Countless desserts exist in Japan. Japan’s dessert culture includes not only traditional Japanese sweets, which are unique to Japan, but also many Western desserts that have been adapted or influenced by the West. These desserts incorporate elements of Western sweets, but add flavors and textures unique to Japan.
Here are 10 of our recommended desserts.
Ichigo daifuku
Ichigo Daifuku is a traditional Japanese sweet consisting of strawberries wrapped in sweet red bean paste. Daifuku is made with a glutinous rice skin, with bean paste and other ingredients wrapped inside.
Ichigo Daifuku is a delightful Japanese treat that combines the sweet, tangy flavor of strawberries with the chewy texture of glutinous rice. Particularly popular in spring when strawberries are in season, they offer a taste of the season’s freshness.
Matcha ice cream
Matcha ice cream is a very popular Japanese dessert made with matcha, which is finely ground green tea powder. It typically has a vibrant green color and a slightly bitter, earthy flavor characteristic of matcha.
Mitarashi dango
Mitarashi dango is a traditional Japanese sweet made from skewered rice dumplings (dango) that are coated with a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze (mitarashi). The dango are typically skewered onto bamboo sticks and grilled or boiled before being coated with the glaze.
Crepe
Japanese crepes are known for being thin, soft, and filled with a variety of ingredients. Sweet crepes typically feature fruits, ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce, while savory crepes often include cheese, ham, vegetables, and sauce.
Japanese crepes are convenient to eat, and you’ll find numerous crepe stalls throughout the city. They are often folded for easy one-handed consumption and served in paper or crepe bags.
Japanese Cake
While Japanese cakes draw significant influence from the West, they often incorporate uniquely Japanese ingredients and flavors. Examples include cakes made with matcha green tea or traditional Japanese sweets, as well as Japanese-style cakes featuring seasonal fruits. Japanese cakes are also typically less sweet than their Western counterparts. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on the visual appeal of Japanese cakes, which are often stunningly beautiful and meticulously crafted.
Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a popular Japanese fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet fillings such as red bean paste (anko), custard, chocolate, or sweet potato. The name “taiyaki” literally translates to “baked sea bream,” but the pastry itself doesn’t contain fish; rather, it is shaped like a fish.
Melon soda
Melon soda is a sweet, brightly colored carbonated beverage flavored with melon. It originated in Japan and has become a popular choice, particularly among young people. Melon soda is commonly enjoyed in cafes, restaurants, and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), and is readily available in vending machines and convenience stores.
In addition to its sweet and fruity flavor, melon soda is often served as a refreshing and indulgent treat known as “melon soda float” or simply “melon float.” This delightful concoction features a scoop of vanilla ice cream atop a glass of melon soda, creating a luxurious and satisfying drink experience.
Japanese parfaits
Japanese parfaits are renowned for their stunning visual appeal. They are typically distinguished by meticulously layered combinations of ice cream, whipped cream, fruit, jellies, cakes, cookies, and granola, boasting vibrant colors from the assortment of fruits and creams.
In addition, seasonal fruits like cherry blossoms and strawberries, along with Japanese-inspired ingredients, are often incorporated to offer a diverse array of flavors.
Fluffy shaved ice (Kakigori)
Traditional shaved ice is a classic summer treat in Japan, made by shaving ice and drizzling syrup over it. However, in recent years, Japan has elevated shaved ice to new heights by making it smoother and fluffier than ever before, and offering a wide variety of toppings and flavors.
While shaved ice was originally enjoyed exclusively during the summer months, the modern version has become popular year-round. As a result, people are always lining up at popular stores to indulge in this delightful treat.
Melonpan
Melon Bread, known as “Melonpan” in Japanese, is a popular sweet bread in Japan. Despite its name, Melon Pan does not actually contain melon as an ingredient; it’s named for its resemblance to melon in appearance.
The characteristic of Melon Pan is its soft and fluffy interior, which contrasts with the crunchy texture of the cookie dough on the outside of the bread.
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