Tabieats Explores Hidden Local Food Beyond Tokyo Skytree

Most visitors to Tokyo Skytree admire the view, take a few photos, and move on to their next destination. In one of their latest videos, however, Tabieats takes a different path. Instead of staying in the popular tourist area, Shinichi and Satoshi explore Kirakira Tachibana Shotengai, a traditional shopping street just a short distance away. The area offers a glimpse into everyday life in Tokyo. Located about one kilometer from Hikifune Station, the 450-meter shopping street is home to family-run businesses, neighborhood cafés, bakeries, and specialty food shops. Throughout their visit, Tabieats discovers delicious local dishes and the warm community atmosphere that has made this area special for generations.

Discovering Long-Standing Local Favorites

The journey begins at Hatoya Bakery, which first opened in 1912. The bakery survived both the Great Kanto Earthquake and the air raids of World War II. Today, it remains an important part of the neighborhood’s history. Shinichi chooses a strawberry jam koppepan. He enjoys its slightly chewy texture and homemade jam, which contains real pieces of strawberry. Unlike the soft sandwich bread found in many modern bakeries, this traditional koppepan reminds him of the simple bakeries he visited as a child. Satoshi chooses freshly fried agepan coated with kinako, or roasted soybean powder. He describes the bread as warm, comforting, and perfectly balanced in sweetness. Their next stop is Konkon, a small takoyaki shop that prepares each order fresh. The crispy outside, creamy center, and generous pieces of octopus quickly impress both hosts.

They also enjoy meeting the friendly owner and appreciate the shop’s affordable prices. Across the street, they visit Mitsuyoshi Tofu Factory for freshly made soy milk. Rich, creamy, and refreshing, it pairs well with the hot takoyaki. Tabieats also discovers that customers can receive a discount on the soy milk when they buy takoyaki from the nearby shop. This small partnership reflects the close connections between local businesses.

Everyday Food That Brings the Community Together

As they continue walking through Kirakira Tachibana Shotengai, Tabieats samples more neighborhood favorites. These are the kinds of foods that local residents enjoy in their everyday lives. At Kurumi Delica Kurumi, they try potechiku, a fish cake filled with creamy potato salad. They also enjoy menkoro, a croquette made with potatoes, onions, and ground pork. The simple ingredients and homemade flavors reflect the comforting food found in neighborhoods across Japan. Next, they stop at Mioshi for freshly cooked gyoza. The gyoza have crispy bottoms and flavorful fillings.

They also enjoys the shop’s unique dipping sauce, which gives the dish its own distinct flavor. They then visit Torisho, a yakitori shop known for grilled chicken skewers and torikawa gyoza. This unique dish wraps a traditional gyoza filling in chicken skin before grilling it. The shop reheats the food before serving it, so everything arrives hot and ready to enjoy. To enjoy their food together, Tabieats heads to Mochikomiya. This café allows customers to bring food from nearby shops and enjoy it inside while ordering drinks. The concept highlights the cooperative spirit of the shopping street. It also creates a relaxed space where locals and visitors can enjoy food from different neighborhood businesses together.

Experiencing the Character of Old Tokyo

Beyond the food, Kirakira Tachibana Shotengai leaves a lasting impression through its atmosphere. As Tabieats explores the area, they pass traditional wagashi shops, independent bookstores, specialty food stores, and even vintage delivery bicycles that are still in use today. One stop that stands out is Masuda, a small shop specializing in tsukudani, a traditional Japanese preserved food. Supermarkets also sell tsukudani, but handmade versions from small neighborhood shops offer a different experience. These local shops also help preserve a tradition that is becoming harder to find.

Later, they visit Satellite Kitchen, a herbal tea café and gallery inside a renovated traditional Japanese house. Shinichi enjoys an AeroPress chai latte, while Satoshi tries a refreshing tea soda made with concentrated brewed tea. The quiet setting gives them a peaceful break before they continue exploring the shopping street. Before leaving, Tabieats stops at Sagamian, a local wagashi shop. Shinichi chooses the shop’s signature Kirakira no Kaori manju, which contains smooth red bean paste and yuzu. Satoshi enjoys Cha no Tomo, a tea-flavored sweet paired with red bean paste. During their visit, they learn that “Kirakira” comes from the name of the shopping street itself. The word represents the warmth and friendliness of the local community.

Discover More Japanese Flavors with Sakuraco

Tabieats’ visit to Kirakira Tachibana Shotengai shows that some of Japan’s most memorable food experiences exist beyond the country’s famous tourist attractions. From century-old bakeries and handmade wagashi to neighborhood eateries and local specialty shops, each stop offers a closer look at the traditions that continue to shape Japanese food culture. If their journey inspires you to discover more of Japan’s regional flavors, Sakuraco offers a wonderful way to continue exploring from home.

Every month, Sakuraco curates a premium selection of artisan snacks, traditional sweets, and authentic Japanese teas sourced directly from regional makers across Japan. Each box also includes a cultural booklet that shares the stories, craftsmanship, and local traditions behind every item. Whether you’re planning your next trip to Japan or simply looking to experience Japan’s rich culinary heritage from home, Sakuraco brings the flavors and traditions of Japan right to your doorstep.

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