Best Japanese cakes or pastries to try?
Discover Tokyo’s best cakes! From classic shortcakes at Fujiya to luxury pastries at crèam fraise génoise, here’s your full dessert guide.
Conclusion
If you're in Tokyo, start with the classic strawberry shortcake.
For something casual and delicious, Fujiya or PARIYA are great.
For rich cheesecake, LeTAO is a must.
And if you’re staying in Ginza, don’t miss the reservation-only shortcake from crèam fraise génoise.
Personally, I also recommend French Pound House in Otsuka—a local favorite not often mentioned in guidebooks.
General Info: What Guidebooks Say & Why Japanese Cakes Are Popular
In most travel magazines or guidebooks, you’ll see these names:
- Harbs – Known for its large, fruit-filled mille crêpe cakes
- Pierre Hermé Paris – A luxury French pâtisserie with stores in Aoyama and Nihonbashi
- Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI Paris – Elegant pastries combining French technique and Japanese flavors (like matcha)
- Ginza Cozy Corner – Affordable and cute mini cakes, easy to find everywhere
These shops are popular, accessible, and consistent, which is why they’re often recommended to tourists.
🍰 Why Japanese Cakes Are So Loved
- Not too sweet — perfect balance of flavor and freshness
- Emphasis on seasonal fruits like strawberries, peaches, or chestnuts
- Aesthetic presentation with beautiful packaging
- Light sponge and whipped cream textures, very different from dense Western cakes
My Honest Favorite Cake Shops in Tokyo
Here are the cake shops I personally love and recommend — based on actual taste, not just media buzz:
| 🍰 Shop | Area | What to Try | Why I Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Pound House | Otsuka | Premium Strawberry Shortcake | The best balance of sponge and cream. Local favorite with a loyal following. |
| PARIYA | Aoyama | Strawberry Shortcake | Trendy and fresh, with seasonal variations. |
| Fujiya | Various | Classic Shortcake | Nostalgic, affordable, and always reliable. |
| LeTAO | Dept. Stores (from Hokkaido) | Double Fromage Cheesecake | Two-layer texture, great souvenir option. |
| crèam fraise génoise | Ginza | Seasonal Shortcake | Reservation-only luxury. Delicate and refined flavor. |
👤 Best Cakes by Type of Traveler
| Traveler Type | Recommended Spots |
|---|---|
| 💸 Budget-conscious | Fujiya, Ginza Cozy Corner |
| 📸 Instagram-lovers | PARIYA, Harbs |
| 🍽️ Luxury seekers | crèam fraise génoise, Pierre Hermé |
| 🚃 Hidden gem hunters | French Pound House |
| 🎁 Gift shoppers | LeTAO, Sadaharu AOKI |
🕰️ When & Where to Go
| Situation | My Recommendation |
|---|---|
| ☕ Afternoon tea with friends | PARIYA, Harbs |
| 🏨 Hotel room dessert | LeTAO, Fujiya (great for takeout) |
| 🎂 Special celebration | crèam fraise génoise (must reserve!) |
| 🚶 Cake during sightseeing | French Pound House – perfect after a morning in northern Tokyo |
⚠️ Unexpected Tips & Downsides
- crèam fraise génoise requires advance reservation, and there's no in-store seating
- Many popular cakes sell out by late afternoon, especially seasonal flavors
- Some shops like French Pound House may be cash-only or have limited card support
- Most cakes are for same-day consumption — avoid saving them overnight
- Packaging is often too pretty to throw away! You may want to bring an extra bag for souvenirs
My Review – Honest Thoughts on Famous Cake Shops
| 🏬 Shop | My Review |
|---|---|
| Harbs | Truly delicious — I highly recommend trying it, especially their mille crêpe, which is one of the best in Tokyo. It might feel a bit pricey, but it’s worth it. Be prepared for long lines at the café, especially on weekends. |
| Ginza Cozy Corner | A very common chain often found near train stations. The taste is honestly average, but it’s very affordable, and kids are usually happy to receive these as a treat. Great for casual snacking. |
| Pierre Hermé Paris | Elegant in both flavor and presentation, but you can get it outside Japan too, so it may not feel special to eat here. That said, the packaging is gorgeous, so it makes for an excellent gift. |
| Sadaharu AOKI | A refined fusion of French technique and Japanese ingredients. Elegant and subtle in flavor, not for everyone — but definitely worth trying at least once, especially for adult palates. |
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