First timer to this store, came on Monday. Store was easy to find and easy finding spots to park. Staff was helpful and went through each flavor & design. Staff said design changes monthly. A really nice gift for folks that enjoy mochi. My colleague loved it! Def would come again and would recommend. Also the rabbit mascot is very cute! read more

Chikara Mochi is a step back into old Japan! I've seen this shop several times, but never went into it because I've always enjoyed getting mochi from Sakura-Ya (right down the street). I'm a bit bitter about Sakura-Ya because the last 4-5 times that I tried to go there, they have been always closed. HUH?! I walked into Chikara Mochi and was greeted by a cute little old lady. I asked her about the shop and she mentioned that the store has been in business for 25+ years. I took a sample taste of the grape mochi (chichidango) and it got me instantly HOOKED! Shiso Mochi: This is a white mochi with red azuki bean inside, wrapped with a red shiso leaf. The inside was sweet, and the outside was salty. YUM! The lady told me that the shiso was flown in from Japan! Grade: A! White Mochi with Red azuki: Regular white mochi with a red / black azuki bean inside. Tender and chewy! YUM! Grade: A- Blueberry Mochi: Cute white mochi with a black(?) azuki inside. The top was dabbed with some kind of blue jelly and it had a fresh blueberry on top! Yum! Grade: A! Pink mochi with white bean: Tender pink mochi with white bean inside. This was perhaps my favorite of the box (altho I don't typically like white bean). Grade: A+ White (manju) breaded outside with black bean. This treat had a white bread (manju( outside with black bean inside. Very tender, soft, and delicious! Grade: A- Kinako Mochi: White mochi with black bean inside. The mochi is then rolled in Kinako (roasted powdered soy beans). YUM! Grade: A+ Peanut Butter Mochi: White or brown colored mochi outside, with chunky peanut butter inside. Interesting, and neat! Grade: A- Rainbow Mochi: White mochi layered with different colors of the rainbow - pink, orange, yellow, green, white, etc. Beautiful presentation. Grade: B+ All of the mochi are absolutely BEAUTIFUL and stunning. A lot of craftsmanship went into each of the mochis. Some were decorated with doves, some with trees, some with flowers. It's a piece of art! The only *minor* bummer is that this place doesn't have the two favorite mochi: 1) chichidango, 2) mochi wrapped in a pancake. The lady said that they don't make these types at the store. You've got a new fan in me! read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

Such a precious little mochi shop in the older part of Gardena. I loved the classic decor that really keeps the place authentic. Come here if you want some beautiful and delicious mochi. I paid less than $20 for 8 pieces of mochi which is actually very affordable given how much work they put in to make each. They also taste so good so it's well worth it. A great gift idea for any occasion or just to come and spoil yourself. They are cash only so just remember that. Please support and check them out! read more

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Artisanal Wagashi (wah gah shee) Chikara Mochi means the sticky rice pate that gives you strength or a person of great strength. Either way, this Wagashi-ya or Traditional Japanese confectionery store is amazing when it comes to rice based pastries with an azuki (dark bean) or Shiro An (white bean) filling. There are also some selections of wheat based pastries too. My seasonally based favorite is around March 3rd when Momo no Sekku (Festival of the Peach Flowers) or Hinamatsuri (Festival of Dolls) is celebrated as Girls' Day. For the occasion, a special mochi pastry is made whereby the mochi rice pastry is colored a light pink and is filled with sweet azuki bean paste. But what is special is the salt preserved spring cherry leaf that is wrapped around the pastry. The mochi rice pastry has a light sweetness, and the mochi rice is delicately molded so that the individual rice grains still stand out. The sweeter azuki paste is contrasted by the saltiness of the preserved spring cherry leaf. Chikara Mochi does an extra special job of creating this complex, nuanced interplay of flavours that I can not find in other Wagashi-ya in the Los Angeles area. However, this Sakura Mochi (Cherry Rice Pastry) isn't around all year. It is usually gone by the end of April, since Tango no Sekku or Boys' Day comes up on the 5th of May when a different kind of Mochigashi (rice confection) is made for that occasion. The other one I like is the Kuri Manju- which is a wheat based pastry. The inside is Shiro An, usually made from a sweetened lima bean paste with a chunk of Kuri (chestnut) inside the paste. The outside is made of a wheat based pastry case. The Shiro An is almost creamy and the sweetness is gentle and mild, and it melds well with the baked wheat casing. This is found the year round, and it can also be found at a Nijiya Supermarket if it doesn't get sold out. There are more artistically, aesthetic Wagashi pastries that depending on the season mimic cherry blossoms, Japanese maple leaves, chrysanthemums, etc. that look too pretty to eat. I feel that these are more for giving elegant gifts that require refined presentation to people whom you need to impress or for special occasions. But I also feel these are quite appropriate for pairing with Matcha, or powdered Japanese green tea, which is kind of like an analog to the richly flavored espresso. So this is a great way to treat yourself to a genteel moment when you want a Zen-like mood of being in the moment with the Matcha tea in a simple Japanese teacup and a beautiful pastry set before your eyes. There are other Mochi that are more fusion cuisine in style such as a chocolate/peanut butter Reeses Mochi as well as fruit flavored ones that I have not tried. However, Chikara Mochi is definitely the most solidly based Wagashi-ya in the greater Los Angeles area. But if you are not near the South Bay, then Fu-getsu Do- in downtown Los Angeles' "Little Tokyo" would be a good alternative to the quest for the grail that is Wagashi. read more

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I'm so torn...I don't know if I like Chikara Mochi better or Sakura-Ya http://www.yelp.com/biz/sakuraya-gardena#hrid:wL0XlckRQAxhoOjIR5brMw. They are literally just a couple stores away from each other. I wanted to try both on the same day but Chikara is closed on Sundays. Chikara definitely has the presentation for their mochi. The consistency is very similar to Sakura-Ya. I liked the red bean, white bean was good too but just really not for me. Chikara has lots of different flavors but unfortunately they were all out when I got there! *sad face* I'll have to come back for the flavored mochis and try out their manju too. read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

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Great little mom and pop mochi shop in Gardena CA, about a block away from Bob's Hawaiian Restaurant on Western. Great to have this one-two combo of grinding some ono kine Hawaiian grindz and top it off with fresh mochi for dessert! Tried and really enjoyed their orange mochi, I'm a sucker for fruit-flavored or mochi with fruit! Definitely repeat and highly recommend! read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

I think Nick H. wrote a pretty spot on review comparing this mochi joint with its neighbor, Sakuraya, so check it out! Chikara mochi has friendly service-- they gift wrap for free!-- and beautifully decorated mochi. In my personal opinion, I thought they were a little too sweet, but the texture was still excellent, and I love seeing the reaction of those who open their box of beautiful mochi. **Cash only!** read more

Chikara Mochi - So pretty! - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

*** CASH ONLY *** Chikara Mochi is a wagashi (Japanese confectioneries) store that specializes in cute and artistic mochis (typically served in the tea ceremony). Red bean filling mochis are placed in the top row of the display case and white bean filling mochis are placed in the middle row of the display case. *** $12.90 (tax included, 8 pieces) *** Sakura mochi ($1.90 each): Mochi made from pink color sticky rice and wrapped in cherry leaf. It is traditionally served on the Japanese Doll Festival (aka Girls' Day - March 3rd). A very unique mochi and definitely worth a try. I believe Sakura mochi is a spring seasonal item. Daifuku ($1.40 each): Red bean filling mochi and I think Sakuraya's version tasted slightly better. Koume, Matsu (red bean filling, $1.60 each) + Butan, Ringo, Kiku (white bean filling, $1.60 each): My taste buds weren't subtle enough to pick up the difference between each mochi. Overall they all tasted pretty good. *** Personally Sakuraya (another mochi store that's just few stores away from Chikara Mochi - http://www.yelp.com/biz/sakuraya-gardena) offers cheaper and tastier mochi than Chikara Mochi. However, Chikara's mochi definitely gets a solid 5-star for their presentation. A great place to visit if you are looking to give mochi as a gift. read more

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If you love mochi as much as I do you haven't lived til you tried this place! BEST MOCHI ON THE PLANET no lie My favorite is the peanut butter mochi! I am a huge peanut butter lover and that definitely took the prize. On top of it all their mochi is made to perfection. It's not only about the appearance, but the taste matches the looks beautifully. Owner is very kind and welcoming. Great touch to a small family owned business MUST TRY!! read more

I was so heartbroken when Mikawaya closed in Gardena. There was no place to purchase fresh mochigashi. A friend at work brought me a mochi from Chikara Mochi and I was in heaven. I went today and purchased all the mochi I wanted. Each piece is so delicately decorated. My son and I have devoured 3 pieces so far and all were exceptionally soft, smooth, and so flavorful. And, as an added bonus, I get to support a minority-owned woman in her business endeavor. Ganbatte! read more

Chikara Mochi - Almost too beautiful to eat but totally scrumptious - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

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The mochi here is really beautiful, they look like little pieces of artwork. The lady that helped me was not very helpful. She seemed annoyed at me when I told her it was my first time. There was nobody else in the shop but every question I asked her all I got was some mumbling and a disgusted look. I am sorry that I am not a mochi expert and had questions lady. Maybe she was having a bad day, but no reason to take it out on me. I love supporting small businesses because they usually seem like they really appreciate every customer. That was the opposite vibe I received here. read more

The mochi that they sell are delicious. We try to stop in when we are down in this area. Unfortunately many times we come they are either closed or they sell out of the ones we really like. read more

Such amazing mochi in the South Bay! Each piece was gorgeous. The mochi layer was the perfect texture while the bean fillings came in a variety of fruity accents. The apple was unlike any I've ever had. The generous woman working this small store is a saint. So sweet! I would make this your go-spot for the delectable Japanese confection. read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

This is hands down the best fresh mochi in the LA region, it's like being in Japan. I CRAVE their mochi!

Great customer service, they are very friendly and helpful. The display is very attractive.

I am so in love with this spot. The mochi here is so unique and beautifully hand crafted!!!!!!! The store is a modest and quaint little hole in the wall which makes for the experience to feel more authentic. I have literally never seen such gorgeous mochi before. The details and colors are to die for. The owners and employees are such sweet Japanese people. Everything is super affordable too! Makes for fantastic gifts! They have boxes of different sizes available at no extra cost. I WOULD LOVE TO RECEIVE THESE AS A GIFT. (Hint hint for someone / anyone out there... haha) Be aware that they only take cash!! My only complaint is that it is not closer to me. :) read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

Wow, this mochi is so delicious and so beautiful. Incredibly soft and fresh. The fillings have just the right amount of sweetness and the flavors taste really authentic. One of the flavors I got was peach, and I was worried about an artificial taste but that absolutely wasn't the case. And it goes without saying, but they are incredibly beautiful too! The price is so worth it for the quality you're getting. These also make fantastic gifts! read more

Chikara Mochi - Matcha, peach, coffee, and strawberry flavored mochi! - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

Detail and Kind service. Very professional. Delicate, Artestic job. I appreciate the way they greet customer. I feel welcomed and want to go back. read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

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This place has the best mochi I've ever had in my life. Can't believe how beautiful each one was! Definitely would recommend, can't wait to come back and try more! read more

Chikara Mochi - Assorted mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

Beautiful delicious mocha, don't go too late or they will be sold out. We loved them. read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

This place is hidden behind massive ficus trees. I've driven past this place for years and I had no idea it was there. They have the absolute cutest manju and mochi! read more

First stop on our Ugly Delicious tour. The wife and I drove up from Irvine to try some of the handmade mochi. Earlier this year we were in Japan and loved the soft mochi so we wanted to see if this place was the real deal. We order about $30 dollars worth of stuff, all different varieties. Some with white bean and some with red bean. Everything was made with extreme care and precision. Looks so nice, you really don't want to mess it up by eating it. Pieces range between $2-3 dollars each, which is very reasonable. If your in the area I would definitely stop by to pick up a few items. read more

This is my second time making a purchase from Chikara Mochi and it did not disappoint. The person making the mochi here pays great attention to details. From the flavor to the texture and presentation, I really cannot find fault. I especially love their fruit flavored mochi. This place is a must for any foodie. read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

Very yummy mochi but very no friendly employee. Store opens at 9 and got there before 11, only few items on display. I asked if they going to make some more, a employee said no but another employee went inside kitchen and bring some more to sell for other customers. A sign said only 16 pieces per customer but they sold 3 boxes which have 36 pieces to a customer. I understand and respect their store policy about limit purchases. But they should treat every customer equally. I feel I'm not welcome in the store. They are plenty of Japanese desserts stores in town, I don't need to spend money and get the unfair treatment. read more

Simply delicious handmade mochi! The price is extremely reasonable for such incredible tasting mochi. I highly recommend these as gifts or a special treat for ypurself. read more

They make very traditional "Wagashi" and Mochi cakes as well as "Dango" . All made fresh in store and whole sell to other markets. Since they have to sell out each day, you need to go eaarly to get what you want. read more

Wonderful mochi! Soft texture with outstanding flavors! Presentation is perfect for gifts, chanoyu okeiko, and hosting the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The mochi are on the sweeter side, but that's what makes it go well with matcha and tea. Yomogi dango is my personal favorite when I'm not trying to be fancy. They keep things interesting with seasonal flavors and styles. read more

Deliciously soft mochi! Very pretty presentation and a great omiyage (gift) or just eat it all yourself.

Hands down this place is the best mochi I have ever had. Unfortunately the store is far from home for me but thankfully they sell at Tokyo central. The mochi is perfectly sweetened and it's so soft and fresh. I wish Tokyo central would stock more of their items. My Tokyo central stocks both fugetsu-do and chikara products but the chikara mochi tastes so much better than fugetsu-do IMO. read more

My family has been cOming here for as long as I can remember. When my Grandma was healthier and doing お茶の恵子 (tea practice & cerEmonies) she will order dozens of these. For aS long as I can remember my childhood consisted of eating their omanju. Now as a parent my chIldren eat them as treats and they love it! This place hands down has the best omanju/ mochi's! They are beautifully made into these intricate shapes that is too pretty to eat but when you bite into them it brings back the nostalgic memories of my childhood. These were the treats that were given to me instead of candies and chocolates. I give these out as gifts every time and they always bring smiles. I still bring these to my Grandma whenever I visit her and she enjoys them every time!! read more

Mmm so delicious and beautiful. Milky Way Mochi was fantastic as well as the Coffee. The white bean filling in the coffee allows the flavors to shine. Amazingly affordable for such a divine beautifully hand made treat. read more

Chikara Mochi - Maple, peanut butter, matcha, Sakura, Milky Way, strawberry Mochi!!! - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

It's a nondescript place, you'd probably miss it if you weren't looking for it. The space inside is relatively small, with minimal decor, but the lady who helped us was so amiable and approachable. It turns out she's the one who actually makes the mochi - all from scratch! The designs are gorgeous, well thought of, and the taste is just, OMG. I'd say it's an experience in every sense of the word. From the place itself, the person who makes it, and the taste of the mochi, I highly recommend this place. A quick note, however, it is cash only, and they tend to run out pretty quickly, so if you're dropping by, the earlier, the better. read more

Quality, freshness and reasonable price. Good service, Would come back again. Brought some to fly to easy coast for my mother in law.

We got the orange, the strawberry, and the berry chichidango today. All of them are really soft and tasty. The store is a little hard to see, so make sure you don't miss it when you are on Western Avenue. read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

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Woah woah woah, I drove an hour and a half for this spot. It's the best mochi I've ever tasted. It's chewy, yet melts in your mouth. So delicious. The flavors are amazing as well. The person who helped me explain all the flavors, but I legit picked one of each that was left. Thank you, will be coming back. read more

The most beautiful and delicious Mochi in all of Los Angeles!! Every single one looks like a work of art and once you take a bite, it's sheer delightful bliss!!! It's over an hour drive for me but worth the trip!! read more

So delicious, beautiful, and fresh! This was a bit of a drive for me but I didn't mind. I will definitely be going there again and again. Thank you for all of your hard work Chimara Mochi! read more

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Chikara mochi is so pretty...even its business card is pretty. It has a cute pretty bunny picture *sigh* I am a sucker for anything with bunny. I went to both Sakura-Ya and Chikara Mochi to compare the flavor. Sakura-Ya is yummier in term of taste but not as pretty as Chikara. The lady working at the counter at Chikara was super sweet. You can also sample some of the mochi there. I got coffee, strawberry and green tea. Coffee mochi: first time trying coffee mochi. It has little coffee jelly and slivered almond on top. The filling is white bean. Very nice flavor. 5 stars. Strawberry mochi: I saw and tasted the strawbery seeds. 5 stars. Green Tea mochi: bitter and yummy. 4 stars. I got mochi from this place as a gift before. It was good but not as good as what I got last time. That's why I am deducting 1/2 star from this review. Inconsistent but good enough. I even got extra mochi as gifts. 4.5 stars. Chikara Mochi is yummylicious!! read more

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I've been coming here for over 25-30 years. Still a nice place, but it used to be better before. The quality is not quite up to par as before. The servers are not as generous as before. They used to really appreciate your patronage. I buy over $50, $100, $150 each time, 2, 3, 4 boxes. The servers used to care and smile more. Now... No one seems to care. Mochi is still better than other places. read more

The softest, most freshest Mochi I've ever had. I got the chrysanthemum mochi and it's shaped like a purple flower. It was filled with red bean and it isn't too sweet. The attention to detail to these mochi are amazing. It's like art on top of a little snack. I believe each mochi is about $1.60-$1.75 and it's well worth it. Unfortunately I came close to closing time and a lot of the cute mochis were already sold out. Parking -There is a small parking lot behind the little store Service - there's only one lady that works here and she was very nice. Will be back! read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

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