Top 5 Most Delicious Daifuku in Japan

Japan is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Beyond ramen and sushi, the country is renowned for its unique and delectable sweets. These treats are highly sought after by foreign travelers, especially as modern flavors evolve. One such favorite among tourists is Daifuku. Have you had the chance to try it?

Daifuku is a classic Japanese snack consisting of sweet red bean paste enveloped in soft mochi. It made its debut during the Heian period (794-1185) and its name combines two Japanese words: "dai," meaning big, and "fuku," meaning luck. This reflects its purpose of bringing joy and fortune to those who enjoy it.

As a type of Wagashi or Mochi, Daifuku is crafted from high-quality rice flour, yielding a soft, non-sticky texture that melts in your mouth. The rich fillings provide a delightful experience with every bite. Besides the traditional anko, daifuku can be filled with whole strawberries wrapped in red bean paste, or even flavors like vanilla and chocolate. Popular variations include mocha, apricot, purple sweet potato, caramel cream, and ice cream, making it a favorite for many. Moreover, daifuku comes in an array of colors like pink, brown, and white, adding to its visual allure. Just thinking about it makes your mouth water and your taste buds tingle with anticipation.

Daifuku and Its Significance in Japan

By the late 18th century, daifuku saw a surge in popularity, with many people enjoying it grilled. This sweet treat pairs beautifully with a cup of green tea, creating a truly delightful experience. The sweetness of daifuku is perfectly balanced by the slightly bitter notes of green tea. You can find a variety of daifuku with different fillings at restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores, including:

Mame Daifuku

Yomogi Daifuku

Salty Daifuku

Espresso Daifuku

Custard Daifuku

Strawberry Daifuku

The Most Delicious and Highly Recommended Daifuku Restaurants in Japan

Here are some must-visit restaurants in Japan known for their exquisite daifuku mochi offerings:

Demachi Futaba

Daifuku Restaurants in Japan. Source: byfood.com

In Kyoto, there's a legendary mochi shop that has been delighting customers since 1899. Demachi Futaba, located in Demachiyanagi, Kyoto, has received numerous accolades in Japanese Confectionery Competitions and has been celebrated as the top mochi maker for four years running. A visit to this shop is essential, though be prepared for long queues that can stretch up to an hour on weekends or holidays.

The standout item at Demachi Futaba is the mame mochi, a delightful combination of red bean paste wrapped in chewy mochi dough and complemented by sweet, slightly savory black beans. It boasts a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and is perfectly balanced in sweetness. For something different, don't miss the sakura ebi mochi, featuring small pink shrimp. You might find it hard to choose just one!

It's important to note that Demachi Futaba refrains from using preservatives in their products, so it's best to enjoy them within a day of purchase.

Mizuho

Mizuho: The Ultimate Destination. Source: tasteatlas.com

Nestled in the heart of Harajuku, Tokyo, Mizuho stands out as the ultimate destination, celebrated for its signature Mame Daifuku recipe. As you enter this shop, the stunning architecture catches your eye, featuring traditional Japanese decor, wooden interiors, sliding doors, and soft paper lanterns. The serene ambiance invites you to savor Mizuho's exquisite creations, making it the perfect spot for a calming retreat.

Mizuho is renowned for serving some of the finest Mame Daifuku in Tokyo. Nearly the size of a palm, each piece boasts a rich, soft texture and is filled with delicious red bean paste. Just looking at it, feeling its weight, and touching its softness gives you a sense of the high quality of this daifuku. It's no surprise that Mizuho's Mame Daifuku is in high demand, often selling out by late afternoon—it's a must-try when you visit!

Without a doubt, the Mame Daifuku at Mizuho is among the most exquisite you'll find. Its smooth, delectable red bean filling encased in a layer of mochi with a touch of saltiness creates a flavor combination that truly delights the taste buds. While this shop is a favorite among tourists, it's important to note that bringing mochi back as souvenirs to other countries is not advisable, as they only remain fresh for two or three days.

Gunrindo

Gunrindo. Source: tasteatlas.com

Gunrindo is regarded as one of the top three destinations in Tokyo for Mame Daifuku mochi. Established during the Taisho era, around the 1900s, this shop is renowned for its exceptional Mame Daifuku. It's no surprise that by ten in the morning, eager customers are already lining up outside. When the doors open, you’ll often see patrons leaving with more than twenty pieces of the famous Mame Daifuku from Gunrindo. Just imagine how delectable these treats must be, making it a must-visit spot for many tourists.

At Gunrindo, Mame Daifuku is crafted using a unique traditional method. Their daifuku is generously sized, warm to the touch when purchased. It features a delightful combination of slightly salty green peas and mildly sweet red bean paste. Perfect for those who prefer a subtler flavor, the pairing of tsubu-an (partially crushed red bean paste) with the slight saltiness of the green peas creates a harmonious taste experience. This Mame Daifuku is so delicious that one piece is never enough—you'll definitely be tempted to have more!

Like most other Daifuku mochi, Gunrindo has a one-day expiration date. When their stock runs low, they close the shop to prepare fresh batches for the following day, ensuring that the daifuku remains always fresh.

Ginza Akebono

Ginza Akebono

If you're eager to try the exquisite Ichigo Daifuku mochi, Ginza Akebono is the top choice in Tokyo. In addition to Ichigo Daifuku, this shop offers classic anko daifuku along with other delightful varieties like yomogi daifuku and ume daifuku. The diverse range of flavors and their exceptional quality make for an undeniably delicious experience!

When spring arrives, make sure to grab their renowned Ichigo Daifuku. These delightful treats feature whole strawberries enveloped in azuki (red bean paste) and wrapped in soft mochi, creating a truly appetizing experience. Alongside Ichigo Daifuku, Ginza Akebono is also known for its sakura daifuku mochi. With its unique sakura flavor that blends sweetness and saltiness, and its wonderfully soft texture, it melts in your mouth like freshly fallen snow.

There isn’t much more to say, as everything in this shop is exceptional. The flavors are delightful, the presentation is exquisite, and the mochi is crafted from top-quality ingredients, justifying its slightly higher prices compared to other shops. However, the investment is worth it, especially for a package that includes a variety of daifuku mochi, showcasing intriguing seasonal flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. Experience the unique taste of daifuku here!

Ginkado

Ginkado

When you stroll through Nakamise shopping street, be sure to stop by Daifuku Ginkado Asakusa, a mochi shop that boasts a variety of delicious strawberry Daifuku options.

Although Ginkado Asakusa is a recent addition to Nakamise, it has quickly become a favorite of mine. This shop started out selling souvenirs but has since shifted to focus on scrumptious Daifuku. Traditional Daifuku is typically filled with anko, a popular red bean paste in Japan, although it may not appeal as much to tourists. Ginkado Asakusa, however, offers Daifuku in exciting flavors like chocolate, custard cream, and matcha. I highly recommend the white strawberry Daifuku, featuring soft, chewy mochi and sweet strawberries for a delightful flavor blend. Many also rave about the custard cream and chocolate varieties.

If Daifuku isn’t your thing, this shop also offers skewered fruits that are fresh and sweet, making them worth a try. The prices for Daifuku mochi range from 400 to 700 yen. To avoid long lines, it’s best to arrive early. With large, sweet strawberries and soft, chewy mochi, this shop is a must-visit for mochi enthusiasts. I’ll always cherish the memory of buying and enjoying Daifuku mochi here.

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