Tag Archives: おやつ

{  Tenguyaki in Takaosan  }

Tenguyaki in Takaosan
Tenguyaki in Takaosan
Tenguyaki in Takaosan

Did you know that there’s a 3-star michelin rated Mountain in Tokyo? It’s called Mount Takao (Takaosan) and it’s hard to believe that such a beautiful mountain is just an hour or two away by public transportation from central Tokyo. It’s a nice getaway from the busy city life and the best part is they have many trails to choose from so all different age groups and levels (from beginner through advanced) hikers can enjoy this mt. Even the ‘Inariyama trail,’ which is supposed to be the most strenuous, is hiked by everyone from elementary school kids on field trips to grandmas & grandpas, so it’s a great way to get some exercise surrounded by nature without going on an all-day hike. If you are not that into hiking but still want to go to Takaosan, you can still take the tram and reach the observatory for a nice scenic view! On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji from the top and it’s a great way to experience nature in the massive metropolis of Tokyo.

I love hiking — I’ve climbed Mt. Fuji and Half Dome in Yosemite, but Takaosan is one of my favorite hikes in Tokyo. Just a tip, I would try avoid climbing Takaosan during major holidays like Golden week as it gets really packed and difficult to navigate. Also, bring a large ziploc bag/trash bag with you as you will have to take your trash home with you. For advanced hikers, you can continue from the top of Takaosan to the Mt. Jimba Trail to extend your hike.

Anyhow, at the top of the tram station is where you can find the delicious treat pictured above called “Tengu Yaki” for 130yen. ‘Tengu’ means a long‐nosed goblin and that’s what the shape is based off of. It has a sweetened black soybean paste inside the crispy waffle and it’s tasty. Surprisingly not too sweet and it’s a perfect snack to pick up on the way. Go on this hike with your family and friends on a nice weekend :)

Takaozan’s English website:
http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/takaotozan_eng1/index2.htm

Address // 2205, Takaomachi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 042-665-1808
Website // n/a

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{  Yakumo Mushipan  }

Yakumo Mushipan
Yakumo Mushipan
Yakumo Mushipan

I never thought steamed bread could be so delicious until I tried Yakumo Mushipan. They specialize in steamed bread and doughnuts and have an adorable storefront. I never thought of having steamed bread as a treat, but they were so tasty looking that even though we bought these “to go”, we ended up eating them at the store. There’s only 4 seats inside and a table outside, but if you eat there they give you free hoji-cha to go with your snack – which makes it worth eating it there because they warm your steam bread before you eat it too! If you get a chance to check this place out, be sure to stop by the beautiful Komazawa Park nearby and have a picnic there too :)

Maccha-an doughnut (grean tea with red bean) – 210yen
Caramel maple doughnut – 240yen
Kinpira mushipan (chopped burdock root and carrots) – 180yen
Pizza mushipan – 180yen

Address // 3-6-22, Yakumo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-6676-2778
Website // http://yakumo-mushipan.info

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{  Quolofune  }

Quolofune
Quolofune
Quolofune
Quolofune

If you have a chance to lay your hands on these maccha dorayaki from Quolofune (pronounced kuh-roh-fu-neh), don’t pass it up. These are a slice of heaven and they are my #1 favorite dorayaki right now. They are so soft, not too sweet, and have mochi inside!! I love dorayaki in general but I’ve never had such good ones to the point where I actually had to go back to buy a ton more. Unfortunately, the maccha one is supposedly seasonal, so I’m not sure how much longer they’ll carry it in their stores. Definitely give it a try if you have a chance.

On the other hand, their RASQ (which looks like a cookie stick) was just ok. I’ll be going back to try their regular dorayaki and kasutera (castella) and of course to buy more maccha dorayaki :)

Address // 1-24-11, Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3725-0038
Website // http://www.quolofune.com/jiyugaoka/

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{  Melonpan Factory  }

Melonpan Factory
Melonpan Factory

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DISCLAIMER: This location has closed. Here are their other locations that are open.
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Found a cute melon pan shop right outside/underneath the Gakugeidaigaku train station in an area called “Gakudai-Ichiba”. Apparently this place just opened on April 11th, 2012 and it’s one of melonpan factory’s ten locations. The place smells amazing when you pass by… you simply can’t walk by without buying one.

Their most popular flavor is the plain original (170yen), and it’s pretty good! Naturally, it’s best eaten right when you buy it. I’ve also tried their maple flavor but it’s not that much different than the plain so I would stick to the original. They also have some other more wacky flavors such as strawberry, chocolate, green tea, cinamon, caramel and orange if you’re feeling adventurous… If that’s not enough, they also sell croissants and apple pie. A good place to grab a snack!

Address // 3-3-2, Takaban, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-6766-0423
Website // http://melonpan.mymp.jp/

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{  Rose Bakery  }

Rose Bakery
Rose Bakery
Rose Bakery

Have you checked out the new UNIQLO store in Ginza? It is a beautiful 12 story building that just opened a few weeks ago. They made it look like their flagship Soho Store in NY and it’s quite overwhelming/amazing. On the 7th floor of the building, there’s a bridge which connects to the building across the street. The building it connects to is called Dover Street Market by COMME des GARCONS, and it’s where Rose Bakery is located.  Rose Bakery is an English cafe from London that just opened on March 16th, 2012.

The cafe has a very open space with a modern clean feel. It’s a great place to relax after some shopping at uniqlo or for just tea and a snack :) Their teas and coffees are slightly expensive but their presentation is beautiful. The most appealing thing about this place, however, is their desserts. You can get european/american treats which are very difficult to find in Japan such as carrot cakes, sour cream muffins, tea cakes, and more! I wanted to eat everything there but we decided to try the Green Tea Layer Cake (550yen) and the Lemon Polenta Tea Cake (400yen). You can also get the “Cream Tea” special for 1600yen which includes a scone, your choice of pastry, and your choice of drink. They also have a “High Tea” special (2800yen) which includes a mini sandwich, mini quiche, mini scone, fruit salad, 5 pastries, and your choice of drink. Definitely planning to come back here again soon.

Address // 7F, 6-9-5, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-5537-5038
Website // http://rosebakery.jp

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