What a cute mochi shop! You would not have known from the plain front, but the inside is full of beautifully decorated fresh mochi. Each serving is about $2.85-$3.00. Be sure to ask if the names refer to the actual flavor or simply the shape of the mochi. For example, the chrysanthemum mochi is not a chrysanthemum flavor, but rather shaped into a chrysanthemum flower. The mochi here are similar to the ones I had in Japan, but the flavors are little more subtle. Each piece is very fresh and lasts a few days at room temperature...if you are able to control your cravings. read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

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Heard about this place around the net, and when I was finally in the area, I decided to drop by. The place is small, and has a glass counter with different kinds of mochi inside. To the left was a display of many traditional Japanese trinkets. The lady who helped me was patient and kind. I wanted to get alot more but I was going to be the only one eating them, so I limited myself to 5. Each of them had its own tantalizing flavor and chewy texture! Will definitely come back. read more

Chikara Mochi - Clockwise starting from top: daifuku, yakidango, usagi, suama and sakura mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

I had Chikara Mochi on my bookmarks for the longest time. I first saw this place featured on David Chang's show "Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner." I then got to try Chikara Mochi via some of their offerings at Tokyo Central. I was excited to finally visit the store recently. It's a relatively small shop and they have a variety of different mochis ranging in the $2-$2.80 range. Their specialty mochi are $2.80 and these are the really pretty mochis that are beautifully decorated and have fillings. The more simple mochi are around $2. I got the apple and strawberry special mochi for $2.80 each and a peanut butter mochi and a Kuri manju for $2 each. My favorites were definitely the apple and strawberry special mochi. They were so soft and sweet. I could definitely taste both the apple and strawberry flavors. It was such a special treat! The peanut butter mochi was my second favorite. I loved the peanut butter filling in these. It was so tasty. My least favorite was the Kuru manju. The chestnut cake was a little too dry for me. I definitely want to try more of their specialty mochis in the future. Their specialty mochis are a little pricey at $2.80 but the quality and taste is amazing! One can't beat fresh made mochi! read more

Chikara Mochi - Strawberry, Apple and Peanut Butter - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

Fresh, handmade mochi. Can't get any better than this! Torrance/Gardena has never disappointed me on the food front. We've come by a few times, but not as frequently as we could because they were CASH ONLY for the times that we've visited. With cash in-hand, though, we may make a visit. They tend to have a good selection, but it also depends if they're having any events, or if there's a big holiday. It could be different flavors, different fillings, etc. They do package it very nicely, but it is very easy and quick to get to $20. These aren't cheap eats. Because they're made fresh and no preservatives, these basically need to be eaten in the next day or so. That's the same with any mochi place; they need to be finished quickly. I've only done street parking; I don't know if there is a parking lot, but I've been able to do street parking without much issue. There's sometimes a line inside, but it can go fairly quickly. read more

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Beautiful mochigashi. Refined and delicious. Love to give them as gifts, they are always appreciated even by non-Japanese friends. They always package them beautifully wrapped. Next time I stop by I'll take pictures when I get home. This trip was for gifts for the new year. Tender ice is kind and careful. Please be sure to bring cash, they don't take credit cards. read more

Easy street parking. The Japanese lady who ran the shop was so nice. I practiced my Japanese with her lol She asked if I buy them as gifts. I told her that they're all just for me and she just laughed lol The mochi is so soft but still chewy and fillings so smooth, not too sweet. They're all so so pretty and some of them are with seasonal decoration. read more

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Definetly come early so you have more selections. I came by here at a little bit after 1pm and I didn't have to wait. There was only 1 other group in front of us. The paper parchment color signify the bean inside the mochi. White is white bean, and brown is the red bean. I personally like the red bean more. The texture of the red bean is not my favorite but is still good. I really love their mochi and how soft it is. It last me for 3 more days after I bought it and it is still soft. Just leave it out room temperature. Overall I would come back for certain mochi and if I'm in the area. read more

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best mochi i've had, and i keep wanting to return! the staff was incredibly kind when i visited, and i was lucky enough to come in on a day they had extras from a cancelled order haha. note: it's cash only, their hours are limited with semi-frequent days off, and they almost always sell out, so arrive early and prepared. read more

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

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Excellent spot. One of the best mochi. Limited supply so get there early before it's sold out.

The prettiest mochi goes to Chikara Mochi hands down! I knew I wanted to buy a box to gift to a friend for Christmas. I made sure to go to the nearby ATM to grab cash (only payment they accept) and come 30 mins early. Today is Xmas eve and so I expected that it would be a busy day for them. They also had special hours for the eve (9a-12p). There were about 3 people ahead of me (great minds think alike)! I got an assortment of 12. There was a limit of 12 per person. For 12, I think I paid about $21ish, which I think is very reasonable! Can't wait to see my friend's face when she opens this box! read more

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Parking: There's easy free street parking along Western or 162nd. Experience: They were taking cash only! They're closed on Sundays! We saw this on David Chang's Netflix show and had to come visit. It's a very small shop, no big fancy signs or anything. We got there around 9:30am on a Saturday and there was a short line to wait in. All the different kinds of mochis are displayed in the glass cases and they are beautiful! They kept bringing new trays out and we wanted to take them all. We got a box of 10 for $25. They are each flavored slightly different, nothing was too sweet. read more

Chikara Mochi - Inside - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

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This small Japanese mochi shop is a hidden gem! The front entrance looks a little run down but don't be fooled by the look. This place specializes in different types of mochi designs. Most of them have red beans as the filling with gorgeous designs on the top. They also have some special flavors such as the fruity ones like apple, pear, etc. I'm not sure if they switch the flavors and what's available daily. When we visited, there were about 10+ design and flavors to choose from. I'm amazed with the variety! We got the coffee, apples, matcha, and gold fish design mochi. You can taste the quality in these mochi. I had so much fun just admiring the designs. read more

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We were doing a David Chang BLD tour and had to stop at this quaint mochi shop. We came around 1 and there were so many people! I would say come early because once they run out, they're out. All of their mochis were absolutely beautiful! We ordered one of each because I believe they're all worth trying! I got to try an apple and red bean one and they were both SO GOOD. The flavors are exceptional. There is another mochi place one block away called Sakura-ya. Head on over to that review to see the the difference. Thanks, David Chang for introducing me to this place! read more

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

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Customer Service - Friendly staff. Price - Above Average Taste - We got a variety of mochi and manju which we thought were tasty but the texture was grainy and hard. Atmosphere - Clean, lots of parking read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

Bomb And the ladies that run Chikara Mochi are super sweet, fun to talk to, and very helpful. I went for some Sakura Mochi, which was fucking delish, and ended with a whole ensemble lol. I destroyed every bit in those photos haha. You're missing out of you don't stop by and try their mochi! Make sure to bring cash because they don't take card lol read more

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I love mochi, so I stopped by to pick up a few 1/2 dozen boxes for myself, my parents, and a friend. I'd never been here before, although they've been around since 1984. They're located on Western Ave in Gardena, the same street as their competitor, Sakura-ya. Parking is curbside only, but usually available. They're a small, boutique mochi shop offering beautifully designed mochi with various flavors that are filled with either red or white bean filling. The mochi all range in price depending on the flavor you get. I ordered 18 mochi and my total came out to $43. * Please note that they accept CASH ONLY! * I got a variety of flavors: 1. The brown one with a decoration in the middle is coffee with a white bean filling 2. The pink one (not wrapped) is strawberry with a white bean filling 3. The white one with a pink flower in the middle is called Sakura (cherry blossom) with a white bean filling 4. The green one with a tan powder on top is called Uguisu and has a red bean filling 5. The pink one wrapped is also called Sakura, with a red bean filling inside and a shiso plum leaf wrapped around it 6. The brown one is cocoa with peanut butter My absolute favorite is the cocoa with peanut butter, but they are all very delicious. My least favorite is the Sakura with the shiso leaf. It had a sweet/sour taste to it that I didn't care for. All of the mochi are super fresh and you can customize your box. They make a great gift! The lady at the counter was very friendly and helpful. I'm knocking off one star only because the mochi is fairly expensive, comparatively speaking. read more

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Nice little shop. Seems like lots of locals. Sadly the mochi was just too sweet for me. read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

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Protect this place at all costs! I came in at 1pm but as I walked in an employee tells me they unfortunately sold out, but she runs to the back to give me day old ones they won't sell for free. Come early for the best variety/to avoid selling out read more

Chikara Mochi - Day old ones given free of charge since I came in after they sold out. The sweetest nicest employees ever. - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

Seems fitting to review this as my first review for the New Year since it's a tradition in Japan (and other Asian cultures) to eat mochi on New Year's Day. I initially wanted to try Sakura-Ya across the street from here, but their horrible service led to me to this place by default. Mochis here are not only beautiful, they taste excellent as well. They are softer and less sweet than ones I usually get from Korean bakery. Most of the mochis here have either sweet red bean or white bean inside. Some of them have unique flavor, but most of them taste the same (even if they have different name or design). My favorites so far are apple, strawberry, and orange. These actually taste like the name. I also purchased six sets of komochi (plain mochi). I know these are pretty popular during New Years so I preordered them over the phone. The lady on the phone said I don't need to preorder if I'm purchasing less than five. I wasn't sure how many were in a set so I ordered six, and that was way too much for a family of four. There are 15 mochis per set. I would've been fine with just two sets at most. Now I'm stuck trying to figure out what to do with the extras. I suppose I can freeze them for now and cook them up later. I grilled some on a pan with butter and sprinkled cinnamon sugar for the kids; I cooked some in coconut milk and served with fruits for dessert; and I also made few bacon wrapped mochi with sweet soy glaze and ate with dry seaweed. Service is somewhat inconvenient, mainly due to limited hours and lack of modern amenities, but the ladies working here were friendly and helpful (unlike Sakura-Ya). It's cash only, and no option for online ordering. Even though I preordered, I still had to wait in line to make my purchase. I came here on NYE and there was a line out the door. Line wasn't too long, but it moved extremely slow. By the way, this place closes early on NYE. I think it usually closes at noon, and I'm pretty sure it's closed for the full week starting first of January. If coming here is inconvenient, you can get its pre-assorted mochi sets at Tokyo Central on the corner of Artesia & Western. read more

I've had various mochi's in the past, some with ice cream filling and others were from Korean bakeries. I've had this place saved in my bookmarks for a special occasion, so I figured why not treat myself on this fine Saturday! It wasn't crowded or too busy, so I only waited a couple of minutes before being helped by a friendly woman. I was unprepared since this place is cash only but luckily I had enough on me to pick 3 flavors: strawberry, orange, and peach. My decision-making is usually dependent on visual presentation/packaging, so I couldn't resist these adorable mochi's that were handmade to look like actual fruits hehe! It's hard not to appreciate the cute little details on each mochi. Once I got home, I couldn't wait to try them so I made some green tea to pair them with. The soft texture combined with semi-sweet flavors and the essence of fruity-aromas was a delightful experience for my taste buds. I saw one customer who ordered a dozen, and it was put together in a beautiful gift box. Perhaps this bakery could be your choice to pick up a set of mochi's for that lucky reciepient since Valentine's is around the corner, but who's to say you can't just purchase for yourself ;) I can't wait to come back again to try other flavors! read more

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I think Chikara Mochi is now my go-to for mochi. I've tried Sakura-ya and I personally prefer Chikara (but both are good!). I also think Chikara is slightly cheaper. The way they decorate the mochi is so cute and intricate! My personal favorites are the peach and sakura mochi - definitely a must-try! And the owners are so sweet. read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

Absolutely love their mochi! They put a lot of thought and care into their designs. I've come every season and they always have something different. If you're going on a weekend, go early, before 12pm. They'll be sold out of so much if you try to come later in the day. You can also call to see if they'll hold any for you if you know what flavors you want. I've been lucky that they haven't had a long line when I arrive but it's a very small shop. Buy enough for your friends and family because unless you live right by the area, it can be a journey. You can park right on the street and I've never had a problem finding parking. Please note that this small business is cash only! My entire order of 8 mochi and 4 non-mochi items was about $28. read more

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Amazing mochi! Not only do they look pretty but they also taste good. So much attention and detail goes into making each one. read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

This place and another mochi shop has been in Gardena for decades. The mochi is tasty and they have a variety using red bean and white beans for their filling. They also have mochi shaped like fruits and even tastes like the fruit. Parking is easy on the street. I felt the mochi were quite small for the price. I do understand that they are hand made. It is an artesian mochi. Not something I would go buy all the time. Like I said a bit pricey, I would stick with the traditional non pretty shaped ones and they're a bit cheaper. $2 vs $2.80. read more

Chikara Mochi - These are $2 plain mochi with red filling. - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

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OMG!! They are so beautiful. Each of them is handmade... with love!! Not just the designs are creative & cute, the taste is delicious. They are absolutely not overly sweet. I can eat a whole dozen by myself!! I have tried the red bean filling so far, I can't wait to try other flavors. They are perfect gifts for any occasion! read more

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Amazing little hidden gem for fresh mochi! The outside is a bit hidden but it's right across the street from Azuma. Beautiful mochi designs that are seasonal. read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

**July 2021 Visit ** *LA reinstated a county-wide mask mandate for all indoor gathering Wow these mochi's are works of art and they taste really good too! Not too sweet, but chewy on the outside and smooth and creamy on the inside. I picked an assortment of 8 treats to try with my mom and we thoroughly enjoyed them all. I especially liked the apple one since the flavor was subtle and I think I just have a soft spot for Sakura Mochi (which is purple rice wrapped in a leaf). I also tried a dango which is a fried rice ball and I really liked it. My mom thought it was too sweet, but each his own. Honestly, whether you're treating yourself or buying as a gift for someone these treats rock and they look very impressive! Each piece costs between $1.80 - $2.40. I think for the 8 pieces mine was around $18 or $19.50. Cash only! TIP: There is a very very narrow parking lot in the back, but I think you can actually park in front of the store lol Enjoy!! read more

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We were in the area visiting family and friends and we wanted to do a taste test: Chikara Mochi versus Sakura-ya versus Shuei-Do Manju Shop (San Jose Japantown.) Yes, the two in Gardena are a block apart, and the other a 75-minute flight away, but our family really enjoys our manju/mochi -- and even tried our hand at making it (a LOT of work!) Chikara Mochi and Sakura-ya both had their pluses and minuses. The dango at Chikara Mochi was a little grainy, but their manju was softer. The manju at Chikara Mochi was more decorative - perfect for gifting (omiyage.) The Sakura-ya manju had a smoother texture. To each his own, and personal preference plays a big role here, but Shuei-Do Manju Shop manju and chichidango are pillowy-soft and has a larger selection and is the winner in my book. Sakura-ya is more similar to Shuei-Do Manju Shop. Prices are similar between the three, as well. You can't go wrong treating yourself to any manju, anytime. Please patronize these small, family-owned businesses. Street parking is usually available Robyn out front. read more

Recently bought these very fresh and delicious mochis. Great customer service and clean store. I liked the variety of the mochis and the very artistic creative look about them. I will return for more, since it was very much enjoyed. ​ read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

My goal in life is to try all the mochi in California. This mochi was super good, I ordered a box of 10 for around $30. While the price may scare others away, it is so worth it. My top 2 were the sakura mochi, sweet and salty with so much depth to it, and their rabbit mochi. The skins flavor shined through a lot!! The staff were super friendly and took their time with clients. They even gave me a free sample. Store is sweet and simple, possibly the best mochi in California. read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

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This is my FAVORITE mocchi house! They are really kind. Very excellent service! Sakura mocchi is the best Absolutely I will come back again! read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

I have lived in Gardena off and on for over 50 years. I had never visited Chikara Mochi until my wife found it on Yelp. With Mikawaya now gone, Chikara Mochi is the only high end mochi/manju store in the area. I highly recommend this store to pick up mochi and manju, especially for gift giving. read more

It felt like entering a small old establishment in rural Japan. The sweets were small, but cute and had very distinguished flavor. Will visit again. read more

I had meant to write this review soon after my visit in October 2024. Time got the best of me, and here we are. I was preparing for an anime/Studio Ghibli themed-Halloween party and thought mochi would be a perfect additional dessert for the party. I knew I would have many dessert items that would be provided (potluck styled party), but I thought mochi would be a wonderful accompaniment. I found Chikara Mochi from just doing a Yelp search. I went fairly early on a Friday morning (party was the next day, Saturday evening). There were a lot of mochi, but idiot me, thought, oh they would just have more in the back...lol The woman behind the counter was very courteous and asked me how many was I considering and her eyes popped when I asked if she had perhaps 3 dozen I can buy now. She explained it would be possible with advance orders, but not day of. What they had in the counter was what was the daily offerings. She was very helpful and saw the wistful look on my face and said I could purchase a dozen now (what was available in the counter), and come back early tomorrow morning to see what was offered. I thought that was perfect. I ended up coming back the next morning. She had 16 that I could purchase. They are expensive, but the mochi is beautifully made and taste wonderful. I would definitely recommend just stopping by if you are craving mochi. I would do an advance future order. I think her name was Yuko(?). Thank you so much for your helpfulness. My guests loved the mochi. read more

Absolutely delicious! My favs were the kuri and strawberry mochi! There is parking behind the building. And the customer service is great! Remember to bring cash though as they don't accept card! read more

Chikara Mochi - Mochi hodge podge - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

I love Cikara mochi! Their wagashi is always beautiful and they get really creative with their flavors! My favorite part about the wagashi here is that the flavors and designs change with the season, just like in Japan! They are also very reasonably priced! read more

Chikara Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

The mochi is so fresh , it's so soft and chewy. They have the absolute cutest!!!! Mochi I have ever seen and they taste great too. The strawberry has to be my favorite not only for the flavor but also look how cute it is, they shape it like a real strawberry! They are cash only , so don't forget ! Mochi is fairly prices. I paid under $50 for more than 14 and dangos read more

Chikara Mochi - Mochi box, checkout my ig for full video of all the types they have available. @jeyoung_k5_ - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

What do you get when your dessert is simply too pretty to eat? Well, you must be looking at Chikari Mochi! I actually heard of Chikari through David Chang on Netflix and bookmarked this place immediately. Traditional mochi is an art form and it's clear as day that Chikari Mochi have mastered it. There's a certain old school feel about the little, unassuming shop. However, upon entering you can see how popular this place is. The mochi is freshly made each day and first come, first serve. Once they run out of a certain flavor, it's done for the day. *Shakes fist at the lady in front of me who ordered the last peach mochi* It was hard to choose at first because all of the mochi looked aesthetically pleasing and have been handcrafted with attention to the finest detail. I ended up ordering the strawberry, apple, matcha and rainbow along with a teriyaki dango. In terms of flavor, you can definitely taste it with the apple being my favorite. The rainbow mochi doesn't actually have a filling or distinct flavor other than being slightly sweet but the texture is outstanding. read more

Chikara Mochi - Fuji Apple, Strawberry, Rainbow (plain) and Green Tea mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Gardena, California

Delicious Japanese mochi and desserts. The red bean filling is not too sweet. They sell out quickly, so it's best to go before noon. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. read more

Great traditional mochi shop with delicious variety of desserts. Nice to come here for a quick pick up!