🍜 Asakusa Lantern Monaka

Located on the bustling Nakamise Street leading to Senso-ji Temple, this specialty shop offers a unique take on the traditional Japanese confection, monaka. Inspired by the iconic Kaminarimon lantern of Asakusa, its design exudes a charming downtown atmosphere. The monaka wafers are carefully baked using domestically sourced glutinous rice, resulting in a crispy and fragrant texture. One of the highlights is the "Ice Cream Monaka," which features a refreshing ice cream filling and is conveniently sized for easy one-handed enjoyment, making it perfect for sightseeing in Asakusa. Flavors include the rich "Vanilla Ice Cream Monaka," the subtly bitter and elegantly flavored "Matcha Ice Cream Monaka," and the aromatic "Black Sesame Ice Cream Monaka," among a total of 6 to 8 varieties. The "Red Bean Monaka (Chunky)" filled with red bean paste made from Hokkaido Tokachi red beans can be taken home at room temperature, making it a popular souvenir. The moderate sweetness of the red bean paste pairs perfectly with the crispy monaka. Additionally, don't miss out on seasonal offerings such as the "Handmade Fruit Vinegar Drink," available from March to November, the "Shaved Ice," sold only from June to September, and the winter-exclusive "Red Bean Soup" and "Amazake."

The highlight is the most sandwich made from carefully roasted domestic glutinous rice. The signature product is also the famous Asakusa "Ice Cream Most Sandwich," which comes in 6 to 8 different flavors. The "Red Bean Most Sandwich (with chunks)," filled with red bean paste made from Hokkaido red beans, is also very popular.