Asakusa stands as a quintessential Tokyo landmark. A staple of Japanese tours, it's a must-visit for anyone's maiden journey to Tokyo. Capturing a photo with the iconic red lantern is a rite of passage, symbolizing your arrival in the vibrant city. But the allure of Asakusa extends beyond the spiritual aura of Sensoji Temple. The path to this revered site is lined with a delightful array of souvenir stalls and Japanese sweet shops, each beckoning food enthusiasts and tourists alike with their tempting offerings.
In this feature, we'll guide you through the gastronomic journey in Asakusa, spotlighting five renowned snack stores en route to and around Sensoji Temple – indispensable stops on your Tokyo adventure. Ready to discover these hidden gems? Let's dive in!
- Ningyoyaki at Kameya
- Kibidango at Azuma
- Fried Manju at Asakusa Kokonoe
- Melon Pan at Kagetsudo
- Matcha Sweets at Kaminari-Issa
Ningyoyaki at Kameya
Kameya in the vicinity of Kaminarimon Gate specializes in Ningyoyaki – a delightful Japanese snack that artfully combines the sweetness of anko (red bean paste) with a light, flour-based pastry. In Japanese, ningyo translates to doll, and yaki to grilled or baked, reflecting the charming doll-like shapes of these baked treats. At Kameya, the experience is as much about the taste as it is about the spectacle; visitors can witness the entire baking process, from the pouring of batter into intricately designed molds to the unveiling of the final product, which comes in a variety of shapes such as turtles, Sensoji Temple pagoda, and Japanese folklore giants.
What sets Kameya's Ningyoyaki apart is their adherence to a time-tested recipe, ensuring each bite maintains the original flavor – a perfect balance of thin, crisply baked dough and a generously filled, subtly sweet red bean center. These snacks are not just a feast for the palate but also for the eyes, making them ideal companions for a leisurely stroll through Asakusa's bustling streets. Picking out the different shapes in each bag adds a layer of fun to this culinary adventure, making Kameya's Ningyoyaki a must-try for both food lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kYqBh7KX19TLXjcf7
Kibidango at Azuma
Azuma presents a unique culinary experience with its specialty, Kibidango. While strolling through Asakusa, you'll likely encounter numerous dango shops, offering the classic round, white mochi balls grilled to perfection. However, Azuma's Kibidango sets itself apart with its distinct flavors and textures. Originating from Okayama Prefecture, Kibidango boasts a texture that is notably softer and more melt-in-the-mouth than traditional dango.
This delicacy strikes a delightful balance between sweet and savory, further enhanced by a light dusting of kinako (soybean powder). What's more, the size of these dango is charmingly small, allowing you to pop three at a time for a burst of flavor.
Though irresistibly delicious, Azuma encourages a mindful eating experience. In a bid to maintain cleanliness and order, the restaurant kindly requests patrons to dine in rather than walk and eat. With seating and trash bins provided, guests can comfortably enjoy their Kibidango on the premises, ensuring a pleasant environment for all.
Opening hours: 9:00-19:00
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5gQC1kHQsjQ9EsxX8
Fried Manju at Asakusa Kokonoe
Asakusa Kokonoe's "Agemanju," or fried manju, is a culinary landmark in the heart of Asakusa, renowned for its longstanding tradition and international appeal. This shop, a fixture in Asakusa's food scene, caters to a global audience with menus in various languages including Thai, Chinese, English, and Korean, a testament to its popularity among tourists.
The real allure of Asakusa Kokonoe lies in the diverse range of fillings offered for their fried manju. Patrons can choose from classic options like red bean to more contemporary flavors such as green tea, chocolate, and custard. They also cater to Asian palates with sweet potato, sesame, and black bean fillings. Each manju is fried fresh, ensuring a delightful contrast between a crispy exterior and a soft, fragrant interior.
The shop's popularity is evident in the bustling queues, often extending into multiple lines to expedite service. This bustling atmosphere adds to the charm of the experience.
Opening hours: 9:30-19:00
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nAKHdJw1Sc6pFvq16
Melon Pan at Kagetsudo
Kagetsudo's Melon Pan (melon bread) shop in Asakusa is a testament to the enduring allure of this beloved Japanese pastry. Despite facing challenges during the Covid era, the shop has seen a remarkable resurgence in popularity, with customers returning in droves as tourism rebounds. Such is their demand that Kagetsudo has had to expand its operations, replacing seating areas with additional ovens to keep up with the ever-growing queues of eager patrons.
Melon pan, once a widespread craze across Japan, now finds its legacy carried on by only a few select bakeries, with Kagetsudo standing out as a premier destination. The secret to their melon bread's popularity lies in its exceptional size and the quality of its preparation. The outer layer of the bread is coated with a cream that bakes into a perfectly crisp and sweet crust. This delightful crunch gives way to a soft, aromatic interior, creating a sensory experience that is both satisfying and uniquely flavorful.
Opening hours: 10:00-16:00
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kYAkAFcWZDo3mKtS7
Matcha Sweets at Kaminari-Issa
Kaminari-Issa, a beacon for matcha enthusiasts in Asakusa, has remained a crowd favorite both before and after the Covid pandemic. Known for its long lines and high praise from numerous media influencers, this shop has become a must-visit destination for anyone eager to explore the rich flavors of Japanese matcha. At Matcha Sweets Kaminari-Issa, the highlight is the customizable intensity of their green tea offerings. Visitors have the unique opportunity to tailor their matcha experience, choosing from a spectrum of strengths to suit their individual tastes. This feature sets Kaminari-Issa apart in an area already renowned for its green tea shops.
The shop's menu extends beyond just ice cream; it includes a variety of desserts and drinks, each infused with the distinct taste of matcha. For the adventurous matcha lover, they offer selections that range from mildly flavored to intensely strong — a choice that promises a thrilling experience, as the most potent options are known to make your heart flutter with their robust flavor.
In addition to matcha, Kaminari-Issa also caters to fans of hojicha, another popular Japanese tea, offering a different but equally delightful taste experience. Furthermore, the shop innovates with unique offerings like green tea beer, a fusion that intrigues and attracts tourists and locals alike.
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/t6BF2RWVjmsJwXev8
Asakusa is a treasure trove for food lovers, offering a myriad of walking-friendly eateries that serve everything from savory street foods to sweet delicacies. While the area invites you to explore its diverse culinary landscape, it's important to respect Japanese dining etiquette, which often involves purchasing snacks and then pausing to enjoy them near the store, aiding in cleanliness and waste management. This approach not only aligns with local customs but also enriches the eating experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the flavors and the vibrant atmosphere of Asakusa.
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