Must Eat Sweets in Harajuku

Madeleine Ray

Along with eccentric fashion, alleyways stuffed with world-famous boutiques, and loads of Japanese pop culture; Harajuku is famous for its endless amount of sweets. When I first moved to Tokyo in 2014, the go-to snack in Harajuku was Japanese style crepes, but the newest trend in the area is Bubble tea. Bubble tea became so popular in Tokyo that you can find it at the convenience store or at local fast-food chains. Other iconic desserts from Harajuku are insanely fluffy pancakes, honey toast, and of course the world-famous Kawaii Monster Cafe. While the trends are always changing in the world of sugary treats, in this list I’ve included some classic favorites from the hay-day of Harajuku fashion as well as the latest spots for you. My Tokyo weekends were not complete without grabbing a bubble tea and visiting the stylish boutiques along Cat Street.

Totti Candy Factory, Karaoke Pasela Shibuya, Santa monica Crepes, Marion Crepes, Kawaii Monster Cafe, Flipper's Omotesando, bills, The Alley Lujiaoxiang Omotesandō, Gong Cha Harajuku Omotesando Shop

  • Totti Candy Factory in Tokyo, Japan

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      Located along Takeshita Dori, one of the most famous streets in Tokyo, Totti Candy Factory serves huge and colorful cotton candy as well as any candy you can imagine. You can get some of their world-famous cotton candy and also grab a clear bag full of your favorite sweets from their pick n' mix for later.

  • Karaoke Pasela Shibuya in Tokyo, Japan

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      Karaoke Pasela Shibuya is a popular spot for Karaoke parties, and the reason I have included it is due to their honey toast which grew extremely popular in Tokyo. Honey Toast is essentially sweet toast that is stuffed full of ice cream and topped with whipped cream, fruits, and flavored syrup. With a shop located near Harajuku, this is the best way to end your day of exploring the area with some classic Tokyo fun and sweets.

  • Santa monica Crepes in Tokyo, Japan

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      At the corner of Takeshita street, Santa Monica Crepes is a classic crepe spot in the area with an extensive menu designed to satisfy any appetite. They have crepes filled with anything you can imagine; cheesecake, pudding, fruits, ice cream. Santa Monica Crepes is just after the main stretch of the bustling street and a good option for people who want to have a taste of Harajuku while not waiting in line in the more high-traffic areas.

  • Marion Crepes in Tokyo, Japan

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      Since opening in 1979, Marion Crepes has watched Harajuku evolve through the years and stayed a staple the entire time. Marion Crepes serves Japanese style crepes which are much fluffier and more portable than the French style ones. With a huge menu of variations; do you want a banana crepe? chocolate and banana? or whipped cream and chocolate? Any and all of your favorite sweet flavors are available here. The shop is located in the center of Takeshita Dori, which is also most likely on your Harajuku checklist for being the hub of all Harajuku fashion and culture.

  • Kawaii Monster Cafe, Japan

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      Kawaii Monster Cafe is one of the most famous restaurants in all of Tokyo. The cafe is designed with bright colors and structures of characters along with neon lights to make you feel as though you truly just walked into wonderland with Alice. The sweets here are 100% worth the higher price, they have huge colorful sundaes, cakes, and drinks designed to make you feel like you are an evil scientist experimenting in a lab.

  • Flipper's Omotesando in Tokyo, Japan

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      Flippers is a cute and very popular breakfast spot that specializes in their super fluffy pancakes. Fluffy pancakes are a big trend in Harajuku and these ones will not disappoint! Flipper's carries their classic pancakes, as well as matcha flavored ones if you are interested in trying something unique to Japanese cuisine.

  • bills in Tokyo, Japan

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      Okay, so I added Bills, an Australian breakfast spot that has been *the spot* in Tokyo for elegant and tasty meals since they opened in 2012, because of their world-famous ricotta pancakes! These pancakes are so soft and fluffy, they melt in your mouth. The pancakes are served with whipped cream and banana with some table syrup. I really recommend Bills to get breakfast or just an afternoon treat, their coffee is also delectable.

  • The Alley Lujiaoxiang Omotesandō in Tokyo, Japan

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      My favorite bubble tea in the world. The Alley Lujiaozxiang is so adorable in its design, along with having a rotating menu of colorful seasonal flavors. The tea itself is served in a rounded cup with the vintage logo and is aesthetically pleasing enough for Instagram.

  • Gong Cha Harajuku Omotesando Shop in Tokyo, Japan

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      This place always has a major line but if you happen to go in the early afternoon on a weekday then definitely make a visit! With global popularity, traditional tea flavors, and super chewy tapioca pearls, Gong Cha has mastered the required level of sweetness to still satisfy any sweet tooth but not be overwhelming.