Naniwaya Sohonten: Tokyo's Best Taiyaki in Azabujuban Since 1909 (Cash Only Guide)

Tokyo Mate

🐟 Tokyo's Top 3 Taiyaki Restaurant!
100-year legacy in Azabujuban, Naniwaya Sohonten.
Crispy skin filled with sweet bean paste to the tail,
Plus essential cash-only payment tips!

Naniwaya Sohonten exterior in Azabujuban showing traditional storefront
Naniwaya Sohonten exterior in Azabujuban

✨ 100-Year Legacy: Naniwaya Sohonten, Tokyo’s Top 3 Taiyaki

Established in 1909 (Meiji 42), Naniwaya Sohonten is a symbol of Azabujuban. Along with Wakaba in Yotsuya and Yanagiya in Ningyocho, it’s considered one of Tokyo’s Top 3 Taiyaki shops.

Their signature taiyaki features sweet bean paste (anko) slow-cooked for 8 hours, packed generously into thin, crispy skin—filled all the way to the tail. When you bite into it, the satisfying crunch and sweet bean flavor instantly fill your mouth.

Cross-section of Naniwaya taiyaki showing red bean paste filling
Naniwaya Sohonten taiyaki cross-section showing generous red bean filling

🐟 Not Just Taiyaki? (Menu & Tips)

1st Floor: Taiyaki Takeout (Cash Required!)

The 1st floor is dedicated to taiyaki takeout. Watching the artisans hand-craft each taiyaki using traditional methods is part of the experience.

Payment is CASH ONLY. Credit cards, electronic payments, and QR codes are not accepted. Make sure to bring cash before your visit!

📌 Pro Tip: If your taiyaki gets cold, reheat it briefly in an oven or toaster to restore its crispy texture.

2nd Floor: Naniwaya Café

The 2nd floor houses a cozy 12-seat café where you can enjoy freshly grilled taiyaki and other local favorites:

  • Hidden Gem: Yakisoba - Old-fashioned stir-fried noodles that are extremely popular among regulars.
  • Summer Special: Kakigori (Shaved Ice) - During summer, try the “Uji Kintoki” (matcha red bean shaved ice) while watching taiyaki being grilled over hot flames in the non-air-conditioned 2nd floor—a truly unique experience!
Yakisoba served at Naniwaya Café on the 2nd floor
Yakisoba served at Naniwaya Café (2nd floor)

📌 Essential Info Before Your Visit

⏰ Business Hours

  • 1st Floor (Taiyaki): 11:00 ~ 19:00
  • 2nd Floor (Naniwaya Café): 10:30 ~ 18:00

🗓️ Regular Holidays: Every Tuesday + Third Tuesday & Wednesday of each month (consecutive closure)

💰 Payment: CASH ONLY! (No cards, e-money, or QR payments ❌)

📍 Location: 3-minute walk from Azabujuban Station Exit 4

Naniwaya Sohonten
1 Chome-8-14 Azabujuban, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0045, Japan
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Additional view of Naniwaya Sohonten storefront

📍 After Azabujuban, Where Next? (Recommended Nearby Spots)

After filling up on delicious taiyaki, explore the sophisticated “adult neighborhood” of Azabujuban, then head to nearby Roppongi or Azabudai.

🚶‍♂️ 10-Minute Walk!

Art & Shopping District: Roppongi Hills - If you want to experience modern energy and artistic inspiration different from Azabujuban’s quaint shopping streets, head to Roppongi Hills.

➡️ Complete Guide to Roppongi Attractions (Observatory, Museums, Shopping, Restaurants)