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20 Traditional Japanese Sweets & Desserts Tourists Must Try
When people think of Japan, they often picture sushi, bullet trains, and tech gadgets, but they rarely mention the unique traditional Japanese sweets.
These desserts in Japan are not just delicious but a aesthetic too!
We had everything planned for our 3-week Japan trip — transport, sightseeing, the usual stuff. But no one told me about the awesome authentic desserts in Japan!
There aren’t many vegetarian options in Japan, but there are plenty of delicious desserts!
As a budget traveller in Japan, finding affordable desserts was a bit of a challenge. Wagashi, Mochi, and the famous Jiggly Cake were must-tries, but they didn’t always fit a budget-friendly plan.
Then, I found Purin at 7-Eleven and Ichigo Sando at Lawson — delicious and cheap! Kyoto street food also offered unique finds like Kyo Baum and Waguri Mont Blanc.
Now, I can’t wait to share the best traditional Japanese sweets and desserts you must try in Japan. Ready to add these to your travel list?
Must-try Traditional Japanese sweets for travellers
Taiyaki – Fish Shaped Waffles
Taiyaki, the fish-shaped waffle, is a fun Japanese treat filled with red bean paste, custard, or chocolate.
I loved watching them cook fresh at street stalls — hot off the grill, they’re crispy outside, fluffy inside, with just the right amount of sweetness.
The fish shape represents a red sea bream, a good luck symbol in Japan, and adds a cute touch. Imagine a warm waffle with a delicious filling – perfect for munching on the go
Although, don’t eat on the go – It is considered bad manners to walk while eating in Japan.
Taiyaki is surely one of the most affordable Japanese sweets to try as they are sold in small shops and street side.
Where to Try: Tokyo or Osaka.
Average Price: Around ¥200-¥500 per piece.
Higashi
Ever seen a sweet and thought, “This is too cute to eat?” That’s Higashi for you!
As part of traditional Japanese sweets known as Wagashi, Higashi is a must-try on a heritage walk or food tour in Tokyo.
Often served with Matcha tea, I found them perfect for snacking during long train rides.
The Nihonbashi area in Tokyo has some fantastic shops keeping this centuries-old tradition alive, with Higashi in shapes like flowers and leaves – These shapes change with season
I visited Japan in December, and the Higashi I tried were shaped like autumn leaves – adorable!
Since they’re dry and have a long shelf life, they make a perfect souvenir. My friends loved them!
Where to Try: Tokyo, particularly in Nihonbashi.
Average Price: Around ¥500-¥800 per box.
Daifuku Mochi
Daifuku is a squishy, round Japanese sweet is one of the many Japanese mochi varieties. It is made from chewy mochi filled with sweet red bean paste and is one of the most popular sweets in Tokyo.
They come in various colours like white, pink, or green, and you might even find different fillings like strawberry or ice cream.
My favourite is definitely the strawberry-filled Daifuku – it’s sweet, sour, chewy, and a bit nutty! Best eaten fresh, Daifuku isn’t great as a souvenir but is perfect for a quick treat.
Where to Try: Tokyo, available in most confectionery shops.
Average Price: Around ¥100-¥300 per piece.
Mitarashi Dango
Mitarashi Dango is one of the best sweets in Japan, made of chewy rice dumplings on a stick, grilled and then covered in a sweet and salty soy sauce glaze.
The dumplings are made from rice flour, so they’re soft and sticky, soaking up all that tasty sauce.
I had them at Matsubara Dori in Kyoto, and they were like little caramelised bites with a hint of soy sauce — so good!
You’ll find these at street stalls and convenience stores everywhere in Japan, perfect for a quick munch while you’re out and about, especially catching that last train.
Where to Try: Kyoto or any street stalls in major cities.
Average Price: About ¥100-¥250 per skewer.
Momiji manju
If you’re looking for a cute sweet treats to eat in Japan, Momiji Manju is your bet. It is a leaf-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste.
Originally from Hiroshima, they’re the perfect thing to eat in cold winter. The leaf shape represents local maple trees – beautiful and delicious!
When I tried these in Miyajima ( the floating tori place and deers on the beach), they were soft, just sweet enough, and had this warm, comforting vibe.
It’s like tasting Japanese autumn in every bite, and they’re not too sugary, so you can have more than one!
Where to Try: Hiroshima, especially in Miyajima.
Average Price: About ¥150-¥300 per piece.
Dorayaki
Dorayaki is this lovely Japanese snack made of two fluffy pancakes with a sweet red bean paste filling. The pancakes are light and honey-flavoured and one of the most famous sweet snacks from Japan.
Surely it tastes great, but it is more famous because it’s Doraemon’s favourite food.
Biting into one was like biting into a sweet, warm cloud. You can find Dorayaki at any convenience store, so it’s easy to satisfy that craving anytime.
Where to Try: All over Japan
Average Price: Around ¥150-¥300 per piece.
Delicious Japanese desserts to try
Strawberry-based Crepes!
Japanese crepes are a game changer! Unlike French ones, they’re packed with all kinds of toppings and wrapped up, perfect for eating while exploring.
Shibuya and Harajuku are the spots to try them.
I had five different kinds, but my favourite was the one with whipped cream and fresh strawberries in Harajuku – so fresh and sweet! It felt like holding a bit of happiness in my hand.
Where to Try: Shibuya and Harajuku in Tokyo.
Average Price: Around ¥500-¥700 per crepe.
Totoro Cream Puffs
Totoro cream puffs are probably the most aesthetic dessert you can ever have in Japan.
These adorable pastries are shaped like the beloved character Totoro from Studio Ghibli’s film, My Neighbour Totoro
It is a light fluffy pastry that’s filled with smooth, creamy goodness
The custard is sweet but not too sugary, and if you go for a flavour like chocolate or a seasonal one like peach, it’s a total flavour bomb.
They’ve got this perfect blend of rich filling and delicate pastry – just melts in your mouth!
Where to Try: Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory
Average Price: Around ¥500-¥700 per piece.
Sweet Potato Dessert
“Sweet Potato Dessert” is a traditional treat often found in Japanese homes rather than cafes. If you’re staying in a homestay or ryokan, you might just get lucky and try it!
Made with baked sweet potatoes, vanilla extract, cream, and sugar and an egg wash, it has a cosy, homemade vibe.
I tried it at Miharashi Cafe in Asakusa Tokyo ( On the top most floor of Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center).
They topped it with whipped cream, a cherry, and a scoop of sweet potato ice cream. It was surprisingly refreshing, but a bit pricey for such a small quantity!
Where to Try: Tokyo and Kawagoe, at specialised dessert shops.
Average Price: Around ¥800-¥1200 per piece.
Jiggly Cheesecake
Japan’s jiggly cheesecake, one of the famous desserts in Japan, became a viral sensation on social media, and I totally get why!
You can find it everywhere, even at 7-Eleven, but trust me, nothing beats the original from Osaka’s Uncle Rikuro.
Besides a fun day at Universal Studios Japan, tasting Uncle Rikuro’s fluffy, bouncy cheesecake was a top reason we visited Osaka.
The cheesecake is super light, with just the right mix of cheese and egg, plus a sneaky layer of raisins at the bottom.
Watching them bake it fresh, then seeing the staff stamp the cake while it jiggles, was so fun! The wait was about 45 minutes, but honestly, it was worth every second for a slice straight from the oven.
Where to Try: Osaka, Uncle Rikuro.
Average Price: About ¥800 per cake.
Kyo baum
Kyoto’s very own dessert, Kyo Baum, is a matcha-infused treat made with soy milk. It’s a Kyoto twist on the classic German Baumkuchen cake.
Think of it like a layered tree ring cake, but with unique matcha and hojicha (roasted green tea) flavours.
It has a soft, moist texture and a mild matcha taste, but it’s pretty sweet.
I prefer desserts with less sweetness, so Kyo Baum was a bit too sweet for me. However, my spouse, Ashrith, who doesn’t mind a sugary treat, says it’s the best dessert in Japan!
You can find it at Kyoto JR Station while you wait for buses and trains or in gift shops – a great souvenir to bring home – If only you use it within a week
Where to Try: Kyoto Station or local gift shops.
Average Price: About ¥300-¥1000 per piece.
Waguri Montblanc
Waguri Mont Blanc is a delicious Kyoto-style dessert made with Japanese chestnuts. It’s like uncovering layers of treasure!
The first thing you see is a heap of creamy chestnut strips that look like vermicelli. Cutting into it, you find fluffy sponge cake and rich chestnut cream.
With each bite, the cream melts in your mouth, balanced by a delightful crunch from the meringue and chestnuts on top – I am sure it is one the top on the list of unique Japanese desserts every traveller must try.
I tried it in Kyoto, and every layer felt like a new surprise. It’s no wonder this dessert is a favourite in Japan – a must-try if you’re in Kyoto!
Where to Try: Kyoto, at specialised dessert shops.
Average Price: Around ¥600-¥900 per piece.
Gyunyu Pan (Milk Bread)
The magical winterland of Nagano has its signature dessert – Gyunyu Pan, which means milk bread.
Rich cream is sandwiched between two pieces of fluffy bread and cut into rectangular loaves. The bread is made with milk, which is how Gyunyu Pan (or “milk bread”) gets its name.
Gyunyu Pan is the softest bread that melts in your mouth immediately. You can enjoy one or two for breakfast or carry it along when travelling by train. But, without refrigeration, it won’t stay fresh for long.
Kenmaru Bakery in Nagano is believed to be where it was invented, but now every bakery seems to be selling it.
We tried several at Ringonoki in Nagano train station – they were cheap and delicious!
Where to Try: Nagano, Ringonoki or any local bakery.
Average Price: Around ¥200-¥400 per piece.
Melon Pan
Melon pan, or melon bread, which tastes delicious, but doesn’t taste like melons at all – surprise!
It’s a sweet bun with a fluffy inside and a crispy crust that’s just shaped like a melon.
I first tried it in Nagano, thinking it would taste fruity, but it turned out to be a unique treat with contrasting textures.
Melon pan comes in fun flavours like chocolate chip and custard. The custard one is my go-to – seriously delicious and so easy to carry around!
Where to Try: All over Japan, popular in Nara, especially Naramachi and Nagano
Average Price: About ¥150-¥300 per piece.
Tokyo Banana
Tokyo Banana is a beloved souvenir treat from Tokyo, and I can see why! It’s a soft, fluffy sponge cake filled with creamy banana custard making it an Iconic desserts from Japan
The texture is light and moist, with just the right banana flavour – not too strong, just fruity and mildly sweet.
This was the last sweet treat I had in Japan – I actually ate it at Haneda Airport. While wandering through the gift shops, I spotted a box that said “Tokyo Banana.” They looked too cute to resist, so I had to buy it.
They come individually wrapped, making them easy to share or save for later.
But heads up, they only stay fresh for about a week, so don’t wait too long to dig in!
Where to Try: Any Japanese airports, big stores ( Not available in 7/11 or Lawson)
Average Price: Around ¥1,000-¥20400 per box of 12
Matcha Cookies and cake
You’ll see matcha-flavoured goodies everywhere in Japan – from Starbucks to 7-Eleven. But it’s not just any flavour; it’s a huge part of Japanese culture!
The Japanese make Matcha lattes, including iced ones, which honestly aren’t that great.
But Matcha cookies, Matcha Basque cheesecake, and pancakes are amazing! And these are just a few of the hundreds of desserts they create with Matcha.
My favourite is a matcha cake with layers of soft cream – delicious and didn’t even break the bank. Trust me, whether it’s a cookie or a cake, matcha makes desserts better!
Where to Try: Any local bakery or Starbucks in Japan.
Average Price: Around ¥300-¥500 per piece.
Purin (Japanese Custard Pudding)
Purin is Japan’s version of custard pudding, and it’s a must-try!
I grabbed one at a 7-Eleven, and it was the perfect blend of creamy and sweet, with a little caramel bitterness on top. Plus it feels kind of jelly-ish, it jiggles.
The texture is silky smooth, and it feels like it just melts in your mouth. The best part? It’s super affordable, so you can try it wherever you go in Japan.
Where to Try: Any convenience store or dessert shop across Japan.
Average Price: About ¥150-¥300 per serving.
Ichigo Sando
Ichigo means strawberry, and sando is the Japanglish way of saying sandwich, so Ichigo sando literally means “strawberry sandwich.”
It might sound strange, but this treat breaks that stereotype! Made with fluffy white bread, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, it’s a perfect balance of juicy and sweet.
Why do I love Ichigo sando? – The Japanese make the softest bread, whipped cream that isn’t too sweet, and they grow some of the best strawberries in the world!
I used to wonder how my niece could enjoy fruit sandwiches, but after trying Ichigo sando in Nagano, I realised I’d been missing out on this delicious treat!
Where to Try: Convenience store (Particularly Lawson) all over Japan
Average Price: Around ¥300-¥500 per piece.
Custard Cream & Chocolate Éclair!
There are loads of chocolate treats in Japan’s 7-Eleven stores, but nothing tops the Custard Cream & Chocolate Éclair!
It looks like a big coffee bean, and you might think it’s hard at first, but give it a little press, and it cracks open, letting the custard ooze out.
It’s got this amazing eggy flavour, with a super thin, crunchy chocolate shell. It’s creamy and chocolatey without being overly sweet. A total win for any dessert lover!
Where to Try: Convenience store (Particularly 7/11) all over Japan
Average Price: Around ¥150-¥200 per piece.
Ice Cream
Japan’s ice creams can get pretty wild! Ever tried wasabi ice cream for a spicy kick or soy sauce for a sweet and savoury mix?
Feeling brave? There’s squid ink ice cream (yep, it’s black and salty), or even shrimp and eel flavours for seafood fans.
And for nature lovers, cactus or charcoal ice cream is a thing!
Personally, I’m not into meat or sauce in my ice cream. I tried some crazy ones at 7-Eleven but stuck with classics like matcha and strawberry.
Japanese matcha is unbeatable, and their strawberries are top-notch!
They also do amazing fruit popsicles with real fruit and Yukimi Daifuku – ice cream wrapped in chewy mochi.
Where to Try: All over Japan
Average Price: About ¥150-¥400 per piece.
FAQ
Where to find the best desserts in Japan
Out of all the Japanese cities, Tokyo and Nagano have some of the best desserts in Japan. You can try them at various cafes, but to keep it more affordable, you’ll find great options at convenience stores too.
Japanese dessert shops in Kyoto
Some of the most famous dessert shops worth trying in Japan are Maccha House for ice creams, Kyo Baum Kiyomizu for Kyo Baum cakes, and Waguri Senmon Saori for Waguri Mont Blanc.
What is Japan’s most famous dessert?
Mochi is the most famous of all traditional sweets. It is served with tea and can be enjoyed sweet or savoury. There are many types to try, like the light and jelly-like warabimochi or the dense, chewy daifuku mochi filled with red bean paste.
Found our guide useful to taste authentic and traditional Japanese sweets and aesthetic desserts? Let us know in the comment section below.
