Ueno Sweets & Desserts Shops! Japanese Traditional Foods around Ameyoko
Ueno is a district in Taito Ward, famous for Ueno Park and its elevated railway shopping streets, located close to central Tokyo. Ueno Park houses numerous renowned cultural facilities including Ueno Zoo, the Western Art Museum, and the National Museum. Many visitors combine their trip to Ueno with nearby Asakusa, as these areas are conveniently close to each other.
Ueno and Asakusa are known as "shitamachi" (downtown) areas of Tokyo, maintaining a nostalgic atmosphere. Particularly, the gourmet street known as Ameyoko is home to many retro-style restaurants and food establishments.
While Ameyoko is famous for its izakayas (Japanese pubs), it's also home to numerous shops where you can enjoy traditional Japanese sweets and desserts. You'll find century-old traditional Japanese confectionery shops (wagashi) as well as trendy modern Japanese-style cafes that have become increasingly popular.
In this article, we'll introduce shops where you can enjoy wagashi around Ameyoko and Ueno. We've compiled a list of famous establishments offering exquisite traditional sweets and cafes near Ueno Station and the nearby Okachimachi area where you can enjoy Japanese confections. Use this guide to explore traditional Japanese sweets during your Ueno adventure!
What kinds of sweets and desserts can you enjoy in Ueno?
Most of the sweets and desserts available in Ueno are traditional Japanese confections, known as wagashi.
Ueno is home to nationally renowned wagashi shops, many of which have been in business for over 100 years. While many of these established shops primarily offer takeout options, some also provide eat-in spaces.
Among the famous wagashi available in Ueno and Tokyo is "dorayaki" - a beloved Japanese sweet enjoyed by both adults and children, consisting of sweet red bean paste sandwiched between two Japanese-style pancakes. You might have seen it in anime! One of the shops we'll introduce, "Usagiya," is among Tokyo's three most famous dorayaki shops located in the Ueno and Asakusa area.
You can also enjoy other famous sweets like "daifuku" made from mochi rice, and "anmitsu," which we'll introduce later.
What is "Wagashi," Japan's Traditional Sweets?
Wagashi refers to traditional Japanese confections. Most wagashi are made with ingredients traditionally available in Japan, primarily rice, wheat, anko (sweet bean paste), sugar, and water.
A significant characteristic of wagashi is that they're typically handcrafted by skilled artisans rather than machine-made. They're prepared using traditional cooking methods including mixing, kneading, steaming, simmering, and cutting.
A distinctive feature of wagashi is "anko," a sweet paste made by cooking and mashing sweetened red beans. Anko is used in many popular wagashi including dango, manju, dorayaki, and anmitsu.
Wagashi are traditionally designed to be eaten with bitter Japanese tea. If you find the sweetness of anko or other wagashi too intense, try enjoying them with matcha or green tea. The bitterness of the tea perfectly balances the sweetness of the confections.
6 Recommended Sweets Shops to Enjoy Exquisite Japanese Confections in Ueno and Ameyoko
Usagiya
Source: Official website
Usagiya is a renowned traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Ueno with over 100 years of history. As part of Ueno's sweet and dessert culture, they offer their signature dorayaki along with manju and monaka, traditional sweets filled with sweet bean paste.
What Usagiya values most is their commitment to maintaining the delicious taste of their dorayaki since their founding. It's said that Usagiya in Ueno created the original form of modern dorayaki. They continue to make their special dough using a traditional method with plenty of honey, which has been loved for many years.
Usagiya's traditional dorayaki can be purchased freshly made, and you can feel its subtle warmth. The smooth, moderately sweet bean paste and the crispy pancake surface create a perfect balance. While it keeps for about two days, it's highly recommended to eat it fresh on the day it's made.
Usagiya's dorayaki is so famous that it's ranked among Tokyo's top 3 dorayaki. If you want to try a classic, perfect dorayaki that's impeccable in both appearance and taste, make sure to visit Usagiya.
<Shop Information>
- Address: 1-10-10 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 0338316195
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Official Website: http://www.ueno-usagiya.jp/
Chikuryuan Okano Ueno Store
Source: Tabelog
Chikuryuan Okano Ueno Store is a long-established shop with over 140 years of history, known for its delicious daifuku among Ueno's sweets and desserts.
Okano's commitment lies in their traditional manufacturing method, preserved for hundreds of years. In the past, the Taito district was famous for its beautiful water streams and delicious rice. Their daifuku, which began using this excellent rice, became their signature product. Even today, they carefully select the highest quality rice from across Japan.
Their recommended menu item is "Mame Daifuku." The mochi made from their pride rice has strong elasticity. Inside, you'll find an impressively heavy filling of sweet bean paste. The sweetness is moderate, with a hint of saltiness that enhances the subtle sweet flavor. The small beans inside add a nice accent to the taste.
Besides daifuku, you can purchase various Japanese confections such as dorayaki and chestnut manju. If you want to try Japanese sweets made with the finest ingredients, be sure to check out Chikuryuan Okano.
<Shop Information>
- Address: 3-9-1 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Saturdays and Sundays
- Phone: 0338354646
- Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Official Website: http://www.chikuryuan-okano.com/info.html
Shin-Ōtei
Source: Yahoo! News
Shin-Ōtei is a traditional Japanese sweets café with over 100 years of history, nestled within the nature-rich Ueno Park (Ueno Onshi Park).
Beyond its delectable treats, Shin-Ōtei prides itself on its ambiance that radiates tradition and tranquility. The establishment is housed in a traditional Japanese building surrounded by trees. Located away from the main street, I particularly appreciated the surrounding serenity. Large windows inside the shop offer views of the lush garden. There's also terrace seating where you can enjoy your desserts under a natural canopy of leaves.
The shop's signature item is the 'Uguisu Dango' (Nightingale Dumplings). These are three-colored dumplings featuring black bean paste, white bean paste, and matcha-flavored bean paste. I recommend pairing the Uguisu Dango with slightly bitter matcha tea. The fresh sweetness of the dumplings is enhanced by the refined bitterness of the tea, creating a more profound taste experience. Additionally, the visual harmony of the matcha tea alongside the dumplings offers a feast for the eyes, allowing you to appreciate the aesthetic beauty of Japanese confectionery.
If you're planning to visit Ueno Park, I highly recommend stopping by Shin-Ōtei for a refreshing break during your park stroll.
<Store Information>
- Address: 9-86 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone: 0338216306
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kuriya Kurogi
Source: PARCO ya
Kuriya Kurogi (Otona-kurogi) is a café specializing in stylish Japanese-style shaved ice and traditional sweets.
Their signature shaved ice desserts are crafted with traditional Japanese confectionery ingredients and flavors. They abundantly use classic Japanese sweet ingredients and sauces such as matcha, mitarashi (sweet soy sauce glaze), kinako (roasted soybean flour), and sweet beans. You can enjoy these elaborate and generous portions of shaved ice created by renowned Japanese cuisine chefs.
The most highly recommended item is the "Mitarashi Milk." Mitarashi is a sweet glaze made from soy sauce. What first surprised me was the size - even the small portion is quite substantial, enough to substitute for lunch. The ice is incredibly fluffy, with barely any harsh icy texture. Topped with plenty of cream and mitarashi sauce, it offers a rich sweetness.
It also contains sweet red bean paste and black beans, and while it's both sweet and voluminous, the ice makes it surprisingly easy to finish. If you're sensitive to cold, try enjoying it with hot tea. For those seeking a luxurious Japanese-style shaved ice experience, Kurogi is definitely worth a visit.
<Store Information>
- Address: PARCO ya Ueno 1F, 3-24-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0362842796
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Official Website: https://instagram.com/kuriya.otona?utm_medium=copy_link
Anmitsu Mihashi Ueno Main Store
Source: Official website
Anmitsu Mihashi is a shop where you can savor exquisite anmitsu, a traditional Japanese confection.
Anmitsu is a dessert that combines agar jelly and sweet bean paste (anko) topped with sweet syrup (mitsu). At Mihashi, they are committed to using premium ingredients for their anmitsu, ensuring perfect harmony between all components.
The azuki beans used in Mihashi's anko are high-grade beans from Hokkaido, and the syrup is a specialty product from Okinawa. The fresh blended agar jelly, high-quality anko, sweet syrup, and fruits create a sublime taste experience.
Their recommended dish is the "Shiratama Cream Anmitsu." Along with agar jelly and anko, it includes generous portions of cream and chewy rice dumplings (shiratama dango) made from rice flour. The refreshing jelly, sweet anko, gentle milky cream flavor, and the chewy texture of the shiratama dango create an irresistible combination.
While you can experience various flavors and textures in one dish, everything harmonizes perfectly. If you're trying anmitsu for the first time, be sure to experience the finest version at Mihashi in Ueno.
<Store Information>
- Address: 4-9-7 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0338310384
- Hours: 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
- Official website: http://www.mihashi.co.jp/
Anya Hiyoko Ecute Ueno Store
Source: Official website
Anya Hiyoko at Ecute Ueno is a specialty shop for dorayaki (large sweet pancakes), run by Hiyoko, which is famous for their "Hiyoko Manju" - a Tokyo specialty sweet shaped like a cute baby chick.
Dorayaki is a Japanese pancake sandwich filled with anko or cream. Hiyoko's commitment is to create sweets with a simple, gentle taste that everyone can enjoy. Their signature is the soft, mellow texture of the pancake.
Their recommended item is the "Custard" dorayaki filled with custard cream. The combination of smooth, sweet custard cream with the crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the pancake is irresistible. The pancake features a cute panda pattern, inspired by the popular residents of Ueno Zoo.
Besides custard cream, you can also purchase versions filled with anko or chestnut cream. For those seeking delicious and visually appealing Japanese sweets, definitely try Anya Hiyoko's dorayaki.
<Store Information>
- Address: Ecute Ueno 3F, 7-1-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Inside Ueno Station)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0358265673
- Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Weekends 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Official website: http://tokyo-hiyoko.co.jp/shop/anya.html
3 Local-Recommended Sweet Shops Within Walking Distance from Ueno
Tsuruse Yushima Main Store (Yushima)
Source: Official website
Tsuruse is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop where you can enjoy delicious bean daifuku, mochi with beans, and mitarashi dango drizzled with sweet soy sauce glaze. Besides takeout options, they also have a café corner.
Tsuruse takes pride in using no preservatives, focusing solely on natural ingredients. For over 90 years, they've been crafting Japanese sweets using only high-quality mochi rice, brown sugar, salt, and water. Their expert artisans create the finest anko (sweet bean paste) using large-grain azuki beans, paying meticulous attention to details such as heat control and kneading techniques.
Their signature item is the "Bean Daifuku." While the mochi skin is relatively thin, it's made with Tsuruse's premium rice, giving it an authentic mochi texture. What makes Tsuruse's bean daifuku special is the generous amount of whole beans mixed into the anko filling. The sweetness is moderate, and the beans provide a natural, rustic flavor.
Located just 10 minutes on foot from Ueno Station and right in front of Okachimachi Station, Tsuruse is a must-visit for those wanting to try this locally famous shop's daifuku.
<Store Information>
- Address: Core Yushima, 3-35-8 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone: 0338338516
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Official Website: http://www.ueno-usagiya.jp/
Karintou Yushima Kagetsu (Yushima)
Source: Online Shop
Karintou Yushima Kagetsu is a specialty shop focusing on karintou, a traditional Japanese sweet. It's located 10 minutes on foot from Ueno Station and 5 minutes from Okachimachi Station.
Karintou is a Japanese confection made by deep-frying a mixture of mizuame (starch syrup) and wheat flour, then coating it with sugar. What struck me about Yushima Kagetsu's karintou was how the sugar coating gleamed like jewels. They carefully select their sugar and pay special attention to the simmering process, resulting in these beautifully glazed karintou.
While various sizes are available, the recommended "Hitoe" series features karintou packaged in beautiful boxes printed with vibrant kimono patterns. These smaller portions are perfect for individual servings, making them ideal for first-time tasters or as small gifts.
The Hitoe series comes in various colors and patterns, so take your time finding your favorite design.
<Store Information>
- Address: 3-39-6 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0338316195
- Hours: Weekdays 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Official Website: http://www.karintou-kagetsu.com/
Wagashi Kunpu (Sendagi)
Source: Tabelog
Wagashi Kunpu is a unique destination in the Ueno Sweets & Desserts scene where you can enjoy traditional Japanese sweets paired with sake or Chinese tea. The shop offers both eat-in space and takeout options.
What sets Kunpu apart is their dedication to serving carefully selected teas and sake that enhance the flavors of their wagashi. The sweets are crafted using seasonal ingredients, such as spring mugwort and summer agar-agar. Visitors can experience the perfect pairing of seasonal sweets with specifically chosen sake or tea that best complements their acidity and aroma.
The recommended menu item is the "Kunpu Tasting Set," which showcases the shop's charm. This set includes three types of innovative Japanese sweets paired with three different kinds of sake. One of the highlights is their yokan, a sweet bean jelly dessert.
Their yokan features unique additions of spices and fruits, which are uncommon in traditional wagashi, creating a modern twist on classic flavors. The fruity sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the clean taste of sake.
Located near the popular Ueno Sweets & Desserts district, Kunpu can be reached by walking through Ueno Park from Ueno Station, or it's less than 5 minutes on foot from Sendagaya Subway Station. This shop is perfect for those interested in unique Japanese sweets and innovative ways of enjoying traditional confections.
<Shop Information>
- Address: 2-24-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
- Phone: 0338243131
- Business Hours: 1:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Official Website: https://www.wagashikunpu.com/
Recommended: "Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour" - Enjoy Japanese Sweets and Matcha with Locals in Asakusa
If you're interested in exploring the Ueno area, we recommend joining the Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour.
The tour begins with visits to famous temples like Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. In Asakusa's shopping streets, you can try locally beloved snacks and sweets. You'll also experience making matcha tea yourself at a traditional tea house. For lunch, you can enjoy Tokyo specialties like monjayaki and okonomiyaki.
The highlight of this tour is experiencing Asakusa's charm through all five senses. Beyond viewing the magnificent temples and shrines, you can enjoy the bustling street atmosphere and then experience the contrasting tranquility of the tea room. Asakusa is also home to numerous Japanese confectionery shops where you can admire and taste locally cherished traditional sweets.
The tour is conveniently compact at just 3 hours, making it easy to fit into your schedule. After the tour, why not continue exploring the Asakusa and Ueno areas at your leisure?
- Meeting point: Kaminarimon Police Box, 1-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
- Tour area: Asakusa, Kappabashi Street
- Start time: 11:00~
For Japanese Packaged Snacks Enthusiasts: "Niki no Kashi Dai-ichi Eigyosho" is Highly Recommended!
Source: Official website
"Niki no Kashi Dai-ichi Eigyosho" in Ueno is a famous store for buying packaged snacks, including dagashi (traditional Japanese penny candies). Dagashi are small, affordable sweets that have been enjoyed by children for generations. The store stocks over 5,000 varieties of snacks, including the latest popular treats.
The second floor's dagashi corner is the store's highlight. It's packed with everything from classic Japanese snacks that every local knows to rare, retro candies that are hard to find elsewhere.
A special attraction is the snacks that come with small toys. These treats, which include anime character figures, cards, and stickers, are popular even among adults for their fun bonus items.
This store is particularly recommended for those interested in Japan's retro candy and toy culture. It's also perfect for visitors wanting to buy Japanese snacks in bulk to take home. When in Ueno, make sure to visit this convenient and entertaining shop.
<Store Information>
- Address: 4-1-8 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0338333911
- Hours: 10:00-20:00
- Official website: http://www.nikinokashi.co.jp/shoplist/dai1eigyosho/
