Yanagiya: taiyaki baked one by one in iron moulds

Yanagiya (柳屋) bakes taiyaki, the fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean, the slow way. The method is called icchō-yaki: one fish per heavy iron mould. A craftsman turns each mould by hand over an open flame, and the queue passes close enough to watch. The shell comes out very thin, crisp and lightly charred. The anko, made from Hokkaido azuki beans, is chunky and fills the cake from head to tail tip. The shop has been named to Tabelog's "Tabelog 100" list for Tokyo sweets several times, most recently for 2026.

Reviewers almost universally single out the paper-thin, smoky, crackling skin and the generous filling, which most find restrained rather than sugary. Many mention the charcoal smell drifting along Amazake Yokocho and the pleasure of eating a taiyaki hot in the street. The ice-cream monaka, vanilla or ogura (red bean) ice cream in a wafer shell, draws occasional praise.

Criticism is a minority, but it does exist:

• A few foreign visitors found the char too strong or the skin softer than expected.
• One Japanese reviewer found the anko sweeter than they like.
• One reviewer thought the ice monaka ordinary.
• Taiyaki carried away in their paper wrapping turn soggy.
• The menu is very short.
• Smoke from the moulds stung one reviewer's eyes in the queue.

Prices are strikingly low. Reviewers in 2025–2026 paid around ¥200 for a taiyaki and ¥200 for an ice monaka. A typical visit costs well under ¥1,000. The shop closes at 18:00, so there is no dinner spend to speak of. Boxed sets are sold as gifts.

On value, reviewers are emphatic. ¥200 for this level of handwork is repeatedly called "a miracle in these times".

• Getting there: 3 minutes on foot from Exit A1 of Ningyocho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line).
• Payment: cash only. Credit cards, electronic money (including Suica and Pasmo) and QR payments are not accepted. The listing notes that a service charge may be added.
• Booking: no booking needed; just join the queue. Expect to wait 20–60 minutes. It is quieter on weekdays around 16:00–17:00 or near closing. Bulk orders can be placed by phone on 03-3666-9901.
• Seating: takeaway only, with no seats, private rooms or private hire. There are benches along the street.
• Children: welcome, including babies and preschoolers.
• Parking: none.
• Language: signs are mostly in Japanese, and staff speak limited English.
• Tip: eat it hot on the spot, and reheat leftovers in a toaster.
• Hours: these may change, so check with the shop before visiting.