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[Asakusa] Find the Best Tokyo Souvenirs at Niki no Kashi in Ueno’s Ameyoko
If you’re looking for reliable Tokyo treats, classic Japanese confectionery, or easy-to-carry Japan souvenirs at reasonable prices—including popular sweets from Japanese manufacturers known overseas, regional treats from across Japan, everyday snacks, and classic dagashi candy from the shitamachi old town—Niki no Kashi in Ueno’s Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko) Shopping Street is an easy spot to explore. Niki no Kashi is a beloved confectionery specialty store in Ameyoko that has been in business for 78 years. This theme park of sweets features approximately 8,000 different products and is enjoyed by both locals and travelers visiting Ameyoko. This guide looks at the products and what you can expect inside the two Ueno locations—known as the Main Store and the Bic-kan—and the lively atmosphere of Ameyoko, as well as useful information for those planning to visit Asakusa and Ueno.
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Niki no Kashi: Long-established Sweets Specialist Wholesaler Since 1947 in Ameyoko
Ueno’s Ameyoko is a shopping district that developed as a black market after World War 2. As a black market, Ameyoko primarily sold foodstuffs, surplus goods from the U.S. military, and imported sundries. Near the end of December each year, people visiting for New Year bargains sometimes reach one million per day.
Ameya-Yokocho Shopping Street developed from a black market into a wholesale district and is now a bustling shopping street featuring inexpensive food stalls, Japanese and other grocers, restaurants, and various retail shops. The area sits between JR Ueno Station and JR Okachimachi Station, making it easy to reach from many parts of the city.
The Ueno location is divided into two stores: the Main Store (Dai-ichi Eigyo-sho) and the larger Bic-kan. They are situated across the street from each other. Each store carries products with distinct characteristics.
The Main Store focuses on traditional sweets from all over Japan, including dagashi, while the Bic-kan stocks a broader mix of general snacks, regional specialties, gift-ready sweets, and processed foods and seasonings for home use. From nostalgic and traditional to newer snacks, from matcha and green tea to shelf-stable mochi cakes and seasonings like shoyu, miso, and soup stock, the variety here makes it simple to discover something to bring home. Many travelers visit both stores to compare products for purchase.
Both stores provide tax-free shopping for eligible visitors spending ¥5,000 or more (excluding tax), making it a great deal for anyone buying gifts in larger quantities.
Where to Buy Japanese Sweets? Niki no Kashi Main Store vs. Bic-kan
In the Main Store, there is a section where inexpensive snacks (dagashi) are sold from pots. Dagashi are budget (some priced as low as ¥10 each) nostalgic snacks from the shitamachi that many people in Japan remember from childhood. These small treats come in bright packaging and offer a nostalgic look at everyday Japanese confectionery culture. Items like soft candies, simple chocolates, puffed corn snacks, and sugar-based treats are common.
One recommendation is konpeito, the brightly colored star-shaped sugar candy that was introduced from Portugal in the 16th century. Its long history and cheerful appearance make it a popular purchase, especially for travelers who want to bring home something traditional without spending much.
Across the street, the Bic-kan features a wide, deep layout. It carries a wide range of products in addition to sweets, including groceries. In the Bic-kan, shelves are lined with large-quantity yet travel-friendly products, as well as regional snacks sold throughout Japan, boxed cakes and cookies, various seasonal release snacks, and many portable items that work well for longer travels.
At the two Niki no Kashi stores, there are many Japan-exclusive KitKat flavors that are only sold in Japan. Matcha, sakura, and hojicha flavors change with the seasons. In addition, there are oversized Pocky and Glico Pretz assortments, making an enjoyable shopping experience for travelers wanting something eye-catching.
From Matcha to Ramen… A Wide Selection of Tokyo Treats and Japanese Souvenirs
Walking into either store is a bit overwhelming at first—mostly because the aisles are packed from top to bottom with colorful packaging. Part of the enjoyment comes from simply wandering and seeing what appears next.
The Main Store’s emphasis is on long-established brands, small individually wrapped sweets, and regional items sourced from across the country. Many of these treats are suited for “baramaki,” the Japanese custom of handing out small gifts to coworkers, classmates, or friends after returning from a trip.
The shop’s wide selection of omiyage-style sweets—neatly boxed cakes, cookies, senbei rice crackers, and traditional confections—is another draw. In Japan, omiyage culture centers on bringing back local sweets for others, and many items in this section reflect that tradition. The packaging tends to be tidy and practical, designed for gifting rather than casual snacking.
For visitors who enjoy Japanese tea, the Bic-kan’s tea shelves include everything from premium matcha powder to sencha loose-leaf tea, hojicha, and genmaicha brown rice tea. There is also a variety of attractively packaged tea bags that are easy to pack and give as small gifts.
Fans of mochi will find options ranging from soft daifuku cakes to shelf-stable varieties suitable for flights. These sweets often come in small boxes or individually wrapped portions, making them easy to transport even in warmer months.
Another corner that regularly catches visitors’ attention is the area devoted to furikake, the rice seasoning commonly used at home. The selection includes dozens of flavors such as sesame and seaweed combinations, spicy cod roe, or simple egg blends. The packets are lightweight and inexpensive, so they’re popular with travelers who enjoy cooking and want to bring home something practical.
Beyond snacks, the Bic-kan also carries a range of pantry items used in everyday Japanese cooking. These include packs of ramen, takoyaki flour, okonomiyaki mixes, large bags of dashi soup stock, instant miso soup, Japanese curry roux, and other easy-to-use ingredients. They are convenient for anyone wanting to try making Japanese dishes in their own kitchen after returning home. Because the Bic-kan stocks both regular sizes and bulk quantities, it’s easy to pick up exactly what fits your plans.
Together, the Main Store and Bic-kan provide a broad view of both traditional and modern Japanese snacking culture. With more than 8,000 products available between the two stores, the variety encourages slow browsing and discovery rather than quick in-and-out shopping.
Tax-Free Shopping for International Visitors at Niki no Kashi
At Niki Confectionery, visitors to Japan can make tax-free purchases when buying products. Tax-free sales require presentation of a passport and a purchase totaling ¥5,000 or more before tax.
Because prices at Niki no Kashi tend to be lower than in many tourist-heavy districts, the tax-free option is especially helpful for travelers purchasing multiple souvenir boxes, larger quantities of snacks, or cooking ingredients. The process is straightforward and typically takes only a few minutes.
Exploring Ueno’s Ameyoko Shopping Street While You Shop
Part of the appeal of visiting Niki no Kashi is its location within Ameyoko Shopping Street, one of Tokyo’s busiest and most atmospheric market streets. The area has long been known for its mix of fresh food stalls, casual eateries, clothing outlets, cosmetics shops, and discount markets. It remains an active shopping zone throughout the day, with a lively character that reflects both old and modern Tokyo.
After finishing your shopping, you can easily spend more time walking through the surrounding alleys, trying street foods, or browsing small local shops. The neighborhood also connects directly to Ueno Park, which houses several of Tokyo’s major museums and the well-known Ueno Zoo. This makes the area convenient for travelers planning a full day of sightseeing.
How to Get to Niki no Kashi from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa
From HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa, the easiest way to reach Niki no Kashi is by train.
Start by taking the Tsukuba Express from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station—a one-minute walk from the hotel—to Ueno Station, a quick five-minute ride. Once you arrive, exit toward the Ameyoko side and follow the flow of shoppers into the bustling market street. Both the Main Store and the Bic-kan are located along the central stretch of Ameyoko, and they’re easy to spot even when the crowds are out in force. The two stores sit directly across from each other, so hopping between them takes practically no time at all.
Niki no Kashi
Address:
Main Store (Dai-ichi Eigyo-sho): 4-1-8 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Bic-kan: 4-6-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Closed: Irregular holidays
Access: about 2-minute walk from JR Ueno Station (Ameyoko Exit)
Website: http://www.nikinokashi.co.jp/
Writer
Lisa Wallin
A curious sojourner, Lisa Wallin has lived in Japan for about 15 years, along with 7 other countries. She has an insatiable appetite for local narratives, with a focus on regional culture, crafts and food. When not chasing stories, she enjoys coffee, visiting shrines, and exploring the country both with and without her dogs.