A bit bummed that I only got to try this location as it’s about to close. After doing some research with a friend, we aimed to get here at 8:30am on a friday to try to beat the line. We parked and already saw at least 10 people waiting. While waiting in line, we went on the website to look at what flavors/types they have (theyre still subject to availability). You constantly see them cycling trays of mochi. They limited 3 of each fruit mochi but you can get as many of the other types. I tried to order at least two of each they had. The fruit (blueberry and mango) were definitely my favorite. By the time we got our mochi, it was a bit past 10 and the line was down to the other corner of the street. People were constantly leaving while waiting, so definitely allot some time for this. They had already made announcements that they may sell out of certain items. This place is absolutely worth visiting and trying this mochi!!
Souriya “Cheerio” Hounthavong
+5
If you know you know hands down this is one of the best mochi spots in Japan town. After 115 years of detecting their love into each delightful mochi ball packed full of traditional and fresh seasonal ingredients. It's sad to say they are finally closing their doors. Hopefully one day we'll be lucky enough that they'll find a family member who is honorable to carry on their century-old family tradition once more.🤞In till then may their legacy live on! Cheers! Happy retirement Benkoyo-do✌
Their mochi is stellar. No doubt about it. It's wonderfully soft and the fillings are all SO GOOD.
Some tips for the line. Come on a weekday (Tue-Thu). If you go on a Friday or Saturday, plan to be there before 7:30 AM (yes I know they open at 9). Bring a camp chair and a blanket!
I arrived at 7:50 on a Saturday (3/12) and the line was already at the corner of the block. The owner came out around 8:50 saying that anyone more than 3/4 of the way down the block would not get mochi because they would sell out. Needless to say we did not get mochi that day.
Tried again on a Tuesday (3/15) and arrived at 7:50 again. We were some of the last few people to get mochi because they make less on weekdays.
Disheartening experience if you end up waiting and not getting mochi but if you time it well and are patient, it's very worth it!!
Important: get there early if you want more selection. By the time I arrived, a 45 minute line had formed (I timed it with a stopwatch) and there were only 2 kinds left. WORTH the wait! This was the softest mochi I'd ever eaten. We tried the blueberry and strawberry. My favorite was strawberry, but some family members voted blueberry as the best. Depends on your personal preference I guess! I'd like to go back and try other flavors.
Great find for Japanese dessert in SF. Love the Mochis here. The shop offers 13 different flavors. They are cutely packaged. It is good for gift for friends. They are located inside JAPAN town in SF on Buchanan street. Benkyodo also have seatings inside for people who want to enjoy their kochi with tea or coffee.
Nice and cozy Japanese local style shop. Homemade Freshly made mochi. I had Kinako which is mochi with red-bean topped with soybean powder. It is super soft, yummy and not too sweet. Recommend!
Benkyodo is quite the popular mochi shop. Pro tip, call ahead or go early to pre pay and reserve some items, because they will run out before they actually close. They do seasonal flavors, and I got to try the mango and the blueberry. The mango was the most delicious fresh fruit mochi I have ever had.
Traditional Japanese mochi shop! They have a great selection of differentl flavoured mochi balls with red bean paste stuffing as well the traditional mochi cakes (rectangular). Their mochi were made perfectly, soft in the inside with the right amount of stuffing and chewy on the outside, exactly what a mochi should be! Highly recommend this place to everyone.
Benkyodo’s mochi is so soft, it’s almost as soft as my belly ;)
You must get the Blueberry Mochi. Fresh juicy blueberries mixed in with smooth white bean paste, what a delightful combo that is!
Skip the yomogi (can’t taste it) and peanut butter (not a good combo).
CASH ONLY!
Mochi: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Overall: best mochi in town. I come all the time when I need a sweet treat!
The extended review...
Mochi: 5/5
Doesn't matter which ones you get...they are all good! Amongst my favorites in this order are...
Habutai - red bean wrapped in plain mochi.
Blueberry - this one I had a couple days ago and was tasty! Might be a seasonal item.
Yomogi - red bean wrapped in green tea mochi.
Service: 5/5 - friendly service as is the Japanese way!
Ambiance: 4/5 - it's sort of a diner and mochi shop in on. For the mochi I typically take it to go as there is limited seating. But it seems like a place for the local community and the customers are repeats!
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in San Francisco
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes