Tokyo is a city full of amazing food, and its traditional Japanese sweets, known as wagashi, are no exception. These beautifully crafted sweets are made with high-quality ingredients and follow recipes that have been passed down for generations. Whether you are looking for a special gift or simply want to treat yourself, wagashi offer a delicious way to experience Japanese culture. From crispy monaka to soft and chewy mochi, Tokyo has many excellent wagashi shops to explore. Here are four of the best places to try traditional Japanese sweets in the city.
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1. Kuya (Kūya)
Kuya has been making wagashi since 1884. Their famous “Kuya Monaka” is a crispy wafer filled with sweet red bean paste. Monaka is a traditional Japanese sweet that consists of thin, crisp rice wafers enclosing a smooth or chunky red bean filling. The light texture of the wafers contrasts beautifully with the rich, slightly sweet red bean paste inside. Kuya Monaka stays fresh for about a week, and the texture changes over time, making it even more interesting to eat.
Address: 6-7-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closes at 4:00 PM on Saturdays)
Closed: Sundays, holidays, Obon, New Year
2. Kanadaya
Kanadaya in Ginza makes special fruit daifuku. Daifuku is a type of mochi (glutinous rice cake) filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste. Kanadaya takes it to the next level with their “decorated fruit daifuku.” Their version features black mochi made with bamboo charcoal, white bean paste, and cream cheese inside, with a generous topping of fresh fruit. The chewy mochi, creamy filling, and juicy fruit create a unique combination of flavors and textures.
Address: 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 5 Chome−7−10 EXITMELSA 1F
Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Open daily)
3. Akasaka Aono
Akasaka Aono, founded in 1899, is famous for high-quality wagashi. Their summer-only “Hiyashi Mitarashi” is a cold version of mitarashi dango, featuring chewy rice dumplings covered in a sweet-salty soy sauce glaze. Mitarashi dango is a classic Japanese snack made of skewered rice dumplings grilled and coated in a glossy, flavorful soy-based sauce. The chilled version offers a refreshing twist, making it a perfect treat for hot summer days.
Steve Jobs loved their “Mame Daifuku” so much that he had it sent to the U.S. every two weeks for six months. Mame Daifuku is a variation of daifuku that contains whole red beans in the soft mochi shell, adding a delightful texture and deeper flavor to the traditional sweet.
Address: 7-11-9 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052
Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on Sundays and holidays
4. Keikidokoro Mioya
Keikidokoro Mioya, near Tokyo Daijingu, makes premium Japanese-style pound cakes. Their cakes use 99% natural ingredients with no artificial additives. Instead of metal pans, they bake the cakes in wooden molds, giving them a soft, moist texture. This method allows the cake to absorb the subtle aroma of the wood, enhancing its flavor.
Address: 4-2-5 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0072
Hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Conclusion
These four wagashi shops in Tokyo offer delicious, beautifully made sweets. Whether you’re looking for a gift or a personal treat, these traditional sweets will be a great experience. Try them when you visit Tokyo!
