Kugaya

With its glass case filled with traditional mochi sweets and steamed sekihan, Kugaya is the kind of neighbourhood Japanese confectionery that invites a stop during a walk through Tokyo’s downtown streets. It serves as a handy everyday counter, whether picking up a single confection on a whim or having savory steamed rice wrapped up to take home.

A natural place to start is the mame daifuku, enveloped in tender mochi. The satisfying bite of distinctly salted beans contrasts with the sweetness of flavourful crushed azuki bean paste, delivering an unpretentious, well-defined balance. The selection of daifuku and mochi treats is varied, featuring options like apricot daifuku—combining a petite mochi cake topped with sweet-tart apricot and mild white bean paste—and kusamochi offered with a choice of smooth or coarse red bean paste.

Beyond sweet rice cakes, Kugaya also offers freshly prepared sekihan, with visitors noting its appealing colour and gloss. Wrapped up alongside aromatic browned sweet-and-savoury dango or seasonal sakuramochi, these hearty staples make for a deeply satisfying light meal.