Croissant Taiyaki Mashup in Shinjuku

Although, I haven't posted frequently in the last few months, the number of photos I've taken hasn't really gone down. I've just been busy with life and perhaps now that I've got a little time there's quite a big of blogging to catch up on.

This past Sunday, I wandered by this Croissant Taiyaki shop in Shinjuku. It's located out in the front Studio Alta just across the street from the East Shinjuku exit. I like taiyaki and croissants, so I had paid ¥210 and quickly devoured a custard creme version of this mashup, and was not disappointed. It's was delicious as expected. If I'm in the area again, I'll have to give the azuki bean or chocolate filled a taste. Hopefully, this pop-up shop doesn't disappear anytime soon.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf8.0, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf5.6, ISO 100, 1/400 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf5.6, ISO 100, 1/125 sec.

Taiyaki People outside Omotesando Hills

You see all sorts of people in all sorts of high and low fashion in Harajuku.  It's also famous for the cosplay on most weekends on the bridge in front of Meiji Jingu Shrine.

On my walk through Harajuku this past Saturday afternoon, things were a little different.  I stumbled across this group of Taiyaki people walking outside of Omotesando Hills.  I hope that it's related to some sort of promotion, because I can't for the life of me think why one would chose a Taiyaki head over the usual Goth, Lolita, or Rockabilly costume found in Harajuku.

Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf4.5, ISO 200, 1/400 sec.

Big Taiyaki at Tokyo Taiyaki

There's a more modern, sort of fast food but good taiyaki place in Roppongi Hills.  It's called Tokyo Taiyaki.  I have visited it several times before with my son and daughter, but this time they were featuring kabocha filling.

Chisai (tiny) taiyaki! or delicious Yamathon snack break!

Several weeks ago, I joined friends walking for Oxfam in the Yamathon.  We had loads of fun walking along the Yamanote line tracks and exploring along the way.  The team entry fee of ¥6,000 went to the 11 March earthquake relief effort so our effort was also backed with yen for the cause! 

Along the the way, I spotted this Taiyaki vendor at Otsuka station and had to purchase a small mix bag (16 pieces for ¥525) to share... Flavors included azuki (red bean), chocolate, caramel, banana, custard...

We passed over the Yamanote line several times along the route. At this location, the tracks were lined with beautiful cherry blossoms!

I've got crepes and taiyaki on my mind...

Out shopping yesterday and spotted this handy contraption.  It's a taiyaki maker!  Basically a waffle machine with taiyaki shaped molds.

The family also passed by a Marion Crepe's stand located outside the Tokyo Tower.

If you aren't familiar with the Tokyo Tower... Here are two quick snaps.

Cheap Culinary Adventure in Tokyo? Have Taiyaki! (Part 3 - Final)

I finished the day with a stop in Azabu Juban for taiyaki.  It's a pastry made of waffle or pancake batter filled with azuki (red) bean paste.  It's made in a special waffle iron.

Seems that this treat was invented in this very shop, Naniwaya, back in 1909!  There's a good review on foodjapan.net.

The taiyaki treat was only ¥150.  That brings my grand total for a crepe, curry rice lunch (with coffee) and taiyaki to ¥1050.  Who would have thought that such fun food could be a bargain in Tokyo.  If you add transportation on the JR from Harajuku to Shinjuku, and the Oedo subway line from Shinjuku to Azabu Juban, that would set you back another ¥340.