Mamemono to Taiyaki Sunshine City Tokyo’s Famous “1-Minute Fresh” An Butter Taiyaki Experience

Located in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City,
Mamemono to Taiyaki Sunshine City is one of Tokyo’s most talked-about Japanese sweet shops.

Originally from Arashiyama, Kyoto, this popular taiyaki brand made its first Tokyo debut here.
Its signature item, the legendary “An Butter Taiyaki”, is said to have a best-before time of just one minute, and people line up every day to taste it at its peak.

In this article, we’ll cover:

The history and concept behind Mamemono to Taiyaki
Store information at Sunshine City
Waiting time and crowd conditions
An honest tasting review based on an actual visit

目次-table of contents

What Is Mamemono to Taiyaki?
- Traditional Kyoto Craft Meets Modern Café Culture
The Meaning Behind “Mamemono”
Mamemono to Taiyaki Sunshine City
- Store Information
The “1-Minute” An Butter Taiyaki
- Why Is the Best Taste Only One Minute?
Even at 4 PM, There Was a Line
- Crowd Conditions
Premium Smooth Red Bean An Butter Taiyaki (¥400)
Menu & Café-Style Enjoyment
A Must-Try Japanese Sweet in Ikebukuro

What Is Mamemono to Taiyaki?

Traditional Kyoto Craft Meets Modern Café Culture

Mamemono to Taiyaki was created through a collaboration between:

Ishida Rōho, a long-established Kyoto wagashi (Japanese sweets) maker founded in 1871, and
Toya Co., Ltd., a Kyoto-based company specializing in café production and food concepts.

The first Mamemono to Taiyaki store opened in September 2020 in Arashiyama, Kyoto, with a clear mission:
to create a new local specialty for Kyoto’s famous sightseeing area.

To achieve this, the shop is deeply committed to using carefully selected local Kyoto ingredients, combining traditional craftsmanship with a modern café-style presentation.

The Meaning Behind “Mamemono”

The name “Mamemono” carries several layers of meaning:

Mame (beans) – red beans, soybeans, and soy milk
Mame (sincerity) – careful, honest craftsmanship
Mame (connections) – bringing people together through food

The sweet red bean paste (both chunky and smooth) is made by Imamura, a renowned Kyoto anko specialist.
For soy milk, they use premium soy milk from Morika, a famous tofu shop in the Saga area of Kyoto.

Each taiyaki is truly filled with the spirit of authentic Kyoto ingredients and tradition.

Mamemono to Taiyaki Sunshine City

Store Information

Store name: Mamemono to Taiyaki Sunshine City
Address: Sunshine City Alpa B1, 1-28-10 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Phone: +81-3-3980-0077
Opening hours: 10:00–21:00 (Last order 20:30)
Taiyaki sales: 10:30–20:30
Opened: November 9, 2022
Seats: 11 (6 indoor / 5 outdoor)
Budget: ¥500–¥1,000

With excellent access from Ikebukuro Station and its location inside Sunshine City, the shop is popular with tourists, shoppers, couples, and families alike.

Please note:
Although the store opens at 10:00, taiyaki is available from 10:30.

Credit cards, QR payments, transportation IC cards, and electronic money are accepted.

The “1-Minute” An Butter Taiyaki

The undisputed signature item here is the An Butter Taiyaki.

Why Is the Best Taste Only One Minute?

Each taiyaki is baked fresh to order
A small cut is made in the hot taiyaki
A cold block of premium Hokkaido Hidaka butter is inserted right in front of you

The contrast between hot, fluffy taiyaki and melting cold butter creates the perfect balance — but only for a short time.

That’s why staff recommend eating it immediately, while it’s at its absolute best.

⚠️ Because the butter melts quickly, this item is not suitable for takeaway.

Even at 4 PM, There Was a Line

Crowd Conditions

Day: Weekend
Time: Around 4:00 PM
Waiting time: About 10 minutes
People ahead: Around 10 customers

During busy times, you’ll receive a buzzer and be called once your taiyaki is ready.

Despite the crowd, the turnover is fast and efficient.

Premium Smooth Red Bean An Butter Taiyaki (¥400)

The taiyaki dough immediately stood out.

Soft and fluffy, almost like a pancake
Light sweetness and very elegant flavor
Slight crispness on the outside

Inside, the smooth red bean paste is generously filled.

As you take a bite, the rich butter melts into the bean paste, creating an irresistible combination:

Creamy butter richness
Gentle sweetness from the anko
Fragrant, freshly baked dough

It’s simple, but perfectly balanced.

💡 Tip:
The butter can drip as you eat, so be careful with your hands and clothes.

Menu & Café-Style Enjoyment

Taiyaki can be ordered as a set with drinks or soy milk lattes, making it more affordable than ordering items separately.

Thanks to the available seating, many visitors use the shop as a casual café break while shopping in Sunshine City.
Even a short rest with freshly baked taiyaki and a drink feels relaxing.