Ikebukuro, which has been a terminal for various routes, has a large population for a long time and is a city where various cultures from cutting-edge fashion to entertainment and subculture are mixed. There is also Zoshigaya, which is full of emotion, in the neighborhood, and it can be said that it is an area that condenses the uniqueness of Tokyo.


This time, let's procure "special snacks" at the shops that have watched over Ikebukuro.

Famous store "Suzumeya" in the back alley

First of all, go to the shop you want to go to in the morning. If you walk from the east exit toward Minami-Ikebukuro Post Office / Honryuji Temple for about 7 minutes, you will find a small Japanese sweets shop "Suzumeya".

Only about 5 kinds of Japanese sweets are sold at the store. The famous dorayaki is sold out in the morning at the earliest. Customers were visiting one after another on this day as well.


The fluffy skin that contains plenty of air is full of refreshingly sweet grains. Although it has a chewy bean texture, it melts in the mouth very well, and you can eat it lightly as if you were eating Doraemon. The author's experience of dorayaki is average, but it is the most delicious of all.

It's been around for a long time, but it's my first visit

Next, cross the pedestrian crossing at the east exit and head to the pastry shop "Takase". The store's original confectionery "Almond Twill" is popular here.


Almond twill is a baked confectionery made by layering sliced almonds boiled down with butter, honey and fresh cream on top of biscuits. This time I bought one coated with chocolate. The various textures, sweetness, and aroma of almonds rushed in at once, and it seems that all the delicious parts of baked goods have been collected. It's moderately casual and good for souvenirs.

Shop related to Edogawa Ranpo

Finally, leave the west exit and head to the long-established Japanese sweets shop "Ikebukuro Miharado", which is about 5 minutes away. It was founded in 1945, and in the work of Mr. Ranpo Edogawa, there is a description that "this shop is probably one of the shining existence among Ikebukuro's specialties" (from the shop's website).

I bought "Joyo Manju" (210 yen per piece), which he especially liked, and "Ikebukuro Monaka" (190 yen per piece), which is shaped like the symbol of Ikebukuro, an owl.


Joyo bun skin is steamed grated yam, sugar, and rice flour skin. The skin is very thin and you can fully enjoy the bean paste.


The bean paste and fertilizer are sandwiched in the middle, and the fragrant aroma of the skin goes well with the tea. Both are fragrant and sweet, and are great for tea.


You can buy as many snacks as you want, so why not take a detour when you stop by for a transfer or work? See you in some city again.


Suzumeya
2-18-5 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Takase Ikebukuro Main Store
1-1-4 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Ikebukuro Miharado
1-20-4 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
* All listed prices include tax