There is a shop called Kaneshoju-an on the first floor of Daimaru Tokyo store at Tokyo Station. It is a traditional Japanese confectionery shop originating from Otsu, Shiga. I happened to pass by and saw some delicious-looking sweets that resembled yokan. They were called "Amo" and came in three varieties: with whole red bean paste, smooth red bean paste, and mugwort-flavored paste. I prefer smooth red bean paste, so I bought that one. Inside the paste, there was a soft mochi, making it difficult to cut without crumbling the surrounding paste. I usually buy Akafuku when I visit the Kansai region, but it doesn't last long. On the other hand, "Amo" has a longer shelf life, making it convenient to enjoy whenever I want.

Shiga is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop that originated in Otsu. The founder, starting as a complete amateur, turned the brand into a leading Japanese confectionery brand in just one generation, embodying the Japanese dream. You can find their products not only at Daimaru but also in various department store food halls, so you might have overlooked them. Traditional Japanese sweets often have a plain image, so it's easy to miss them. When I bought the popular "amo" as a gift, I also got one for myself. I thought "amo" was just a combination of sweet bean paste and mochi, but I later learned that it actually means "mochi" in ancient Japanese. The sound of the Yamato language is deep and soft, like a round and delicate sweet. It looks like a Kinako-covered sweet bean jelly, but inside is a soft Hagiwara mochi. It's so soft that it's difficult to cut without breaking the surrounding sweet bean paste. It has a refined and elegant taste, different from typical sweet bean paste sweets. It goes well with Japanese tea and has captivated the taste buds of many celebrities, leading to its popularity nationwide. Each piece is packed in a box, resembling a stick of Yokan, and can be stored at room temperature for about a month, making it a perfect gift. When buying sweets, it's easy to be drawn to Western confectionery, overlooking the essence of Japanese confectionery. We need to broaden our perspective and develop the ability to discern the true essence of things.

Blog "Tokyu Line Foodie Adventures" - https://asante.blog/ After having a meal near Tokyo Station, I stopped by Daimaru as usual. The time spent getting dessert to go always excites me. On this day, I was in the mood for Japanese sweets. I checked out Kanesho Jusan-an, a reliable choice, and picked up two of each: Ikkoten (270 yen) and Kurisan-ga (270 yen). Enjoyed them at home with a cup of coffee. Lately, I've been pairing delicious coffee with Japanese sweets instead of traditional Japanese tea. Black coffee goes well with Japanese sweets too. Both of the sweets I got were wrapped in sweet bean paste around chestnuts. Ikkoten had a firm bean paste, while Kurisan-ga had a softer one. With Kanesho Jusan-an, you can't go wrong with the taste of the bean paste. It comes down to personal preference, but this time I preferred the soft bean paste of Kurisan-ga. Both were delicious though. Western sweets are nice, but Japanese sweets are still the best. It was a comforting taste. Bon appétit.

It's still hot, summer is in full swing. Enjoy the coolness of summer with this elegant water yokan with a rich aroma of azuki beans. The sweetness is quite mild, allowing the aroma of azuki beans to spread in your mouth, giving it an elegant touch. The texture is very refreshing and soft. It has a fine, mellow texture of azuki beans, making it a bit sticky, almost on the verge of being jelly-like. Perhaps if they make it a bit firmer and more jelly-like (although it's already a popular product), it could definitely become a classic water yokan. Unlike cheaper water yokan, which has a unique firmness, this one has a completely different texture. It is truly delicious! ^_^

※This review is based on the perception that the wagashi (Japanese sweets) at this shop are sweeter compared to many other stores. I visited this shop located in Tokyo Station, inside Daimaru, to purchase some wagashi for gifts. I also bought some for personal consumption. The shop area is spacious compared to others, and even on a weekday around 2 pm, there were still many customers. For personal consumption, I bought the matcha Mizuyokan, which has a relatively short shelf life, and also the limited edition Dojo Mochi. As expected, the sweetness is quite intense. The matcha Mizuyokan has a strong matcha aroma but the sweetness overpowers it. The texture is good, but the lingering sweetness is prominent. The Dojo Mochi is also very sweet. I anticipated the sweet bean paste filling to be sweet, but the extra moistness of the paste enhances the sweetness. The skin is thin, and the balance between the paste and the skin leans heavily towards the paste. Not only the sweetness of the paste but the overall concept of the flavors is notably sweet.

I found an amazing Japanese confectionery with excellent hygiene at Daimaru Tokyo. Shouju-an White Hime Mochi (Peach) for 162 yen and Shouju-an White Hime Mochi Yomogi Mochi (smooth red bean paste) for 140 yen including tax. It comes in a unique package, and the staff explained that you can eat it without getting your hands dirty by peeling it like a banana. Perfect for the time of COVID-19. The mochi is incredibly soft and delicious. The seasonal peach paste has a strong fruity flavor. It has a good shelf life, easy to carry around, nice packaging, and it's delicious. You can buy it individually at an affordable price, and I would definitely buy it again if I pass by. Thank you for the meal.

The other day, I went out for a short time and made it back home just in time for a snack at 3 o'clock. Yesterday, I found a sweet potato dessert called "Naruto Kintoki" from Kanou Shoujuan at Daimaru Tokyo. It's the last chance to get it this year, and I managed to grab the last two pieces. It costs around 600 yen for a pack of 3. The sweetness is just right with a hint of cinnamon, which gives it a nice balance. Kanou Shoujuan is based in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, and their specialty is the "Amao" sweet potato, which my mom loves. During this season, they also have a limited edition chestnut flavor available. In addition to that, they offer various traditional Japanese sweets made with chestnuts. While I enjoy Western desserts, I can't resist Japanese sweets either.

<About the Shop> Established in September 1958 in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, this confectionery shop was founded by Seiji Shibata, a former civil servant who worked in the Otsu City Hall Tourism Division. The current owner is the third generation, Fuyuki Shibata. This shop opened during the relocation and expansion of Daimaru Tokyo on November 6, 2007. <Products> ■ Mochi Skin Dorayaki "Oedo Beauty" ... 200 yen + tax - Length: approximately 9.9cm - Width: approximately 4.5cm - Thickness: approximately 2.5cm - Weight: approximately 60g - Ingredients: mixed flour (sugar, wheat flour, plant-based protein, vegetable oil), red beans, sugar, eggs, soy milk, black sugar syrup (black sugar, raw sugar, liquid glucose), corn syrup, vegetable oil, honey, agar, trehalose, modified starch, emulsifier, leavening agent, flavoring, thickening polysaccharides, antioxidant (tocopherol) (contains eggs, milk components, wheat, soybeans) This limited edition product exclusive to Daimaru Tokyo store, launched on December 10, 2019. A dorayaki made with wheat dough containing soy milk and black sugar, filled with chunky red bean paste. Folded like a sandwich with the paste inside, it resembles more of a sweet bun than a traditional dorayaki. The top is stamped with a face believed to be a "town girl with beautiful mochi skin." The dough has a chewy and elastic texture, with a rich sweetness characteristic of black sugar. The red bean paste is subtly sweet. While the face imprint may give some pause, this dorayaki is delicious with its chewy texture.

While working in Yaesu, I was feeling stressed and decided to indulge in something sweet. It was my husband's payday, so I felt like treating him to something special. I was walking around Daimaru looking for his favorite sakura mochi, and that's when I stumbled upon Kanematsu Juuan's sakura mochi. I don't think I've tried their fresh sweets before, even though I've had sakura mochi from various other shops. Since they didn't sell them individually, I bought a set of 3 for 712 yen. They said it would last until the next day or the day after, so I couldn't resist and ended up buying some other items as well. The sakura mochi became our breakfast the next morning (laughs). When I opened the box the next morning, I found a beautiful poem written on the underside of the lid. Inside were 3 exquisite sakura mochi, looking like they came straight out of a textbook on sakura mochi making. As someone from Kansai, I have to say that this sakura mochi was top-notch! It had a refined sweet red bean paste filling with a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, making it a delicious and elegant treat. The box was made of slightly thick paper that could be folded back into a single sheet. It had a nice soft and rounded corner design, giving off a gentle and pleasant vibe.

I went to Daimaru in search of dorayaki, my current favorite beauty sweet treat. I found them at the familiar Amo shop. It seems to be a new product, and when I bought two, they gave me an extra one for some reason. Maybe it's a service they provide to customers buying other sweets as well. The smooth texture of the dorayaki was delightful. The first bite gave a soft and smooth sensation to my lips, just like smooth skin. The sweet bean paste inside was rich and delicious, as expected from Amo. Although they were small in size, they were quite satisfying to eat.

"The 'Kusaan Warabimochi' comes in a pack of 3 for 864 yen. I chilled it in the refrigerator for about an hour before enjoying it. It has a smooth and slippery texture, with black soybean and kinako powder sprinkled on top. It uses real warabi, giving it a delicate mouthfeel. Inside, there is a sweet red bean paste with a subtle sweetness. The elegant red bean paste and fragrant black soybean powder blend together on the palate, melting smoothly. It's a refreshing and gentle taste, perfect for early summer."

Yoshoji-an's recommended sweets are their "amo." It is made with red beans and mochi, so you can cut it into pieces and enjoy it with strong green tea. Their "hitotsu-ten" is a large chestnut wrapped in azuki beans. It is a substantial traditional Japanese sweet with a satisfying texture.

It's autumn and I feel like eating chestnuts. I found a unique chestnut version of the famous "amo" at Kanoujoju-an. At first glance, it looks like yokan. However, when you cut it open, you'll find a surprising mochi inside. It's like the mochi and anko of daifuku have been swapped. The mochi is very soft and chewy because it's made of gyuhi. The firm anko on the outside is just sweet enough. Since the anko is strong, the chestnut flavor is a bit lacking... But "amo" is delicious and goes best with warm green tea, so it's okay! Thank you for the meal!

I love the three items for 712 yen! The leaves are soaked in salt and it's perfect. As time passes, the moisture disappears, so it's best to eat them quickly.

I bought some Mizuyokan. It was delicious with a subtle sweetness.

I tried the yomogi daifuku, but it was too sweet and just average. I should have chosen the zunda daifuku instead.