Hyperlocal Tokyo

During my journey along the Nikko Kaido, I discovered a traditional Japanese confectionery shop that was established in the first year of Ansei (1854) and is still in operation. I was able to enter without any wait. Their "Kuri Mushi Yokan" (I was lucky enough to get the fresh chestnut steamed yokan this time) was the best Japanese confectionery I have ever tasted. It was fluffy and moist, with a subtle sweetness and a unique chestnut flavor. It's truly a hidden gem that I hope doesn't become too famous. I definitely plan to visit again.

It's summer! So I came here in front of Kaminarimon to buy mizu-yokan (water mochi). The smooth texture and subtle saltiness are amazing. I prefer their dorayaki (red bean pancake) over the one at the neighboring shop with a long line. It's all about personal preference, and I have another favorite dorayaki shop. But their mizu-yokan is truly unique. Plus, being able to chat with the shop owner adds to the down-to-earth charm of the place.

I am deeply grateful to "Ryushoutei Nishimura." I first visited this shop about 35 years ago when I started working. I have fond memories of being taken there by my father when I was a child, after visiting "Shoryuin Asakusa Temple." I knew it as a shop with delicious Japanese sweets, perfect for gifts for special people, so I stopped by to buy some. Since then, I have been a regular customer, visiting several times a year. As the name suggests, "Ryushoutei" is a shop that has been patronized by Asakusa Kannon Temple for a long time, and you can see the long-standing trust they have built. Their most popular item is "Kuri Mushi Yokan" (steamed chestnut bean paste), but I also love their "Kuri Mushi Yokan Nama" (fresh steamed chestnut bean paste), which is only available at certain times. The moist texture is unlike anything else, and it has a soft sweetness that rivals "Toraya's Kuri Mushi Yokan." They have many other famous Japanese sweets, including "Dorayaki" (a sweet bun filled with bean paste), which is known for its plain, delicious skin and filling. Tourists often line up at the nearby "〇〇 Dorayaki" shop, but once you try Nishimura's Dorayaki, you'll rediscover the true taste. If you visit "Shoryuin Asakusa Temple," be sure to stop by "Ryushoutei Nishimura." The shop is located in front of Asakusa Temple.

Always known for its long lines of customers seeking dorayaki, I bypassed the neighboring "Kameju" and headed to "Nishimura," an old-fashioned confectionery shop established in the first year of the Ansei era (1854). I purchased a "Hagoita," a Western-style Japanese confectionery similar to a busse. This "Hagoita" is familiar to me as it is served as a tea treat at "Tozenji Temple," famous for its six Jizo statues in Higashi Asakusa, during memorial services. This time, I bought two types: apricot jam and cheese butter. Apparently, there is also a marmalade type depending on the season. Although the shop is known for its chestnut steamed yokan, this confectionery, similar to Kameya Manseido's Nabona with sponge cake and cream filling, is perfect for gifts.

I tried a dorayaki (a Japanese pancake filled with sweet bean paste) at "Ryushoutei Nishimura", just a two-minute walk from Asakusa Station. It's right next to "Kameju", which always has a long line of at least 30 people, so I decided to try this place instead. I bought a dorayaki for 240 yen. The pancake was fluffy and the bean paste was not too sweet, making it delicious. I enjoyed it all the way to the end.