Recent Reviews
I've tried many delicious mame daifuku (bean mochi) in Tokyo, but considering the size, saltiness, taste, and ease of purchase, I think this place's is my number one. They also have seasonal treats like Mont Blanc, chestnut daifuku, and strawberry daifuku, and I've tried them all. Each one has Suzu Kake's signature refined sweetness, making every bite exciting. I always give these as gifts to important clients, and they're always delighted. I also use their dorayaki (red bean pancakes) every year for New Year's gifts. I'll continue to be a customer.
I visited this place after hearing about it from a friend. They said the Mont Blanc made by this wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shop is the best! There was a sign indicating a 60-minute wait... but it was actually about 45 minutes. It was delicious, with a subtle sweetness. The daifuku (mochi with filling) with seasonal chestnuts 🌰 and the kurikinton (mashed sweet chestnuts) were also great. Definitely worth the wait. There was a gachapon (capsule toy vending machine) next to the shop.
Visited in November 2024. Suzukake, located inside Isetan Shinjuku. It's the season for ichigo daifuku, which has become an annual routine, so I bought some. I also had the chestnut steamed cake, which is nearing the end of its season. As expected, the taste is consistently delicious and makes me happy. On the other hand, it's tough for someone who has been a long-time customer that there's always a long line compared to the past. Even lining up at the opening time on Sunday, I waited 30 minutes, and the line got even longer after that. Lately, I don't want to waste time, so I'm starting to wonder if it's worth lining up just to buy these, not even as a gift, so I might end up buying them less often. I get the impression that the line is still shorter at Hibiya, so I might consider going there instead.
I waited in line for 40 minutes. The taste is exquisite, bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients, and it's very refined. Since the items don't last long, I'd like to visit often, but the wait time is a bit much. As others have mentioned, it's popular, but the packaging takes too long. There were about five staff members, but the way the shop is set up, you can't see the whole display case while waiting in line, so they have to add items later, which takes more time. The packaging varies depending on the item's shelf life. The individual prices are reasonable. However, it feels a bit awkward to buy just one or two, as most people seem to be purchasing them as gifts. I tried the fruit zenzai, and it was truly made with care and had a wonderful flavor. The sweetness was gentle.
What's this, a line? I was curious, so I joined it. It's called Suzukake. In the Kanto region, they only have stores in high-end department stores like Hibiya Midtown and Azabudai Hills. However, the prices aren't too shocking, and the dorayaki, for example, are like a small "Licca-chan" size, but they're cheap, so it's totally worth it. That dorayaki, though small, has a wonderfully chewy skin, like a "Monchhichi" doll, and it's quite impressive. The bell-shaped monaka and the mame daifuku were just okay. I like that you can buy them in a bamboo basket called a "kori" instead of a paper box. Similar to the Hato Sablé from Toshimaya, I wonder if the box will become a cherished memory.