In the 1970s and 1980s, many commercial facilities handling the latest fashion opened one after another in Shibuya, attracting many young people. While it became a hub for Japanese youth culture, it also had a side that appealed to adults with its unique art museums, live houses, and clubs. Recently, it has also become popular as the setting for the anime series "Jujutsu Kaisen."
As a large-scale redevelopment is currently underway centered around Shibuya Station, this area cannot be overlooked as a town that will continue to broadcast the latest trends.
There are many stylish cafes and places to enjoy light meals to visit during shopping breaks, so this time, I, who often visits Shibuya, will introduce some recommended spots!
Where to Eat Parfaits in Shibuya!
Chatei Zenkashoin
Source: Tabelog
Chatei Zenkashoin, with its main store in Kyoto, is a tea house where you can enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto and Japanese sweets while in Shibuya. Located on the 5th floor of a commercial facility directly connected to Shibuya Station, it offers a view of the Shibuya cityscape through large windows.
The recommended menu item is their layered dessert "parfait" which changes seasonally. Particularly from mid-February to March, the "Sakura Parfait" features a pink cotton candy flavored with cherry blossoms, containing cherry-flavored cake, clear jelly, and cherry cream. The jelly has a slightly salty taste that pairs well with the sweetness of the vanilla ice cream, making it delicious. For matcha lovers, the matcha parfait available from April to May is also rich and delicious.
On weekends, there may be a 30-60 minute wait, but on weekdays, you can often get in without waiting!
<Store Information>
- Address: 5F, Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-6434-1517
- Hours: 10:00 - 21:00 (Last order 20:30)
- Website: https://blog.shinqs.jp/shop/?scd=000046
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenkashoin/
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex), e-money (transit e-money like Suica), QR code payments
Ice wa Betsubara
Source: Official Website
Ice wa Betsubara is a parfait specialty store with unusual operating hours of 1 pm to 11 pm. Founded by twin university students, the original store in Hyogo Prefecture is famous for its long lines. A Shibuya branch opened in July 2023.
With 30 varieties of parfaits on the menu, it's hard to choose as they all look delicious! The "Domestic Strawberries" is recommended - the mildly sweet soft-serve and slightly tart strawberries are a perfect match! It's light enough to enjoy after a meal.
The rich "Living Chocolate" is an irresistible treat for chocolate lovers!
Strawberries are popular and tend to sell out quickly, so it's best to go early. You order right after entering, so decide what to get in advance. There's a photo spot, but be sure to snap your pics before the ice cream melts!
<Store Information>
Ice ha Betsubara Shibuya Store
- Address: B1F Shibuya TR Building, 2-22-16 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-3409-1112
- Hours: 13:00 - 23:00
- Website: https://ice-wa-betsubara.com/
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Payment: Credit cards, e-money, QR code payments accepted
Parfaiteria beL (Night Parfait Specialty Store)
Source: Tabelog
You can also enjoy parfaits from Parfaiteria beL, a popular night parfait specialty store from Hokkaido, in Shibuya! Open until 1 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays, this stylish shop allows you to spend a blissful moment before bed.
While the artistic parfaits cost over 2,000 yen, they are well worth it. With around 6 items on the menu designed as desserts after meals, the parfaits have a restrained sweetness that changes seasonally, offering a new flavor every time.
My recommendation is the "Pistachio and Praliné," featuring fragrant pistachios, rich praliné, and contrasting textures of cookies - a masterfully crafted delight. The strawberry parfait "Strawberry's Fleeting Thought" is also delicious!
Reservations can be made until 7 pm. As alcohol is served, avoid driving. It takes about 15 minutes for the parfaits to be prepared, so arrive with plenty of time. Suitable for solo diners or dates.
<Store Information>
- Address: 3F New Daisoh Social Bldg., 1-7-10 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: None. Closed Dec 31 & Jan 1.
- Phone: 03-6427-8538
- Hours: Mon-Thu 17:00-24:00, Fri & days before holidays 17:00-25:00, Sat 15:00-25:00, Sun & holidays 15:00-24:00 (Last order 30 min before close)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parfaiteriabel_shibuya/
- Website: https://risotteria-gaku.net/parfait
- Reservations: Accepted until 7 pm
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), e-money (transit e-money like Suica, Rakuten Edy, nanaco, WAON, iD, QUICPay), QR payments (PayPay, Rakuten Pay, au PAY)
Recommended Pancake Shops in Shibuya
ESPRESSO D' WORKS yellow
Source: Tabelog
Located on the B1 floor near the Shibuya intersection, ESPRESSO D' WORKS yellow specializes in omelette rice and pancakes. Open late into the night, it's perfect for dinner or dessert as well as lunch.
There are two types of pancake batter: souffle and Dutch baby. The fluffy souffle pancakes come with unsweetened whipped cream, making them enjoyable even when full. The chewy and crispy Dutch baby pancakes are also recommended, like the "Lemon Sugar Dutch Baby" or "Prosciutto and Cream Cheese Dutch Baby Pancake."
The omelette rice is also popular, so it's nice to order various items to share. Only cashless payments are accepted. During lunchtime, there is often a 1-hour wait, so if you don't want to line up, it's recommended to arrive 15 minutes before opening.
Only cashless payments are accepted. During lunchtime, there is often a 1-hour wait, so if you don't want to line up, it's recommended to arrive 15 minutes before opening.
<Store Information>
- Address: B1F Ikumashin Building, 26-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: None. Closed Dec 31 - Jan 3.
- Phone: 050-5592-6549
- Hours: 11:00 - 22:00 (Last order 21:00)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/106907790752137/espresso-d-works/
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Payment: Cash not accepted. Credit cards, e-money only.
FLIPPER'S
Source: Tabelog
FLIPPER'S is known for its "miracle pancakes" with an incredibly fluffy texture, made carefully over 20 minutes using simple ingredients.
I recommend the Milk Tea Pancakes - the milk tea cream and hint of lemon in the rare cheese mousse make an amazing combination. The fruity options like strawberry are also light and refreshing.
From March 1, 2024, the Shibuya and Shimokitazawa stores offer pancakes and drinks that Muslims can enjoy with confidence.
Reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance, but there is a 500 yen fee and cancellation charge, so check the terms. You often have to wait over 30 minutes outside and 20 minutes for the pancakes, so arrive with plenty of time.
<Store Information>
FLIPPER'S Shibuya Store
- Address: 1F Jinnan Plaza Bldg, 1-15-5 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-6773-0476
- Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30-19:00, Sat/Sun/Holidays 10:00-19:00
- Website: https://www.flavorworks.co.jp/flippers
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flippers.jp/
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex), e-money (transit e-money like Suica, Rakuten Edy, iD, QUICPay), QR payments (PayPay, d-barai, Rakuten Pay)
Tsubaki Salon
Source: Tabelog
Tsubaki Salon, with its main store in Hokkaido, offers Japanese-style fluffy "Hotcake" pancakes made from Hokkaido wheat, eggs, sugar, and salt with no additives. Jiggling the plate makes them sway, and they melt deliciously in your mouth.
First, try the simple Hokkaido Hotcake Premium. The unique salty-sweet Salty Cream is also exquisitely balanced and delicious.
They exclusively offer dim sum with additive-free seasonings on weekdays.
The original cutlery features cute designs evoking Hokkaido's winters and ranches.
It gets crowded around 1 pm, so go early or make a reservation in advance. Reservations must be made online, not by phone. Allow about 20 minutes for the pancakes to be served.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1F SHIBUYA HOTEL EN, 1-1 Maruyamachō, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: None, irregular closures
- Phone: 03-6416-0420
- Hours: 12:00 - 18:00 (Last order 17:00)
- Website: http://www.tsubakisalon.jp/shibuya/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsubakisalon.shibuya/
- Reservations: Accepted
- Payment: Credit cards, PayPay QR code, e-money not accepted
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Shiroichi
Source: Tabelog
While Shiroichi's ice cream looks like soft serve, it's actually called "fresh ice cream" and is something different. Made simply with high-quality ingredients and no preservatives.
The "Natural Ice Cream" has a rich milk flavor with a restrained sweetness that's refreshing. The surface is slightly firm with a texture distinct from soft serve.
It's said to be best eaten within 10 seconds of being served, so enjoy it quickly!
Located about a 10-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station, there may be lines but the wait and service are usually not too long, making it great for grabbing a quick bite while sightseeing.
It's take-out only but has about 5 seats if you want to sit down. Cash only, so be aware.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1F ANDOS II Bldg, 1-7-7 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-3461-5353
- Hours: 12pm until sold out
- Website: https://www.shiroichi.com/
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Payment: Cash only (no cards, e-money, QR codes)
IMADA KITCHEN
Source: Official Website
On the B2F of SHIBUYA109, there is an area for snacking on sweets. IMADA KITCHEN by SHIBUYA109 offers soft serve, gelato, ice cream, and other sweets on a limited 1-2 month basis. With constantly changing offerings, there's always something new and trendy with cute, colorful designs popular with young people.
In June 2024, they're releasing the "Jiggly Cat Pudding Soft Serve" - a rich soft serve topped with a cat-shaped pudding that you can add facial features to with toppings, making it fun. It was also offered in February and April 2024, now returning with new flavors.
Be sure to stop by and check out the trendy sweets!
<Store Information>
- Address: B2F SHIBUYA109, 2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Follows facility hours
- Phone: 03-6427-0270
- Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
- Website: https://imada-kitchen.jp/
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), e-money not accepted
Recommended Takoyaki in Shibuya
Creo-ru
Source: Official Website
You can now enjoy takoyaki (octopus balls), a popular Japanese snack of battered wheat balls with octopus pieces, from the Osaka-based shop "Creo-ru" in Shibuya! The outside is crispy while the inside is gooey and fluffy - delicious!
Their signature takoyaki is recommended, with your choice of toppings: sauce (a thick, sweet brown Japanese sauce), dashi shoyu (soy sauce blended with katsuobushi and kombu dashi stock), ponzu (citrus-flavored soy sauce), or salt. For first-timers, the classic sauce is recommended, but the salt is also simple and tasty!
The yakisoba (fried noodles) with its rich sauce is also delicious, so be sure to try it.
While mainly take-out, you can also enjoy it with drinks in the standing bar area on the 1st floor or at the table seating on the 2nd floor - casual enough for families, friends or solo diners.
Be careful as the takoyaki is piping hot. You can make reservations for seating or courses in advance.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-6-4 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: None. Closed Jan 1.
- Phone: 050-5571-6532
- Hours: Mon-Sat 17:00-28:00 (Last order 27:00), Sun/Holidays 15:00-23:00 (Last order 22:00)
- Website: https://creo-ru.com/creo-ru-store/
- Reservations: Accepted
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), e-money (transit, Rakuten Edy, nanaco, WAON, iD, QUICPay), QR codes (PayPay, Rakuten Pay)
Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru
Source: Tabelog
The takoyaki from "Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru," an Osaka-based takoyaki shop, is incredibly fluffy and melts in your mouth! Big pieces of octopus make them extra delicious. A different fluffy style compared to the crispy exterior type.
When asked about toppings by staff, the full set of sauce, green laver, katsuobushi (bonito flakes), and mayonnaise is recommended. Be careful as they're piping hot!
The akashiyaki dumplings eaten in a dashi broth are also tasty.
The eat-in space is about a 1-minute walk from the shop, so it's good to secure seats first. Takoyaki and beer make a great pairing.
"Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru" has around 60 locations nationwide, including two in Shibuya at Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs and Shibuya Tokyu Food Show. Definitely stop by!
<Store Information>
Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs Store
- Address: B3F Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-6427-4903
- Hours: 11:00 - 21:00
- Website: https://dotonbori-kukuru.com/
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Payment: Credit cards, e-money, QR codes
Recommended Onigiri (Rice Ball) Shops in Shibuya
MUSUBITEI
Source: Official Twitter
If you want to eat onigiri (rice balls) in Shibuya, the newly opened MUSUBITEI, a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station that opened on August 31, 2023, is recommended.
While a familiar Japanese snack food, specialty shop onigiri are lightly formed and packed with plenty of tasty fillings! Fillings like tuna mayo and fish roe are limited from November to April. Other periods feature original menus combining vegetables.
My recommendation is the classic salted plum onigiri made with ripe, soft "Nanko-bai" brand umeboshi pickled plums that are rich and delicious. The pork soup is also tasty, so enjoy it together with the onigiri. You can eat in or take out, family and stroller-friendly.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1F Daisan Yagi Bldg, 3-7-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-5464-2211
- Hours: Mon-Fri 07:00-21:00 (Last order 20:30), Sat/Sun/Holidays 07:00-18:00 (Last order 17:30) Until sold out
-Official instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musubitei_omusubi/
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), e-money (transit, Rakuten Edy, nanaco, iD), no QR codes
TARO TOKYO ONIGIRI RAYARD
Source: Official Facebook
If you want an artistic and delicious onigiri, the new TARO TOKYO ONIGIRI RAYARD onigiri specialty shop that opened near Shibuya Station on March 15, 2024 is recommended.
Their onigiri may surprise even those familiar with the concept, featuring novel and beautifully presented items unlike standard rice balls with fillings inside.
Using quality rice, salt, and nori seaweed, the nori comes separately packaged so you can wrap it yourself, enhancing the aroma when eating.
I recommend the roast beef onigiri with tender, slow-roasted Japanese black beef sirloin, wasabi, and a truffled sauce - an amazing combination.
You'll want to try all their unique onigiri creations. Reservations can be made on their website or by calling the shop.
<Store Information>
- Address: 2F RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK South, 6-20-10 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Follows facility hours
- Phone: 03-6421-0884
- Hours: 11:00 - 21:00
- Website: https://www.tarotokyo.jp/
- Reservations: Accepted
- Payment: E-money, QR codes
This covered Shibuya's sweets and Japanese snacks. Befitting its reputation as a youth culture hub broadcasting the latest trends, there were many sweets and snacks with novel appearances! Be sure to check them out on your next visit to Shibuya.
I also mentioned a takoyaki place combined with an izakaya pub, as Shibuya has many izakaya and bars for enjoying the nightlife.
For first-time visitors to Shibuya, I'd recommend joining a tour! The popular 3-hour "Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo" takes you to hidden izakaya and bars that tourists often miss, to enjoy delicious drinks and traditional Japanese cuisine. With knowledgeable English-speaking guides providing insight into Japanese culture and lifestyles, it's a great experience.
I hope you'll visit the vibrant area of Shibuya in Tokyo!