Yamachō

Mitarashi dango—dumplings with a fragrant char, generously coated in a sweet-savoury soy sauce glaze—is a favourite among visitors to Yamachō, a traditional confectionery shop in Kameido. The dumplings have a satisfying chew and a soft, mochi-like texture. Their gently sweet dough pairs well with the toasted, savoury glaze, making them an easygoing everyday treat.

The shop’s display case holds a range of daifuku, from the classic mame daifuku to ume daifuku filled with candied green Japanese plums. The ume daifuku combines soft, plump mochi with the plum’s sweet-tart flavour; in the mame daifuku, moderately sweet bean paste is complemented by the texture of the beans. Black rice daifuku, wrapped around zunda paste with its distinctive edamame flavour, is another choice. There is pleasure in choosing among these simple, traditional mochi sweets.

The selection changes with the seasons: strawberry daifuku and dōmyōji-style sakura mochi appear in early spring, while mizu-yōkan is offered in the warmer months. Alongside the sweets, you may also find red-bean rice balls and inari sushi. They’re easy to pick up during a walk, even one at a time.

Yamachō now focuses on takeaway, with orders wrapped quickly—a useful stop on a busy day. Popular dango and seasonal items can sell out earlier in the day, so it’s worth going early if you have a particular sweet in mind.