mitomi

On a walking distance from Tanimachi line’s Tanimachi 9 chome Station is Mitomi, a tiny little cafe/shop that sells delicious and fancy Monakas.

The shop is located in a residential area, in what seems a garage sized space renovated into a small shop. When the shop is closed the shutter goes down, completely hiding it, hence it might be a little hard to find if you arrive before opening time. Once the shop is open, a stylish, modern Japanese exterior appears, complete with noren (curtains at the entrance of a shop).

The exterior is simple with a blue grayish concrete finish that matches well with the beige colored noren and wooden bench.

Walking past the noren you will enter a tiny little shop that only features an antique wooden wainscot paneled counter with a brass extension and a small wooden drawer in the back.

Similar to the exterior, the interior walls, floor and ceiling also have a blue-gray concrete finish. In the back of the shop behind the brass part of the counter is a smooth brass door that leads to the kitchen where the monaka are carefully prepared.

The size of the cafe really is not bigger than a one car garage.

Mitomi’s has a simple menu, tea and of course, Monaka. Monaka is a Japanese sweet usually made of azuki bean jam filling, sandwiched between two thin crisp wafers made from mochi. However, Mitomi sells their own unique style of Monaka each with a different filling and look.

When you enter their shop, 5 of their currently sold Monaka are displayed neatly on the counter with the menu next to it. Currently meaning they will change the flavors and style of the monaka depending on the season.

Unfortunately, since monakas stay fresh for only 15 minutes after preparation, you can’t bring them home. However mitomi has got you covered and prepared a do-it-yourself kit that you can buy and make your own monakas at home. This is a nice alternative of course but honestly it will not come close to the ones they prepare fresh at the shop.

Mitomi proves you don’t need a large space to make a fantastic product. They deliver a unique experience and we heavily recommend anyone to taste it.

Read the full review here