Taiyaki in Ryogoku, Tokyo | Discover Naniwaya Honten Near the Edo-Tokyo Museum

When you exit Ryogoku Station on the Toei Oedo Line and turn around, one of the first landmarks you'll notice is the newly reopened Edo-Tokyo Museum.

Then, looking to your right, you'll see the tall tower of Dai-ichi Hotel Ryogoku, a popular hotel among international visitors.

Directly across from the hotel is a small shop that many travelers walk past without noticing.

At first glance, it looks like a humble neighborhood store from Japan's Showa era.

But hidden in this quiet corner of Ryogoku is one of the area's beloved local treats.

Can you guess what it is?

It's taiyaki — one of Japan's most traditional and comforting sweets.

And this is Naniwaya Honten, a long-established shop loved by locals for generations.

Isn't the shape charming?

Even better, one taiyaki costs just ¥200.

In a time when prices seem to be rising everywhere, it's still an affordable and satisfying treat.

After buying one, I crossed the street and headed to nearby Yokoamicho Park.

This spacious park is a peaceful place where people enjoy lunch, take a break from sightseeing, walk their dogs, or simply relax under the trees.

It's the perfect spot to enjoy a freshly baked taiyaki.

When you break it open, you'll find it packed with sweet red bean paste.

The skin is thin and lightly crisp, while the filling is generous without being overly sweet.

The flavor of the azuki beans is rich and comforting.

It's the kind of taste that has remained unchanged for generations and instantly makes you feel at home.

Naniwaya Honten originally opened in Ginza during the early Showa period before relocating to Ryogoku after World War II.

For many years, visitors could enjoy taiyaki and light meals such as yakisoba inside the shop.

Today, it operates as a takeout-only store, but it remains a beloved local institution.

Its simple menu and traditional flavors continue to attract both local residents and visitors exploring the neighborhood.

If you're visiting Ryogoku, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, or joining a Japanese Zori-Making Workshop at MERI, I highly recommend stopping by Naniwaya Honten.

There is something special about walking through Ryogoku with a warm taiyaki in your hand.

It may be one of the simplest experiences in Tokyo, but it is also one of the most memorable.

In my next blog post, I'll introduce Yokoamicho Park, the peaceful green space where I enjoyed this delicious taiyaki.