Tokyo Voneten: TAIYAKI CAFE, Fish Shaped Cakes with Various Flavours at an Oshima Folk House

Walk straight down a small narrow path that will lead you a row of traditional Japanese folk houses, Kominka. In one of these you will find TOKYO VONETEN, a Taiyaki cafe that provides fish-shaped pancakes with various flavours.

The cafe not only appeals to travelers, but to islanders as well. It has a relaxed and nostalgic atmosphere and you may feel that you have gone back in time in Japan. Even though Taiyaki pancakes are the most popular sweets at this cafe, it also serves shaved-ice with various tastes such as Ashitaba which is a local herb of Oshima Island with red beans. Of course, you can enjoy the Taiyaki together with some local cuisine and much more.

An old house that has stood here for over 120 years is now a café

Close to Habu-Minato Port on Oshima island, Tokyo Voneten is located at the top of ‘Odoriko-saka’, literally Odoriko Hill, made famous by famed writer Yasunari Kawabata after mentioning it in one of his novels. The shop, set up in a building with over more than 120 years of history, is situated in this calm neighborhood of kominka houses.

Upon entering the shop, at first it feels like a ‘dagashi’ penny-candy store, but then at the same time it has the air of a relaxing cafe… there’s a calm atmosphere about the place. Mr. and Mrs. Kawamura, the husband and wife combo managing the shop, will welcome you in with a smile. The Kawamuras moved to Oshima island. Voneten didn't start out as a taiyaki store, but there’s a mysterious story that explains why the Kawamuras began a taiyaki business.

Mr. Kawamura, remembers feeling ‘something’ on a visit to the Ebisu Shrine in Tokyo. At the time, he didn’t know what that something meant, but whilst renovating the store one day, a statue of the god Ebisu appeared. Puzzled, Mr. Kawamura decided to look into the history of Ebisu, and learned of his connections with the Izu Islands. He wanted to act on his vision and, taking hints from the ‘tai’ red snapper fish that Ebisu carries in one hand, the taiyaki shop came about.

The recommended Taiyaki is the one with the large 'wings'. Also don't forget to try some different flavours

Tokyo Voneten offers an extensive Taiyaki menu. For example, there are savory Taiyaki’s perfect as a meal, but they also cover such classics as the red bean Taiyaki. A variety of seasonal flavours and the brown rice risotto taiyaki are also available. Finally, we recommend paying an extra 100 yen to have it cooked with the ‘Oobane’, the crispy outer edge that spills out of the mould.

Seasonal flavours combined with a delicious taste means that the shop can get very busy during lunch hour. Taiyakis are made fresh, so you know no matter what time of day, you are always treated to hot and fluffy Taiyaki.

Chilled Taiyaki and shaved ice (only during summer) are also popular

Tokyo Voneten's Osusume is not only the warm Taiyaki. Chilled Taiyaki with a delicious sticky texture and large shaved ice are also popular (only available in summer time). There are a wide range of beverages, from coffee to Oshima milk and chai tea. Why not spend some time in the traditional folk houses, the old Habu harbour and enjoy a Japanese snack which has been popular since the days of old.

Tokyo Bonten also has a private lodge, so be sure to check that out as well!