devoured them in no time. I was curious about the wrapping paper featuring the "Seven Mysteries of Honjo" (本所七不思議), so I asked for them to be wrapped. Not only did they box the larger sets, but they also carefully wrapped the 8-piece bags. Until September 30th, 2023, there's a Sumida Ward campaign where you get 30% of your purchase back in PayPay points when you pay with PayPay. Take advantage of this opportunity! Update: I ate a second one the next day, and the dough had settled and become even more moist. Personally, I prefer the flavor on the second day.