When you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Samurai? Sushi? Wait a minute! In recent years, there’s a Japanese delicacy that’s been capturing hearts around the globe, especially on social media. It’s the “Japanese Pancakes”! Discover the fluffiest, most delectable pancakes in Tokyo, where each café adds its unique spin to this beloved treat. From the chic streets of Ginza to the traditional corners of Asakusa, these 12 pancake destinations promise a delight for every palate. Indulge in a symphony of flavors where each stack of pancakes tells a story of culinary craftsmanship and innovation.
A Happy Pancake – Ginza
- Address: 7F B, New Ginza Bldg. 10, 5-8-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:30-19:30 (Monday-Friday), 10:00 – 20:00 (Saturday, Sunday, Holidays)
- Closing day: NA
- Price: ¥1,000～¥1,500
- Online reservation: Available
- Website: A Happy Pancake
“A Happy Pancake” is a popular pancake specialty chain primarily based in Japan. True to its name, it is renowned for its delicious pancakes that evoke a sense of happiness, characterized by their fluffy texture and abundant toppings. The stores use homemade batter and unique recipes to craft their pancakes, with seasonal specials also available. “Happiness Pancakes” boasts a significant following among both regulars and tourists, cherished as a place to enjoy moments of joy and contentment.
ASAKUSA YOROZU CAFE
- Address: Asakusa-so Mansion 1F, 4-4-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:30 – 16:30
- Closing day: NA
- Price: ¥3,000～¥4,000
- Online reservation: NA (First-pass is available)
- Website: ASAKUSA YOROZU CAFE
“Asakusa Yorozu Cafe” may have a cozy interior, but each table holds its own charm. Their signature cascading and soufflé pancakes are both irresistibly fluffy and piping hot, boasting a delightful eggy flavor. Topped with generous portions of strawberries this time, the fruit adds a burst of flavor, complemented by the subtly sweet whipped cream. Unlike cafes that prioritize aesthetics, here, the pancakes have a homemade feel, reminiscent of those crafted by a local fruit vendor. What sets them apart is their customizable pancakes, allowing guests to tailor their toppings to their liking. Particularly memorable were the refreshing fruits paired with the airy soufflé pancakes. Offering an array of original pancakes packed with flavor, “Asakusa Yorozu Cafe” stands out for its unique appeal.
512 Cafe & Grill
- Address: 1F, Parkside Six A, 9-5-12 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00 – 22:30 (Mon-Fri), 10:00 – 22:00 (Sat), 10:00 – 21:00 (Sun)
- Closing day: NA
- Price: ¥2,000～¥3,000
- Online reservation: Available
- Website: 512 Cafe & Grill
The charm of “512 Cafe & Grill” lies in its diverse menu and high-quality cuisine. In particular, their pancakes are exquisite, served with a variety of toppings. The casual atmosphere inside the restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience. Additionally, the service is courteous and friendly, receiving high praise from both locals and tourists alike. There are intriguing reviews about the pancakes at this establishment. They express a fascination with the fluffy texture and draw parallels to the taste of Mont Saint-Michel’s omelette, particularly referencing La Mère Poulard in Yurakucho. Although the pancakes are light despite their appearance, some suggest that additional toppings would enhance the overall experience, as the lack thereof may result in a somewhat bland sensation. Furthermore, there’s praise for the unexpectedly delicious quality of the tea served, noting its low bitterness, unlike the commonly expected standard at cafes. These reviews offer candid impressions about the unique characteristics and flavors of the pancakes, providing insight into a captivating culinary experience.
Flipper’s Shimokitazawa
- Address: 1F, 1-26-20, Kitazawa 2-chome, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00 – 20:00
- Closing day: NA
- Price: ¥1,000～¥2,000
- Online reservation: NA
- Website: Flipper’s
“Flipper’s” is a popular pancake specialty chain primarily based in Japan, known for its signature feature: incredibly fluffy and thick pancakes. These pancakes are renowned for their unique texture, crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The interior of the stores typically boasts a bright and modern design, with open kitchens where customers can observe the pancakes being prepared. The establishment’s popularity is evident in the long queues that form, particularly on weekends, drawing both tourists and locals who flock to savor these delectable fluffy pancakes.
Ginza Rindo produced by Hanon
- Address: Ginza J Building 1F, 3-14-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 8:00 – 16:00
- Closing day: NA
- Price: ¥1,000～¥2,000
- Online reservation: NA
- Website: NA
“Ginza Rindo produced by Hanon” is a pancake café located in Okinawa, also serving as a bar during the evening hours. Despite its appearance and interior not immediately resembling a typical pancake café, it offers high-quality service and cuisine. Particularly popular are the Mihama Pancakes and the Ginza-exclusive Pistachio Pancakes. The pancakes are fluffy, and the combination of toppings is exquisite. Even amidst a different ambiance from Okinawa’s beautiful scenery, patrons can thoroughly enjoy the delightful flavors. Additionally, the Egg & Meat Pancakes, featuring plain pancakes paired with thick-cut bacon or jumbo sausages, make for a satisfying breakfast option.
Chaka
- Address: 31-7 Senjuju-cho, Adachi-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
- Closing day: Mondays and Tuesdays
- Price: ¥2,000～¥3,000
- Online reservation: Available
- Website: Chaka
Located in Kita-Senju, “Chaka” is a pancake haven known for its masterfully crafted pancakes, made with a unique blend of flour curated by the owner. Each day, the owner meticulously prepares a limited quantity using fresh milk from Hokkaido and buttermilk, ensuring freshness upon every order. Renowned for their irresistibly fluffy texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, these pancakes are a huge hit among patrons. Stepping into the sky-blue building, guests are greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere characterized by white and wooden accents. Indulge in the whimsical ambiance of this café and savor their homemade pancakes, the result of years of dedication and research in perfecting the ingredients and cooking process.
Merenge Shibuya
- Address: GEMS Shibuya 1F, 3-27-11 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (18:00 – 22:30 as bar)
- Closing day: NA
- Price: ¥1,000～¥2,000
- Online reservation: NA
- Website: Merenge Shibuya
Merengue Shibuya offers a unique dining experience, transporting customers to the relaxed ambiance of a Hawaiian café and restaurant. The delectable selection of local Hawaiian dishes combined with the warm and welcoming atmosphere creates an unforgettable moment for each diner. Their signature fluffy pancakes, boasting a delightful texture with a generous amount of meringue, leave patrons smiling with every bite. With a commitment to quality and genuine hospitality, Merengue Shibuya becomes a cherished retreat, offering not only exceptional food but also a place to create new smiles and cherished memories with loved ones.
Cafe Acueil
- Address: 2-10-10 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00～20:00 (Mon), 11:00～22:00 (Tue-Sun)
- Closing day: NA
- Price: ¥1,500～¥2,000
- Online reservation: Available
- Website: Cafe Acueil
Cafe Accueil, a hidden gem nestled between Ebisu and Daikanyama, welcomes guests with its charming French-inspired hospitality and carefully curated interior design. The ambiance exudes a sense of openness, perfect for indulging in their signature pancakes and seasonal afternoon teas. The diverse selection of chocolate sweets ensures a delightful experience without monotony, offering great value for the price. While the café provides ample seating for a comfortable dining experience, reservations ensure smooth service, particularly for enjoying their afternoon tea. However, weekends can get crowded, leading to occasional delays in service. Despite this, the café offers complimentary refills for coffee and tea, adding to its appeal. Overall, Café Accueil impresses with its inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and delectable treats, making it an ideal spot to create cherished moments with friends and family.
Riz Labo Kitchen – Urasando Garden
- Address: Urasando Garden 1F, 4-15-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 12:00 – 17:00
- Closing day: NA
- Price: ¥2,000～¥3,000
- Online reservation: NA
- Website: Riz Labo Kitchen
Launched in December 2016, Riz Labo Kitchen aims to honor Japan’s rich rice culture with a modern twist. The name “Riz,” meaning rice in French, symbolizes the foundation of this unique culinary venture. As the world moved past the pandemic in April 2023, the kitchen introduced its second series of rice flour sweets, highlighting their signature gluten-free pancakes made from 100% domestic rice flour. These pancakes have won hearts across all ages due to their fluffy texture and moistness, unique to rice flour’s characteristics. Additionally, Riz Labo Kitchen also offers a selection of crepes available every Thursday, including limited editions, earning high praise for their balanced sweetness and fluffy texture. Through its continuous innovation with rice flour, Riz Labo Kitchen is pioneering a new frontier of deliciousness.
Espresso D Works – Ebisu
- Address: Prime Maison 1F, 1-22-19 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Closing day: NA
- Price: ¥2,000～¥3,000
- Online reservation: Available
- Website: Espresso D Works
Espresso D Works, nestled in the city’s heart, delights visitors with its stylish interior and unexpected surprises. The cafe’s design, from a coffee bean logo to a restroom door disguised as a shelf, showcases meticulous attention to detail. Its vibrant atmosphere is fueled by the staff’s bright smiles and lively spirit, enhancing the dining experience with thoughtful explanations of each dish. Among the popular choices, the D Works Latte and the New York Hot Dog stand out, with the pancakes, particularly the Berry Berry Pancakes and seasonal offerings, drawing in repeat customers due to their fluffy texture and taste. The cafe’s sophisticated setup and unique restroom design cater to a predominantly female clientele, creating a refined space where music and mood blend seamlessly. While the establishment is cashless, the satisfaction from its culinary creations, especially the light and sweet pancakes, makes Espresso D Works a must-visit for those seeking a blend of coffee, creativity, and comfort in a chic setting.
AIMU
- Address: 3-11-1 Koenjikita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00 – 17:00
- Closing day: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Price: ¥1,000～¥2,000
- Online reservation: NA
- Website: NA
Opened in March 2021, AIMU Cafe has quickly become a must-visit spot in Koenji, celebrated for its chic ambiance and friendly service. Just a 5-minute walk from Koenji Station, this cozy cafe offers a menu crafted with meticulous attention to ingredients. The highlight is the AIMU Pancake, made without baking powder or additives, offering a fluffy experience that doesn’t weigh you down. Other favorites include the strawberry-topped AIMU Cake and the creamy, addictive Pudding. Decorated with charming dried flowers and offering detailed menu explanations, AIMU provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. With daily specials like Today’s cake and Today’s MLESNA TEA, there’s always something new to try. AIMU Lemonade, with its subtle carbonation and syrup flavor, provides a refreshing complement to the sweet treats. AIMU Cafe stands out not just for its stylish design but for its commitment to quality, making it a place worth visiting over and over.
Chacha Kobo Kiyosumi
- Address: 1F 1-5-4 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00〜19:00
- Closing day: Monday
- Price: ¥2,000～¥3,000
- Online reservation: NA
- Website: NA
Chacha Kobo Kiyosumi, a sister store to Asakusa’s beloved Chacha Kobo, has opened in Kiyosumi Shirakawa on March 9, 2024. This new café specializes in matcha and pancakes, making use of a counter griddle to bake thick, fluffy pancakes served with rich matcha butter. Their signature offering is a matcha butter pancake, available for 2200 yen, which can be enjoyed with various toppings or simply as is. The matcha butter, caramelized matcha, and a side of matcha sauce provide a delightful combination of sweet and savory, with an intense matcha kick enhanced by the included matcha latte. Located in a historic shopping street, Chacha Kobo Kiyosumi brings a fresh matcha twist to the local culinary scene.
