Especially popular during the Showa Period (1926 – 1989), dagashiya are retro candy shops that you can still find across the country, although numbers are sadly dwindling.
What can you find in a dagashiya?
The name dagashiya literally means “inexpensive sweet shop” or “penny candy shop,” and in them you can find all kinds of ultra-cheap packaged eats from hard candies to mini jellies and even savory bites like soy sauce-flavored rice crackers. They all typically come bite-sized and individually wrapped, so you can try a variety of treats. Once you find your favorite, I recommend purchasing a few more to bring back as souvenirs!
In Japanese, “kashi” or “gashi” means sweets, and there are many different types of “something-gashi” to lead you astray as you search for dagashiya. But no worries, here’s the quick version: “wagashi” are traditional Japanese sweets like mochi, “yogashi” are Western-style sweets, “yaki-gashi” are baked sweets, and “o-kashi” means sweets or candy in general. Now, good luck, and go wild!
Where can you find dagashiya?
Dagashiya were especially popular among children in Japan’s post-World War II decades, when kids could visit with just a few coins and choose from a wide range of treats. Visiting one today can give you a window into what being a kid was like in a different era. Some common goodies you can find in dagashiya include puffed corn snacks, soda-flavored candy, small chocolates, and gummies.
Although the number of dagashiya are decreasing, you can look for them in Tokyo and elsewhere in neighborhood shopping streets and older neighborhoods with a retro vibe. Tokyo Weekender provides a list of five dagashiya in the capital.
FAQ
- What is a dagashiya?
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A dagashiya is a retro Japanese sweet shop that sells inexpensive candies, snacks, and other small items for children.
- How much do snacks at a dagashiya cost?
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Many traditional dagashi snacks cost less than 100 yen.
- Are dagashiya tourist-friendly?
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Dagashiya are generally welcoming to tourists, and visiting one certainly won’t break the bank. It would be polite to ask the owner/staff before taking photos, though.