Every item is a work of art. Definitely will come back to try other items. For the meantime, I just got the Matcha Sponge cake. First, I noticed how it was meticulously packaged. Well thought of. Second, it was baked to perfection. Highly recommended. The guy said no need to refrigerate. Glad I saw this store while walking inside the Ala Moana Mall. read more

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Oooo, I used to live 2 minutes away from the MK store in San Francisco, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that they decided to open a store in Hawaii. The beautifully lit display cases, along with the pretty packaging and the delicate looking sweets/wagashi makes it easy to fall in love with Minamoto. You know how sometimes you see desserts that are decorated wonderfully, but they tastes like, uh... junk? Well, Minamoto is not like that. The white peach mochi tastes exactly like peaches, the matcha items has that authentic earthy bitter taste, etc. Most of them items here are on the pricer side because of the high quality ingredients! If you're a bit overwhelmed, I suggest trying the chocolate items first before working your way towards the red bean, white bean paste, green tea... read more

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I buy gifts here a lot because food is always a way to travel when you can not. I always feel that introducing people to the sweets of a culture is the best introduction to their food. Rarely do people hate sweets yet regular food from a different culture can easily be off putting in flavor or texture. Being not Japanese, I generally stick to the wheat based options such as: Vanilla Senbai-Like an expensive white Oreo, white vanilla cookies sandwich a vanilla cream interior. Ayashirabe-a bean based pastry which reminds one of a vanilla cake of sorts, no bean flavor I promise. Rabbit Cake-also bean-based but like a lemon cake in taste. Leaf Pie-a sugared delicate French butter pastry Dorayaku-honey pancakes with red bean inside, which are always best grilled or toasted. Their Honey cake is world famous, moist with a deep honey flavor. A great gift for the truly unadventurous palate. The flavored chocolates are more Japanese style than I like which means it has a little more wax than the average truffle which makes them pretty hard. The flavors are very unique so I still occasionally get one to try. The extra soft truffles are not as good quality as Royce but those are hard to get locally. For the truly adventurous, try something with Sakura, the plum blossom flower which has a tart flavor reminiscent of starwberries and guava. It is such a unique flavor, it must be tried at least once in everyone's lifetime! read more

Love Minamoto Kitchoan! Ever since I first tried their Wagashi (Japanese sweets) in NYC, I fell in love. These goodies aren't overly sweet, light, delicate, and made with quality ingredients. They pair perfectly with a cup of tea. Employees at this location were super friendly and helpful. They offered samples and even threw in a few complimentary goodies in our bag during check out. The store is very neat and organized. These delicious treats aren't cheap, but you pay for quality ingredients. Located inside Ala Moana Center, I'm so glad we came across this awesome place. read more

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It is like the omiyage counters in the Japanese department stores; there is a small amount of variety, and everything is displayed and packaged carefully. So far I have enjoyed the many different wagashi I have tried. read more

I have been wanting to try the desserts here for awhile. It's my cheat day and this was dessert. I had the yomogi mochi. Umai!! It was soft and the red beans were just slightly sweet. I really wanted try the pear mousse - I was too slow and indecisive! Next time, mousse or Sakura mochi, can't wait! Try it, you won't be disappointed. read more

Nice traditional Japanese sweets & snacks. I'm looking forward to the return of all their items. I miss their nama chocolate and other special designed okashi. read more

K.Minamoto - Kusamochi 草饼 - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I went on New Year's Day to get a last minute present for a home dinner party I was invited to attend that evening. After all, being local, you can't show up at that kind of event not bringing something. I got there about 7:45 PM, and there were two employees behind the counter. After being greeted a little lukewarmly by one of the two women, I looked at all the displayed items. If you are not aware of what this store sells, it is a higher end confectionery from Japan which stresses the art of pastry making. Most of the items are mochi products which are miniature works of art. They also have a large display of birds that is truly stunning. The detail and crafstmanship of their work is magnificent. read more

Minamoto Kitchoan has imported and fresh made Japanese confections and Rokumeikan Tokyo Chocolates. It's pricey, but if you appreciate quality Japanese sweets like Peach, Cherry, or Kumquat Jellies; Baumkuchan; Mochi; and Honey Katsutera; look no further. They make gift sets for special days like Girls Day and Mother's Day so it's convenient to run in and grab what you need. This is a good place to pick up gifts for special occasions. read more

K.Minamoto - Chocolat Royal Rokumeikan - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Best japanese sweets place with the most cute designs ever! Walking in, they are very polite and offered hand santizer. They are a bit pricier, but definately worth it! I usually couldn't care much for mochi or bean paste, but this place does it where I actually want more! I will definately be shopping here again, for myself and for gifts for others. read more

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Entering this shop is like walking on a cloud! The colors and calming atmosphere are very conducive to browsing. I have absolutely no knowledge of Japanese confections and the labels on every item turned this visit into a learning experience. There are many prepackaged items that are beautifully presented. There is a temporary display of jungle and birds that is totally made of edible ingredients. There is a new display each year. I am looking forward to stopping here again! YELP challenge 72/100. Almost there! read more

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I really miss the freshly made MK obanyaki from here. No one else in the mall makes them so I wish they could start it up again. A new item arrived in Honolulu that I think most people don't know much about: kaishōyaki (海匠焼). I would've never known about these tasty seafood crackers if it weren't for the frequent omiyage coming through our office. However, the one I tried is not from Minamoto Kitchoan and I'll only say it has the word yukari on it's packaging. The seafood lovers at our company will never refuse these crackers when offered. The kaishoyaki I've had tastes like pure dried shrimp in a delicious, crispy, cracker form. It's super shrimpy and tastes like half the ingredients is just shrimp. MK's version says it has scallops, crab & shrimp. Sounds even better right? A 10 pack will set you back $18.50. A 20 piece set is also available for $37. All nicely packaged and dolled up for gifting. After tasting MK's version I will say it is indeed "of the sea tasting" & has a crispy crunch too it. It's definitely leaner on the seafood flavor since the main ingredient is scallop while the shrimp & crab are the very last ingredients listed. As a result it also has a more starchy taste in comparison to the other brand. Minamoto Kitchoan is the place for expensive Japanese snacks worthy of gift giving and treating yourself once in awhile. If you've never been here before then I would start with the Fukuwatashi Senbei, a waffle like creme cookie. They are currently available in vanilla, chocolate or matcha. 3 bucks a pop but worth the splurge. read more

K.Minamoto - Kaishoyaki 10pc set 9/2017. - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Came here to buy a box of mochi for my family. There is a huge variety of mochi and other snacks. Ot's really pricey for these little treats, but they're pretty delicious and so fresh tasting compared to the ones that I buy from the grocery store. The staff here are friendly and recommended the store favorite, peach. Overall, it's delicious, but I don't wanna become homeless because of buying these mochi products lol. This place is located in the Ala Moana Center near the center stage so there's a lot of parking. read more

Minamoto Kitchoan is located in the Ala Moana Center, right by Center Stage. This is a place full of delicious looking treats of all kinds. The desserts are in cases all around the store. Each treat will have a display of the actual food with a helpful description of each item. The staff was friendly and helpful, and were extremely quick to help us out once we were ready to pay. We tried the Matcha Waffle cookie, which was delicious! It had the perfect flavor and was a perfect crunchy treat! Minamoto is a little on the pricey side, but despite that, I would definitely come back and try a few more of their flavors and other treats. read more

Very good quality sweet shop , picked out a bunch of things ate some before we got home . Service was pretty bad for a luxury shop only 2 salespeople , one stands by the register and another shuttling between customers . Great product , lackluster service . solid 3 stars read more

K.Minamoto - Picked out a few items sakura mochi , manju , sherberts and a Baum cake . - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We decided to try their mochi since we passed their store many times but never come in. We got the white peach, strawberry, mix fruits, and a vanilla waffles cookie. The white peach is their best seller & that's the reason why I wanted it. The flavor is actually very very subtle. Great texture. My husband really like the strawberry ones. I haven't try the cookie or the mix fruits yet. The store is very elegantly set up. The sales representatives were all friendly & helpful. This place is definitely a mochi heaven. read more

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When I first checked into a ryokan in Kyoto, I was served hot tea and senbei. The senbei had ridged waffles that reminded me of Japanese roof tiles, and inside was a soft, creamy filling. I never asked the okami what the name of the senbei was and I thought it would be a delicious snack I would only keep in my memories of my time in Japan. Flash forward, I'm back in Hawaii and I see a new shop opened up called Minamoto Kitchoan. The interior is clean and bright with all the clerks dressed in white. The displays are perfectly arranged and the sample products look delicious. Glancing over at a glass display, I see the roof-tile senbei I ate at the ryokan! I read the name of the sweet: Fukuwatashi Senbei. I quickly buy a couple and rip open the packaging to try a bite. Instantly I'm brought back to Kyoto and the ryokan. Minamoto Kitchoan has a special place in my heart. With its delicious sweets made in Japan, you can always expect the flavors to be consistent and of high quality. The shop is a little pricey, but they make great gifts and are meant to be an occasional indulgence. Overall, a really great little shop with excellent products and Japan-level customer service. Highly recommended! read more

Mochi snobs unite! Among other yummy treats, the mochi is my weakness. But this dessert shop is the real deal. If you've ever been to Japan and been on the basement level full of desserts galore of a department store, you know what I'm talking about. MK treats are delectable and finely presented. You're going to pay for high quality, so try not to get sticker shock. Once you take a bite, you'll wonder why didn't you buy more or you'll think maybe your Aunty doesn't need her omiyage box because it will be in your tummy! Kind staff and presentation of products is simple and elegant. But the bottom line is if you love mochi, STOP HERE NOW. read more

K.Minamoto - Yummy matcha mochi with white chocolate filling - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The offerings at this cute little Japanese boutique can get overwhelming so take your time, but do not leave without the oobanyaki. Oobanyaki are stuffed pancakes that they make in house. They are simply the best. Shirokiya has similar treats, but the ones at Minamoto can't be beat. read more

K.Minamoto - These fruit jellies are pricey but so good! - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I recently got to experience some of the confections from Minamoto Kitchoan. I walked in the store a few times, and they offer a great variety of sweets. The store--located on Street Level 1, near Center Stage--specializes in Japanese confections. On the left side, you have traditional Japanese confections. On the right side, you can enjoy a plethora of western-inspired Japanese treats, but all of the goodies they feature are actually from Japan. These delicacies are great if you're looking for something light but not overly sweet. Here are some of the delicious treats I got to try: "Grace Dew": These are like adult fruit snacks that contain real fruit juice. They're also made with collagen and I loved the gummy texture. The packages are available in a variety of sizes and the snacks are available in flavors like banana, grape, mango, cranberry and melon. I think my favorite flavor was grape, but every snack tastes really fresh. "Leaf Pie": Sugary, buttery and light, this "Leaf Pie" is a popular customer favorite. I loved the flaky texture and the sugar crystals on top. I had one of the individual packets (two cookies per package), but you can get larger assortments as well. It's hard to stop eating after just one! "Chocolate Truffles": Truffles come in boxes of 20 pieces and are available in matcha or chocolate flavors. I had the chance to try both but I definitely loved the chocolate flavor more! The taste isn't as rich or as sweet as traditional American truffles, but the melt-in-your-mouth, soft and silky texture truly can't be beat. You get the perfect amount of sweetness in every bite. read more

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Best manju I've ever had and the customer service was excellent!!! I wish I had bought more.

I've only tried a couple things here and my favorite is the white peach. There are different types I like the one that starts with a t. Sorry I forgot the name. It's pretty expensive but the only real fruit available in the store. It was $ 23 dollars and not even a whole peach. But it was delish. I still think it's over priced. But I bought it twice so what can I say..... u have to decide urself. read more

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I loved the Sakura mochi it was an interesting mix of salty and floral. The chestnut mochi was dense and sticky (yum) . Any of the red bean desserts are great. Of course we got tried the red bean pancake and there's a reason it's most popular. read more

Interesting shop. Entered and was not greeted. Browsed, then left. Their items were attractive. Did not inquire about prices. Zero customer service. Strange because I'm Japanese. read more

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Well I actually saw this place on a commercial and it looked really interesting so I decided to check this place out. I must say the place is very clean and organized. But the thing I really like is that they have samples of certain items. Anyway most of the items here are kind of on the pricy side, but the quality of these food items are exceptional, so I think it's worth it. They have everything from mochi, to cakes. The even have fruit jelly candy, and sorbet(at least I think it was sorbet). I bought some kumquat filled mochi which was very delicious. I know I will have to come back to this store to try some of their other mochi. The customer service here was really good considering only one person was working the store at the time. And somehow she was able to be very attentive and very friendly. The desserts here are great and well worth the money. I highly recommend this place for the high quality desserts. read more

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As soon as I entered Minamoto Kitchoan, I feel like I stepped into an authentic Japanese store in Japan. It was awesome! There were so many different flavors of mochi that I wanted to each everything, but alas, my wallet did not agree with my desire. I did purchase an oobanyaki for myself (fluffy pancake with chocolate) and I only wished it was a bigger size because it was so yummy. The next time I return to Hawaii, I'm going to come back to Minamoto Kitchoan and try out more things. read more

K.Minamoto - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The desserts here are so good! Just one small thing... price. One single-small dessert can cost anywhere between $3.50 ~ $16. Oh yes, I'm eyeing the $16 peach jelly dessert. One day, for a special occasion, I WILL get it. LoL. I recently got the chocolate mochi filled with chocolate. It was good. I also got the strawberry mille-feuille. So yummy! read more

Highly recommended for tourists and locals alike, but for review's sake, here's a couple pointers: One, this place is a little expensive. Best comparison to draw is to a place like See's Candies: you can buy individual portions if you want to treat yourself to something nice or if you're on a date or something, but I feel like it's more aimed at buying boxes of particular products to give to people as gifts. It's a high-end confectionary, not an ABC Store. Two, it's a Japanese confectionary. Japanese sweets are (generally) less sugary and strong than American stuff, and the store's products revolve around typical Japanese flavors, like matcha, red azuki beans, chestnuts, and various fruits. That's not all they have, of course, but it's something to keep in mind. That said, I really like this place, and I've been coming by every so often when I'm at Ala Moana for this reason or that. Their fruit jellies are very good and I'm particularly fond of their mochi, as well. If you're interested in trying something different, or have an interest in Japanese cuisine in general like I do, this place is definitely one to check out. read more

Stopped by for some snacks at this genuine Japanese bakery spot!! The look of every piece is amazing here!! Got the mango jelly purée and a sweeter jelly!! Every piece is wrapped like an art! read more

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Their desserts are very high quality. The price is justified by the quality of their products. If you wait for the sales that's usually the best time to buy their products. Makes very good gifts. read more

There is mochi.... then there is OMOCHI super deluxe! This place is definitely in the latter category, where every bite is so mouth wateringly good that you'll wonder why you don't come here every day. Our favorites are the sakura mochi and the kusamochi (sometimes called yomogi mochi) which is made from a grass like herb which gives it its signature green color. Unfortunately they were out of our favorites today, they just recently reopened so it may take a while to straighten out their inventory. No worries though, because they have plenty to choose from. We purchased a couple of pieces of the matcha and white peach and gobbled them up during our short drive home. Yes they are that good! Remember to get a card, you will get a discount after you spend a certain amount of money. Sorry I can't remember the details, I've been stuck at home for 2 months and can't remember much as we emerge out of quarantine. The mall was not crowded at all and it was great to be able to find a parking space right away. Remember to support your local businesses as they reopen! read more

K.Minamoto - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Don't let me run lose in this store ever again... I bought so much I have no way to eat it all. Invite the whole neighborhood! This is excellent quality wagashi-Japanese sweets. All done as in back in Japan. The sweets I used to dream of as a kid...try it and you may know what I mean. My favorites that I will come back for are: - Sakura mochi - Kashiwa mochi - Green tea mochi - white peach jelly (or mochi) - chocolate mochi...of course :) The store is beautifully arranged and brought me back to Japan. Very clean, stylish in the Japanese traditional way and highly organized. All the staff was super friendly and helpful too. The cashier went to ask her manager if they had plans for mizu yokan which I asked for. I recommend that you learn a little about how to consume the sweets. I would suggest you get it with Quality Japanese green tea, which they also sell in the store. Most sweets are delicately flavored and contrasts very well with the slightly bitter tea. One piece or max two should be enough at a time as even if sweet they should be eaten slowly and with full appreciation. Many are a masterpiece and work of subtle art. Hope you Enjoy the dainty Japanese culture! read more

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Everything we have tried here has been DELICIOUS! The taste of each item to the wrapper is amazing! We keep coming back to try new goodies. We love the ambiance of this shop as well. The goodies are a bit pricy, but definitely worth it! They are pleasant to the eyes and tastebuds! :D Best part: the oobanyaki is made fresh right before your eyes! We love both flavors (chocolate and red bean) and look forward to trying the sweet potato flavor next time. read more

K.Minamoto - We love all the desserts! - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I love Minamoto Kitchoan! Minamoto Kitchoan is one of my go-to places for gifts for my family and co-workers. They have a great assortment of Japanese goodies from mochi and castella to gummy candies, chocolate, and jellies (and lots of stuff in between). When buying certain items, you just need to check the best by date because many of their products have short shelf lives (not packed with preservatives and junk, I'm thinking). The staff will usually tell you at the time of purchase that the product doesn't keep long though, so that's good. I love their mochi. I want to say someone used to make the mochi daily in the store when they first opened, but I'm not sure if that actually happened or if I'm imagining it. The sakura mochi is the best in my opinion since there's that pinch of salt to the sweetness of the mochi. Minamoto also sells those really amazing, mind-blowing melt-in-your-mouth chocolates. I've tried the big peach jelly once ($12!) but it was really good. To be honest, I've enjoyed everything I've ever purchased from the store. It's a bit pricey at times, but the taste is worth it. The staff is nice too, and they have a stamp card. read more

This place is awesome! As soon as you step foot in here you feel like you're in Japan! The wrapping and packaging is so cute and pretty. They have chocolate, truffles, chocolate mochi to various candies and cakes. Customer service here is excellent too! Great place to come and treat yourself or buy gift for someone else. I love their green tea truffle chocolates! read more

K.Minamoto - Green tea chocolate - Desserts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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We drove all the way over here and was disappointed. The place is just like one we visited in Japan and we were ready to stock up. However they were out of stock on everything!! Only had the layer cake and a couple items. The only mochi was matcha. Boo read more

This place is pricey, but they have authentic mochi and traditional Japanese sweets! Just like Japan! Located in the Ala Moana shopping center, this is a great place to get dessert gifts for friends since the Japanese package everything so nicely and Minamoto's is just like purchasing wagashi from the depachikas in Japan. Unfortunately they were out of Sakura mochi when I went, which is my favorite, so I was super bummed, but I hear that it's the best sakura mochi. We had their ayashirabe which is sweet white bean anko covered in a soft, buttery cake on the outside. These were very good here, as sometimes the cake can get mushy due to the moist bean paste inside, but the cake held up well and was delicious. We also had their "grass mochi". They carry fukuwatashi senbei here too, which are one of my favorites! They are like thin waffle-like cookies with cream inside. If this is your first time trying Japanese sweets, I would highly recommend starting with fukuwatashi senbei. Another sweet thing about this place is that they have a Imagawayaki griddle and make them fresh in front of you! Imagawayaki is like a sweet pancake batter filled with sweet red bean paste and cooked in molds on a griddle. They taste amazing when made fresh and the smell is so good walking paste the store. This is definately an old school favorite of people like my grandma. It tasted delicious. And they make them fresh for you when you order; none of the ones sitting cold in packages on the shelf. Besides the sweets, the staff here is so friendly and kind! Kayla C. was so sweet and patient with us! I will definitely go back to her every time! She made the experience even better. Like others have said, yea, this place is expensive, but everything from Japan is expensive. Besides, the Japanese put so much care into everything they make, Minamoto's is no exception. They are high quality so you do get what you pay for. read more

This relative new entry to the Ala Moana Shopping Center brings an upscale feel to this ground floor space. The store is very clean and spacey, lined with a variety of mochi and other Japanese sweets. On a weekday morning, we wandered in and studied their selections. We sauntered to the jelly candy section, noticing a variety of choices in packaging and flavors. My friend purchased two different small bags of these candies to share in our hotel room. It's much easier when shopping with someone with a sweet tooth as you are more engaged in the selection. In this case, my friend was not particularly interested so this was more of a browsing trip. The sales staff mainly speak Japanese, guessing by their slight accents. The displays are attractively arranged, more in line with a jewelry store atmosphere than food place. The feel can be a bit intimidating especially for the casually dressed tourist. On our second visit to the store, there was a staff member making Taiyaki's at the window. Being in a rush, I didn't order one though it was awfully tempting. After my purchase, I took a brochure and learned that they have a store about six blocks from my office in San Francisco. Guess I don't really need to come here, but, given my work schedule, I'll probably have more opportunity to shop here than in the 415. read more

beautiful wagashi shoppe. tiny store, but soooo many choices! it can get overwhelming, so it took me a few visits to figure out what i would purchase to bring home to my family. my favorite is always the CHOCOLATE MOCHI. the mochi is so delicate, soft and fine. and the chocolate inside is smooth like butter. i also picked up a few boxes of the MATCHA CHOCOLATE MOCHI, another must!! this has matcha powder on the outside and white chocolate inside. i am not a fan of white chocolate, but do very much appreciate when an ingredient is carefully made and expertly executed. i also brought home some HAWAIIAN JELLIES for my mom. these are only sold in the Hawaii store. i also couldn't resist grabbing some of their CASTELA (like a pound cake)... in MATCHA flavor, of course. it was so fine, moist and light, unlike any other castela i've ever had. i grabbed a variety of a la carte wagashi for my brother whose birthday was coming up, and he also appreciates fine japanese treats. in addition, i got him a box of the CHOCOLATE MANJU, but with the red bean on the outside and the chocolate inside. well i ended up eating it because our stay in Hawaii was extended and it was expiring!!! lucky me... sorry brother, Joseph A. it was really really delicious and i wanted you to have it, but couldn't let it go to waste!!! it was sooo fine and just beautifully made. it's really hard to eat these creations by Minamoto... everything has such detail and too pretty to eat! well... i took pictures, so at least we can keep these beauties in our memory longer. i was tempted to buy their PEACH MOCHI, but we've already had that and i can always buy it when i visit San Francisco or Torrance. but the PEACH, i tell you, t's amazing. they also sell fresh hot imagawayaki at this store, which you can see in the making. service is very Japanese.. polite and helpful, that is. i needed their newest batch of inventory since we wouldn't be traveling back home soon. they gladly went out of their way to search the back for the freshest deliveries. yes it's an expensive treat, but everything is made to perfection to the smallest detail. expect only the finest with each and every piece. they make the loveliest presents. read more

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This is a cute little Japanese store with lots of yummy sweet treats! I love everything I have tasted so far (peach mochi, gummy fruit candy, wafers, jellies, chocolate, ect). It's a bit expensive, but they're worth it. Everything is packaged nicely and it just looks / tastes like top quality stuff! Reason why I'm rating 3 stars; customer service is so inconsistent. When I purchase a good amount, I get good service, they help me out, ask me how I'm doing, they even come around the counter to bring me my bag of goodies once I'm done paying. BUT the times when I don't spend much, their customer service sucks!!! They don't take the time to do things they would if I were spending more. Which sucks, because I like good customer service whether I'm spending $500 or $3, it shouldn't matter. Especially because I'm a returning customer. Today I spent about $10-$15 only and got that same crap service. I didn't even get greeted, just ignored till I walked up to the register. So I probably won't be returning. Thank god for the new Kahala Mall kiosk! Hopefully they have better service read more