Japanese cuisine isn’t exactly famous for its desserts, but it does offer plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth. Anmitsu, for example, is a traditional dessert from the Meiji Era (1868-1912) and it is one of my favorites. If you want to try this delicious treat at an authentic spot, I recommend SANUKIYA in Takadanobaba, which has been in business since 1914.
SANUKIYA is located along Kanda River, in a narrow stretch accessible from Shimo-ochiai and Takadanobaba station. Even though it may look quite spacious from the outside, the place is actually tiny. It has just 12 seats and one outdoor bench.
In the springtime, Kanda River is a great place for cherry blossom viewing. It looks just like Nakameguro, minus the lanterns and the crowd...
This sweet shop is quite popular among locals and it tends to be pretty busy on weekends. Unless you get there early, you may have to wait before being seated. One of the perks of its location is that you can always go for a stroll along the river while waiting for your turn.
Lemon and plain warabi-mochi (spring)
Sesame, plain and grape warabi-mochi (winter)
When you get your seat, you will be served complimentary tea and warabi-mochi, a jelly made from bracken plant or potato starch. It is usually cut into small pieces and sprinkled with kinako — a roasted soybean flour. Let me warn you if you’ve never tried it before: it is very chewy! At SANUKIYA, the warabi-mochi comes in different flavors according to the season.
Cream anmitsu (smooth azuki bean paste)
Cream anmitsu (chestnut paste)
Most people go to SANUKIYA for their Cream shiro tama anmitsu (クリーム白玉あんみつ). It is affordable (648 yen), but so popular that every time I go it is sold out…
If you can’t order it, I highly recommend the Cream anmitsu (クリームあんみつ) instead (594 yen). It is made of agar jelly cubes, red peas, warabi-mochi, dried apricots, ice cream and a Japanese sweet paste. For the sweet paste, you can choose between:
> Koshian (smooth azuki bean paste)
> Oguraan (chunky azuki bean paste)
> A seasonal flavor
SANUKIYA also has some seasonal items. In the spring they usually offer a nice and refreshing sakura anmitsu (486 yen)! They also have other flavors throughout the year, such as kuri (chestnut) or ringo (apple). Some seasonal flavors cannot easily be found in other shops, so if you want something a bit original give them a try!
Unfortunately, the menu is only available in Japanese. The staff doesn’t speak English and isn’t very smiley so the service might seem a little unfriendly, but don’t let it turn you off! If you don’t speak Japanese, ordering may be a bit challenging so it would be useful to have an idea of what you want before going. Not to worry, I have just given you all the information you need to know!
I recommend SANUKIYA for their very refreshing and affordable cream anmitsu. If you want to try their famous Cream shiro tama anmitsu, make sure you go early! Their dango (sweet Japanese rice dumpling skewers) are also very good and popular. Since the place is pretty small just be ready to wait a little bit!
* All the prices in this article include taxes
讃岐屋 (SANUKIYA)
Opening hours: open from 11:00 to 17:00, closed on Wednesdays
Website (Japanese only): click here
Address: 讃岐屋, 3 Chome-46-11 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0075
Telephone: 03-5489-5489
