Hyperlocal Tokyo

Making a reservation in person is the best way to go. I tried calling to make a reservation, but couldn't get through. So, I decided to visit the store directly. I arrived at 9:45 am, 15 minutes before opening, but there were already three people lined up to pick up their orders. There was a sign on the door saying that all the monaka for the week were sold out. When I checked after the store opened, it was true, the monaka were all gone. So, I bought a 1,700 yen assortment of Japanese sweets and made a reservation for my next visit. I was able to make the reservation easily, so I think it's best to make a reservation when you visit the store. The people who were lined up to pick up their orders were buying in bulk, so they might have been resellers or buyers for a group purchase. Kuya is famous for its monaka, but their assortment of Japanese sweets is also elegant and delicious, so I recommend buying it when it's available. I'm already looking forward to my next visit.

Thanks to the typhoon, I was able to easily make a reservation by phone the day before. I saw some people buying without reservations, so it might be worth a try. The minimum unit is 10 pieces for ¥1,100. While carrying it on the train, I was excited by the fragrant aroma of the mochi. I opened it as soon as I got home. The explanation of the history and how to eat at Kuya is a heart-stirring essence to read. First, the mochi is so fragrant! It doesn't dry out your mouth or stick to the roof of your mouth, it's just the right amount of moisture. The sweet bean paste is also smooth, with a wonderful texture. It's not too sweet, but it's not too refined either, it's just the right amount of deliciousness. I ate four in one go. It's a small shop that only does pick-up, but there's a small waterfall-like feature, and you can feel the beauty of Japanese aesthetics. I will definitely go back again!

On a weekday during summer vacation, I visited Karin Tou Tachibana around 10:30 am, before heading to another destination. I had called ahead, but they were closed for Obon holidays the day before, so I couldn't make a reservation. I was half-hearted about finding anything, but I was able to buy some! I was so happy. The female staff were all very kind. The mochi-filled pastry packaging was very elegant. That night, I went back to the hotel and had one with my child. The crust was crispy and the sweet bean paste filling wasn't too sweet, it was delicious! The ingredients were simple, but it was different from any mochi-filled pastry I'd had before. It was small, so one might not be enough. It was a special treat. I want to go back again.

I went to the store on a weekday afternoon around 1:00 PM without a reservation and was able to purchase some. I was taking a chance, but I'm glad I bought them for the first time. The price of 1,100 yen for a box of 10 is affordable and makes it easy to buy. Although each one is small, it's perfect for a small gift as it can be enjoyed before or after a meal. When I eat them as a snack, the sweet bean paste is light and delicious, so one is never enough and I always end up reaching for more. The mochi are directly packed in the box. It's best to store them in a way that prevents moisture. You might want to be careful when carrying them on a rainy day.

I've always wanted to make a reservation, but I never had the chance. Finally, I was able to buy some! They open at 10 am on Mondays, so I arrived at 9:50 am, only to find about 10 people already waiting for their reservation. By the time I finished buying, there were about 20 people in line... It's amazing. I got home and immediately enjoyed them fresh. Even before opening the box, the delicious, toasted aroma of the mochi skin filled the air! It was so exciting. When I opened the box, I was greeted by adorable, petite mochi. With one bite, the sweet bean paste oozed out from the other side. The bean paste had a gentle sweetness. I thought 10 mochi would be enough for the whole family, but I couldn't stop eating them! Haha. A box of 10 mochi with butter sandwiched in between was a delicious treat for butter lovers!