Daikokudo

Ayu-yaki are small baked sweets shaped like ayu, or sweetfish. Sold individually, they make an easy snack to enjoy as you walk or a simple gift to take away. Castella-style batter encases smooth red bean paste. Some people who have caught them fresh from the oven say the warmth of the filling and its restrained sweetness stayed with them. You can wait for a batch to finish baking, or watch through the shop window before taking some home.

For a straightforward taste, choose an ayu-yaki; if you fancy something with a twist, try the ayu-yaki soft serve. People who have tried it have enjoyed the pairing of soft serve and ayu-yaki, as well as the gyuhi—a soft, chewy rice cake—inside the pastry’s tail.

Another option is ningyo-yaki, which is also available with yuzu bean paste. Some people have praised the clean sweetness of the yuzu alongside the castella. Seasonal Japanese sweets and higashi, traditional dry sweets, are available too, so you can stop by for a treat for yourself or pick out a few things to take home.