Glimpses of Japan

When you explore the beautiful Matsushima islands, you need a place to rest as it takes quite a while to get around. Shokado is the perfect place to have a cup of coffee because they have the best Castella in Matsushima and the best view from the cafe. Shokado has more than 100 years history The first generation of Shokado started the business as a confectionery. They became a cafe at some times and confectionary again at other times. They are not a 100-year castella producer, but they have been doing their business at the same location for more than 100 years. The current president, the fifth generation, became in charge in 2010 and made the concept “less is more.” Castella is a very simple snack. Use fresh egg produced locally and bake in the latest oven. Then it becomes so wet and soft. This simple Castella became so famous because of the taste. Now gets more and more visitors each year. Simple and delicious castella Their Castella is very simple. It does not have any unnecessa...

Yamagata Prefecture is in the Tohoku region, the northern part of Japan. This means they have rich resources to make great food; pure, natural, delicious water, and ingredients produced in the neighboring farms. When I traveled to Yamagata, I got to encounter one of the best wagashi, Japanese confectionery shop, I have ever had. The name of the shop is “Koshikakean (腰掛庵)” The long-established wagashi shop situated in a 120 years old building Koshikakean is located in a small residential neighborhood and might be difficult to find at first the first visit. The shop is situated in a pretty old house style building. The building is said to be more than 120 years old. Look for this orange sign saying “Koshikakean (こしかけ庵)”  Koshikakean is popular not only with tourists but also among locals as well. There is always a queue after opening, so better to arrive early to purchase their mochi. Signature Product: Warabi Mochi Warabi Mochi is a jelly-like mochi with Kinako and Kuro Mitsu...