If you’re exploring Yokohama and looking for a truly local dessert experience, skip the tourist traps and head straight to Motomachi. Nestled on this charming shopping street is Kikuya Yougashiten, a Western-style pastry shop that has been quietly winning hearts since 1924. And while the display cases are filled with retro cakes and cookies, one treat stands above the rest: the Rum Ball.
Rich, boozy, and unapologetically nostalgic, Kikuya’s Rum Ball is one of Yokohama’s most beloved and underrated sweets. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your foodie itinerary.
What Makes the Rum Ball So Special
The Rum Ball is a moist chocolate sponge cake blended with raisins, soaked generously in dark rum, and coated in smooth milk chocolate. The result is a decadent dessert about the size of a golf ball, delivering a rich burst of flavor in every bite.
This is not your average chocolate truffle. The rum flavor is bold and unmistakable, making it a grown-up dessert with a luxurious twist. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of black coffee or a glass of fine whisky. Because it contains alcohol, it is not suitable for children, but that just adds to its charm as a sophisticated treat for adults.
Each Rum Ball is individually wrapped in foil and placed inside a floral-themed box that evokes a nostalgic, old-world elegance. You can buy one to enjoy on the go or select a beautifully boxed set to take home as a unique souvenir from Yokohama.
A Slice of History in Every Bite
Kikuya has been serving Western-style cakes to Yokohama locals and visitors for nearly a century. The shop was founded in 1924, during a time when the city’s international community was growing and people were seeking European-style confections. One Swiss customer reportedly requested a rum-infused cake, and the result became an instant classic.
Today, Kikuya’s Rum Ball remains a nostalgic favorite. When you step into the shop, you are transported back in time. The polished wood counters, traditional glass display case, and elegantly presented pastries reflect a charm that is hard to find elsewhere. This dessert is not just a treat—it’s a piece of Yokohama’s cultural history.
How to Visit Kikuya Yougashiten
Kikuya is located on Motomachi Shopping Street, which is just a short walk from popular attractions like Yamashita Park and Yokohama Chinatown. The address is 2-86 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Yokohama. You can reach it in about three minutes on foot from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line, or five minutes from JR Ishikawacho Station.
The store typically opens from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and is closed on certain Mondays. It operates as a takeout shop with no seating, so it’s ideal for picking up a few treats to enjoy in a nearby park or at your hotel.
Why You Shouldn’t Leave Yokohama Without It
Kikuya’s Rum Ball is more than just a sweet—it’s a symbol of local craftsmanship and timeless flavor. The combination of rum-soaked sponge cake, silky chocolate coating, and elegant packaging creates a dessert that feels luxurious yet accessible. With over a hundred years of tradition behind it, the Rum Ball captures the spirit of old Yokohama in every bite.
Whether you’re a dessert lover, a curious traveler, or someone searching for an authentic souvenir, the Rum Ball offers something special. It’s easy to carry, easy to enjoy, and impossible to forget. Make sure to stop by Kikuya the next time you find yourself in Motomachi. One taste is all it takes to fall in love.
