【Vending Machine Tour】Tofu sweets at "Rihei-an's Tofu" in Inagi City, Tokyo! Tried them along the riverside.

"Rihei-an's Tofu," located in Inagi City, Tokyo. I managed to get two unique tofu sweets here and savored them elegantly on the nearby riverside.

Is this a soybean theme park!? A fun vending machine that you can visit 24 hours a day

The author is so fond of tofu that my mother used to say, "You grew up only eating tofu." Even as an adult, I find myself irresistibly drawn to specialty stores when I'm out and about. Among my tofu explorations, I discovered "Rihei-an's Tofu." This is a long-established tofu shop founded in 1932.

Rihei-an's Tofu
Location: 796 Yano-kuchi, Inagi City, Tokyo

Inside the shop, there is a row of vending machines. Yes, this is a store in an unmanned sales style where you can buy tofu 24/7. When I checked out each vending machine, I found not only tofu and deep-fried tofu but also healthy sweets like okara pound cake.

For tofu lovers, this is an absolutely irresistible spot that can be called a soybean theme park.

After many trips back and forth I decided on two packages that I thought would showcase the flavor of soybean: "I ♥ TONYU" and "Nante Kotta." Both are playful sweets that I've never experienced before. I wonder what they will taste like.

The weather was clear that day, so I came to "Tamagawa Riverside Park" located nearby. This spot is easily accessible by car since there is also a coin parking nearby. Not only can you hear the gentle sound of the river, making it pleasant, but it is also one of my favorite places where I can relax under the open sky. Today, I will enjoy the sweets I purchased at this location.

While listening to the sound of the river, "I ♥ TONYU" is rich yet has a refreshing aftertaste.

First, I tried "I ♥ TONYU" (280 yen). The official product name is "Almond Soy Milk," and there is a poster saying "Almond Tofu" on the vending machine, which can be a bit confusing, but it is a drinkable sweet made with soy milk, sugar, and almond essence. You can also faintly smell the scent of almond jelly.

Just when I thought the rich flavor of the soy milk spread, the aroma of almond jelly followed through my nose. This is definitely drinkable "Almond Soy Milk." It has a rich taste that tofu lovers will find irresistible, yet it is complete as a sweet. Since the aftertaste is refreshing, it can be enjoyed easily.

Thinking it was tofu, "Nante Kotta" is actually a Japanese-style sweet.

Next, we have "Nantecotta" (400 yen), which likely derives its name from "Panna Cotta." This set features tofu with a sweet flavor, topped with black syrup and soybean flour.

What a surprise! It looked like tofu, but in my mouth, the black syrup and soybean flour beautifully melded together, transforming into a blissful Japanese-style dessert. The richness and sweetness of the soybeans serve as a lovely accent, making it a flavor that appeals to tofu lovers. Since the base is tofu, the sweetness is moderate, and I finished it in no time.

While enjoying the luxurious taste of "Nantecotta," where the refined sweetness of the black syrup harmonizes wonderfully with the roasted flavor of the soybean flour, I reset my palate with "I ♥ TONYU"! I savored the tofu sweets while feeling the gentle flow of the river with my skin and ears, leaving my heart and body fulfilled.

Both have a rich and delicious soybean flavor. To experience this surprise at home as well, I plan to stop by "Rihei-an's Tofu" on my way back.