Sakura-Ya — Restaurant in Gardena

I missed it first time passing thru because it was blocked by sketchy people waiting for the bus. When I turned around and parked, went in -saw it was cash or check only- so had to go find an ATM. But back. Pricey @$2.95/each or $35.40 dozen which was what I got. No discount at all 😝 I'd say it's good, softer and more sticky than other mochi I've ever had.. but not worth a long trip out. It's an hr. drive from me, but I had business/work nearby later that day so I could come early to try get some. Been trying to catch it for years as their open hours & my non-work hours never matched. It finally did & although was a real treat-my birthday gift to self, it's not that much special for the drive. I got pretty much 1 of each.. the best were the egg-like mung beans with sesame seeds, pink and orange mochi. I made mistake getting the red beans with sticky rice-don't recommend unless you're eating it right away.. it fermented more whilst inside the car as I was at work. The rest held well, may need 2 iced coolers packets...

If you’re a first timer like me, you might be doubtful entering the store just like my experience as it’s not like the door was open or you could peek through from outside. Nonetheless that’s probably the way you knew it’s legit as the store didn’t even come in gorgeous presentation or whatsoever. Just simple showcases and an attendant, with cash-only payment.

Nothing looked fancy, but abundant options of both mochi and manju. If you’re not familiar, prolly simplest way to differentiate is mochi comes in chewy texture while manju is more soft bread-alike. The filling they offered varied from red bean, white bean, even black one! I got their Kinako Mochi filled with black bean and covered in soy bean powder. One bite and WOW IT WAS BOMB! So good and totally cured my craving for the ones I had in Japan. I could totally tell the quality was stellar and it’s fully stuffed with luscious filling making the price tag paid...

This is said to be the oldest and most beloved mochi shop in the area.

We picked up a 10-piece assortment that included ohagi, injeolmi mochi, steamed buns, and various manju.

The store itself looks like it’s barely hanging on—honestly, you might walk right past it if you didn’t know what you were looking for. But the flavors are simple, clean, and feel homemade. No artificial aftertaste or overpowering sweetness—just old-school comfort.

I especially liked the ohagi and the cinnamon manju. One of my companions loved the injeolmi mochi and also the cinnamon manju, while another really enjoyed the steamed bun and the white bean-filled manju.

If you appreciate traditional flavors and a nostalgic, home-style vibe, this place is worth...