Tokyo's Best Trendy Sweets in 2024: Popular Sweets & Recommended Shops
Japan is known for its rapidly changing trends, especially when it comes to food and desserts, where new crazes come and go at a dizzying pace. Tokyo sits at the epicenter of these trends, with popular restaurants and cafes constantly competing to stay ahead of the curve.
In this update, I've also incorporated my personal experiences and research from exploring various parts of Tokyo since moving here in 2024.
One of the reasons for this update is the growing interest in local-guided tours. Magical Trip offers numerous tours led by guides who know Tokyo inside and out, and their high-quality service earned it the number one spot on TripAdvisor's 2024 tour rankings.
For those interested in Japanese sweets and pop culture, I recommend the "Harajuku Kawaii Fashion & Pop-culture Tour." You'll explore Harajuku with a knowledgeable local guide, visiting trending sweet shops and stores that showcase Kawaii culture along Takeshita Street.
And while you're in Tokyo, don't miss the "Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza." This tour takes you to Ginza, home to some of Japan's top sushi restaurants, where you can enjoy exceptional sushi prepared by master chefs.
Introduction
Hello! I'm a writer living in Tokyo who loves sweets. Day after day, I visit sweets shops all over Tokyo, indulging in delicious sweets.
Not only is Tokyo the most populous city in Japan, but it's also a major metropolis visited by tourists from around the world, offering a wealth of dining options.
Sweets are hugely popular in Tokyo, especially among the local young female crowd, with new trends constantly emerging and fads changing rapidly.
What's driving Tokyo's trendy sweets scene is the "kawaii" (cute) and photogenic visuals. With the prevalence of social media like Instagram, visual cuteness has become increasingly important.
Additionally, with the rising health consciousness, healthy sweets made with organic ingredients, as well as gluten-free and vegan options, are also gaining popularity.
In this article, I'll introduce Tokyo's trendiest sweets for 2024 and carefully selected recommended shops. I've gathered sweets that truly impressed me during my actual visits.
From colorful, photogenic trendy sweets to healthy treats and portable snacks perfect for on-the-go, I'll present a diverse array.Please use this article as a reference to enjoy exploring Tokyo's trendy sweets scene.
Let's embark on a journey into Tokyo's captivating world of trendy sweets!
Trend #1: The Allure of "Kawaii" Photogenic Sweets – Tokyo's Hottest Trend
Currently, colorful and cute photogenic trendy sweets in Tokyo are all the rage.
Their visuals simply make me want to take pictures. Here, I'll introduce the specific types of trendy sweets that are popular, and share my carefully selected picks of photogenic sweets that I've personally tried.
What are "Kawaii" Photogenic Trendy Sweets in Tokyo, and Why are They Popular?
Tokyo's photogenic trendy sweets are characterized by their colorful, pop designs featuring rainbows or adorable animal and character shapes that make you exclaim, "Kawaii!"
Colorful cotton candies, uniquely shaped ice creams, and other photogenic visuals aimed at being Instagrammable are popular among Tokyo's youth.
However, I believe that Tokyo's trendy sweets are loved by the local young crowd not just for their cute appearances but also for their deliciousness, combining both elements.
5 Shops in Tokyo Offering "Kawaii" Trendy Sweets You'll Want to Post on Instagram
Here, I'll introduce 5 shops that offer photogenic trendy sweets in Tokyo that I've actually visited myself. While their visuals alone are exciting enough, why not try them and post your own "Kawaii!" moments on social media?
Totti Candy Factory: Colorful Cotton Candies Popular Among Youth
Source: Tabelog by PekopekoAnnie
This specialty shop offering colorful, pop trendy sweets is located on Takeshita Street in Harajuku.
Their colorful cotton candies are particularly popular, and they even have live demonstrations of cotton candy-making at the storefront, which is fun to watch.
The trendy sweets are reasonably priced at 700-1,000 yen each. As it's a dedicated take-out shop, why not enjoy their "Kawaii" trendy sweets while strolling through Harajuku, the heart of Tokyo's trends?
I previously visited here with a high school-aged female relative, and to be honest, I initially thought, "This seems like a shop for kids..." But when I actually held the colorful cotton candy in my hands, I was the one who got more excited! I believe it's a shop that adults can enjoy too, not just kids.
<Store Information>
Address: Ryu Apartment 2F, 1-16-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3403-7007
Hours: 10 AM–7 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 9:30 AM–8 PM
Website: http://www.totticandy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totticandyfactory/
SweetXO HARAJUKU: A Unique Assortment of Instagrammable Trendy Sweets
Source: Tabelog by run723m
Located on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the heart of Tokyo's youth culture, this shop offers a variety of Instagrammable trendy sweets, just like the previous one.
Their unique and cute menu items, such as baby bottle drinks, are popular among the local young crowd. As it's a dedicated take-out shop, if you see young people in Harajuku enjoying "kawaii" trendy sweets, they may have purchased them from here.
Most menu items are priced between 700-900 yen. The visual of the baby bottle drink was so adorable that I couldn't help but take numerous pictures. However, they often have lines, so I recommend visiting right after opening with plenty of time.
<Store Information>
Address: Harajuku 77 Building, 1F, 1-16-6 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5413-6683
Hours: 11 AM–6 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 10 AM–7 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetxo_goodgrief/
Kumachan Onsen Oyasumi Dokoro: "Bear" Trendy Sweets Too Cute to Eat!
Source: Tabelog by masa
This trendy sweets shop is located within a restaurant themed after bears in Shibuya.
Their "kawaii" bear-shaped shaved ice desserts are particularly popular. Shaved ice is a Japanese summer tradition, where ice is shaved and flavored syrup is poured over the icy treat.
With giant stuffed bears and a photogenic interior, this place offers a memorable experience. The shaved ice desserts range from 2,000-3,000 yen, which may seem pricey, but they're guaranteed to create lasting memories. The menu is all about bears, including soft-serve ice cream with bear-shaped cookies on top.
Unlike the previous two shops, this one allows you to dine in.
The interior design and bear-themed trendy sweets are so adorable that, to be honest, I thought, "I can't eat such a kawaii dessert!" But when I mustered the courage to try it, the shaved ice was packed with fruits, delivering not only a delightful visual but also a delicious taste.
<Store Information>
Address: 1F, 1 Chome-8-10 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6427-1613
Hours: 11 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.kumachan-onsen.jp/
CRAFT CHEESE MARKET: Popular for Its "Experiential" Pancakes
Source: Tabelog by CRAFT CHEESE MARKET
"CRAFT CHEESE MARKET" is a restaurant specializing in cheese dishes, but it's also known for its trendy sweets offerings, particularly its pancakes topped with ample fruits and cream.
These pancakes are actually "experiential." When you order them, the pancake batter is sealed with a film on the plate, and when you peel off the film, the toppings spread out, revealing the completed pancake – a unique presentation.
The taste is, of course, exceptional too. At 2,500 yen, the price may seem a bit steep, but the "experience" factor justifies the quality. I couldn't help but record a video and show it off to my friends.
<Store Information>
Address: B1F Ducky Plaza, 25-4 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6416-5967
Hours: 11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 4:30–11:30 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 11:30 AM–11:30 PM
Website: https://store.gosso.co.jp/detail/ccm_shibuya/
OKASHI GAKU: Vending Machines Selling Trendy Sweets
Source: TOKYO Solamachi
In Tokyo, there are vending machines that sell not only beverages but also various food items and merchandise. One of the most innovative is "OKASHI GAKU," which sells trendy sweets, located near the Tokyo Skytree in the commercial facility "Solamachi."
These vending machines actually sell strawberry shortcakes! You can purchase them 24/7, priced between 600-1,000 yen each. They even come with a spoon, so you can enjoy them immediately, which is convenient.
To be honest, I was shocked that you could buy cakes from a vending machine, but the taste was deliciously satisfying. With its high novelty factor, I recommend taking pictures of the vending machine and the trendy sweets you purchased and posting them on social media.
<Information>
Open 24 Hours
Access: 1F East Yard, No.10, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okashigaku_tokyo/
Trend #2: Popular Healthy but Delicious Trendy Sweets in Tokyo
In recent years, with the rise in health consciousness, trendy sweets made with organic ingredients, as well as gluten-free and vegan options, are also gaining popularity in Tokyo.
What are the Healthy Trendy Sweets Trending in Tokyo?
Japanese cuisine is often associated with a healthy image, right?
While trendy sweets that use substantial amounts of butter or fresh cream may seem far from "healthy," ordinary sweets that tend to be unhealthy can evolve into delicious yet healthy treats in the hands of the Japanese.
Vegan parfaits made solely from plant-based ingredients, gluten-free cakes, and other trendy sweets that not only look good but also taste great, allowing you to indulge without guilt, are trending among Tokyo's health-conscious locals.
3 Popular Healthy Trendy Sweets Shops in Tokyo for Both Mind and Body Satisfaction
To be honest, many people may have the impression that "healthy = not delicious," right?
As someone who used to think that way, I'll introduce recommended shops offering healthy trendy sweets in Tokyo that left me surprised by their deliciousness.
AINSOPH.JOURNEY: A Café with an Extensive Vegan Menu
Source: Tabelog by AINSOPH.JOURNEY
Located a 7-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station, "AINSOPH.JOURNEY" is a café that offers a completely vegan menu without any dairy or egg products.
While their lunch menu is also impressive, their trendy sweets are exceptional. Items like pancakes may look like regular café fare, but they are made solely from plant-based ingredients. The price range of 700-1,400 yen per dish is also reasonable.
To be honest, I initially thought, "Vegan trendy sweets might taste bland..." But once I tried them, I was amazed by their deliciousness. You can enjoy the gentle sweetness of soymilk and the natural flavors of the ingredients – this is my top recommended vegan café in Tokyo.
<Store Information>
Address: 1F Shinjuku Q Building, 3-8-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
Closed: None
Phone: 050-5869-4158
Hours: 11:30 AM–3 PM, 6–9 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ainsoph.journey/
CONTAINER: Delicious Gluten-Free Cakes and Coffee
Source: Tabelog
"CONTAINER" is a café popular among Tokyo locals for its delicious gluten-free cakes.
The cakes change monthly to match the season, with around 4 varieties typically available.
Conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Toei Subway line, the seasonal cakes are reasonably priced at 900 yen, which is a welcome bonus.
I find the appeal of this café lies in the variety of trendy sweets offered throughout the year, so you'll never get bored no matter how many times you visit. For instance, in spring, you can even enjoy cakes featuring "sakura" (cherry blossoms).
Another draw of this shop is their coffee, which pairs exceptionally well with the cakes. I recommend savoring their gluten-free cakes together with their coffee.
As they have irregular closing days, I suggest checking their latest business hours on X before visiting.
<Store Information>
Address: 3F Nakagawa Building, 3 Chome-8-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
Closed: Irregular
Phone: Unavailable
Hours: 12 PM–5 PM
X: https://x.com/container_cafe
LAITIER: Healthy and Hearty Soft-Serve Ice Cream
Source: Tabelog by LAITIER
"LAITIER" is a popular shop offering healthy soft-serve ice cream made without plant-based fats and with only 1/4 of the sugar content of regular soft-serve. Not only is it healthy, but its generous portions and photogenic presentation make it perfect for posting on social media.
LAITIER: Healthy and Hearty Soft-Serve Ice Cream
Located 5-6 minutes on foot from Sendagaya Station or Kita-Sando Station near Shinjuku, their trendy sweets menu items are priced between 700-1,000 yen. While the interior isn't particularly spacious, there are counter seats where you can sit and enjoy your treats.
When I tried their soft-serve ice cream, I could taste the natural flavor of the milk, likely due to the reduced sugar content. Despite being healthy, it was satisfyingly hearty and delicious.
<Store Information>
Address: 1F, 1 Chome-22-7 Sendagaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0051
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6455-5262
Hours: 12–6 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 11 AM–6 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laitier_softcream.cafe
Trend #3: Delicious Portable Trendy Sweets in Tokyo – Perfect for Small Gifts
Are you looking for some delicious trendy sweets as a small souvenir or gift for family and friends from your Tokyo trip?
In fact, it's common for Tokyo locals to exchange small confectionery gifts with family, friends, colleagues, and bosses. As a result, Tokyo offers a wide variety of cute and delicious, portable trendy sweets.
I also recommend these trendy sweets for personal enjoyment. Having snacks that you can easily munch on while exploring Tokyo or during your train travels makes sightseeing more enjoyable during those spare moments.
Let me introduce some of Tokyo's portable trendy sweets options.
What are the Popular Portable Trendy Sweets in Tokyo, Perfect for Small Gifts?
Local trendy sweets like the Tokyo Banana and individually packaged cookies, rusks, and madeleines are popular as small gifts among locals.
In addition to stations and department stores, you can find a wide variety at larger commercial facilities like "Don Quijote" (Donki) and the confectionery sections of supermarkets, which are worth checking out.
However, be mindful of expiration dates. While trendy sweets from Donki or supermarkets often have longer expiration dates, those from stations or department stores may have relatively short ones, like 1-2 weeks.
3 Perfect Portable Trendy Sweets for Souvenirs from Your Tokyo Trip
As a Tokyo local, I often bring portable trendy sweets from Tokyo as gifts whenever I travel to other regions like Osaka.
Here, I'll introduce 3 portable trendy sweets that I personally purchase frequently.
Tokyo Banana: Adorable Banana-Flavored Sponge Cakes
Source: Tokyo Banana Official Website
The "Tokyo Banana" is a banana-shaped sponge cake with an adorable design that has made it a popular product.
With character collaborations like Winnie the Pooh and Pokémon, the cute packaging makes it perfect as a small gift. Each one is a small size, so I also recommend enjoying them as a snack during your Tokyo trip.
They're readily available at stations and department stores in Tokyo, and I almost always buy Tokyo Bananas as gifts whenever I visit friends in other prefectures. However, as the expiration date is only 1-2 weeks, I recommend that travelers purchase them the day before or on the day of their departure.
Website: https://www.tokyobanana.jp/
Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory: Cookies with a Premium Taste
A popular portable item from "Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory," which offers trendy sweets made with high-quality cheese and milk, is their cookies.
In addition to simple flavors like vanilla and cheese, they also offer unique salted varieties.
What I find appealing is that their expiration dates are longer than the Tokyo Banana's, so I often recommend these cookies to my foreign friends.
With 3 stores at Haneda Airport and locations near major spots like Tokyo Station, they're easily accessible. Their shop list is also available on the website below, so be sure to check it out.
Website: https://sucreyshopping.jp/tokyomilkcheese/shoplist
Suica's Penguin: A Penguin-Shaped Confectionery Can Familiar to All Tokyo Locals
Source: JRE MALL
This is a can of chocolates shaped like the penguin character of "Suica," the most widely used IC card for trains and buses in Tokyo.
It's a collaboration with the Italian heritage brand "Caffarell," and when I purchased it for myself, I was surprised by its authentic deliciousness, despite the "kawaii" penguin appearance. At around 1,300 yen, it's also reasonably priced.
With an expiration date of 1-2 months or more, I recommend it as a gift for friends and family even after returning from your trip.
It's only available for purchase at the "Caffarell" shop on the basement floor of the shopping area in Tokyo Station. Check the GranSta website for the exact location.
Website: https://www.gransta.jp/mall/gransta_tokyo/caffarel/
FAQ About Trendy Sweets Trends in Tokyo
Lastly, as a local, let me address some frequently asked questions that travelers may have about trendy sweets and trends in Tokyo.
What areas in Tokyo are popular for trendy sweets shops?
In Tokyo, trendy sweets shops are particularly concentrated in the youth-centric areas of Harajuku and Shibuya. These areas are known as the birthplaces of Tokyo's trends, and many trendy sweets fads also originate here.
On the other hand, office districts like Ginza and Marunouchi offer a more sophisticated ambiance catering to adults, with upscale trendy sweets shops dotting the area, providing a different vibe from casual Shibuya.
Are trendy sweets in Tokyo expensive? What is the typical price range?
The prices of trendy sweets in Tokyo vary considerably depending on the location and type. For café items like pancakes or parfaits, the typical range is 1,000–2,000 yen. However, for on-the-go options like crepes, you can often find items priced under 1,000 yen.
What is the average wait time when lining up at popular trendy sweets shops in Tokyo?
At popular shops, you can expect a wait of around 30 minutes on weekdays, and up to 1 hour on weekends.
To minimize wait times, I recommend aiming to visit right after opening. Additionally, as local shops may have irregular closing days, I suggest checking their website or social media for the latest business hours before visiting.
I hope this article has provided you with an overview of the latest trendy sweets trends in Tokyo and recommended shops, as curated by a local trendy sweets enthusiast like myself.
What did you think of the delicious and adorable trendy sweets that left an impression on me during my actual visits?
On your Tokyo trip, be sure to indulge your eyes and taste buds with the chic, photogenic trendy sweets, healthy treats, and portable gift-friendly options Tokyo has to offer!