There are truly so many appealing sweets in Tokyo. The reason is that Tokyo is a city that has cherished its traditional Japanese confectionery culture while constantly embracing new trends throughout its long history.
From elegant traditional sweets to the colorful, pop confections that are currently trending on social media, the variety is immense. Even classic sweets like crepes and pancakes have a unique, delicious flavor that only Tokyo can offer, making it fun for me to choose which ones to try.
As a Tokyo resident myself, I feel grateful to be living in this city every time I experience its sweets culture. When friends visit, I often go on sweets tours with them, and since everyone loves sweets, we always get excited picking out which shops to visit.
From long-established famous shops to the latest sweets shops, there are still so many places in Tokyo that I haven't tried, so exploring new shops is one of my pleasures as a local.
In this article, I'll explain the different types of sweets in Tokyo and share a wide selection of delicious sweets that I've actually visited and tasted myself.
From traditional Japanese confections to photogenic, Instagrammable sweets, I've carefully curated treats that capture Tokyo's charm.
If you're visiting Tokyo, be sure to check out this Tokyo sweets guide and indulge in the world of Tokyo sweets. I'm sure you'll create some wonderfully sweet memories!
What Kinds of Sweets are There in Tokyo?
Here, I'll introduce the diverse and appealing sweets scene in Tokyo, divided into four categories.
Classic Sweets Loved by Tokyo Locals for Years
First, let me introduce the classic sweets that have been beloved by Tokyo locals for years.
While staple sweets like crepes, pancakes, and parfaits can be found everywhere, the shops in Tokyo not only have unique appearances but also incredibly delicious flavors.
Crepes, in particular, offer a wide variety of filling combinations, and I always enjoy choosing which one to get at a crepe shop.
Tokyo's pancakes and parfaits tend to be quite large in portion, so you might not be able to finish them right after a meal. I recommend stopping by a shop during your city strolls.
During your stay in Tokyo, be sure to try at least one of these classic flavors loved by locals.
Trendy Instagrammable Sweets in Tokyo
Popular among Tokyo's youth are the colorful, pop "Kawaii" sweets.
Centered around the Harajuku area, which is the source of Tokyo's trends, there are countless adorable sweets that will make you want to post them on Instagram.
My personal favorite is the rainbow-colored cotton candy. Not only is it incredibly cute to look at, but the fluffy texture and sweetness spread throughout your mouth, filling you with happiness.
In addition to colorful sweets, cafes collaborating with popular characters are also trendy. For example, there are shops where you can buy Pokémon-themed sweets and cafes collaborating with Sanrio, famous for Hello Kitty.
At these cafes, food and sweets are served in the shape of the characters. If you're a character fan, these are must-visit spots.
Traditional Japanese Sweets in Tokyo
Tokyo is also famous for its traditional Japanese sweets.
A common ingredient used in these traditional sweets is "anko," which is a sweet paste made from boiled azuki beans and sugar.
My personal favorite is "taiyaki," which is a fish-shaped pastry filled with anko or custard. Not only is it adorable to look at, but many of the shops selling taiyaki are long-established, so the taste is exquisite.
While most taiyaki shops are take-out only, anko-based traditional sweets generally don't keep for long, so I recommend eating them during your stay.
Tokyo Sweets Make Great Gifts
In Tokyo, there's a custom of giving sweets as gifts to friends and relatives for different seasons. I often send Tokyo sweets to friends who live far away.
That's why you'll find many gift-packaged sweets sold at department stores and train stations in Tokyo. These sweets are often individually wrapped or packaged in special boxes, making them convenient to carry.
Of course, you can also buy them for yourself. It's enjoyable to savor them leisurely at your hotel during your Tokyo stay or snack on them during short breaks from sightseeing.
Since they're portioned out, they won't weigh down your luggage too much, making them perfect for strolling companions.
Tokyo Sweets #1: 3 Recommended Classic Sweets Shops
Here, I'll introduce three recommended shops for the classic sweets of crepes, pancakes, and parfaits that I mentioned earlier. These are shops that I've personally visited many times and have been loved by Tokyo locals for years. Be sure to visit these shops for their classic flavors during your Tokyo trip.
Crepe House CIRCUS: A Locally Loved Crepe Shop
Source: Tabelog by Anko
Located in Kichijoji, "Crepe House CIRCUS" is a crepe shop that has been loved by locals for years.
Unlike chain stores, this small shop is popular for its affordable prices and delicious flavors.
Most menu items range from 500-650 yen, which is quite reasonable.
With a wide variety of options, from simple to cream-based, chocolate-based, custard-based, and savory options with ham, I always have a hard time choosing. My personal recommendation is the banana chocolate cream crepe – the classic combination of chocolate cream and banana is a surefire hit!
While it's a small local shop, there can be a 30-60 minute wait on weekends. But it's definitely worth the wait, and it's the perfect place to try a local crepe in Tokyo.
<Store Information>
Address: Century Home Kichijoji Building, 1 Chome-12-13 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0004
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: Unavailable
Hours: 1 PM–7:30 PM, 3 PM–7:30 PM (Mondays)
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1320/A132001/13019143/
crisscross: Simple but Popular Pancakes
Source: Tabelog by crisscross
Located in the Omotesando area, "crisscross" is a shop renowned among locals for its simple yet incredibly delicious pancakes.
Their signature menu items are the 1,600 yen "Classic Buttermilk Pancakes" and the 1,900 yen "Macadamia Nut Buttermilk Pancakes." While the prices may seem a bit steep, you'll experience the high quality of their pancakes.
I particularly love the "Macadamia Nut Buttermilk Pancakes." The fluffy pancake batter and the slightly nutty macadamia nuts are a perfect match.
The portions are quite generous, but I guarantee you'll finish them in no time because they're so delicious!
<Store Information>
Address: 5 Chome-7-28 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6434-1266
Hours: 8 AM–9 PM
Website: https://www.tysons.jp/crisscross/
Sembikiya Honten: Luxurious Parfaits from a Fruit Specialist
Source: Tabelog by Shuntaro
Just a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station, "Sembikiya Honten" is a shop run by the long-established fruit seller Sembikiya, known for its generously topped parfaits with fresh fruits.
As a fruit shop with a long history, the fruits used in the parfaits are exquisite. The parfaits offer a luxurious experience, making them popular among Tokyo locals.
There's only one parfait menu item, the "Special Parfait" for around 2,300 yen. The parfait changes with the seasons, featuring different fruits and presentations – a true fruit shop's specialty.
While there are many cafes in Tokyo where you can get parfaits, I think this is the best parfait I've ever had.
<Store Information>
Address: 2F Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, 2 Chome-1-2 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0022
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3241-1630
Hours: 11 AM–9 PM
Website: https://www.sembikiya.co.jp/shops/shop_honten.php
Tokyo Sweets #2: 4 Recommended Shops for Instagrammable Sweets
Tokyo sweets are just as much about their visual appeal! Here are some recommended shops for adorable sweets that will make you want to post them on Instagram. Feel free to choose shops based on the photos as well.
Pikachu Sweets Cafe: An Official Pokémon-Themed Cafe
Source: Tabelog by I_am_a_pencil
Located in Ikebukuro's Sunshine City, the "Pikachu Sweets Cafe" is a dream come true for Pokémon fans. The sweets inspired by Pikachu and various other Pokémon are all incredibly "Kawaii!" as I would say.
While many character cafes require reservations, this take-out only spot is a welcome relief as you can visit without a reservation.
The cafe has plenty of photogenic spots inside, and it's so much fun to take pictures surrounded by Pokémon. They offer sweets priced at 1,000 yen or less, as well as cute merchandise. If you're a Pokémon fan, this is a must-visit!
<Store Information>
Address: 2F Specialty Store Area Alpa, Sunshine City, 3 Chome-1-2 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6709-0707
Hours: 10 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/pikachu_sweets/
Sanrio Cafe: Enjoy Hello Kitty Sweets
Source: Tabelog by Tanigurume
Near the Pokémon cafe is a cafe run by Sanrio, famous for Hello Kitty.
Here, you'll find a collection of sweets featuring beloved characters like Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, and My Melody. The sweets are reasonably priced, around 600 yen each.
When I visited, I ordered the "Hello Kitty Roll Cake." While the cute Hello Kitty appearance made me hesitate to eat it at first, the taste was so delicious that it brought a smile to my face. This is a must-visit spot for Sanrio fans.
<Store Information>
Address: B1F Sunshine City Alpa, 1 Chome-28-1 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-6090
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5985-5600
Hours: 10 AM–9 PM
Website: https://stores.sanrio.co.jp/8152100
Totti Candy Factory: Pop and Kawaii Sweets
Source: Tabelog by PekopekoAnnie
Located on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the epicenter of Tokyo's Kawaii culture, "Totti Candy Factory" is a popular shop for its colorful, pop cotton candy.
I always get excited even before buying because you can see the cotton candy being made right in front of you. While taking pictures is fun, the taste is also delicious, with the fluffy texture melting in your mouth.
Priced between 700-1,000 yen, this is a classic Harajuku sweet that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
<Store Information>
Address: Ryu Apartment 2F, 1-16-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3403-7007
Hours: 10 AM–7 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 9:30 AM–8 PM
Website: http://www.totticandy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totticandyfactory/
Strawberry Fetish: Delicious and Kawaii Strawberry Sweets
Source: Tabelog
"Strawberry Fetish" is a strawberry candy shop in Harajuku. Strawberry candy is a fruit confection where fresh strawberries are coated in candy, making the whole strawberries shine and glisten, resulting in a photogenic treat.
My recommendation is the mixed candy with strawberries and grapes. The juicy grapes complement the sweet-tart flavor of the strawberries perfectly.
If you're looking for photogenic sweets along with the cotton candy shop mentioned earlier, be sure to visit here as well. At 500-800 yen per piece, it's a satisfying treat that's worth the price!
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-16-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6434-7837
Hours: 10 AM–8 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 9:30 AM–8 PM
Website: http://strawberryfetish.com/
Tokyo Sweets #3: 3 Recommended Shops for Traditional Sweets
Next, I'll introduce shops for traditional Japanese sweets in Tokyo. The delicious flavors of the beautiful confections sold at long-established shops are something I want everyone to try at least once when visiting Tokyo.
TORAYA TOKYO: A Renowned Traditional Sweets Shop
Source: Tabelog by chocosara
A cafe run by the long-established Japanese confectionery shop Toraya, a supplier to the Imperial Household, can be found on the 2nd floor of the Tokyo Station Hotel connected to Tokyo Station. Here, you can leisurely savor the flavors of Toraya, which boasts over 500 years of history.
One item I'd highly recommend is the "Anmitsu," one of their signature menu items. It's an exquisite sweet of azuki bean paste served over agar jelly. In the summer, I also recommend the traditional Tokyo sweet "Kakigori," shaved ice topped with syrup.
The price is around 3,000 yen including a drink, which is certainly not cheap. However, if you're seeking the authentic flavors that only a long-established shop can provide, I believe it's well worth a visit.
<Store Information>
Address: 2F Tokyo Station Hotel, 1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5220-2345
Hours: 10 AM–6:30 PM
Website: https://www.toraya-group.co.jp/shops/shop-14
Yanagiya: A Long-Established Taiyaki Shop
Source: Tabelog by pateknautilus40
Taiyaki is a pastry shaped like a fish, often filled with azuki bean paste, custard, or chocolate.
One of the long-established taiyaki shops is Yanagiya, with over 100 years of history. This small shop in Ningyocho, an area in Tokyo retaining its traditional townscape, continues to make delicious taiyaki to this day.
While I enjoy the custard-filled taiyaki, I think Yanagiya's simple azuki bean paste taiyaki is the best, with the high-quality azuki beans' flavor spreading throughout my mouth.
There's often a line, but you're guaranteed to encounter a satisfying taste. At 180 yen each, they're reasonably priced, making them perfect for strolling through Ningyocho's traditional streets.
It's also worth noting that most taiyaki shops are take-out only, so be sure to keep that in mind.
<Store Information>
Address: 2 -11-3 Nihonbashiningyocho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0013
Closed: Sundays, Mondays
Phone: 03-3666-9901
Hours: 12:30 PM–6 PM
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/yanagiya-official/
Oshiro Morihachi: Delicious "Monaka" Sweets
Source: Tabelog by Oshiro Morihachi
Located just a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree is "Oshiro Morihachi," a monaka specialty shop with over 90 years of history. Monaka is a baked confection in a round shape filled with azuki bean paste.
The shop's defining feature is its castle-like facade, photogenic enough to catch your eye on Instagram. But the monaka's taste, made with chestnut and azuki bean pastes, is also truly wonderful.
At around 200 yen each, the prices are very reasonable, allowing me to enjoy authentic flavors casually. As it's a take-out only shop, be sure to pick some up as a souvenir during your Tokyo Skytree visit.
<Store Information>
Address: 602, 1 Chome-3-6 Narihira, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0002
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-3622-0006
Hours: 9 AM–6 PM
Website: http://www.morihati.co.jp/
Usagiya: A Popular Shop for Dorayaki
Source: Tabelog by Cafemoca Otoko
Dorayaki is a traditional Japanese confection made of pancake-like castella wrapped around azuki bean paste. One of the most famous is the dorayaki from Usagiya.
Located in Nihombashi, just a 7-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station, this super popular shop always has a line.
I feel that Usagiya's dorayaki have a perfect balance - the pancake is soft yet chewy, complementing the filling wonderfully. The size is also just right and easy to eat.
Dorayaki is loved by locals as the favorite food of the main character from the anime "Doraemon," which is familiar to anyone living in Tokyo. At around 250 yen each, they often sell out in the afternoon, so I recommend visiting in the early morning hours.
<Store Information>
Address: First Building, 1F, 1 Chome-2-19 Nihonbashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0027
Closed: Saturdays, Sundays
Phone: 03-3271-9910
Hours: 9:30 AM–6 PM
Website: Unavailable
Tokyo Sweets #4: 3 Recommended Portable Sweets for Gifts or Travel Snacks
Tokyo has plenty of sweets that are easy to carry. They're perfect for travel snacks or little gifts. Here, I've also included information on their best-by dates, so be sure to refer to it when taking them back to your home country.
Tokyo Banana: The Classic Tokyo Souvenir Sweet
Source: Tokyo Banana official website
The banana-shaped sponge cake "Tokyo Banana" is a classic souvenir sweet for Tokyo locals. I often give it as a gift to friends, and they're always delighted to receive it.
It frequently collaborates with characters like Winnie the Pooh and Pokémon, with adorable packaging adding to its charm.
Easy to eat and individually wrapped for portability, it's also perfect as a snack during your stay. However, the best-by date is only around 1-2 weeks from the manufacture date, so I recommend purchasing it on the day of your return flight or the day before if you plan to take it back to your home country. You can find them relatively easily at train stations and department stores in Tokyo.
Website: https://www.tokyobanana.jp/
Raimochi: A Recommended Asakusa Souvenir
Raimochi is a traditional Tokyo confection made by solidifying sweet syrup over rice cakes. With a crispy texture and just the right amount of sweetness, it's a staple souvenir found at shops in tourist areas like Asakusa.
Even as a Tokyo local, I find it addictively delicious, and a bag never lasts long for me. The extended best-by date of over a month is also a plus, making it great as a gift for family and friends back home after your trip.
The store information below is for Tokiwado Asakusa Honten, a long-established raimochi shop located near Kaminarimon in Asakusa. It's one of the sweets I highly recommend buying during your Asakusa sightseeing.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-3-2 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3841-5656
Hours: 10 AM–6:30 PM
Website: https://tokiwado.tokyo/store/kaminarimon/
Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory: Cookie Gifts
Based in Tokyo, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory offers sweets made with quality ingredients, and their treats using premium cream cheese and milk are all delicious. Among them, the cookie sandwiches are highly recommended.
With flavors like vanilla, cheese, and salt available, they're conveniently portioned out for snacking during your stay or as gifts for family and friends.
You can purchase them at Tokyo Station, and there are also three shops at Haneda Airport, so you can buy them at the airport before your departure. With a relatively long best-by date of around one month, they're a great portable sweet option.
Website: https://sucreyshopping.jp/tokyomilkcheese/shoplist
Bonus: 3 Recommended Sweets from Tokyo's Supermarkets and Convenience Stores
While not necessarily unique to Tokyo, the sweets available at supermarkets and convenience stores in Tokyo are also of high quality and well worth trying. And since they're inexpensive, they're perfect for a quick snack. Here, as a bonus section, I'll introduce three recommended sweets that I frequently buy myself.
Hi-Chew: A Wide Variety of Flavors Available in Tokyo!
Source: Wikipedia
The soft candy "Hi-Chew" is loved around the world. At convenience stores and stores like Don Quijote in Tokyo, you can find not only the regular products but also rare, limited-edition flavors.
At around 150 yen per stick, they're quite affordable, so I recommend trying various flavors. Be sure to check out the Hi-Chew selection at nearby convenience stores or supermarkets in Tokyo.
Website: https://www.morinaga.co.jp/hi-chew/
Jagarico: The Ultimate Potato Stick Snack
Source: Calbee official website
"Jagarico" is a stick-shaped potato snack sold by Calbee. With a crisp, firm texture, it's addictively delicious once you start eating.
In addition to classic flavors like salad and cheese, there's also a wide variety of limited-edition flavors, making it appealing. However, my recommendation is the standard salad flavor.
If you buy them at a supermarket, they're around 100 yen each, which is quite affordable. At first, the crunchy sound might be a bit embarrassing, but once you're absorbed in the deliciousness, you won't even notice!
Website: https://www.calbee.co.jp/
Alfort: Delicious Chocolate Biscuits at a Great Price
Source: Alfort official website
A long-selling product from the sweets company Bourbon is "Alfort." It's a treat with crispy biscuits topped with rich chocolate.
While milk chocolate and bitter chocolate are the standard varieties, limited-edition flavors like matcha and strawberry are also released.
I've loved Alfort since I was a child, and I especially tend to overindulge in the large bag sizes sold at supermarkets.
At convenience stores, you can buy the small boxed versions for around 150 yen. I recommend trying them as a snack during breaks at your hotel or while traveling on a shinkansen.
Website: https://www.bourbon.co.jp/alfort/
FAQ about Tokyo Sweets
Finally, as a local sweets lover, I'll answer some frequently asked questions from tourists about Tokyo sweets.
Do you have any tips for avoiding long lines at Tokyo sweets shops?
If you're visiting a popular shop, I recommend checking their opening hours first. Right after they open tends to be less crowded, so that's a good time to aim for. On the other hand, avoid going right before closing, as there's a high chance your desired item may be sold out. Weekday mornings tend to be particularly quiet.
Do you have any tips for choosing sweets at Tokyo shops?
If you're unsure what to get, start by checking the shop's signature menu items. Their long-selling or popular items are sure to be delicious.
Additionally, many Tokyo sweets shops display samples, so you can look at those to find something appealing.
If you're still undecided, I recommend asking the staff. They may inform you about not only the standard items but also any seasonal limited menu offerings.
This article covered the different types of sweets in Tokyo and recommended shops from various perspectives.
From the flavors of long-established shops to the latest trends, you might feel like there's not enough time to try everything. My suggestion is to make sure you get a taste of the classics while also trying one other unique sweet.
Since this article features shops in areas accessible to tourists, I also recommend stopping by a sweets shop while you're sightseeing in the area.
I hope this Tokyo sweets guide helps make your ultimate sweets journey in Tokyo a delightful one!