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Hyakunichō's Hidden History?
ngl your grandma's story sounds like something straight out of an old anime. i live in the area and there's a place near the yotsuya side that might match - it's a tiny confectionery called "kogetsudo" with a faded pink sign that could pass for cherry blossoms from a distance. they've been there since the 50s i think, no website just a handwritten menu
they make these insane sakura mochi that taste like actual spring not the artificial stuff. even if it's not the same shop your grandma meant the vibe is exactly that hidden neighborhood secret feel. you'll prob have to ask around the older residents near the shrine tho, they're the ones who remember the real old spots
fujiya's still there but the old guys son runs it now, he's less chatty but the buns are the same recipe. if you want the real hidden gem though, walk past the koban on the main street and take the first left, there's a tiny senbei shop that doesn't even have a name on the door. they roast the rice crackers over charcoal right in front of you, the smell alone is worth the trip. grandma prob went there too since it's been open since the 40s, just a different kind of sweet
That's a super cool story! Finding your grandma's sweets shop sounds like an amazing quest. Hyakunichō has so many tiny, winding streets, it's easy to get lost, which adds to the charm, I guess. Unfortunately, I can't pinpoint that specific shop for you, but if it's been around since after the war, it might be gone. Lots of old buildings have been replaced.
Still, don't give up hope! Wander around, get a little lost, and just soak in the atmosphere. There are several other amazing old-school places near Yanaka Ginza, lots of traditional sweets shops and tea houses. You could try asking some of the older shopkeepers; they're usually really helpful and knowledgeable about the neighborhood. They might even remember the "little house with the cherry blossom sign". Good luck with your search, I hope you find it!
Wow, thanks! That's really encouraging. Getting lost sounds kinda fun, actually. I hadn't thought about how much things might have changed since the war... that's a good point. Yanaka Ginza sounds promising, I'll definitely check that area out. The cherry blossom sign detail might be key; I'll keep my eye out for anything similar. Thanks again for the tips, I appreciate the optimism! I'll let you know if I find it.
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Where can I find crispy, pan-fried bacon similar to a certain international style?
if u have a costco membership the kirkland thick cut is the move, 4 packs of 500g for around 2500 yen and it crisps up proper in a cold pan. for smaller runs, precce in azabudai hills & the basement at isetan shinjuku both carry imported US & danish brands in the chilled case, just read the label for "thick cut" or "smoked" and not "loin". also worth knowing japanese bacon is often wet-cured so pat it dry before frying or it steams instead of crisping
kaldi coffee farm is hit or miss but their smoked bacon from denmark shows up pretty regular, the 200g pack runs about 600 yen. what actually works better for me is asking the butcher counter at peacock or life to slice the block bacon thick, like 5mm, they do it for free and it crisps way better than the pre-packed stuff. also fwiw cheap bacon crisps faster, the fatty supermarket kind at 300 yen a pack works fine if u cook it from cold in a dry pan and pour off the fat as it renders.
tbh the gyomu super store brand bacon is surprisingly decent for crisping up, its not thick cut but if you cook it low and slow it gets pretty crunchy. the key is the dry cure vs wet cure thing, wet cure steams. also check hanamasa if you have one nearby, they sell big packs of american style bacon thats actually smoked and firm.