I casually walked into a newly opened store and was warmly welcomed, which lifted my spirits. They offer lotus root sweets made from lotus root starch, called "Seiko," and a summer limited edition clear water made from pressed bamboo grass and apples, called "Kishui." Both have a refined taste and delicate aroma, and are incredibly delicious. I wish I could receive these items as souvenirs and have friends who appreciate the goodness of these products.

Smooth and gentle sweetness, it slides down your throat. I received this a few days ago, from Nishi Lake. I shared it with everyone on the spot. Hmm, it goes well with Irish whiskey (laughs). It has changed in size and shape since the old days! It's individually wrapped now. Maybe it lasts longer? Oh, I ate it before checking the expiration date! I used to be a fan of Nishi Lake over ten years ago, and then I started to like "Haru no Nigami" and so on. It was nostalgic. Haru no Nigami is delicious but the portion is too much for one person (laughs). It must be expensive now... It was a nostalgic and delightful gift! Thank you for the meal!!

I had the classic lotus root mochi in a cold state. It is also delicious when warmed up! The addition of jabara fruit juice gives it a refreshing acidity and coolness. Although it lacks a bit of chewiness, the scent of bamboo leaves is distinct, making the overall balance good.

I visited around 3 p.m. on New Year's Day and was able to make a purchase this time. I was told that these were the last three available that day. This year is off to a good start. The staff kindly recommended that a light brown color is ideal. I tried cooking them slowly in my own frying pan, but it's quite difficult. I couldn't achieve the elegant brown color I was hoping for. This is where the difference between a professional and an amateur shows. The rice cakes are delicate and refined, while the salted mullet roe is rich and makes you crave alcohol. I was planning to pair it with wine, but I think it definitely calls for alcohol.

Waikyuuden is a long-established store in Kyoto that I often use for meals and souvenirs. The snack I love to use is here. It's lotus jelly. When you open the package, it looks like water yokan, but when you scoop it with a spoon, it's bouncy and watery. The taste is very refreshing and refreshing. I enjoyed it while thinking, "Lotus root can be this delicious jelly."

On the weekend, I went to Marunouchi to buy some souvenirs for my hometown visit, specifically the Chirimen Sansho from Wakuden. I arrived just in time before the store closed at 7 pm. Although I could have gone to Matsuya in Ginza where they stay open a bit later, I decided to stay in Marunouchi due to my schedule. I noticed that the store had moved and the eat-in space was a bit different. Since I was already there, I also bought some Chirimen Sansho and Nishiko for home. The Chirimen Sansho cost 864 yen and the Nishiko cost 324 yen each. I used to only find them in packs of 5, so being able to buy them individually was very convenient. I chilled them a bit before trying. The lotus root mochi, wrapped in bamboo leaves, was soft and chewy with a gentle sweetness from the wasanbon sugar. The texture was delightful, fluffy and delicious. It's guilt-free as it's made from lotus root, making it low in calories. I always love the Chirimen Sansho from Wakuden, it's my favorite. Whenever I visit Kyoto, I make sure to buy the bulk size for home. The savory flavor, fine texture of the chirimen, and the refreshing spiciness of the real sansho pepper are irresistible. I save it for weekend breakfasts as it's too good to rush through on a busy weekday morning. My friends also enjoyed the Chirimen Sansho, it was a hit with them too.

Blog "Tokyu Line, Foodie Adventures" - https://asante.blog/ For a family souvenir, I bought my favorite Wagashi from Wakuden. It was surprisingly my first time buying from the Marunouchi store. This time, I bought two each of Nishiko (324 yen) and Haru Shizuku (378 yen) to take home. After dinner, we tried both of them together. First, the Haru Shizuku had a refreshing, bouncy texture with a hint of cherry blossom flavor and perfect sweetness. It was of high quality as always, maybe a seasonal variation. Next, the classic Nishiko - no need to say more about its perfection. Even though I often buy something extra along with Nishiko, its reign remains unchallenged. From texture to flavor, it's unmatched. Nishiko is truly a must-buy masterpiece. As always, I was very satisfied. Thank you for the meal.

I visited my favorite restaurant, Wakuden, as they were part of the Marunouchi Point Card campaign. I bought a takeaway dish called "kaiyose no meshi-mushi." I arrived around 12:28 on a Sunday with no other customers there. I wanted to try their mackerel sushi, but they didn't have it, so I ended up buying a seasonal dish instead. Although it was frozen, by the time I got home and warmed it up in the microwave, it was just right. The dish was wrapped in a large magnolia leaf, giving it a nice aroma. The rice was delicious, infused with the umami flavor of the shellfish on top. The shellfish was lightly seasoned, but the rice lacked a bit of flavor. The dish was elegant but a bit pricey, so the cost-performance ratio may not be the best. Despite being frozen, the rice and shellfish maintained a good texture. Even though I only bought a small portion, the staff saw me off outside the store, showing their attentive customer service. This restaurant seems suitable for those looking for quality deli items and a calm shopping experience.

"Simmered Dried Chirimen Sansho" (864 yen) has a refreshing scent of sansho that hits your nose as soon as you put it in your mouth with freshly cooked rice. It's so delicious. "Simmered Winter Mushroom and Shiitake" (1080 yen) has a thickly simmered taste thanks to the meaty shiitake mushrooms. "Simmered Fukuhisa Ume Iwashi" (1404 yen) features small sardines cooked with real sansho. It's great as a side dish with sake, with rice, or even as ochazuke. In recent years, sardines have become expensive due to declining catch rates.

What an elegant name. Reading the winter scenery in one's heart. For example, a snow-covered Nandina. In the photo, the red berries are covered with a snow cap. Beautiful like a cotton hat. It's a scene where the snow has piled up. Japanese sweets incorporate seasons, artistic sense, and emotions delicately. A snow cap is exactly that. A winter scene. When you take a bite, it has a gentle texture. Like fine cotton, yet with a rich flavor afterwards. It's like a lingering taste of autumn with chestnut paste. Despite being a small, small Japanese sweet. The texture and elegant sweetness are something special. In the busy late autumn. Enjoy a modest happiness. That's what makes it unique. Snow Cap 2 pieces Matcha Hojicha

Marunouchi stroll. Oh, when did this shop open! I've been meaning to go check it out. "Murasaki no Waku Den" at Marunouchi Kyoto is a gift line from the restaurant "Wakuden." Their lotus root mochi "Siko" is a great gift for foodies. I wanted to try the "Lotus Mochi with Chestnut Paste" but it only comes in a pack of six. I ended up just buying the chestnut kuzuyaki and it was delicious when warmed up. I love the product photos from Murasaki no Waku Den, and their packaging is also lovely. It's amazing how successful their gift line is despite starting as a restaurant. Definitely check them out when you need a souvenir.

Seasonal yokan "Tsukiakari" (2,700 yen) is a chestnut yokan wrapped in smooth red bean paste, with just the right amount of sweetness. The yokan has a perfect texture, not too soft or too firm. The smooth chestnut paste blends beautifully with the yokan, leaving a lingering chestnut flavor in your mouth. It has a comforting taste that warms the heart.

I wasn't expecting much from the duck pack in this season, but as expected from Wakuden, it was amazingly delicious. The sauce with a hint of sweet soy sauce and strong sansho pepper was excellent, with a sophisticated flavor. The quality of the sansho pepper was high, making it a sauce that can be used for other dishes as well.

A shop located slightly off the main street of Marunouchi. The shop has a calm and luxurious atmosphere, both in its appearance and interior. Their specialty is Nishiko, a type of Kyoto confectionery that is not often eaten. The neighboring Chirimen Sansho is also attractive and tempting...

First visit in March 2021 (No.2522). On the day of my visit, there was a 10x points promotion for Marunouchi Card, so I decided to come to this place in the facility. "Shinowakuden" is a favorite restaurant of mine, and whenever I go to Kyoto, I always make sure to visit one of the group's locations. However, due to the current situation, I can't go to Kyoto, so I visited this place instead. In the past, I have purchased products such as Wakatake Sansho Chirimen, Ichigoe Chirimen, Oni Chirimen, Aosa Chirimen, Nishiko, Sasawarabi, Yuzu Kogori, and Yuzu Ka, at Tokyo stores. Today, I bought the following products that I haven't tried before: Beef Shigure for 1944 yen. Kyoto's Wagyu beef has been carefully raised since the end of the Kamakura period, and this product combines Kyoto-raised beef with flavorful ginger, simmered slowly over time. It's not too sweet and is a delicious dish that can accompany rice or be enjoyed with drinks. Thank you for the meal.

Today, I visited the area around Yurakucho and Hibiya. When it comes to stores inside department stores, I always try to go to the main store as much as possible. There is a unique atmosphere or feeling that can be felt in the main store. However, in cases where there is no main store in the Kanto region, such as a traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Kyoto, I have to settle for the store inside the department store. But! Even in the Kanto region, there are some stores with an incredibly good atmosphere. That's why I came to "Murasaki Wakuden" today. It's pronounced as "Murasaki no Wakuden". The name sounds like something you would find in a Japanese fantasy story. The store is located in Marunouchi, and it has a very charming and traditional atmosphere. Originally a brand developed from Kyoto restaurants, I wanted to visit a store on the street rather than in a department store. When I entered the store, I was greeted by kimono-clad ladies. The atmosphere was calm with tatami mats, hanging scrolls, and wisteria flowers hanging from the ceiling. There is also a tea room available, so you can immerse yourself in this atmosphere. The items available are completely different from a typical Japanese confectionery shop. The specialty is "Saiho," a half-raw confectionery with bamboo leaves. They also offer dishes like soft-shelled turtle simmered in soy sauce, simmered beef and abalone with bamboo shoots, and dried young sardines. I tried the following items: - Saiho: A unique confectionery made from lotus flour, Japanese raw sugar, and lotus syrup, wrapped in bamboo leaves. It has a slim and jelly-like texture, and the appearance is charming. - Bamboo Warabi: A confectionery made from bracken flour, Japanese granulated sugar, and red beans, wrapped in bamboo leaves. It has a soft texture and a gentle sweetness. - Lotus Mochi: A confectionery made from lotus flour and lotus syrup, with a smooth and sticky texture and a graceful sweetness. It is a refined and elegant Japanese confectionery. It's nice to enjoy such sophisticated treats once in a while. Thank you for the meal!

When I was in my teens, I didn't really appreciate traditional Japanese sweets. But when my mother brought back West Lake wagashi from the department store basement as a souvenir, I was blown away by how delicious it was. I couldn't stop eating it! As I got older, I discovered another delicious treat from the same store - the Tsukigata yokan. It's only available in autumn and it may look plain, but the name "moonlight" is so cute, right? The sweet red bean paste is just to my liking, and the chestnut is a perfect match. So, I decided to stop by the store during a stroll in Marunouchi. The shop is small, quiet, and dimly lit. They also serve matcha tea. Unlike takeaway, you can just have one piece to avoid overeating. The moonlight yokan is always delicious, no matter when you eat it. But be warned, they often sell out in the evening at the department store. I'm not used to matcha, but it was delicious. How do they determine the deliciousness of matcha? I'd love to ask a pro. Eating at the shop is a nice treat once in a while. Thank you for the meal.

JR Yurakucho Station and Metro Yurakucho Station are just a short walk from the Tokyo Forum side exit. The store is located on the first floor of the Shin Tokyo Building, opposite the Tokyo Forum towards the Imperial Palace side. I bought the Yuzu Chocolate "Yuka" for Valentine's Day, which I received before and became my favorite, originating from the Tokyo Marunouchi store. Of course, I also made sure to get some chocolates for myself, haha. The small paper bag is made from biomass resin using rice bran, which is environmentally friendly, and the texture is very nice, similar to Japanese paper, fitting the brand's atmosphere perfectly. Yuzu has been loved for a long time, so it was incorporated into a traditional Japanese sweet. The Yuzu peel Orangette, surprisingly, has no bitterness or astringency, just a pleasant bitterness that enhances the aroma. The Yuzu Chocolate "Yuka," made by layering soft-cooked Yuzu peel with chocolate that is carefully blended to enhance the fragrance, has a gentle flavor with a faint Yuzu aroma. The peel is not too hard, making the whole treat soft. While Orangette is often eaten chilled to contrast the chewy orange peel with the chocolate, it is recommended to eat "Yuka" at room temperature. The subtly elegant packaging that subtly evokes a sense of "Japanese," the modest size, and of course, the seasonal aroma, make it perfect for an adult Valentine's Day. It's a hit, as expected, with no disappointments, haha.

I happened to come across a traditional Japanese confectionery shop on my way to the International Forum in January 2020. I was excited to try the Seiko (324 yen) lotus root confectionery, and it did not disappoint with its elegant taste. The Sasajabara (378 yen) also had a refined taste that paired well with green tea. My husband, who used to live in Kyoto during his university days, recognized the shop as quite famous. The address was unique and interesting, so I took a photo as a memento. The atmosphere inside the shop was elegant and the staff were dressed in kimonos, making me slightly nervous. The flavors were excellent, so I plan to visit again. I also write a personal blog. https://chapewo.tokyo/

Marunouchi's Wakuden. I visited here for dessert and to wake up with some daytime alcohol, expecting to find a café. The café only offers sweets, matcha, and hojicha. The specialty sweets include Nishi Lake, Mizuyokan, and Warabi Mochi wrapped in bamboo leaves. I ordered the Warabi Mochi. It was wrapped in a bamboo leaf and tied with thin strips of hinoki bark. The aroma was delightful. The Warabi Mochi looked similar to Nishi Lake at first glance, but it had large azuki beans inside and was slightly lighter in color. I couldn't really distinguish the texture and taste difference between Warabi flour and lotus root starch. But if Nishi Lake was Warabi Mochi, it might not have become as famous. The Warabi Mochi with walnut and sweetened with Japanese sugar was delicious. I wanted to eat more than just two. Now, as I enjoy hojicha, I notice a hanging scroll that caught my eye. The characters read "Riryu Ganka no Tama," which translates to "a precious jewel under the jaw of a black dragon" from the "Zhuangzi" passage "Lieber Goukou." It symbolizes something valuable that cannot be obtained without taking risks. In these uncertain times, perhaps such a mindset is necessary to forge ahead. The interior was decorated with mochi flowers, creating a sense of the upcoming new year. Thank you for the meal.