Shuei-Do Manju Shop is one of the most cherished and long-standing Japanese confectionery shops in San Jose. Located in the historic Japantown, this small yet iconic storefront is known for its authentic, handmade manju and mochi. Freshly made and rooted in tradition, Shuei-Do is considered one of the last places in the Bay Area offering these classic treats with genuine craftsmanship.
Quick Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Shuei-Do Manju Shop |
| Address | 217 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112, United States |
| Phone | +1 408-294-4148 |
| Website | https://shueidomanjushop.gbiz.shop/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/shueidomanju | |
| https://www.instagram.com/shueidomanju/ | |
| Google Maps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/ifgV8pgny3kGiNZW9 |
About the Shop
Shuei-Do Manju Shop offers freshly made Japanese sweets such as manju and mochi, along with shaved ice and pre-packaged snacks. It is known for its authentic flavors, friendly service, and traditional preparation methods. Due to high demand and limited production, items often sell out, especially on weekends.
The shop is highly respected in the community and was nationally recognized when its manju was requested to be served to the Emperor of Japan during a U.S. visit in 1994.
Operating Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon – Tue | Closed |
| Wed – Sun | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Customer Experience
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair-accessible entrance | Yes |
| In-store pick-up | Yes |
| On-site services (walk-up counter) | Yes |
| Quick visit possible | Yes |
| Credit cards accepted | Yes |
| Debit cards accepted | Yes |
| NFC/mobile payments | Yes |
| Street & private parking | Yes (Free on Sundays) |
Important Tip: Many items sell out early. Pre-ordering by phone or email is highly recommended to secure your preferred flavors.
Menu – Freshly Made Items
Manju & Mochi
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Yomogi | Rice flour, kinako, smooth azuki bean |
| Habutai | Rice flour, smooth azuki bean |
| Green Tea | Rice flour, matcha, smooth azuki bean |
| Kinako | Rice flour, kinako, soy bean powder |
| White Manju | Shell-shaped with azuki bean |
| Pink White | Rice flour, kinako, pink rice bean |
| Pink Tsubu | Rice flour, kinako, azuki bean |
| White Inaka | Steamed cake flour, whole azuki bean |
| Brown Inaka | Steamed cake flour, brown sugar, whole azuki bean |
| Monaka | Wafer cookie filled with whole azuki bean |
| Chi Chi Dango | Fruit-flavored mochi (no beans) |
| Peanut Butter Mochi | Rice flour, kinako, peanut butter, kinako powder |
Other Fresh Items
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Butter Mochi | Square-shaped, rich and buttery flavor |
| Shaved Ice | Seen in strawberry and mango/orange combinations |
Pre-Packaged Items
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Rice Crackers | Assorted mixes and flavors |
| Baked Snacks | Savory crackers & traditional snacks |
| Cookies | Packaged sweets |
| Japanese Candy | Various candies and flavored snacks |
| Wasabi Peas | Seen among assorted options |
Why People Love Shuei-Do
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Quality | Handmade, fresh, soft, and perfectly sweet |
| Variety | Rotating flavors and seasonal selections |
| Service | Fast, friendly, and efficient |
| Value | Reasonable prices for premium quality |
| Tradition | One of the last authentic makers of mochi/manju in the region |
Key Recommendations
- Order ahead to skip long lines and secure your preferred flavors
- Visit early, many items sell out before closing
- Products are best enjoyed within a few days, as they contain no preservatives
- Some flavors (like butter mochi) may only be available on weekends
Historical Significance
Shuei-Do has been a cornerstone of the Japantown community for decades. The current owners, Tom and Judy Kumamaru, took over 35 years ago and learned the craft directly from the previous owner, Mr. Ozawa. Their dedication to traditional methods keeps this cultural treasure alive.
In 1994, Shuei-Do’s manju was selected to be served to the Emperor of Japan, showcasing its national recognition and high standards.
Conclusion
Shuei-Do Manju Shop is a dessert spot, preserving Japanese confectionery traditions. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this shop offers a rare chance to experience handmade mochi and manju crafted with care.
If you plan to visit San Jose’s Japantown, this shop is truly worth the stop.