The Ultimate Guide to Most Popular Japanese Treats: What to Try and Where to Find Them in Tokyo

13 April 2025

When it comes to most popular Japanese treats, the selection is far more diverse than just the famous mochi or daifuku. From dreamy shaved ice to sculptural sweets and nostalgic custards, Japanese treats are a whole world of their own. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best Japanese treats to try on your next trip.

1. Kakigori (Shaved Ice Dessert)

What is it?

As soon as the summer heat hits Japan, kakigori starts popping up on café menus everywhere. This delicately shaved ice mountain, drizzled with syrup, fruit puree, or sweetened condensed milk, dates back to the 10th century. Classic flavors include matcha with red bean, black sesame, and hojicha with brown sugar. Trendy patisseries now offer seasonal fruit versions or creative twists like orange-cacao or crème brûlée-style strawberry.

Where to try it?

Saka no Ue: Serves kakigori year-round with seasonal fruit toppings.
Azuki to Kouri: Offers gourmet versions like strawberry brûlée (reservations recommended).
Atelier Sekka: Uses ice from Mount Fuji for an ultra-premium experience.

2. Namagashi (Traditional Sculptural Sweets)

What is it?

Namagashi are delicate, artistic wagashi—traditional Japanese sweets made from bean paste, rice, and agar. They’re served during tea ceremonies and crafted to reflect seasons or natural scenes. Too pretty to eat? Maybe. But they’re also an edible work of art.

Where to try it?

Toraya (Akasaka): Famous for wagashi shaped like camellias or goldfish in agar jelly.
Higashiya: Offers a refined daily selection paired with premium tea.
Kantoku-tei Pavilion, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden: A serene spot to enjoy simpler versions with a view.

3. Purin (Japanese Custard Pudding)

What is it?

Purin (pronounced “poo-reen”) is Japan’s take on custard flan. With influences from the West, it became a favorite in coffeehouses (kissaten) during the 19th century. Creamy, jiggly, and lightly caramelized, it’s pure comfort food.

Where to try it?

Hekkelun (Minato-ku): Old-school pudding made daily by the octogenarian master.
All Seasons Coffee: Offers retro-style purin topped with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.

4. Taiyaki (Fish-Shaped Waffle)

What is it?

Taiyaki is a stuffed waffle snack shaped like a sea bream (a lucky symbol in Japan). Invented in 1909 by Naniwaya, it’s a classic of Japanese street food, often filled with red bean paste, but also comes in seasonal flavors.

Where to try it?

Naniwaya: The original location still serves the classic version with slowly cooked azuki.
Ogura -an : Offers seasonal fillings like sweet potato and banana-peanut.

5. Dango (Skewered Mochi Balls)

What is it?

More beloved than daifuku, dango are chewy mochi balls served on a stick—and they’re a must-try for any Japanese sweets lover. Their signature stretchy texture and variety of flavors make them a year-round favorite. Whether glazed with sweet soy sauce, drizzled in rich walnut miso, or simply grilled to perfection, dango are often enjoyed as a quick snack at local wagashi shops, festival food stalls, or along bustling streets near temples and shrines.

In spring, you’ll spot the iconic hanami dango—green, white, and pink skewers symbolizing the cherry blossom season—while in autumn, dango get a cozy upgrade with glossy candied chestnuts.

Where to try it?