I made a reservation in advance around 1 pm on Monday. The popular Mizuyokan was sold out, so I chose the Small Hagimochi for 440 yen. The staff on the phone had a lovely personality, and the shop was as expected when I arrived. I paid at the counter and left. The shop does not allow photos inside. I walked quite a bit and ate the Hagimochi in a peaceful park. The mochi was soft and the red bean topping was delicious! When I called, I was told that while the shop is close to Hamacho in a straight line, it's actually quite far due to having to cross the Sumida River. Ryogoku Station is the closest, followed by Morishita Station, and Kiyosumi-Shirakawa is easier to understand if you know the area well, but it's quite a walk. Overall, it was a wonderful shop. I will definitely visit again! Thank you for the meal! ^ ^

I visited the top 100 sweets shop "Echigoya Wakasa", a traditional Japanese sweets shop, located an 8-minute walk from Morishita Station. It is a reservation-only shop and I made a reservation the day before for a visit at 11 am on Saturday. I was able to pick up my order right away. I purchased "Kohagi Mochi" and "Susuki Field" for a total of 887 yen. Kohagi Mochi is made with red bean paste wrapped in soft rice cake and sprinkled with finely ground red beans on top. It has a gentle and elegant flavor, with a good texture of the rice cake, and is delicious. Susuki Field is made with yellow adzuki bean paste and shaped with susuki grass pattern. It is a seasonal treat that anticipates the autumn susuki grass season and is also delicious. I enjoyed both of them until the last bite.

I thought that only the Mizuyokan was available by reservation at this traditional Japanese confectionery shop. However, I learned that all the sweets need to be reserved by the day before. I called and ordered two main sweets that were prepared for the day: "Susukino" made with smooth sweet bean paste and "Kohagi Mochi" made with white bean paste in September. To be honest, the quality is extremely high. The sweets are freshly made to match the time of visit, which makes them even more special. The sweetness is light and perfect. I have been practicing tea ceremony for about 20 years, and I used to think that all Japanese sweets were the same. The ingredients are not so different from Western sweets, and even if high-quality ingredients are used, it's hard to notice a difference because they are all sweet. But sometimes, I come across Japanese sweets that make me go "wow". This reservation system ensures that the sweets are handed to customers in the best condition, making them unique and the most delicious sweets you can enjoy.

A reservation-only traditional Japanese sweets shop near Ryokoku Station. You can't just drop by and buy something, you need to call ahead to make a reservation. The shop is famous for its Mizuyokan, available from around May to September. Unfortunately, the Mizuyokan had just ended last week. So this time, I ordered the seasonal Japanese sweets. The options change monthly, and for September, they had Susuki-no and Kohagi Mochi, but I chose the Kohagi Mochi. It was a bit pricey for one piece, so I made sure to arrive a little before my reservation time. The shop is small and has a strict atmosphere. An elderly lady came out from the back to assist me. No photography was allowed inside, and they only accept cash payments. I ordered the Kohagi Mochi for 444 yen. It was described as "a delicacy with red bean paste wrapped in mochi, topped with finely chopped red bean paste." The size was small, and the mochi was transparent and very soft. It melted in my mouth. The red bean paste was slightly sweet and elegant. The surrounding chopped red bean paste added a nice touch. The chopped red bean paste itself didn't have much flavor. The aftertaste and texture were pleasant. It was clear that it was made with great care, but it might be a bit too delicate for someone like me to fully appreciate. Considering the price, it's a bit challenging. It's a taste that only certain people would understand! I personally wanted a bit more impact. Overall, it was a delicacy. Thank you for the meal!

In August, my friend was coming to Tokyo, so I decided to buy Wagashi from Echigoya Wakasa to enjoy with my friend who loves Japanese sweets. I heard that making a reservation was a must, so I made a reservation. I reserved the Mizu Yokan because it was available. When I went on the reservation date, there were only reserved customers, so there were no other customers around. The Mizu Yokan had a jelly-like texture and was very smooth. It had a great mouthfeel and was unlike any other Mizu Yokan I had tried before. It was not too sweet and very easy to eat. The price was quite high, but I think it's worth trying at least once.

I visited the store on Saturday at 2:00 PM. I made a reservation over the phone about two weeks ago. The establishment dates back to around 1750, making it a longstanding store with a history of about 270 years. They operate on a completely reservation-only basis, with perishable items being made to order at the reserved time. They do not advertise at all, and the store itself has a discreet appearance similar to a small traditional Japanese restaurant, making it difficult to tell that it is a confectionery store from the outside. Due to these reasons, the chances of stumbling upon this place by chance are very low. I live less than 3 km away, but if it weren't for using a restaurant review app, I probably wouldn't have known about it. ★ Mizuyokan (water yokan) ¥3240 Following the advice given during the phone reservation, I brought a cooler bag with ice packs to take the mizuyokan home. After chilling it in the refrigerator for a few hours, I tried it. The mizuyokan comes in a box about the size of a postcard, with a thickness of about 3cm. It is topped with a leaf of Oshima cherry blossom, using a real leaf when available, and an imitation one otherwise. This time, it was the latter. It is so soft that it could collapse when tilted, and I was reminded to carry it horizontally, emphasizing its softness. The texture is incredibly smooth, melting in the mouth like silken tofu. The taste can be described as subtle. Mizuyokan is made from azuki beans, sugar, agar, and water. Typically, you would first taste the azuki beans, then the sweetness of the sugar, and finally the high water content. However, with this mizuyokan, you first taste the water. The water spreads in the mouth, with hints of the azuki beans and sugar flavors. The sweetness of the sugar is more prominent than the taste of the azuki beans, but overall, it is not overly sweet due to its subtle flavor. It is a bold approach to mizuyokan, made by adding just enough water to reach the borderline before solidifying into yokan. Some may find it lacking in the deliciousness of azuki beans, but I believe that mizuyokan does not necessarily have to conform to a single form, and this unique approach is acceptable. It seems to be a recipe passed down through generations, creating a mizuyokan that pushes the boundaries. I will definitely make a reservation for Echigoya Wakasa's mizuyokan again next year, as long as I live nearby.

I received these delicious sweets from someone who has been taking care of me this year as well! The January treats for Reiwa 5 are "Nishiki Ume" and "Wakatake", as well as my favorite kinako mochi, "Yabu Uguisu" (*^^*) They not only look beautiful but taste elegant and exquisite. I would love to enjoy them with some high-quality tea if possible...haha. I am truly filled with gratitude. I will continue to do my best!!

Echigoya Wakasaya, famous for its Mizuyokan (sweet bean jelly), was established around 1740 and is said to be the oldest traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Edo. Located quietly near the Sumida River, the shop offers a few types of traditional sweets besides Mizuyokan. Upon entering, the owner brings out a small box of Mizuyokan, advising to chill it for 2-3 hours as it is delicate. After eagerly waiting and chilling it in the fridge, the Mizuyokan is finally ready to be enjoyed. When opened, the Mizuyokan resembles the flowing leaves on the Sumida River. Its texture is incredibly smooth and delicate, almost like water. Perhaps the refined skills of the craftsmen who once served in samurai mansions contributed to this perfection. By preserving the essence of Edo without expanding into a larger establishment, Echigoya Wakasaya continues to uphold the sophistication of old Tokyo.

◼️Established around the first year of the Kan'en era (1740), this is said to be the oldest traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Edo. The yokan, loved by famous figures such as Natsume Soseki and Ito Hirobumi, is particularly popular. No photos are allowed inside the shop. ◆ Mizuyokan [Most popular, reservation required, seasonal limited edition] A drinkable yokan with a gentle sweetness and flavor. It is smooth and difficult to cut into pieces. Many people eat it as it is. It must be consumed on the same day. Specializing in tea ceremony sweets, they use smooth red bean paste. There are various variations such as chestnut yokan depending on the season. The most popular item is the limited edition Mizuyokan available from May to early September. ◼️Shop◼️Reservation only. No photography allowed inside the shop. Established around the first year of the Kan'en era (1740), this long-established shop is said to be the oldest traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Edo. The current 9th generation owner is Mr. Katsumi Kuwahara. ◼️◼️It is recommended to use a cooler bag for the Mizuyokan, and it is important to carry it flat. It may be too big for one person, but the taste is exquisite. An elegant Mizuyokan.

My summer assignment this year was to try the "Echigoya Wakasa" water yokan. It is known for being extremely soft and also for its high price. It is only available for purchase by reservation at the main store. It is only stocked once a month at Shinjuku Takashimaya, so I made a reservation. When I called about a month in advance, there were only a few slots left, but I was able to secure one when they called back to confirm. This yokan is a well-known delicacy, known for its delicate nature. It must be kept level at all times, and the staff even warned me that it might start to flow if not handled carefully. On the day of pickup, I brought it home with a sense of anticipation. I refrigerated it as instructed, as it is said to taste best when served very cold. When I opened the box, I found cherry blossom leaves inside. This attention to detail was truly appreciated. It was a bit of a challenge to carefully remove it from the box without it losing its shape. It was so soft that it almost seemed to stand on its own. When I put it in my mouth, it melted away smoothly. It was almost like a drink. It had a taste similar to chilled sweet red bean soup, but very different from traditional red bean yokan or kuzu yokan. The red bean particles were so finely ground that they were almost undetectable. The flavor of the red beans was also quite subtle. Despite its light taste, it had a decent level of sweetness, providing a refreshing coolness in the mouth and a lingering sweetness on the tongue. I personally prefer the "Melt-in-your-mouth Yokan" from Endo Seian, which is also very soft and available in supermarkets, but unlike the transparent layer of agar on the surface of that yokan, this one had a uniform mixture of red bean paste, agar, and water without any transparency. It remained cool in the throat for a long time. As time passed after cutting it, more liquid began to accumulate, so it's best to eat it soon after cutting. The price? 3070 yen (excluding tax) for about 6 slices. I wouldn't recommend this as a gift for someone who is not familiar with traditional Japanese sweets.

[Overall Review] Located between Morishita Station and Ryogoku Station, this popular Japanese confectionery shop is known for its Mizu-yokan (sweet bean jelly) along the Ichikawa Street near the Sumida River. Although the nearest station is indicated as Hamacho Station on the map, it is more convenient to use Morishita Station. Due to its popularity, I made a reservation in advance to secure the products. Mizu-yokan here is probably one of the most expensive in Japan, but how does it taste? I tend to be skeptical about such high-priced items, but this one is seriously delicious. It has a unique refreshing texture like barely solid, yet smooth. The texture of the red beans is also distinct on the palate. This is amazing! I love Mizu-yokan, so I have tried various kinds from different places, but this one, disregarding the cost, is probably the best I have ever had. [Personal Note] For me, Mizu-yokan is the ultimate summer treat. I have tried many, but the best one I had before was from Minotadashi in Nagoya. Recently, I discovered a Mizu-yokan in the Tokyo downtown area that might shake up my ranking. The sales of Mizu-yokan are limited to the summer season and it seems to be quite popular. To ensure availability, I made a reservation by phone. The shop is located between Morishita and Ryogoku, along Ichikawa Street near the Sumida River. It is adjacent to the Enoshima Sugiyama Shrine and has a traditional Japanese atmosphere. You wouldn't think it's a Japanese confectionery shop from the outside. It gives off a Kyoto-like vibe. The main target this time was the Mizu-yokan, but they also sell seasonal fresh sweets in the shop. They all look delicious. Mizu-yokan is a reservation-only item, but I'm not sure if the fresh sweets are also reservation-only. Given that I visited at the specified date and time of the reservation, my Mizu-yokan was ready. Let's try it at home. Mizu-yokan 3,250 yen + 10 yen for the bag. The expiration date is until today, which explains the reservation-only policy. Understandable. The Mizu-yokan, snugly packed in a wooden box, looks ordinary at first glance. It has a slightly milk chocolate-like color. It is quite fragile, as explained by the staff, and might be softer and more brittle than tofu. It's almost like a solid... that's how hard and jiggly it is. I carefully cut it with a knife and take a bite... Wow! It melts smoothly from the moment it touches the tongue. There's also the flavor of red beans and a good level of sweetness. And the silky smooth texture that melts on the tongue. This is truly like drinking. The box may seem small, but the quantity is sufficient. [Final Thoughts] Mizu-yokan from Minotadashi in Nagoya was the undisputed top, with Kyoto's Kansen-do as a close second in my opinion. However, this Mizu-yokan comes close to the top in terms of deliciousness. It's quite expensive, but taste-wise, it's unbeatable. I tend to be critical of high-priced food, but this one seriously impressed me. Luxury Japanese confectioneries were a genre I had been avoiding, but there are truly exceptional items like this one. Thank you for the feast.

I finally visited a shop that I had been longing to go to for a long time, as I had heard about their delicious water yokan, which is said to be the most delicious in the Kanto region. The shop is called Echigoya Wakasa in Hamacho. They sell their water yokan for around 3,500 yen, and it is very soft and delicate, so they advise you to carry it flat when taking it home. The shop is reservation-only, so I recommend making a reservation in advance. The yokan is so soft that it almost turns into liquid as soon as you put it in your mouth. The shop recommends chilling it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours before eating to fully enjoy its deliciousness. In addition to the water yokan, they also offer two types of wagashi, which are both cute and delicious. It was a great experience visiting this shop and trying their sweets.

A popular water yokan that was released at the end of May. It has a delicate, snow-like texture. When you put it in your mouth, a gentle sweetness spreads, but it quickly disappears like a dream. Craving for more sweetness, you take another bite. This water yokan is even more elegant than the rumors. It's been a while since I was so moved by a Japanese sweet. It's not easy to get, as it is sold by reservation and costs 3,240 yen, which is quite expensive, but once you taste it, you'll understand why. I want to give it a perfect score, but considering the price, it's not exactly affordable, so I took that into account. However, my satisfaction level was a perfect 5 out of 5. It's very soft, so be careful when carrying it around!

This year, I received some wonderful Japanese sweets from someone who has been taking care of me. The appearance and taste are both top-notch. There are beautiful plum blossom petals delicately placed on top of a colorful shigure, and a cute nerikiri shaped like a cloisonné. And my favorite, a kinako mochi (Yabu Uguisu) that is only available during the New Year for good luck. They all have a gentle and elegant taste. Everyone was delighted by them.

[Tokyo Ryogoku] I purchased a very special water yokan with a best-before date on the same day. This renowned store, established around 1740, has been visited by historical figures such as Saigo Takamori and Natsume Soseki. Reservations are required in advance. The water yokan is available for a limited time until early September, so I made a last-minute phone reservation. The shop is located between Ryogoku and Morishita. Upon opening the door, you step into a different world! The atmosphere feels like Saigo-san might appear at any moment. The lovely female staff in beautiful kimonos provide attentive service. Photography is not allowed inside the store. I tried the water yokan for 3,219 yen. Impressions: - It is on the verge of being solid but is mostly liquid! - It requires careful handling when carrying it! It is recommended to chill it in the refrigerator for 2 hours before eating. If not chilled beforehand, there may be parts that turn into liquid. This special water yokan pushes the limits. - It is about 10x15 centimeters in size, molded in a paper container. You can scoop it with a spoon or cut it by inserting a knife on all four sides, flipping it upside down onto a separate plate. - The taste is very refined. Slightly sweet with a refreshing aftertaste, almost like a drink. There is no lingering sweetness in the mouth. - Normally, sakura leaves are placed on top of the yokan, but they were not included due to the season. However, this may allow you to appreciate the glossy appearance of the yokan! It may be a bit pricey, so it's not something you can buy frequently, but it's a special water yokan that you'll want to enjoy on special occasions. Despite not being able to travel due to COVID-19, eating this made me feel like I had taken a trip to Kyoto or Kanazawa. Thank you for the delicious meal!

【Summary】★3.9 (Taste Type)・Mizu-Yokan 3219・A refreshing delicacy perfect for summer, limited to the summer season and available only by reservation, with a reasonable price tag that is not too high.【Comment】・As summer comes to an end, I embarked on one last summer mission to get the Mizu-Yokan from "Echigo Tanigawakashima." This yokan is a specialty of the shop, but it is only available in the summer season and requires a reservation. It cannot be purchased on a whim, so I had been wanting to try it for a long time. Finally, I succeeded in getting it this time.・Although this Mizu-Yokan costs over 3000 yen, the size is large, and most importantly, the taste is excellent, so it is worth it. Compared to past experiences, it is similar to Mizu-An, with a stronger impression of water than azuki beans. It has a refreshing feeling that melts in the mouth, which is irresistible.・While the hurdle to obtain it is quite high, the taste is unique and perfect for the hot summer. There is a timing when you feel like eating it once summer comes, so I will try my best to get it again when that time comes.【Rating Point Image】★4.5 and above: Legendary! (I want to go eat here even if I have to travel far/I want to use it every day)★4.4: Impressive! (I want to go eat at this restaurant)★3.9: Very satisfying! (I want to prioritize using it when I am nearby)★3.4: Okay. (It is an option when eating)★2.9: Almost there.★2.4 and below: Hmm... (Please check the profile section for details)【Classification Image】The meanings of the classification expressions are as follows:Taste Type = Taste or Drink◎, Service Atmosphere Cost Performance = one of them is △ (with issues)Ease of Use Type = Taste or Drink is △ or above, Service Atmosphere Cost Performance is ◎Balance Type = Both are at the same high level or both are high level (※ The scores for individual items are all entered with the same number as the overall score for convenience)

After enjoying shaved ice at Fuyu Natsu Aozora in Kameido, I took the Sobu Line to Ryogoku. My destination was Echigoya Wakasa. I wanted to try their Mizuyokan, so I made a reservation and visited the shop. Even though I saw it being sold at Takashimaya in July, when I checked for August, all reservations were already full. As a result, I decided to visit the main store. It was a 7-minute walk from the station. There was a quaint Japanese-style building by the Katakawa River. I thought it was a Japanese restaurant or sushi place, but it turned out to be the shop. Inside, there were no displays, and it was unmanned. When I called out, a sophisticated middle-aged woman came to assist me. I gave my reservation name, and she brought out the products from the back. That day, the supplier of cherry leaves was on summer vacation, so there were no leaves on the yokan. I purchased one for home use for 3,219 yen. It seems that the ones sold at Takashimaya are for gift-giving purposes. I carefully brought it home, refrigerated it for two hours, and enjoyed it. What a surprise! It was softer than silken tofu, melting in the mouth like water. Have you ever seen such a delicate sweet? It made my body feel cool and refreshed. I'm glad I made the effort to visit and purchase it. You can buy it at the main store until early September. I'm looking forward to trying their autumn treats like nerikiri and kintsuba.

Water yokan (3,219 yen) Visited on 3.70 Water yokan is only available from June to September by reservation only. I have purchased it as a souvenir three times in the past, and this time I reserved it for home use a week ago. They emphasized to be careful when carrying it as it is soft. I thoroughly chilled it in the refrigerator before eating. It was juicy and smooth, with a subtle and elegant sweetness. It is a perfect treat for the summer event.

I used to live in Shinohashi, but I moved and felt lonely, so I posted this review. I had heard about Echigoya Wakasa moving from the internet, but it was by reservation only, and I couldn't eat a whole water yokan alone, so I didn't have the opportunity. However, now that I am with my wife, we were able to eat it together. We visited the shop, which had a high-class Kyoto-style entrance, and purchased the water yokan (3000 yen) that we had been looking for. The staff explained the water yokan to us in detail. Honestly, at first I hesitated because it was the same price as buying a whole cake, but my curiosity won out and I couldn't resist eating it at that time. As for the taste, the red bean paste melted like water in my mouth. It was delicious. That's about all I can say about it, as it was such a fleeting experience. It was perfect for summer, and I even forgot about sweating. I want to eat it again. Thank you, Morishita Shinohashi.

A shop famous for its water-like water yokan. Every year, I wanted to buy it but always ended up too busy and before I knew it, summer was over... This year, I was determined to go, but my husband made a reservation instead. We had to eat it on the same day due to its short shelf life. The water yokan in a paper-covered wooden box was so soft and jiggly that it was hard to take out neatly. I had to use a spoon to eat it. The taste was really subtle, almost like water with a hint of sweetness. I had high expectations, so I was a bit disappointed. I prefer it a bit softer, with a similar smoothness to this one, but with more red bean flavor, aroma, and a bit more sweetness. It's easy to say what I like, but it seems difficult to find one that meets my preferences. My favorite water yokan so far has a bean flavor, a bit softer texture, and a little more sweetness.