Taisho 2 (1913)
Winner of the Minister’s Award at the National Confectionery Exposition! A long-established shop where you can enjoy traditional hand-grilled senbei
The Yanaka area of Taito Ward is home to about 80 temples, centered around Yanaka Cemetery, where Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the 15th shogun of the Edo shogunate, is buried, and Chōan-ji Temple, where Jurōjin of the Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods is enshrined. Shinsendo Yanaka Senbei opened here in the early Taisho period and has built a history of over 110 years. Its landmarks are the uguisu-colored noren and a nostalgic pot-shaped glass display case, visible when you go up Goten-zaka from JR Nippori Station.
Lined up at the shop are many senbei that won the Minister’s Award at the 20th National Confectionery Exposition. Since its founding, each senbei has been carefully hand-grilled one by one, with no preservatives, colorings, or chemical seasonings used. The senbei are grilled every day, so if the timing is right, you may be able to enjoy them freshly made.
The recommendations of the fourth-generation owner, Mr. Tadashi Takayanagi, are three types: “Katamaru,” “Goma,” and “Zarame.” They have long been loved by local residents, tourists, and people visiting temples and shrines. Other varieties include the sweet “Peanut,” the spicy “Chili Pepper,” and the turtle-shaped “Shrimp,” popular with children, all available at reasonable prices.
History
The story began in Taisho 2 (1913), when the first owner, Ryohei Takayanagi, who had trained at a senbei shop in Ryogoku, founded “Shinsendo Taisho Senbei” in Hongo, Bunkyo Ward. Around Taisho 7 (1918), the shop moved to its current location in Yanaka, Taito Ward, and the name was changed to “Shinsendo Yanaka Senbei.” Today, led by fourth-generation owner Mr. Tadashi Takayanagi, the whole family continues to preserve the traditions and flavors passed down since the founding.
This Notable Item
Katamaru
90 yen
This is the signature product of Shinsendo Yanaka Senbei. You can enjoy its firm bite, the natural sweetness of rice, and the savory aroma of soy sauce.
Goma (Sesame)
90 yen
Like “Katamaru,” this sesame senbei is loved by regular customers. You can enjoy its fragrant aroma both when you open the bag and in your mouth.
Zarame
90 yen
The sugar crystals sprinkled on the surface pair perfectly with the salty soy sauce flavor. It is also very popular with children.
Spot Overview
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