During my February 2025 trip to Japan, my primary goal was to discover new houseware items for the okappa lineup. However, as my mother often teases, "All you think about is eating!", I can never resist indulging in my favorite local dishes and stocking up on beloved food items to bring back to the States whenever I get a chance to go back to Japan.
Join me as I share these culinary delights that hold a special place in my heart.
- Bagles: Maruichi Bagle in Tokyo
- Baquette: Viron in Tokyo
- Cheesecake: Basuku in San Francisco... (it was magical that I was able to enjoy the cheesecake the owner made in Kyoto with the local ingredients)
- Canelé: Daniel in Osaka
- Chocolate Shaved Ice: Nijo-Wakasaya Teramachi in Kyoto
- Bean-mochi: Demachi Futaba in Kyoto
- Miso: Honda Miso in Kyoto
- White Miso: Shimamura in Kyoto
- Pickles: Doi in Kyoto
- Iri-bancha tea: Ippodo in Kyoto
- Hoji-cha: Ryuoen in Kyoto
- Chanoka matcha cookies: Malbranche in Kyoto
- Sweet Red Bean Bar: Toraya
- Japanese sugar candy: Baikodo in Kagawa
- Sweet kudzu starch drink mix: Nijo-Wakasaya in Kyoto
- Rice crackers: Busonan in Kyoto
- Soy sauce: Sawai Shoyu in Kyoto
- Sesami-miso sauce: Shino in Kyoto
- Beans, sesame, dry foods: any grocery stores and department stores. My go-to is Yaoichi Honkan on Higashinotoin street and Daimaru, in Kyoto
- Japanese sweet potato snacks: same as above!