A Small Fish-Shaped Happiness Nearby
Published: March 2, 2026
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
“Futabido,” a food truck touring various locations.
Futabido delivers freshly made taiyaki (a fish-shaped Japanese sweet pancake filled with red bean paste) through both in-store and a food truck that travels to different locations.
The food stall is conveniently located right in front of a local school, and many of its customers are neighborhood kids who stop by for something sweet with their pocket money or drop in casually on their way home. This is why the prices are kept low and kid friendly. On weekends and holidays, they sometimes switch to a kitchen car and set up in waterfront areas nearby, such as Toyosu. This time, we interviewed the food stall.
One of the standout features of Futabido’s taiyaki is the delicious, satisfying batter. Made with plenty of eggs, it’s thick, fluffy, and nicely filling.
Their taiyaki batter is made from an original in-house recipe. Because of its fluffiness, kids tend to love them. They are also generously filled with ingredients, which makes them surprisingly satisfying. It is more than just a snack; it is hearty enough to feel almost like a light lunch.
The classic tsubuan (chunky sweet red bean paste)
The classic taiyaki is always a safe bet. Freshly made and wonderfully soft, it is best enjoyed while it is still warm in your hands.
Their customers span all ages, and even curious visitors from abroad often stop by the kitchen car to pick up a few. They also take phone reservations, preparing each taiyaki fresh so it is hot and ready right when customers arrive.
They also offer savory taiyaki flavors such as Okonomiyaki (a Japanese savory pancake made with flour-and-egg batter and shredded cabbage, often mixed with ingredients like pork or seafood, then cooked on a griddle and topped with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise), Ham & Cheese, and Bacon & Egg.
Taiyaki are usually sweet — filled with custard, chocolate, or red bean paste — but here they also make savory versions. It is such a unique twist! The portions are generous, so they really can work as a proper lunch. Kids pick one up to recharge their energy, then head back to their studies or sports activities ready to keep going.
Baby Castella (Bite-sized sponge cakes)
These are bite-sized treats, perfect as a sweet snack at any time of day. The batter is different from that of the larger taiyaki. You can get five for just 150 yen, or twelve for 300, great value for money!
The owners are very kind to the kids, which is one of the reasons they are so popular. Sometimes they even slip an extra one into the bag as a little gift, cheering them on after their long hours of classes and hard work.
“Futabido Original Coffee,” made with in-house-roasted coffee beans.
Both hot and cold drinks are available, and the coffee was especially good, made with beans sourced from a specialty shop. A cup of hot coffee pairs perfectly with their small snacks, like the baby castella, and together they make the perfect sweet treat for the afternoon.
What Futabido values most is delivering taiyaki to customers at its best—fresh off the grill.
You can enjoy them freshly made and soft on the spot, or pick some up on your way home and warm them in the toaster for 1–2 minutes to bring back that just-baked, fluffy texture.
≪English Reporter Journalist Profile≫
・Name：Diana
・Nationality：Spain
・Hobbies：Dancing, Bon Odori, DIY, and Crafts
※Information is based on February 2026. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the class directly.
※All amounts mentioned in the article are inclusive of taxes.
