Kagurazaka Kinozen Guide: Savoring Legendary “Awa Zenzai” & Matcha Sweets

A cube of rich green matcha bavarois served on a yellow square ceramic plate, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of sweet red bean paste, and a silver spoon.

Just up the slope from the Kagurazaka-shita intersection, you’ll find a building that exudes a traditional Japanese atmosphere. This is Kinozen, a legendary sweet parlor that is essential to the Kagurazaka experience. Passing under its noren curtain always brings a special sense of excitement.     I’m CityNomix. This October, I visited this beloved establishment Continue reading “Kagurazaka Kinozen Guide: Savoring Legendary “Awa Zenzai” & Matcha Sweets”

Discovering Taneya’s Seasonal Sweets: A Limited Edition Wagashi Experience in Tokyo

A white box with Japanese calligraphy and two blocks of Kuri Mushi Yokan (steamed chestnut jelly) wrapped in thin paper, resting on a wooden table.

An Autumn Quest for Taneya’s Seasonal Sweets On a crisp October afternoon, with the palpable sense of autumn settling over Tokyo, I found myself navigating the elegant bustle of Nihonbashi. My purpose was singular: to acquire a seasonal treasure from Taneya, a venerable *wagashi* (traditional Japanese confectionery) house. As CityNomix, my days are spent in Continue reading “Discovering Taneya’s Seasonal Sweets: A Limited Edition Wagashi Experience in Tokyo”