Must Try Desserts in Japan: Famous Japanese Sweets and Where to Find Them

Japan doesn’t just perfect its sashimi dishes — it elevates its dessert into an art form. From impossibly fluffy soufflé pancakes that jiggle with every touch to decadent matcha tiramisu layered with rich green tea cream, each bite is a masterclass in flavour and texture. Picture yourself biting into a crisp, sugar-dusted melon pan fresh from the oven, or savouring a parfait so perfectly assembled it feels like eating a work of art. Ready to indulge? These are the must try desserts in Japan you absolutely can’t miss.

At Maccha House in Kyoto, the celebrated Uji Matcha Tiramisu is honestly one of those desserts you’ll dream about long after leaving Japan. The layers are impossibly light and fluffy, with a creamy mascarpone whipped through with matcha so vibrant it almost glows. Beneath it, a coffee-soaked sponge adds gentle texture and warmth without overpowering the signature green tea notes. It strikes a perfect balance — sweet, silky, and faintly bitter in all the right ways. We paired it with a rich matcha soft-serve waffle cone topped with sweet red bean and chewy mochi, then washed it all down with a refreshing iced matcha latte.

At RARASAND, just steps from Tokyo’s famous Lucky Cat Temple (Gōtokuji), you’ll discover their delightful beckoning cat-shaped sponge cakes. Known locally as Shōfuku-yaki, these tender, bite-sized sponge cakes are moulded into cheerful maneki-neko figures and filled with different fillings. Sherry chose the classic anko (sweet bean) whilst I went for custard. Lightly crispy on the outside, soft inside, and utterly charming in presentation, these cakes are the perfect mid-morning snack after visiting the temple.

At Nakamura Tokichi Byodo-in in Uji, the Maruto Matcha Parfait is a dessert worthy of pilgrimage. The dish layers soft matcha jelly, velvet matcha ice cream, shiratama dango, red bean paste, and matcha castella — each component carefully balanced to highlight the depth and aroma of Uji matcha. The result is sweet yet refined; light but deeply flavourful. Again, we washed it down with an iced matcha latte and brought it along as we walked along Uji River and soaked in the serene views.

The iconic soufflé pancakes at French Toast Factory live up to every bit of hype. They are impossibly fluffy, light as air, and delightfully jiggly with each gentle wobble. Made by folding whipped egg whites into the batter, the pancakes rise into cloud-like stacks with a soft, tender center and just enough structure to hold their shape. Served with whipped buttercream and your choice of toppings like strawberries or caramel, each plate feels theatrical yet homey. Afterwards, walk off your food coma by browsing through the Yodobashi Akiba shopping centre.

At Melon Bread in Dotonbori Osaka, melon pan takes center stage with a perfect crunch-to-soft balance. Each bun is freshly baked hourly and priced around ¥200, offering a crusty, cookie-like shell with a pillowy, tender inside. Paired with a generous slab of ice cream, it hits all the right senses. As with the theme of this post, we had the matcha ice cream and it did not disappoint.

At Suzukien Asakusa, matcha ice cream isn’t just a dessert, it’s a revelation. You can choose from seven levels of matcha intensity, from the gentle sweetness of Level 1 to the deeply umami-rich, award-winning Level 7, touted as the world’s richest matcha gelato. We had to try Level 7, which hits like a finely brewed cup of matcha: strong, vegetal, and impossibly smooth.

At Kyo Ha in Kyoto, dessert becomes a symphony of textures and flavours. Their golden-brown taiyaki, the traditional fish-shaped sponge cake, is freshly baked to order and filled with pillowy sweet bean paste. Each mouthful is simultaneously nostalgic and refined. Paired with their ceremonial-grade matcha latte, made with rich Uji matcha, the combination hits all the right notes. The latte is velvety smooth and just subtle enough to balance the sweetness of the taiyaki without overpowering its flavour. We strolled down the river and enjoyed our snack but be aware of the seagulls flying about. They will swoop unashamedly when they see a chance – they love taiyaki too!

Arrive into Nara station and make your way to Nakatanidou, the infamous mochi pounding show. There is no set schedule, and the frequency depends on the demand. We were lucky to catch it at 1pm and it draws quite a crowd. The mochi itself is delightful and delicious, a perfect handful of heaven. One bite oozes and it is definitely the best mochi we’ve ever had!

Japan’s dessert scene is a delicious blend of tradition, innovation, and artistry, where every sweet treat tells a story. From the earthy elegance of matcha tiramisu and the melt-in-your-mouth magic of jiggly pancakes, to the nostalgic charm of taiyaki and the bold intensity of premium matcha ice cream, each bite is a journey through Japanese culture and craftsmanship. Whether you’re exploring bustling city streets or quiet heritage towns, these desserts offer more than just indulgence: they’re essential experiences that capture the heart (and taste buds) of Japan.