Toraya

Standing along the approach to Shibamata Taishakuten temple, Toraya greets passersby with vibrant green mounds of kusa dango. Ground Japanese mugwort imparts an aromatic, herbal backbone to the chewy rice dumplings, crowned generously with lightly sweet, mildly salted anko bean paste. Single skewers can be bought at the storefront for snacking while wandering the lane, while boxed sets of 16 or 24 pieces make easy souvenirs. On weekends, grilled kusa dango glazed with savory soy sauce and shredded nori seaweed appear on the counter, sending out a rich, toasty aroma.

Having served as an early filming location for the Otoko wa Tsurai Yo cinema series, the interior preserves a tranquil retro mood decorated with vintage film posters, complete with the wooden staircase seen on screen. Those stopping by purely for sweets can sit down with a kusa dango and coffee set, served hot or iced, or order cream anmitsu for a relaxing break during temple sightseeing.

Beyond traditional confections, Toraya functions as an everyday neighborhood shokudo. The dining menu covers comforting staples like classic ramen with its dark soy-based broth, clear-broth gomoku soba loaded with vegetables, and egg-bound katsudon. Guests can also enjoy draft or bottled beer alongside yakitori or katsuni pork cutlet simmered in broth, soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere of cinematic Shibamata.