🟢 Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo.
Rice-flour taiyaki that’s crisp outside and mochi-soft inside—available nationwide from Koga. Grab one and stroll through Togoshi-Ginza.
Last updated: 2025-12-05
Introduction
Taiyaki—fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste—was born in Tokyo in the early 1900s. At Koga Rice-Flour Taiyaki, a brand that started in Shiga and now operates nationwide, the batter is made with rice flour for a light, crisp shell and a pleasantly chewy, mochi-like bite. The Togoshi-Ginza branch serves them hot off the iron, perfect for eating as you wander the shopping street.
What to Try
Classic Anko (red bean) highlights the toasty aroma of the rice-flour shell. Custard brings a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the crisp edges—grab it freshly baked if you can. Portions are handheld, so it’s easy to enjoy while browsing the arcade. Pro tip: ask for a sleeve or napkin; the custard can be piping hot.
Tokyo or Trip?
🟢 Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo.
Koga’s rice-flour taiyaki is available across Japan, and the Togoshi-Ginza shop delivers the same hallmark texture without leaving the city. What makes it special here is the setting: a lived-in neighborhood street where locals and visitors mingle—an ideal backdrop for tasting a modern take on a nostalgic sweet.
About "Tokyo or Trip?"
This blog explores a simple question for travelers: "Can you find the authentic soul of Japan's regional flavors right here in Tokyo, or does the true experience demand a journey to the source?"
Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I guide you through Japan’s diverse food culture to help you find the best dining option for your itinerary.
Our Rating System:
- 🟠 Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- 🟢 Great-in-Tokyo:A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- 🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.
Explore Nearby
- Onigiri (Omusubi) in Tokyo 🍚
- Kaisendon in Togoshi-Ginza 🍚
- Tenshin Chahan in Togoshi-Ginza 🍳
- Korokke in Togoshi-Ginza 🥔
- Warabi Mochi in Togoshi-Ginza 🍡
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External Links
About "Taste of Japan"
Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.
Why Togoshi-Ginza?
This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
My Wish as a Local
I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.
The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"
Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.
This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.
- 🟠 Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- 🟢 Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- 🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.