Today, I was exploring the Yanaka Ginza shopping street. After leaving Yanaka Bokuto, I looked out over Yanaka Ginza from Yuyake Dandan. It's a shame it wasn't dusk, but I could still feel the atmosphere. Just as I was about to head back to the shopping street, I spotted an interesting shop on the corner! I visited around 2:00 p.m. on a weekday in January 2023. I thought it was a candy shop, but they had a variety of products on display. When I asked the owner if they had individually wrapped "Handmade Gokahou," they said they only had this type. They mentioned that the "Handmade Gokahou" comes from an acquaintance, and passionately explained their commitment to the products on display, saying, "I used to be in a band, and if I'm the vocalist, the backing musicians are people I like. The products here are the same - I only stock items that I like." Alright! I'll take the "Handmade Gokahou" and maybe the "Genkotsu stick" too. The "Handmade Gokahou" had a light and fluffy texture, and the crispy soybean flour spread out in the mouth. As for the "Genkotsu stick," it turned out not to be a homemade product... but both were delicious, so it's all good! So... I didn't end up buying the handmade candy here haha. I forgot the exact price, but it was around 1000 yen for two. It was delicious. Thank you for the meal!

Opposite the grilled squid shop is a traditional Japanese confectionery store. They had candies inside the store, but outside they were selling rice crackers, karinto (deep-fried sweet snack), and sweet potato chips. I tried the karinto for 240 yen. It was a bite-sized karinto with a strong brown sugar flavor. It had sugar coating on the outside, which made it a bit too sweet for my taste.

Today's takeout adventure took me to Nippori and Yanaka for a leisurely stroll. Exiting from the north gate of JR Nippori Station, I turned left and headed straight, up the Goten slope and continued on until I reached the entrance of Yanaka Ginza shopping street. There, on the right side, I found "Goto no Ame," the shop I visited today. It was 1:35 PM on a Sunday, and as usual, I purchased two bags of their signature "imo kenpi" (sweet potato chips) in front of the store. The sign in front mentioned the arrival of new stock from Shibuya Seika in Kochi Prefecture, and apologized for the limited availability (up to 2 bags per person). When it comes to "imo kenpi," I always think of the renowned brand "Imoya Kinjiro." The shop is a specialty store under the brand of Shibu-ya Shokuhin, a well-established sweet potato snack company from Kochi Prefecture founded in 1952. Back at home, I indulged in the "imo kenpi" and found it to be my favorite so far. The chips were not overly oily, had a perfect sweetness, and were easy to bite into. The "negi miso senbei" (green onion miso rice crackers) had a delightful aroma and made a great snack with tea or as a side dish with drinks. However, the only downside was that once you start eating them, it's hard to stop. Today, I thoroughly enjoyed the "imo kenpi" from Shibu-ya Shokuhin. Bon appétit! - Q-chan.

There is a shop at the right corner of the intersection at the bottom of the stairs of Yuyake Dandan in Nippori, and if you walk about 30 meters to the left side of the intersection, you will find Himitsudo, a popular shaved ice shop with constant long lines. Despite the rain, people are still lining up for their delicious shaved ice. I decided to give up and purchased the Black Sesame and Karinto for 237 yen. The combination of the black sesame flavor and the sweetness of the karinto made it the perfect snack.

Established in the 11th year of the Taisho era, "Goto no Ame" sells handmade candies and traditional Japanese sweets. I actually stopped by because I heard they have sweets from my hometown of Akita... However, I ended up buying "Sakura Ame" and "Rai Okoshi," or rather, "Sakura Okoshi." It feels like spring, which is nice (^｡^) But, it's totally unrelated to my hometown... Still, when you enter the store, you'll see a large display of candies, all of which are handmade, which is amazing (^｡^)

(2017/04/15: Visit) Going down the "Yuyake Dandan" stairs and entering the Yanaka Ginza shopping street, you will find a candy shop on your right with various print-like pictures pasted on the outer wall, making it very eye-catching and easy to spot! This shop is said to be a homemade candy shop, offering a wide variety of candies including nostalgic flavors like mint and ginger, seasonal flavors like yuzu and kaki, and even unexpectedly rice crackers. Among the purchases were my wife's favorite "honey candy (beet candy)" and the slightly unusual "cider candy", and we also tried the "Sauce Senbei" that the owner enthusiastically recommended! Made by blending soy sauce and sauce from a local brewery, the aroma was unmistakably that of "sauce" rice crackers! As the owner clearly loved the taste, the rice crackers were indeed quite delicious.

I went to a candy shop in Nippori where the main target is karinto, which was on special for about 200 yen. I landed in Nippori just to send some to my acquaintance Gotou-san, who always eats candy. I browsed the shop and received an explanation from what seemed to be the owner. They seemed to be particular about making candy, deciding on the candy to make based on the weather and various factors. They mentioned that the taste of the candy changes as time passes, and they do not do online shopping. After some recommendations, I purchased three recommended candies. I completed my mission by sending Gotou-san, who always eats candy, his candy. I bought candy at the candy shop, but I don't eat candy myself! However, the karinto was delicious, so it was good. Late September 2016 Snack Visit (ﾟДﾟ) Delicious!! (ﾟДﾟ) Delicious!! [Candy] Want to eat.

"Located near JR Nippori Station North Exit, 'Yanaka Ginza' is a traditional candy shop established in 1922. They offer a variety of candies including their original flavors like 'Tomato Ball Candy' and 'Roasted Green Tea Candy'. The candies are delicious with a strong taste of the ingredients. It's a great place to learn about candy preservation methods and experience the charm of the downtown area."

As you come down the slope of Yuyake Dandan in the valley, you will immediately notice the prominent Goto's candy wall in front of you. The storefront and interior have the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese candy shop. Various candies are lined up, with a focus on candies. The interior is small, so it can be difficult to pass by when it's crowded. I bought Umeboshi candy and Ringo Nikki candy. They have a simple and authentic taste, bringing out the true flavor of the candies. The Umeboshi candy has a faint taste of pickled plums, while the Ringo Nikki has the taste of apples wrapped in candy. These candies bring back memories of childhood. Both young and older customers were seeking out candies in the store. Once you buy from here, you will want to come back again next time.

Next to the beautiful sunset, there is Goto's candy shop. Upon entering the shop, the owner starts a rapid-fire sales pitch, recommending candies that women would like, pointing out which ones contain artificial coloring, and so on. I had a cold, so I opted for the strong peppermint candy with artificial coloring, which was stronger than my dad's version, and a cute panda chocolate. The blue peppermint candy was gentler than "Frisk" and left my tongue blue, which was a fun touch. The panda chocolate reminded me of the "Lucky Cat Chocolate" I used to buy at a rice cracker shop in Kameido Tenjin. Both items were reasonably priced, making this shop a must-visit in Yanaka. However, the somewhat dreary atmosphere inside the shop felt like a missed opportunity. If they could better showcase the "tradition," "handmade quality," and "Yanaka charm," they might attract more customers. But that's probably none of my business. Thank you for the treats.

JR Nippori Station, exit from the north ticket gate on the left (west exit), walk about 250m towards Yanaka, go down a slight slope, and on your right you will find "Ikayaki Yakuya". This long-established shop, founded in 1922, sells handmade candies by the third-generation owner who trained at a Western confectionery shop until 1987. I purchased the following two items this time: - Hojicha Candy 367 yen A candy with a rich hojicha aroma that spreads throughout the mouth. It has a mild sweetness and a refreshing taste. - Matcha Candy 367 yen A candy with a faint matcha aroma and a hint of bitterness. There are so many varieties available that I had a bit of trouble deciding what to buy. Last visit: May 31, 2012.

It is located a little down from the Yuyake Dandan, on the right side. This long-established store, founded in 1922, is currently run by the third-generation candy craftsman who is also a band member. As I looked around the store, he shared various stories about the products. "I only use natural ingredients because I want people to enjoy delicious things. If it's not delicious, they won't buy it again, right?" Indeed. He is a craftsman with a policy. The lineup includes handmade candies, senbei rice crackers, karinto brown sugar cookies, and kinako sweets. For fruit-flavored candies like yuzu, tomato, and lemon, he uses the fruits themselves without any artificial flavors, mixing them like jam. So, if the yuzu candies run out now, they can't be made again until November because there are no ingredients available. In the current season, there are many sweets available, but during the slow summer sales, he only puts a small amount on the shelves. He also narrows down the types of candies to the popular ones. ◆ Hojicha Candy (367 yen for 100g) I was torn between the matcha candy and the hojicha candy, but since I was told that the matcha candy is available in the summer too, I chose the hojicha candy. The hojicha used is from a tea shop in Yanaka Ginza, and the craftsman likes the taste of hojicha from there. The ingredients are simple: sugar, corn syrup, and hojicha. When you put it in your mouth, the fragrant aroma of hojicha gently wafts through your nose. The hojicha powder coating on the candy is doing a great job! The candy is not so much sweet as it is meant to be savored. Even after the powder coating is gone, the candy continues to have the taste of hojicha. It is hard, does not easily break when bitten, and does not shrink quickly even when licked. It may seem expensive for a candy, but it takes quite a long time to finish one, so the cost performance may be good. It is a natural-tasting candy without any unnecessary ingredients. It's hard and not too sweet, so it may not be suitable for children. It is an elegant treat for adults. ◎～○

From Nippori to Yanaka Ginza, there is a candy shop called Goto right at the bottom of the stairs. There are also wagons lined up outside the shop, selling various snacks. The main attraction is, of course, the candy. However, the wagons are in the way, making it difficult to find the entrance to the shop. I managed to squeeze through a narrow gap and entered the shop. Inside the small shop, there is a wide variety of candies, all with a homemade feel. Some are irregular in shape, while others are neatly formed. I particularly liked the honey candy. It looks like a chunk of candy that has been cracked into bite-sized pieces. I also chose the ginger candy. It is cut into neat triangular shapes with scissors, looking like it would be good for the throat. I was also curious about the yuzu candy, which had a sign saying one bag per person. Now, the honey candy is truly honey-flavored. It is not as sweet as it looks, which is nice. However, the ginger candy has a strong ginger flavor. It seems to be saying that if it's not strong enough, it won't be effective for the throat. Goto's candies are perfect as souvenirs from Yanaka Ginza.

(September 2011) When you walk down from Nippori to "Yuyake Dandan" and continue walking, you will come across a sign for "Goto no Ame." It is one of the faces of Yanaka, Tokyo. This place is known for its popular candies. I bought three types, each costing 315 yen per bag: - Cider candy - Black sugar candy - Ginger candy The cider candy looks beautiful and tastes just like cider. The black sugar candy has a rich flavor, while the ginger candy has a spicy kick with a strong ginger aroma. It's perfect for those with a cold. It's a must-visit place when exploring Yanaka. (August 2009) When you descend from "Yuyake Dandan," you can't help but notice a candy specialty store. I didn't really want any candy, but for some reason, this store always catches my eye and I end up going in. There's something about it, maybe it has an aura? What to choose? During cold season, tangy candies or yuzu candies would be good, but now it's the Bon season. And it's a rare hot summer day. The sky is clear blue. Clearly, I'm not in the mood for candy. Then, I noticed caramel. Specifically, Morinaga's "Azuki Caramel" and "Brown Sugar Caramel," both in large boxes. They seem common, but I feel like they're not found everywhere. Also caught my eye was the sign saying "No photography inside the store." A real food blogger killer, huh? I also picked up "Anko-dama," a kinako candy with a picture of Kaminarimon, but it's actually made in Minami-Senju. Since it's local, I decided to go with this. When I got home and tried the candy, I found the Brown Sugar Caramel more delicious, but the Azuki one was okay too. The kinako candy "Anko-dama" looked like a regular kinako candy, but surprise, there's anko inside. It melts in your mouth. I finished it in no time.

I visited Goto no Ame on a certain Saturday afternoon. It's always crowded whenever I come here, as it's often featured on TV. Located in the Yanaka Ginza shopping street in Yanaka, this is a real candy shop established in 1922. While they have various popular items, I love their candies the most. They are handmade and have a simple, authentic taste that you can't find in mass-produced candies. I bought the winter limited edition yuzu and sweet potato flavors that day. So delicious! I also recommend their kaki (persimmon) candies. When my friend tried to eat the candy right after buying it, they even gave us a rubber band. How thoughtful! I'll definitely come back again!

After leaving Nippori Station, I headed towards Yūyake Dandan. As I descended the stairs and walked for a while, I saw a building on my right. It's a candy specialty store at the entrance of Yanaka Ginza shopping street. I love traditional candies, so I couldn't resist going in. The inside of the store had a no photography policy. There were many delicious-looking candies, making it hard for me to decide what to buy. After much deliberation with my husband, we chose three bags. It's 1000 yen for three bags, which is a good deal. We picked "roasted green tea," "yuzu candy," and "raisin candy." Once opened, we transferred them to a container immediately as they don't like humidity. I love roasted green tea, so the rich amber color looked especially delicious. When I tasted it, the aroma of roasted green tea filled my mouth. It was delicious. I gave the yuzu candy to a friend who was feeling under the weather. My husband chose the raisin candy and enjoyed eating it. If I have the chance, I would love to visit this store again.

At the bottom of the stairs of Yuyake Dandan, there is a shop on the right corner with a sign saying "Due to shortage, please limit to one bag per person." I couldn't resist stopping by the shop. This time, there were many karinto snacks stacked outside. Although the quantity was decreasing, I ended up buying some due to the limit mentioned. They were labeled as one-bite karinto, and indeed they were very small. The taste was... well, just average. (Secretly, I found the ones I usually eat to be tastier.) They also had Inafuku rice crackers from Akita on display. My impression was that of a candy specialty shop. Inside, there were plenty of traditional-looking candies. They were like big broken pieces of candy, with various flavors that made me want to try them all. Currently, the seasonal "yuzu candy" seems to be popular. I also bought a yuzu-flavored candy, reminiscent of candied yuzu peel. The candy artisan is actually a third-generation who trained at a Western confectionery shop. I've seen their photos online multiple times, but have yet to spot them in person at the shop. It's a shame. You can find more information about Gotou's candy at Yanaka Ginza's website: http://www.yanakaginza.com/koten/gotoh/

At the entrance of Ginza Tanaka, there is a candy shop that offers a wide variety of candies. They also have seasonal candies, like yuzu candy with pieces of yuzu peel, which was delicious. My favorites are the apricot candy with chunks of apricot flesh and the matcha candy dusted with green tea powder. They come in small bags, so I always end up buying different kinds. They are priced around 300-400 yen per bag. I often carry them in my bag. When I bought them as a souvenir for my grandfather, he really liked them. He enjoys the natural sweetness and the fruit pieces in the candies. The small bags also make it easy for him to finish without getting tired of them.