If you love discovering small, beautiful food shops while traveling in Japan, Kashiya Shinonome is a lovely place to add to your Tokyo list. Located in Kuramae, an area of Tokyo known for its independent cafés, craft shops, and creative atmosphere, Shinonome specializes in beautifully made baked goods.
A Little Gem in Kuramae
Kuramae is one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore in Tokyo.
Once known as an area of warehouses and traditional crafts, today you’ll find small cafés, specialty shops, studios, and independent makers throughout the neighborhood.
Among them is Kashiya Shinonome, a charming baked goods shop with a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere.
Even before choosing what to buy, I love simply looking at the beautiful display of sweets lined up inside the shop.
Konnichiwa! I hope you’re all doing well and finding ways to stay cool during these hot summer days.
Here in Tokyo, the sound of cicadas fills the air, and markets are overflowing with beautiful seasonal vegetables and fruits. Summer is one of the best times to experience Japan’s deep connection with nature through food.
In Japan, we treasure the idea of seasonality.
Choosing ingredients at their peak, appreciating what each season brings, and sharing meals around the table are all part of a way of life that has been passed down for generations.
In my cooking classes, I love sharing not only Japanese recipes but also the stories, traditions, and values behind them with guests from around the world.
In June, I’ve also begun a new project called The Japanese Kitchen Way—a journey to explore the philosophy of the Japanese kitchen beyond recipes.
Why do Japanese people use dashi? Why do we value seasonal ingredients? Why do we say Itadakimasu before every meal?
These are just some of the questions I’ll continue exploring and sharing.
Through this blog, I’ll be sharing Japanese food culture, seasonal living, behind-the-scenes moments from my cooking classes, and stories from everyday life in Japan.
Thank you, as always, for being here.
I hope August brings you good health, meaningful moments, and delicious meals.
See you in the next post!
Warmly, YUCa
KURAMAE CANNELE: A Small Bakery with Big Charm in Tokyo
If you’re exploring the charming neighborhood of Kuramae in Tokyo, there’s one bakery you shouldn’t miss: KURAMAE CANNELE. This specialty shop is dedicated to one thing—perfectly baked canelés.
Unlike many canelés that are enjoyed after cooling, these are baked throughout the day, so you can experience them while they’re still wonderfully fresh. The outside is beautifully crisp and caramelized, while the inside is soft, rich, and almost custard-like.
One of the things I loved most was the attention to detail. Even the packaging is beautifully designed, making these little pastries perfect as gifts or souvenirs from Tokyo.
Another pleasant surprise? They even have canelés for dogs! It’s a thoughtful touch for visitors exploring Kuramae with their furry companions.
Right next door, you’ll also find a cozy eat-in space where you can sit down and enjoy your freshly baked canelé with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the moment.
If you’re looking for more than just a beautiful matcha latte in Tokyo, I’d love to introduce you to one of my favorite discoveries—LAMBERT in Shinjuku.
Tucked away from the busy streets, LAMBERT feels like stepping into another world. The moment you walk through the gate, the sounds of the city fade away, replaced by the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional Japanese garden and a beautifully renovated old Japanese house.
What makes this place special isn’t just the matcha—it’s the entire experience.
It’s hard to believe that the first half of the year has already passed, and July has arrived.
In Japan, this is the season when summer truly begins. The sound of cicadas in the morning, vibrant seasonal vegetables, a refreshing glass of barley tea, and the gentle chime of wind bells in the evening all remind us that summer is here.
Even in the heat, there is a unique sense of calm and beauty that comes with a Japanese summer.
This time of year always reminds me of the importance of eating with the seasons.
Cucumbers, eggplants, sweet corn, tomatoes, and edamame are all at their peak in summer. These seasonal ingredients not only taste their best but also help nourish our bodies during the hottest months of the year.
In my cooking classes, I love sharing these seasonal home-cooked dishes with guests from around the world. More than teaching recipes, I hope to give them a glimpse into how deeply the changing seasons are woven into everyday life in Japan.
Throughout this month, I’ll also continue sharing Japanese home cooking, kitchen wisdom, and the beauty of Ichiju Sansai (one soup, three dishes) through The Japanese Kitchen Way on Instagram.
Japanese food culture isn’t only about special occasions or elaborate dishes. It’s about creating a balanced, thoughtful meal that brings comfort and connection to everyday life.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me as I continue sharing the beauty of Japanese food culture with the world.
Wishing you a healthy, joyful, and wonderful July.
Warmly, YUCa
Tokyo Guide: Why You Should Visit MARUZEN in Asakusa
Looking for an unforgettable matcha experience in Asakusa?At MARUZEN, you can enjoy two of Japan’s finest treats in one place: freshly whisked matcha and their signature Matcha Mont Blanc.
The matcha is carefully whisked to order, bringing out its rich aroma, natural sweetness, and smooth finish.
Then comes the highlight.
A generous layer of freshly made Matcha Mont Blanc is delicately piped over creamy matcha gelato right in front of you. Watching the silky matcha cream being prepared is part of the experience.
The combination of bold matcha, smooth gelato, and light Mont Blanc cream creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Every spring in Japan, a special ceremony marks the beginning of a child’s elementary school journey: the Entrance Ceremony, known as Nyūgakushiki (入学式).
For many families, it is a memorable day filled with excitement, pride, and a little nervousness. While children arrive at school dressed in their best clothes, they often return home carrying much more than memories.
Here are some of the things Japanese first graders typically bring home on their first day.
Beneath the calm streets of Daikanyama, hidden inside Hillside Terrace, there is a small tea bar where time seems to slow down.
Tea Bar Chokeikyo (聴景居) is not a typical café. It feels somewhere between a tea room, an apothecary, and a quiet cocktail bar — a place where Japanese tea is reimagined through Asian aromas, spices, and modern craftsmanship.
Tokyo summers are humid and exhausting. When temperatures rise, many Japanese families naturally start choosing meals that are:
– lighter
– easier to digest
– fast to prepare
– refreshing but nutritious
Instead of heavy restaurant-style meals, home cooking becomes simpler and more seasonal. Popular summer dishes in Japanese homes include:
– cold somen noodles
– rice bowls with vegetables
– grilled fish
– cucumber salads
– cold tofu
– onigiri
– seasonal fruits
– barley tea
Meals are often served in small portions with several side dishes rather than one large plate. This style helps people eat comfortably even during extreme heat.
The Real Beauty of Japanese Home Cooking
Many tourists come to Japan dreaming about sushi, ramen, or wagyu. But everyday Japanese family meals are often much more simple. The beauty of Japanese home cooking is:
– using seasonal ingredients
– avoiding waste
– creating balanced meals
– appreciating small details
– eating together
This is the side of Japan many travelers never get to experience in restaurants. That is why cooking classes have become one of the most meaningful cultural experiences for visitors to Tokyo.
