5 Must-Try Desserts in Japan

Even though I’m not the biggest sweets or dessert person, I’m excited to write about this for my third post. My love for the following five treats brings me the greatest joy while in Japan, and I hope it does for you too.

Ready to dive into some of Japan’s most spectacular desserts?

Taiyaki

Taiyaki (picture above) is a popular Japanese fish-shaped cake filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, custard, or chocolate. It’s crispy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside—a perfect street food. My favorite is a freshly baked red bean taiyaki from Naruto Taiyaki, with locations all over Japan. It’s quite popular, and you’ll often see street vendors or local shops selling them. You’ll know you’ve found a good one if each taiyaki is baked in individual molds instead of a large pan of many. It makes all the difference!

Mitarashi Dango

Mitarashi Dango are simple skewered rice dumplings grilled and coated in a sweet soy sauce glaze. The combination of the chewy texture and savory-sweet flavor makes it a delightful snack. My favorite is actually the ones from grocery stores or convenience stores. They usually come in a pack of five sticks, and I always grab one when I see it. While there are less street vendors selling them these days, if you do stumble by a vendor grilling them fresh, you won’t want to miss it!

Kakigori

Shaved ice (Kakigori) is a refreshing summer dessert made of finely shaved ice, flavored with sweet syrups like matcha, strawberry, or condensed milk, and often topped with fruits or sweet red beans. The best part of shaved ice in Japan is that you can go cheap or gourmet. If you visit Japan during the peak of summer, some Kakigori shops will even have long wait times. It’s nostalgic, refreshing, and one of the few ways to combat hot summers in Japan. 

Fruit Parfait

A fruit parfait is a layered dessert made with fresh seasonal fruits, whipped cream, ice cream, and sometimes jelly. Japan’s parfaits are visually stunning and offer a refreshing, light treat. Fruit can be expensive in Japan, but one cost-effective and joyful way to enjoy it is through a parfait. Seasonal fruits are often used and are held to a high standard in both taste and appearance. While matcha parfaits are great, nothing compares to a fruit parfait in Japan.

Cocktails

Is it just me, or do cocktails count as sweets? The experience and taste at Japanese cocktail bars are on another level. In Japan, being a mixologist is a lifelong craft that’s taken very seriously. From the bar’s ambiance to the wide range of ingredients and liquor, you’ll enjoy skillfully crafted, unique cocktails that are sure to make your Japan experience memorable.

Have you tried these Japanese sweets? Do you agree or disagree with my top 5?