Hyperlocal Tokyo

This is a wagashi shop that I love for its gentle flavors. Their 'hina arare' (rice crackers) sold during the Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) are reportedly handmade, and I can feel the care that goes into making them.

As others have mentioned, the 'Kimishigure' (literally 'yellow yolk drizzle') is truly exquisite! The surrounding 'shigure' (drizzle) and the center yolk paste are perfectly blended. It often sells out, depending on the time of day. The 'Hachibu Mochi' (literally 'double-layered silk mochi') is also a must-try, with its fluffy, fine-grained texture. It truly lives up to its name, which is displayed prominently at the storefront.

I was in Ningyocho and after having lunch, I felt a little unsatisfied, so I thought I'd get some wagashi (Japanese sweets). I came here. The store has a very old-fashioned look. Even looking through the glass, I couldn't see any staff. I pushed the door open with a creak, and an old man, probably over 80, appeared and said, "Welcome." The "Decoboko Kuri Manju" (lumpy chestnut bun) looked delicious in its imperfect shape, so I bought four for 250 yen. He seemed a little hard of hearing, so it was difficult to communicate. I had the chestnut buns at work. They were filled with plenty of chestnut paste, almost like chestnut paste candy, and they were delicious. Next time, I'll go when there's another staff member around.

A traditional Japanese confectionery shop. I bought 20 small dorayaki. The old man was very kind and gave me freshly baked dorayaki. I declined the box for 100 yen. The skin has a bit of a bite and is fluffy, and the filling is sweet, a classic dorayaki. 1 piece is 220 yen, cash only. 2023.2

Tucked away just off the main street connecting Ningyocho Station and Suitengu-mae Station, you'll find an incredible Japanese confectionery shop! 'Tokai,' a quintessential Showa-era confectionery shop, serves up some truly amazing dorayaki. The exterior is that of an 'old, single-family home-style confectionery shop,' with no flags or banners, making it easy to miss. Upon entering, I found no staff, but the display case filled with an array of Japanese sweets was so captivating that I couldn't resist going in. As I stepped inside, a kind gentleman, perhaps the owner, warmly welcomed me from the back. The interior, like the exterior, is brimming with Showa-era charm, and each confection is exquisitely beautiful. This isn't the kind of 'beautiful' you find in the sweets displayed at large commercial facilities or in shops housed in their own buildings. This is the kind of 'beautiful' that comes from the meticulous craftsmanship evident in every single piece. I immediately spotted the dorayaki (¥200 in January 2022), a favorite of Japan's most famous robotic cat. I learned that they are indeed handmade, and that dedication is evident in their form. I took a bite and was immediately struck by the perfect harmony of the rich, dense red bean paste and the soft, yet fluffy, baked skin. 'Delicious!!!' It was a total surprise. The dorayaki from 'Tokai,' a confectionery shop I stumbled upon, is absolutely incredible! It's not a low-sugar type, but rather a full-on sweetness explosion. It might not be for everyone, but I absolutely love it, and it pairs perfectly with a cup of strong tea. It's easy to miss, both in terms of location and appearance, but 'Tokai' serves up some truly delicious treats. I can't wait to try their other sweets.