Traditional Japanese sweets, wagashi, might be an acquired taste, and it might not be love at first bite, but when you first get hooked, it’s for life.The flavors are subtle and complex, but once they make sense, they stay with you. Minamoto Kitchoan is a premium Japanese wagashi shop, and whenever I’m in Tokyo, I make sure to stop by their flagship store.
The shop is beautiful in that calm, polished way Japan does so well. It’s not flashy or trendy. It’s just consistently excellent. You can buy elegant gift boxes, but I usually end up picking individual pieces instead. This time, it was different kinds of mochi, and they were all so good. Soft, delicate, just sweet enough. These are sweets you want to eat fresh, so I’ve learned not to get carried away. It’s tempting, but wagashi are at their best when you don’t save them for later.
There’s also a cafe upstairs, which I really like. You can sit down with tea and traditional Japanese desserts made with jelly and sweet beans, and take a proper break from the bustle of Ginza.
Minamoto Kitchoan, Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 6 Chome−9−8 THE HOUSE 1F
