“Saitamaya is a long-established wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop located in Higashi-Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo. Just a few minutes’ walk from Higashi-Mukojima Station, the shop is known for its nostalgic, traditional storefront that has been cherished by the local community for many years.
Inside, you’ll find a variety of Japanese sweets, including mame daifuku (rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste and black soybeans), kusa dango (mugwort-flavored rice dumplings), and dorayaki (sweet red bean pancakes).
On this visit, I picked up mitarashi dango (grilled rice dumplings with a sweet soy glaze) and hanabira mochi, a traditional confection enjoyed during the winter season.
The mitarashi dango has a wonderfully chewy texture, and you can really taste the natural flavor of the glutinous rice.
Meanwhile, the hanabira mochi is quite unique—it contains a strip of burdock root inside! Surprisingly, the earthy flavor of burdock pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the mochi.
You can tell that each wagashi is crafted with great care, using high-quality ingredients that highlight their natural flavors.
Many visitors praise Saitamaya for its nostalgic taste and delicate sweetness. The prices are also reasonable, making it an excellent choice for an everyday treat.
Saitamaya may not be a high-end confectionery, but it has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and offers thoughtfully made wagashi at affordable prices. If you’re looking for simple yet delicious traditional Japanese sweets, this charming little shop is definitely worth a visit.”
