[Date] October 16, 2022 (Sunday) 3:20 PM [Ratings] 3.10 [Waiting Time] None [Service] Excellent [Will Visit Again] Yes [Payment Method] Cash I visited that famous store often seen on TV during the year-end and New Year. I bought a bag full of chocolate products for 1,000 yen flat rate. Items included: - Extra chocolate-covered Pocky x6 for 100 yen each - Pink Pocky x1 for 194 yen - Large chocolate ball x2 for 173 yen each - Immune CARE plasma lactic acid bacteria chocolate x4 for 165 yen each - Country Ma'am Vacation with Mami-san x3 for 141 yen each Total of 16 items for 2,223 yen Saved 1,223 yen! Various chocolates for 1,000 yen

When I walked around Ameyoko after a long time, I noticed that the atmosphere has changed quite a bit. While there are still traditional shops selling fresh fish and dried goods, there are now many more eateries, especially foreign cuisine restaurants. I saw Korean-style, Chinese-style, and other types of restaurants that I couldn't quite identify. I was tempted to buy some delicious-looking pig's feet, but I had a long way to go back home, so I reluctantly gave up. However, since I came all the way to Ameyoko, I decided to buy some souvenirs. As I was thinking about that, I came across a famous Ameyoko specialty - the bargain sale. This shop has been known for its bargain sales for a long time, and I have watched the demonstration many times. However, it seemed like the staff were not as energetic as before. This must be due to the impact of the coronavirus. The shop was quiet even when I visited. In fact, I hadn't bought anything from this shop in decades. So I decided to ask the staff to do a live demonstration for us. Although there were only two customers, they went through their usual routine. Another staff member took out a plastic bag and started putting chocolates in it one after another. It was truly a masterful performance. They kept adding different types of chocolates from the ones displayed in front of us, and in the end, they even added an extra one as a bonus. And then another bonus, making it a total of two extra chocolates. They also included a cold pack to keep the chocolates fresh. It was impressive to see after so long. When I opened the bag at home, there was a large amount of chocolates inside. It made for a great souvenir. If you ever visit Ueno, be sure to try the Ameyoko specialty.

The famous "Chocolate Bashing Sale" in Ameyoko. I paid 1000 yen to see the performance, which mainly consists of commercially available chocolates with some other snacks mixed in for variety. The chocolates may have a short shelf life due to being outlet items, but the price seems fair considering that. On the day I visited, DARS chocolates were the main feature, which was lucky as they are delicious and easy to eat. The website mentions items worth over 2000 yen, but I believe those are just the suggested retail prices. Overall, it was a fun experience.

In the Ueno-Okachimachi area, there is a popular shop called "Shimura Shoten" known for its unique selling point of "chocolate bashing sales". The shop has been featured on TV multiple times, attracting customers with its entertaining sales method. I decided to visit the shop after seeing it on TV, and when I arrived, there were only a few customers due to the rainy evening. I experienced the lively sales process firsthand, with the staff enthusiastically shouting "put it in, put it in!" as they filled the bag with chocolates. Despite the sparse crowd, I quickly made my purchase and was amazed by the variety and quantity of chocolates I received for a low price. The assortment included candies, biscuits, cookies, and various types of chocolates. Overall, the experience felt more like a show rather than just a simple chocolate purchase. I wonder if the shop can attract repeat customers with this unique approach.

It's a bit of a good deal...I guess.

At the end of the year, I went to Ameyoko for the first time. Every year, I see those crowds on TV. I wondered if it was real, so I went to check it out. We arrived in Ueno in the evening. We knew the direction, so my wife and I headed there. There it was! The big sign of Ameyoko! There were really a lot of people. It was crowded like a packed train around the fish shops. It felt like we were being pushed along, not moving by our own will (laughs). The usual TV coverage was also happening! That scene is real! I finally realized it. After going back and forth a few times, we started to understand the situation. The chocolate shop that is famous on TV! One bag for 1000 yen! The guy smoothly puts them in the bag and everyone buys them! It's like a festival, so we decided to buy some. It had about 10 different kinds, big and small mixed together. Looking at it calmly, it seems like a good deal in terms of regular price, but it still feels like they gathered leftover products (bitter smile). Still, the kids (although they are already adults) enjoyed eating them, so let's consider it a good purchase.

The other day, I saw it on TV so I stopped by. They really fill up the bag with snacks, just like they showed on TV. They shout "Fill it up, fill it up!" which is funny. It really fits the atmosphere of Ameyoko. They filled up the bag for 1,000 yen. I got a total of 16 snacks, including various types of chocolate balls, chewy chocolates, and chips. Definitely couldn't buy all of this for 1,000 yen at a regular store. It's mostly Morinaga products, all made in Japan so it's safe. It's fun and makes for a great conversation starter. It's also a good souvenir for kids, and I won't run out of coffee snacks for a while. I'm glad I was able to get it before the New Year holiday.

The deliciousness of a dish is not only tasted by the tongue, but also experienced through the eyes, ears, nose, environment, company, and atmosphere. Especially, enjoying a dish prepared with love in a favorite setting with a loved one makes it taste even better than any other dish. Even if it's not delicious, the taste felt in the heart is what I seek. This restaurant left a lasting impression on me with its delicious food. I hope everyone can have a memorable and wonderful meal too. ------------------------------------- Notable points: - Chocolate sweets are sold in bulk - Coupons available! (There are coupons on the website) - Don't forget the chant "One more! One more!"

While strolling through Ameyoko, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia and couldn't help but stop at this shop that has been around for quite some time. They have a unique way of selling chocolates, calling out as they quickly fill up your bag with various types of chocolates. In the past, I remember they mainly sold chocolate bars, but now they offer a variety of options. As I saw two women purchasing chocolates in front of the shop, I decided to join in. It was fun to see how far I would go before stopping, but as I progressed, I felt obligated to buy. I probably ended up with around 17-18 pieces, definitely a generous amount for 1000 yen. It was a quantity that I would never refuse. If I had tried a bit harder, I could have easily reached 20 pieces (laughs). Thank you for the generous amount of chocolates, it was a delicious treat!