Perceptor's slideshow made me so hungry that I started craving sweets after vicariously eating through his meal. Here are a couple recent pics of what I picked up in Gardena, trying a new place that hounds recommended, Sakura-ya, and my old standby Chikara. They're very close-same side of the street-so popping into both and comparing was no problem.
The difference btwn them seems to be that Chikara is a little more expensive and formal with some fancier molded and shaped items where Sakura-ya has more rustic stuff and fruity flavors. They both do the basic bean stuffed mochi and tasted very fresh (at Sakura-ya, the lady reminded me to eat it that day for the best taste. I love that).
Any info on special places in the area to purchase green tea to enjoy along with my sweets would be very much appreciated.
Sakura-ya
16134 S. Western Ave, Gardena
Chikara Mochi
16108 S. Western Ave, Gardena