Recent Reviews
Yayolog (つ∀｀*) A Cafe Featuring 'An' (Sweet Bean Paste) from the Long-Established 'Toraya' ◼️ This cafe is run by 'Toraya,' a renowned confectionery company with over 400 years of history dating back to the Muromachi period, known for its 'Yokan' (sweet bean jelly). It's a Japanese cafe with the concept of 'A Life with An.' ◆ An Parfait with Strawberry [Limited Time Offer] ◻️ From the top: almond tuile, strawberry, bean paste [strawberry], mochi balls, strawberry jelly, milk ice cream, strawberry cream, bean paste [brown sugar and maple syrup]. ◻️ You can enjoy the sweet bean paste and strawberry in alternating bites. The sourness is refreshing. The vanilla ice cream is ordinary and hard. ◆ An Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea) Hot ◻️ The golden ratio of 5:5 allows you to taste both flavors simultaneously. The aftertaste of the hojicha disappears, and the sweetness of the sweet bean soup also disappears immediately, making it feel like both are overpowering each other and canceling out their good qualities... ◼️ About the Shop◼️ Order and pay first. Credit cards and transportation IC cards are accepted. Self-service for clearing tables. Western music as background music. Operated by Toragen Co., Ltd., a group company of Toraya Co., Ltd. Representative Director: Mr. Mitsuhara Kurokawa (17th generation). Founded in Kyoto during the late Muromachi period, the company has been supplying confectionery to the Imperial Palace since the reign of Emperor Goyosei. It became a confectionery company for the Imperial Household. It moved to Tokyo in the Meiji era, and the company was established in 1947. Notable past heads of the family include the 15th generation, Takeo Kurokawa, who served as a member of the House of Councillors and Minister of Health and Welfare, and the 16th generation, Mitsutomo Kurokawa, who served as the first president of the Japan Junior Chamber. Opened in April 2016. 'Toraya An Stand' has other locations in Kita-Aoyama and Yokohama. (From the official website and Wikipedia) ◼️◼️ Visited on a weekday evening around 6 pm. It's usually crowded, but you can find a seat depending on the timing. The shop is located right next to the Newoman side exit of Shinjuku Station. February 2023.
I had the matcha shaved ice and the red bean paste latte. The matcha flavor was authentic and the balance with the sweet red bean paste and red bean jelly was perfect. The red bean paste latte also had a sweet red bean aftertaste, which was delicious. The wait time can vary greatly depending on the time of day, but I arrived around 3 pm and waited about 30 minutes. It seems like there is a 90-minute time limit when the cafe is full.
If you're getting takeout, it's a quick pickup. I ordered a cafe au lait with anko (sweet bean paste) - they call you by number to pick it up. It's a mix-and-drink type. It was lightly sweet and delicious. I recommend mixing it well.
I always had the impression that this place was crowded, but I happened to drop by because it was empty. I saw that they were promoting their strawberry shaved ice, so I ordered that and a coffee. The shaved ice was topped with Amaou puree, koshian (sweet bean paste), yokan (sweet bean jelly), and mochi balls. It was delicious! And even though it was ice, it wasn't very cold and didn't give me a brain freeze. It was a strange and wonderful shaved ice experience.
I usually go here when the cafes on the first floor of Newman are crowded. The shaved ice and sweets are not as good as those in Gotemba or Akasaka, so I only go here when I'm short on time. The customer turnover is incredibly slow, so I wouldn't recommend waiting in line if it's full.