I went to the Hiraoka area for errands. After finishing my tasks, I went shopping at the nearby Toko Store Hiraoka branch. I found some Sazae snacks inside, so I bought some for my snack. I got "Shioinarizushi," which has rice mixed with pickled plum and mustard greens, giving it a crunchy texture and delicious taste. My companion got "Yomogi Bekomochi," which was sweet and chewy, although the flavor of mugwort was not very strong. I also found the Sazae bento box intriguing, so I will visit another store soon. Thank you, Hiraoka branch, for the delicious treats!

▼Location▼ Located on the 1st floor of Higashikou Store in Higashioka Central Street. ▼About the Shop▼ Sazae is a chain store that specializes in traditional Japanese sweets and onigiri takeout, with around 110 stores in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kanto. They are found in various large supermarkets such as Aeon, Arks, and cooperatives. ▼Menu▼ Their menu includes their famous Tokachi Ohagi, taiyaki, oyaki, as well as onigiri, rolls, and bento boxes. ▼Food Tried▼ ▽Tokachi Dango with Sweet Bean Paste 70 yen + tax▽ A slightly moist and firm sweet bean paste with a simple and average texture of the dango. ▽Tokachi Dango with Soy Sauce 70 yen + tax▽ A simple-looking dango with a mild soy sauce flavor that is not overpowering. ▽Tokachi Dango with Sesame Bean Paste 70 yen + tax▽ Black and moist dango with a generous amount of sesame bean paste, with a good sesame flavor but slightly on the sweet side. ▼Impressions▼ Sazae is known for its Tokachi Ohagi, and they offer a variety of traditional Japanese sweets, onigiri, sushi, bento, and oyaki. This particular branch is located on the 1st floor of Higashikou Store. While the taste may not be as good as the more expensive options, the affordable price makes it a decent choice. I would consider visiting again in the future.

Today, in September 2015, I went shopping at Toko Hiraoka Store, where they had some delicious Sazae (turban shell) available. I decided to buy a few rice balls, as they had a variety of options to choose from. I purchased a salmon rice ball for 150 yen, a cheese and bonito flakes rice ball, a fresh cod roe rice ball, and a tuna mayo soy sauce rice ball, each for 160 yen. I also got a red salmon soy sauce rice ball for 170 yen. I opted for half portions of each. The rice balls were small but packed with different flavors. The rice was firm and well-packed, with plenty of fillings. I particularly enjoyed the red salmon soy sauce rice ball, which was seasoned with soy sauce instead of salt. It was a delightful meal.