Taiyaki in Tokyo: 5 Amazing Dessert Spots!

If you’re into warm, fish-shaped sweet snacks, taiyaki is about to be your new best friend. These cute little cakes are shaped like tai (red sea bream), a fish that brings good luck in Japan.

Taiyaki combines a waffle and a pancake but has a sweet filling inside. The classic version has red bean paste, but you can also find custard, chocolate, green tea, and even ice cream!

Some spots flip the script with croissant-style taiyaki, crispy, buttery, and addictive. Taiyaki is easy to grab on the go, and usually costs just a few hundred yen. If you’re visiting Tokyo, this street snack is a must-try, delicious, portable, and Instagram-worthy. Ready to find Tokyo’s tastiest taiyaki? Let’s dive into five of the city’s most popular spots!

Naniwaya Sōhonten (Azabu-Jūban) 

Walking into Naniwaya Sohonten feels like stepping back in the tastiest way possible. Opened in 1909, this shop is often credited as the birthplace of taiyaki in Japan. People line up daily for its classic version, crispy shell, and perfectly sweet anko (red bean paste) filling.

The red bean paste is made from Hokkaido beans and simmered for eight hours, for that smooth, rich flavor. Their batter is super thin and crisp, giving each bite the perfect crunch-to-creamy ratio. There’s no custard, chocolate, or wild flavors here; the OG taiyaki is done incredibly well. Grab one to-go fresh from the iron, or chill upstairs with tea and enjoy it slowly. Fair warning, weekends mean long lines, but the first bite makes it worth it.

Kurikoan (Kichijōji)

Kurikoan is a cozy little stall in Kichijōji with fun flavors and a super fluffy taiyaki shell. You’ve probably seen its cute fish logo swimming through the crowds of Harmonica Yokocho. They use extra egg in the batter, making the shell softer and more cake-like than most spots.

What about fillings? You’ll find classics like anko, plus fun ones like matcha (Japanese green tea), pumpkin, and black sesame. Seasonal flavors switch often, so there’s always something new to catch on your next visit.

You can even watch them pour and grill your taiyaki right in front of you, so satisfying. Prices are friendly, too! Classic beans are around ¥136 (about $0.90), and fancy flavors top out at about ¥205 (around $1.35). And if you collect 20 stamps on your card, you’ll score a free taiyaki, now that’s a sweet deal!

Want to experience the best of what Japan has to offer? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest healthy Japanese drinks and snacks directly from Japan!

Amane (Kichijōji)

Also tucked into Kichijōji’s hidden lanes is Amane, another must-try taiyaki spot with a cool twist. These treats have thicker edges and use brown sugar in the shell and filling, giving them a rich, caramel-like flavor. They still taste amazing even after cooling down, so you don’t have to eat them immediately. It’s the perfect snack to munch while walking through nearby Inokashira Park. There’s usually a line before they open, but it’s worth the wait.

Taiyaki Hiiragi (Ebisu & Meguro)

Taiyaki Hiiragi keeps it simple but seriously delicious. With shops in Ebisu, Meguro, and more, they use a special mix of over ten flours for their dough and make their sweet red bean paste fresh in-house. Each taiyaki is grilled for 30 minutes to get that perfect crispy shell.

Heads up, though, they often sell out by early evening, so go early if you want one! In summer, cool down with their soft serve topped with a taiyaki for about ¥630 (around $4). They also do hiyashi taiyaki (cold taiyaki) with red bean and cream cheese—so good, so chill.

Sanokiya (Tsukiji)

At first, this spot might totally fool you. Grilled tuna at a dessert stand? Yep, that’s what the sign says! But don’t worry, no raw fish here. Tsukiji Sanokiya sells taiyaki just like anyone else–it’s just in the shape of a tuna fish, rather than a sea bream!

You’ll find this spot near the Tsukiji Yon-chome crossing. It’s a tiny shop, but packed with flavor and fun. Their taiyaki is filled with apricots and sweeter red bean paste. Overall, Sanokiya is a must-try if you’re in Tsukiji and want a sweet surprise!

Why should you check out these amazing taiyaki spots in Tokyo?

People love these taiyaki spots because they’re more than snacks—they’re crispy, cozy bites of culture with a fun fishy twist! It’s perfect for munching as you stroll or sipping with a cup of matcha tea. It’s history wrapped in batter, nostalgia with every bite, and that cute fish shape? Total joy.

Each shop brings something special. Naniwaya has a delicate shell. Kurikoan goes wild with seasonal fun. Amane adds a chewy, sweet twist. Hiiragi levels up with rich red bean. Sakuraya’s open late for that after‑hours fix.

Next time you’re in Tokyo, try the taiyaki trail. Start with Naniwaya, wander to Kurikoan, or hit Sakuraya after work. Your taste buds will thank you. Which taiyaki flavor would you try first? Have you ever had a fish-shaped snack that surprised you? Let us know in the comments below!