9 Must-Try Japanese Treats to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Hi there! We all khow how overwhelming it can be to plan a trip, especially when it comes to deciding what to eat. But trust me, when it comes to Japan, you are in for a real treat – literally! Japan is famous for its abundance of delicious and unique sweet treats, and you won’t want to miss out on trying them during your travels.
From traditional Japanese confections like mochi and wagashi to the trendy and Instagram-worthy jiggly Japanese cheesecake, Japan has it all. So, let’s dive in and explore the best-of-the-best of Japanese sweets together.
I’m going to take you on a sweet journey through Japan’s most beloved sweet treats. I’ll introduce you to each type of dessert, explain what they are and what makes them special, and give you some tips on where to find them.
Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, I guarantee you’ll be tempted to try at least one of these delicious treats while in Japan. So, get ready to drool over some mouthwatering photos and add these Japanese sweets to your must-try list. Itadakimasu!
1. Mochi
Mochi is a beloved Japanese sweet treat that’s been around for centuries. It’s a soft and chewy rice cake made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. The result is a delightfully sticky and chewy texture that’s fun to eat.
To make mochi the traditional way : The rice is first soaked, steamed, and then pounded with a large wooden mallet until it becomes a smooth and stretchy dough. This process requires skill, strength, and rhythm, and is usually done in groups during traditional mochitsuki (mochi pounding) ceremonies.
The fun part of mochi is the endless possibilities when it comes to flavors and fillings. Mochi can be plain, or flavored with matcha, strawberry, or other ingredients, or stuffed with sweet red bean paste, ice cream, or even fruit.
When you bite into a fresh and soft mochi, the subtle sweetness and chewiness come together in a heavenly combination. The different fillings inside the mochi add a burst of flavor and texture that makes it an addictive treat you’ll want to savor again and again.
Mochi is a versatile and delightful Japanese sweet that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it with tea or sharing it with friends while hanging out. So, make sure to add it to your must-try list when in Japan, and get ready to fall in love with this irresistible treat!
2. Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a popular Japanese snack that’s loved by locals and tourists alike. It’s a fish-shaped pastry made from waffle batter that’s cooked in a fish-shaped mold. The result is a crispy, golden-brown exterior and an interior stuffed with soft and sweet fillings.
Traditionally, it is filled with sweet red bean paste, but nowadays, you can find them with a variety of fillings like custard, chocolate, sweet potato paste, or chestnut paste.
The experience of biting into a freshly made taiyaki is truly exceptional yet comforting. The crispy exterior and soft, warm filling seamlessly blend in your mouth, creating a taste explosion that is both sweet and gratifying.
This snack is easy to find at street vendors and specialty shops, and is perfect for those who are always on the move, or for sharing with loved ones.
3. Matcha Ice Cream
Matcha ice cream is a refreshing dessert that combines the unique flavors of matcha green tea with the creamy texture of ice cream. Made from premium-grade matcha powder, matcha ice cream is known for its vibrant green color and complex flavor profile.
To make this frozen treat, the matcha powder is blended with milk, cream, and sugar to create a smooth and creamy mixture. This mixture is then frozen until it becomes a velvety and refreshing ice cream that’s perfect for a hot summer day or as a sweet treat after dinner.
When you take a scoop of matcha ice cream, you’ll notice the earthy aroma and bold flavor that are characteristic of matcha green tea powder. The taste is slightly bitter, with a subtle sweetness that’s both lovely and refreshing. The texture is smooth and velvety, making each bite a delightful experience for your taste buds.
The more vibrant the green hue of the ice cream, the stronger the matcha taste, indicating a higher concentration of matcha powder used. In certain specialty stores that specialize in matcha ice cream, you have the option to pick the intensity of the matcha taste you prefer, with choices ranging from level 1 to 7.
Matcha ice cream is a popular dessert in Japan, and it’s easy to find at street food stands, cafes and restaurants, as well as specialty shops that focus on matcha products.
It’s perfect for anyone who loves the taste of green tea and wants to experience it on a different and refreshing level.
4. Japanese Souffle Cheesecake
Japanese souffle cheesecake, or also called Japanese cotton cheesecake, is a heavenly dessert that melts in your mouth with its airy and light texture, while also boasting a rich and creamy flavor.
Made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, Japanese cheesecake is a popular dessert in Japan and around the world. it is baked to perfection and has a delicate and fluffy texture that’s unlike any other cheesecake you’ve tried before – almost like biting into a cloud of sweetness!
One of the key ingredients in Japanese souffle cheesecake is cream cheese, which gives the dessert its rich and creamy flavor. Whipped egg whites is the other essential ingredient, as they give the cake its airy and light texture, creating a balance of flavors and textures that is both delicious and unique.
This luscious dessert is typically served by itself or with fresh berries, which enhances the cheesecake’s sweetness and adds a fresh fruity contrast to its rich flavor. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion and can be enjoyed on its own or with a cup of tea or coffee.
You can find this sold in many train station stands, bakeries, or specialty cake shops. If you are a cheesecake fan or are searching for a distinctive and delectable twist, then the Japanese souffle cheesecake is an absolute must-try.
5. Daifuku
Daifuku is a delectable Japanese sweet that is made from a soft and chewy mochi outer layer that is filled with a sweet and flavorful filling, such as sweetened red bean paste.
To make daifuku, a mixture of glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water is steamed to create a soft and flexible dough called mochi. The mochi is then kneaded until it becomes smooth and stretchy, then cut into small pieces and flattened into circles.
A dollop of sweetened red bean paste is placed on top of each circle, and then the mochi is wrapped around the filling, creating a soft and chewy ball.
When you bite into a piece of daifuku, you’ll experience the soft and chewy texture of the mochi that contrasts perfectly with the rich filling. The red bean paste filling is sweet and slightly nutty, with a smooth and creamy texture that complements the chewy texture of the mochi.
Daifuku comes with a range of flavors and toppings, from classic strawberry to delicious green tea and even ice cream-filled versions. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth, and is often paired with green tea or served as a yummy dessert after a meal.
6. Wagashi
Wagashi is a traditional Japanese sweet that has been enjoyed for centuries. These small, delicate treats are incredibly beautiful and much like miniature works of art.
The natural and seasonal ingredients used to make wagashi can vary depending on the type of sweet. Sweet red bean paste, or “anko”, is a common ingredient used in many wagashi. This filling is made by simmering azuki beans with sugar until it becomes a thick paste.
Wagashi is a feast for the eyes, as it is usually made by hand with great attention to detail. The small, delicate sweets are often shaped and molded to create beautiful designs that represent the changing seasons or special occasions. Some are even added with natural dyes to enhance their appearance and add a touch of elegance.
When you bite into a piece of wagashi, you’ll experience a delicate and subtle sweetness that is unique to Japanese sweets. The texture can vary depending on the type of sweet, but it’s often soft, chewy, and slightly sticky, which makes it fun to eat.
This intricate treat is perfect for special occasions like tea ceremonies, weddings, and other celebrations.
7. Dorayaki
Dorayaki is a popular Japanese snack that consists of two small, pancake-like patties filled with a sweet filling, typically “anko”, which is sweet red bean paste.
Dorayaki is made with flour, eggs, sugar, and water. The batter is then cooked on a griddle to create small, fluffy pancakes that are slightly thicker than traditional pancakes. A dollop of sweet red bean paste is then placed on one pancake, and another pancake is placed on top to create a sandwich-like treat.
Dorayaki is a popular snack in Japan and can be found in many different varieties, including matcha-flavored or chocolate-filled dorayaki. It’s often enjoyed as a dessert or with a cup of tea or coffee.
8. Kuzumochi
Kuzumochi is a traditional Japanese sweet made with kudzu starch, a type of powder made from the root of the kudzu plant. This unique ingredient gives kuzumochi its characteristic soft, chewy, and jelly-like texture, which is unlike any other Japanese sweet.
To make kuzumochi, kudzu starch is mixed with water, sugar, and then heated until it thickens and becomes a translucent, jelly-like consistency. The mixture is then poured into a shallow dish to cool and set.
When you bite into a piece of kuzumochi, you’ll experience a delicate and refreshing sweetness, paired with a unique texture that is both soft and chewy. The flavor is mild and subtle, allowing the delicate sweetness to shine through.
Kuzumochi is often enjoyed as a light and refreshing dessert, especially during the summer months when the weather is hot and humid.
It can be served on its own, with a dusting of kinako (roasted soybean flour,) or with a drizzle of kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup). It can also be paired with sweet red bean paste for a lovely twist.
9. Japanese Crepe
Last but not least, no Japanese sweets list can be completed without mentioning Japanese crepes. Also known as Harajuku crepes, these are popular street food in Japan that has gained a cult following around the world.
When you sink your teeth into a Japanese crepe, get ready to indulge in a heavenly blend of the delicate and chewy texture of the crepe accompanying the luscious, sweet fillings inside. This delectable treat is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling utterly indulged.
Unlike its French counterpart, Japanese creps are made of very thin batter of flour, eggs, sugar, and milk. It is poured onto a griddle and spread into a thin, circular shape, then cooked and flipped once, until the crepe is slightly crispy but still soft and chewy.
The real magic of Japanese crepes lies in their fillings. These crepes are often filled with a variety of sweet and savory ingredients, including fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, Nutella, matcha, red bean paste, and even ice cream.
Japanese crepes are often served rolled up into a cone shape, and wrapped in paper, making them a convenient on-the-go snack or dessert. They’re a perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth, and their customizable fillings make them a versatile option for any taste preference.
Summary
If you have a sweet tooth, you simply can’t miss out on these 9 amazing Japanese sweets. From the soft and chewy mochi to the fluffy goodness of souffle cheesecake and the delicate sweetness of wagashi, Japanese sweets are a delightful surprise that will leave you craving for more.
Crafted with natural and wholesome ingredients and traditional techniques, these treats are the perfect way to indulge in the sweet side of Japan, whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a fun and tasty way to explore Japanese culture.
Don’t forget to check out my other helpful blog posts on Tokyo Japan travel, where you can discover even more practical, simple, and time-saving insider tips to make your trip easy breezy and unforgettable!
If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travels in Tokyo!
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