Japanese Crepes: Why Are They the Best?

Nothing beats a good treat on the go, and after a long day of walking through Tokyo, taking in all the sights and sounds, there are few things as rewarding as indulging in yummy Japanese crepes.

Sweet or savory, crepes are always hot and fresh straight out of the kitchen. They are perfect snacks for those who wish to sit down and enjoy their meal or for those who don’t mind standing outside and gobbling it down. 

But, with so many different kinds of crepes available, it can be a bit hard deciding which to try. But have no fear, because we’re here to help! This guide will help you determine what kind of crepe is best for you and where to find some around Tokyo!

Japanese vs French Crepes

The first thing to understand about crepes in Japan is that they are different from traditional French crepes. While both snacks consist of unleavened dough or batter cooked on a griddle or flattop, the fillings differ between the two types.

French crepes are typically only spread with jam and were not a huge hit when they first came to Japan in the 70s. On the other hand, Japanese crepes utilize all sorts of fruits, ice cream, and other sweet ingredients. Known as Harajuku Crepes, this new style of preparing crepes became very popular in Japan and quickly overtook the traditional French style of preparation.

What are some of the most popular fillings?

Customers can get all kinds of fillings when ordering their crepes. Some fillings are light and sweet, while others are heavier and savory. Regardless of what kind you get, a solid Harajuku crepe will always hit the spot in a pinch. Here is a quick rundown of different and popular flavors that customers can find at their local street vendor.

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit is the original and perennial favorite filling for Harajuku crepes, and it is always a great choice. Freshly sliced strawberries, blueberries, melons, bananas, and other fruits are incorporated into the crepes, which are usually accompanied by whipped cream and/or ice cream. They’re mini desserts that can be enjoyed on the street between trips to the many stores lining Takeshita Street.

Sweet Dairy

Many kinds of crepes offer dairy-only options for customers who want something sweet but without fruit. Whipped cream is very popular across Japan due to its light texture and not-too-sweet flavor profile. Of course, ice cream is also very popular, with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and even matcha, perfect for a good crepe. With or without fruit added, a sweet crepe can be the perfect pick-me-up for those with a discerning sweet tooth.

What other types of fillings are there?

Don’t worry if fresh fruit and whipped cream sound good, but are not sweet enough. There are other options available. Customers can have their sweet snacks doused in various sauces, such as caramel, chocolate, and strawberry. If that sounds good, try getting them covered in crunchy nut toppings to take home. 

And if that isn’t sweet enough, some vendors also offer brownies, cheesecakes, Oreos, and other awesome fillings to stuff into their crepes. If, by chance, you crave a flavor more classically Japanese, azuki red bean paste and kokuto (brown sugar) options are available, too, which are as equally yummy as the others.

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Which shops have great Japanese crepes?

Tokyo has plenty of dedicated shops that offer these snacks and countless street vendors cooking them up fresh for hungry patrons, but a few places truly stand out. True to their name, Harajuku is the best place in the city to visit for the ultimate crepe. If you ever find yourself in Japan’s fashion hub, visit these locations for some of the best treats in the area!

Marion Crepes

Many people consider Marion Crepes the only crepe worth getting in Harajuku. Located on Takeshita Street, Marion Crepes is Japan’s oldest crepe shop (whoa!), which means they know how to make exceptionally good food. Taking a stroll up Takeshita Street, checking out all the stores, grabbing a crepe, and then watching the 3D billboard while enjoying a super yummy treat is a fantastic afternoon.

Santa Monica Crepes

Santa Monica Crepes may not have the history of Marion Crepes, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth visiting. This store perfectly fits Harajuku’s vibe with a bright storefront and a colorful aesthetic. They also have a fantastic strawberry crepe you can’t miss if you check them out.

Cafe Crepe Laforet

While not exactly on the famous Takeshita Street, Café Crepe Laforet is still within Harajuku, so it still counts. Situated within Laforet Harajuku, a vast shopping center, this crepe shop is worth taking the extra time to walk to.

Offering all the same flavors and varieties that make Harajuku crepes so tasty, Café Crepe Laforet is a great place to visit if you’ve already spent the day walking up and down Takeshita Street and want to check out some other stores before heading home. 

Have you checked out any of these crepe shops before? What flavor is your favorite? Please let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear which kind of crepe is your favorite!

Cited Sources

• Food in Japan. “Japanese Crepe (クレープ)“.
• Go Tokyo: The Official Tokyo Travel Guide. “All about visiting Harajuku: fashion, culture and more“.
• Nippon.com. “From Harajuku to Shibuya: Crowds and Youth Culture in the Yamanote’s West.”