6 Great Castella Sponge Cakes in Yokohama! Enjoy the flavors of famous shops, from long-established stores to new-style takes

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Bunmeido Isezakicho Icchome Ten blends right into the retro streetscape of Isezakicho in Yokohama.

Beyond the restaurant sales space, there is a cafe area wrapped in the warmth of wood and soft lighting. It is said to be a great choice when you want to relax and enjoy something sweet.

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The "Pasuteru Set" is a recommended menu item that comes with mikasa-yama (Japanese pancake sandwich) skins (pasuteru) and sauce.

In addition to the special sauce, there are butter, anko (sweet red bean paste), and fresh cream, and you can choose one for each piece of pasuteru. It also pairs perfectly with coffee.

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The "Castella Ice Cream" is a dish made with Bunmeido castella (Japanese sponge cake) sandwiched around ice cream.

The balance between the softly sweet castella and the light milk ice cream is said to be just right, with the crunchy texture of zarame (coarse sugar crystals) adding a nice accent.

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Grand Castella Yokohama Ten on the B1 floor of Yokohama Takashimaya is a specialty shop for Taiwan castella (Taiwanese sponge cake).

Its bright look based on red and gold blends with the refined feel you expect from a department store, making it stand out from the rest.

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In the display case, you’ll find a full lineup of kasutera (sponge cake), including the original version and others exclusive to Yokohama Takashimaya.

The simple “Plain Castella” is made with plenty of fresh eggs and milk, and is said to be light, fluffy, and only mildly sweet. It’s so good that once you try it, you’ll want to come back for more.

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You can also buy Taiwanese castella sponge cake in a half-and-half combination with different flavors.

The photo shows chocolate chip and Earl Grey. One of the nice things is that if you warm it up in your microwave at home, you can enjoy it with that just-made taste.

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Founded in 1910, Hojudo is a wagashiya (Japanese sweets shop) in Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama.

The display cases inside, with a wood-grain and white color scheme, are neatly lined with wagashi, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Photograph:ワイン飲み

The signature item is "Roll Kasuteira (rolled castella sponge cake)."

This rolled castella sponge cake is said to have a rich egg flavor and a pleasantly chewy texture. The batter, made with honey, is dense and very satisfying to eat. It comes in two sizes, full size and half size, so you can choose based on the occasion.

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The “matcha roll kasutera (matcha rolled castella sponge cake)” is also said to have a satisfyingly weighty finish.

With one bite, the gentle bitterness and fresh aroma of the matcha are said to spread all through your mouth. It tastes even better with mildly bitter coffee, which brings out the flavors even more.

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Yokohama Kochiken is a specialty shop for Taiwan kasutera (Taiwanese castella sponge cake), in a lively location right in front of Zenrinmon Gate.

Inside, the bright and clean space is based on wood tones and white. The display case is lined with Taiwan kasutera, and the shop has an atmosphere that makes it easy to stop by.

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The signature Taiwanese castella is made with care using the traditional separate-egg method and a hot-water-bath baking method.

It feels moist the moment you pick it up, but once in your mouth, it has a light texture that melts away. It is said to be so good, with just the right sweetness, that you will not be able to stop eating it.

Photograph:buddy1041

The "Coconut Honey Cake" is an original cake based on a traditional madeleine recipe, made with honey and fermented butter from France.

It comes in flavors such as the "Chocolate" shown in the photo, as well as plain, lychee, and Shaoxing wine, with the fragrant taste of roasted coconut adding a nice accent.

Photograph:つるべぇ

"Kumasan no Kasutera (Bear Castella) Yokohama Cosmo World Ten" is a small stand-style restaurant in the Burano Street Zone.

The sweet aroma drifting from the storefront is part of its charm, giving it an easy, drop-in feel! A cute bear object is said to be the landmark.

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A popular menu item is the cute, round "Kuma-san no Kasutera (bear-shaped castella sponge cakes)." They come in plain, cocoa, cocoa mix, and strawberry mix, with the mixed options paired with plain.

The cocoa flavor uses high quality cocoa powder from the Netherlands. Each variety is available for purchase starting from 8 pieces.

Photograph:つるべぇ

As a great street food treat, the “soft serve” topped with Kumasan no Kasutera (bear shaped castella sponge cake) is also popular with people of all ages.

Besides the “Chocolate Mix” in the photo, they also offer vanilla and chocolate. If you like strawberry or matcha flavors, the cup type is recommended!

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Fukusaya Yokohama Sogo Ten is located in the Japanese sweets section on B2F of Sogo Yokohama.

Golden castella (Japanese sponge cake) are lined up neatly in the glass display case, giving the shop the refined feel you expect from a department store. It also has easy access from Yokohama Station, and is said to always be busy with lots of customers.

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The "castella (Japanese sponge cake)" has a moist texture and mild sweetness.

The crunchy texture of the coarse sugar on the bottom adds a nice accent, and it is said to be so good that once you try it, you will be hooked. It comes in two sizes, 0.6-go and 1-go, and would likely make a welcome gift or present.

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"Fukusaya Cube" is a popular item that comes in bright seasonal packaging.

It is a small boxed type that lets you casually enjoy two slices of traditional kasutera (castella sponge cake) anytime, anywhere. Its convenient carry-friendly size also makes it perfect for a small souvenir.