Is Osaka’s Iconic Jiggly Cheesecake by Uncle Rikuro a Must-Try?

Ever planned a trip just for one food? I did—and it was to Osaka!

While mapping out our first time trip to Japan for 24 days, I wasn’t sure if Osaka was worth the stop. That was until I saw the viral Osaka Jiggly Cake: Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake.

That fluffy delight reeled me in, and I knew we had to try it.

During our 2-day Osaka adventure, this jiggly wonder became our breakfast of choice.

When I got back and posted about it, everyone kept asking: “Does Rikuro’s Cheesecake really jiggle? Is it delicious or just a gimmick?”

I’ve tasted heaps of desserts across Japan, but does Osaka’s famous cheesecake live up to the hype? And what about that cool stamp the staff press onto it while baking—is it worth all the fuss?” – I am going to reveal it all.

Here’s my honest take on the experience of devouring Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake.

My Honest Review: Taste and Texture

We both absolutely fell in love with Uncle Rikuro’s cheesecake—without a doubt, it’s one of the best desserts in all of Japan.

First Impressions and the Signature Flavour

My first impression when I held Uncle Rikuro’s jiggly cheesecake was that it was light, and the little stamp of Uncle Rikuro on top was quite cute, but it’s definitely not as aesthetically pleasing as wagashi or melon pan.

But when I cut into it with a spoon, it broke apart like airy cotton, and the fresh aroma of egg and milk hit me—straight to the brain and instantly tingling my taste buds.

And a few raisins at the bottom of the cheesecake was a surprise sweet-tangy twist.

With that first bite, I was in pure food heaven, savouring those delicate, mild flavours!

I was right to plan my Osaka trip around this jiggly delight! It’s so fluffy, super light, and ridiculously delicious that I honestly didn’t want it to end.

The mix of egg, milk, mild sweetness, and those raisins at the bottom—what a perfect blend of flavours!

I’ve had desserts at Café Tomaselli in Salzburg and even the famous cheese strudel in Vienna, but Uncle Rikuro’s jiggly cheesecake in Osaka tops them all!

When I reached my last bite, I genuinely hesitated, wondering if I should save it for later—just didn’t want the experience to end!

Does It Rikuro cheesecake Really Jiggle? (Answering the Big Question)

Yes, it does! But don’t expect it to wobble like slime. The jiggle is subtle but very noticeable, making it a fun and quirky part of the experience.

It’s one of the first cakes I’ve seen that has this level of jiggle.

Is It Just a Gimmick or Really Worth It?

Osaka’s famous jiggly cheesecake at Uncle Rikuro, especially at their Namba store where they bake it fresh and serve it straight from the oven, is absolutely worth it—and it’s definitely not just a social media gimmick.

But what makes it even more special is that you get to watch the entire baking process while waiting in line at their main Namba store.

Who wouldn’t love Osaka’s jiggly cake?

Those who don’t enjoy the strong aroma of eggs or are used to traditional, heavy cheesecakes might not be fans of Osaka’s jiggly cake.

It’s more of a spongy cake, with a mild cheese flavour and a unique sweetness—not overly sugary, which is exactly what I love about it.

It has a sort of soufflé-like texture since it’s made with cream cheese, butter, sugar, and eggs, all whipped together to create that wonderfully fluffy feel.

As an egg-eating vegetarian struggling in Japan, I absolutely loved it! My non-vegetarian husband who had a good time in Japan could easily eat another one.

But it’s not for everyone. Unlike other cheesecakes that are often loaded (sometimes overloaded) with cheese, Osaka’s jiggly cake is light and has a pronounced eggy scent.

Watch the video here on Instagram to know how it jiggles!

The Fame Behind the Jiggly Osaka Cheese cake

Why Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake Is So Popular

Uncle Rikuro’s cheesecake owes its success to quality ingredients—Danish cream cheese, special syrup for the raisins, and fresh milk and eggs. This combination makes it light, rich, and uniquely delicious!

For starters, it’s baked fresh right in front of you. The sweet aroma fills the street, tempting anyone passing by to stop and grab a bite.

They bake 12 cakes at a time, and the result is a fluffy, delicate cheesecake that’s as soft as a baby’s cheek!

But it’s not just the baking process—they’re serious about their ingredients too. They use top-quality dairy and natural ingredients, with cream cheese imported straight from Denmark under strict regulations.

This is the key to its fresh yet rich flavour. And don’t forget the special touch—those raisins at the bottom!

They’ve perfected a syrup to sweeten them, which adds a subtle contrast to the cake and completes the experience.

Apart from its delicious taste and signature jiggle, another thing that makes Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake iconic is the stamping ritual.

As soon as a cheesecake is freshly baked, the staff ring a bell and grab a hot metal stamp with the founder’s figure, “Rikuro,” etched on it.

They gently press this heated stamp onto each cake, leaving behind a cute imprint of the founder.

So, when you enjoy a slice of Rikuro’s cheesecake, you get to see the founder’s little figure smiling back at you!

I remember watching those videos and thinking, “I’ve got to see this in person!” – Trust me it is super satisfying to watch stamping ritual.

History of Rikiuro’s Cheesecake

Rikuro is the name of the founder who introduced this freshly baked cheesecake to the world. Their journey began in 1957 as a small retail shop, but it wasn’t until 1984 that their iconic cheesecake made its debut.

Rikuro and his team weren’t even sure if this concept would work, but today, this cheesecake has become a symbol of Osaka!

The secret to its success? It all comes down to size, price, and taste—three things that matter most to people in Osaka, and Uncle Rikuro’s cheesecake hits the mark on all of them.

While their cheesecake is undoubtedly their star product, they also offer an array of other delightful confectionaries and breads.

Practical Information for Visiting Uncle Rikuro’s

Uncle Rikuro Cheesecake Price

In December 2022, we paid 800 yen for one Uncle Rikuro’s cheesecake, which is roughly 7 inches in diameter. Now, the price has gone up to 965 yen for the same.

Where to buy Uncle Rikuro cheesecake?

The best place to buy Rikuro’s cheesecake is the Namba, one of the coolest neighbourhoods to stay in Osaka,.

Here all the jiggly cheesecakes are baked fresh daily from 9am to 8pm. (Google map Directions) You get the hot cheesecakes right from the oven and stamped at this store

They’re only closed on January 1st.

To go to the main baker shop at Namba Main Store, board Midosuji Subway Line, get off at “Namba” station, and take Exit no. 11. A 5-minute walk from there takes you to the baker’s main store.

The store opens at 9. Be sure to be there at least 15 minutes before. As this is the main store, expect a minimum waiting period of 45 minutes.

We were there by 8.30am and already there was a line waiting.

Don’t worry; the Japanese know how to wait in line, and also they know how to discipline tourists politely so that everyone follows the line.

Besides the Namba main store, they sell cheesecakes at other stores. Mind that the other four stores don’t bake.

Can I watch Cheesecake making at Rikuro’s?

Yes. You can watch cheesecake making only at Uncle Riukuro’s main store at Namba.

Once you arrive there you will spot 3 different lines near the of the Rikuro store.

One of for 551 Horai Restaurant very close to the store – Skip that.

Notice the other two different lines in front of the store. One leads to the café on the upper floor, where you can enjoy cheesecake with drip coffee.

The other line is for buying a cheesecake to take away—and this is the one to choose if you want to watch the baking process.

As a non-Japanese visitor, it can be a bit confusing, like it was for us. But don’t worry!

The store manager or staff will ask if you want to go to the café or buy a cake to go.

Just say “To go” or “Takeaway,” and they’ll point you to the right line.

Be prepared for at least a 45-minute wait in line, but trust me, it’s worth it!

As you get closer, you’ll spot the cashier next to the staff member ringing a bell and stamping each cake. Behind them, the magic unfolds in the kitchen.

When you reach the counter, pay with cash or card, and get ready for the show!

Each staff member plays their part: one sets up the batter, another adds a handful of raisins, and then the batter is poured precisely into the moulds.

As one cake bakes, another emerges hot and fragrant. The baker flips it out of the tin, peels off the baking paper, and slides it to the front.

That’s when the bell rings, and the iconic Uncle Rikuro stamp is gently pressed onto the jiggly cake before it’s wrapped up.

Watching this entire process made our stomachs growl (even writing about it makes me hungry!).

Once you’ve got your cake, it’s time to walk away, as eating in front of the Namba Main Store isn’t allowed.

So head 25 metres to the right of the store, where you’ll find a public seating area near Starbucks Edion Namba.

It’s a great spot to enjoy your cake without needing to buy a drink.

You should definitely take advantage of these kinds of free places whenever you find them in Japan to save money and stick to your budget.

How to get to Rikuro Cheesecake main store at Namba?

To reach Uncle Rikuro’s Main Store in Namba, take the metro to Namba Station and exit at Exit 11. It’s less than a 5-minute walk from there.

Use Google Maps for precise walking directions and the Japan Transit Planner app to track subway options.

Public Wi-Fi is limited, so a local Japanese SIM with good data is ideal. We chose Mobitel, and it worked perfectly!

And to use Osaka Metro, you can use IC Cards. Buying other travel passes for Osaka may or may not work depending on your itinerary.

Where Can You Find Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake in Osaka besides Namba Store?

You can find Uncle Rikuro’s cheesecake at four more outlets in Osaka, but keep in mind that none of these locations bake the cakes on-site. Additionally, there’s a Rikuro store at Osaka Airport’s North Terminal, which serves domestic flights.

Comparing Rikuro’s Cheesecake with Other Desserts in Japan

I’ve tried my share of traditional Japanese desserts, like wagashi—the beautiful, flower-shaped treats made from rice flour that I’d take with me on hikes.

I even carried some when I took 400 steps to see that red pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background. And also on that walk from JR Station to Zenkoji Temple in Japan’s winter wonderland, Nagano.

I’ve also enjoyed strawberry daifuku in Tokyo Ginza, Nagano’s famous milk bread Gyunyu Pan, and the classic Melon Pan in Nara.

They’re all fantastic in their own way, but let me tell you—Osaka’s jiggly cheesecake is the real boss of them all!

What makes it the ultimate winner is its perfect balance of light, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.

Unlike the others, it’s not just a dessert—it’s an experience that’s both satisfying and fun!

Is cheesecake popular in Japan?

Yes! Cheesecakes are super popular in Japan. It’s not just Uncle Rikuro; you’ll find plenty of local brands whipping up their own versions, and you can even grab some at 7/11, Family Mart, or Lawson.

Although food experts say Greece is the birthplace of cheesecake, it’s the United States that’s famous for it.

Japan, with its love for all things American, has embraced cheesecake wholeheartedly!

What is the difference between Japanese cheesecake and regular cheesecake?

Japanese cheesecakes are much lighter and fluffier compared to the dense, rich versions we’re used to in other parts of the world. The ones in Japan got an almost souffle-like texture, thanks to the use of egg whites in the batter.

I’ve tried cheesecakes in places like Greece, Turkey, Belgium, and India, which tend to be heavier. Usually, I can only manage one slice. But in Japan, you can easily enjoy a whole cake for breakfast!

Take Uncle Rikuro’s cheesecake, for example—it’s about 7 inches in diameter and 3 inches high. Ashrith and I had no problem finishing one each for breakfast!

What is the famous Japanese cheesecake brand?

There are many cheesecake brands in Japan apart from Uncle Rikuro’s, such as Morozoff with its New York-style cheesecake, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory, known for using Hokkaido cream cheese.

You’ll even find steamed cheesecakes in 7/11.

During the second half of our Japan trip, we were in Osaka, but before arriving, we sampled a few cheesecakes in Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara.

We even tried some local brands at Hiroshima Hondori Market

Honestly, we spent money on these, but none of them matched the standard of Uncle Rikuro’s.

In my opinion, Uncle Rikuro’s cheesecake is the best among all Japanese brands—unless you have a host who’s a pro at baking one!

Besides Rikuro, local Japanese prefer Uncle Tetsu, famous for its soft and fluffy Japanese cheesecakes.

Rikuro Cheesecake vs Uncle Tetsu

Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake was founded by Rikuro Nishimura in Osaka in 1984, while Uncle Tetsu’s Cheesecake was established by Tetsushi Mizokami in Fukuoka in 1990.

Rikuro’s cheesecake is all about that light, airy texture and mild sweetness, with a unique twist of raisins at the bottom. On the other hand,

Those who have tried Tetsu’s cheesecake say it. is slightly denser but still soft and fluffy, with options like the popular matcha-flavoured cheesecake.

When it comes to where you can find them, Uncle Rikuro’s sticks mainly to its Osaka roots, with a flagship store in Namba and a few branches around the Kansai region.

Uncle Tetsu, however, has expanded far and wide, with an outlet at Fukuoka and more of them outside of Japan including Pakistan, Indonesia and the USA

As I haven’t been to Fukuoka and couldn’t find this brand anywhere else in Japan, I can’t say if it’s better than Rikuro’s. But I can vouch that Rikuro’s cheesecake is absolutely delicious!

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Uncle Rikuro’s Store?

How Long Does Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake Last?

According to Rikuro staff, at normal room temperature, it lasts one day. If refrigerated, it keeps for up to three days.

Is Rikuro cheesecake hot or cold?

Uncle Rikuro’s cheesecakes are freshly baked and served warm. You can enjoy them warm for a fluffy texture or chilled for a denser bite. But they can be consumed cold after refrigeration.

How do you reheat Rikuro cheesecake?

To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This keeps it fluffy without drying it out. Avoid overdoing it, as it’s easy to lose that soft texture!

Is It Worth Adding Osaka to Your Itinerary?

Adding a visit to Uncle Rikuro’s main strip at Namba is definitely worth it, as you can taste the delicious jiggly cake while watching the entire making process.

What else can I do near Rikuro’s Namba store?

Uncle Rikuro’s Namba store is right in the heart of Osaka’s must-see spots. Just a quick walk gets you to Dotonbori for all the lively vibes and street food. And don’t miss the Namba Yasaka Jinja, famous for its giant lion head—it’s only 750 metres away! 

What are your thoughts on Osaka’s famous Jiggly Cheesecake? Would you plan a visit to Uncle Rikuro? Let us know in the comment section below.