Nakazato

The rich aroma of toasted sesame oil paired with a gentle touch of salt on the palate sets the signature confection of Nakazato in Kita Ward apart from traditional monaka the instant you take a bite. Its wafer shells, crisply fried in sesame oil and dusted with roasted salt from Izu Oshima, encase smooth sweet bean paste to create a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes. Reminiscent of a light rice cracker, the shell regains its aromatic crispness when gently reheated in a toaster oven at home, making an ideal companion for green tea as well as black coffee.

Alongside the fried monaka, another staple is Nanbanyaki. Scented richly with Okinawan brown sugar, its moist, chewy pancake carries a depth distinct from ordinary dorayaki. While classic chunky adzuki bean paste is the mainstay, seasonal variations such as sweet green pea paste also appear, offering refined sweetness and lingering flavor. In colder months, seasonal items like budo-mochi—featuring smooth strained adzuki paste with a soft, supple texture—further reward repeat visits throughout the year.

The shop is a modest, calm space accommodating about 2 people at a time. Confections are available individually for home enjoyment or neatly boxed for gifts. Queues often form before opening, and popular items not uncommonly sell out by the afternoon. To secure what you are after, visiting in the morning or placing a reservation by phone in advance is recommended. Note that payment at the counter is strictly cash only, so be sure to prepare accordingly.