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The Best Bakeries in Tokyo

Ladurée is famous for its mouthwatering macaroons
Ladurée is famous for its mouthwatering macaroons | Photo by Katie Jones/WWD/REX/Shutterstock

Exploring the Japanese capital will leave you in need of a sweet treat. Luckily, Tokyo has its fair share of Parisian-style eateries. From classy pâtisseries to the fresh baking of boulangeries, explore the capital’s best bakeries.

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Pâtisserie Sadaharu Aoki

Macaroons

Expect beautiful cakes in both classic and modern flavours, including some with an Eastern twist – like their matcha tart and macarons. The owner, Sadaharu Aoki, opened his first shop in Paris nearly twenty years ago and has been honing his skills ever since.

Occitanial

Occitanial, named after a historic region and language of Southern France, creates French pastries and cakes that are pleasing to the eye and the palette. They are especially proud of their macarons, as well as the pound cake made with caramel.

Le Pain Quotidien

Le Pain Quotidien has quickly become a favourite in Japan. The star is the bread, which is made with natural yeast cultures known as levain rather than commercial yeast. They claim this creates a nutritious, easy-to-digest loaf that is lower in gluten.

Gontran Cherrier

Gontran Cherrier started out as a simple but ambitious bakery in Paris. The family of the eponymous owner has been baking bread for generations, and with seven outposts in Japan alone, the family’s recipes continue to draw crowds for their quality and classic style.

Pâtisserie La Rose des Japonais

The award-winning pastry chef at this bakery, Hiroshi Igarashi, creates beautiful and innovative cakes that blend Western and Eastern flavours and design elements.

Brasserie Viron

This boulangerie in Shibuya makes their bread using imported flours from France. If you don’t feel like fixing it up yourself, there’s a bistro upstairs where they serve their breads and pastries in-house.

Le Pain de Joël Robuchon

The bread at Le Pain de Joël Robuchon is sure to satisfy your carb cravings. Or if you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, La Boutique de Joël Robuchon carries a huge selection of cakes, pastries, and nibbles for every occasion.

SunnyHills at Minami-Aoyama

SunnyHills at Minami-Aoyama specialises in Taiwanese pineapple cakes. For their exclusive-to-Japan recipe, the baker uses butter from France, giving the Tokyo version of this popular snack an even richer and flakier texture.

Pompadour

A local favourite, Pompadour specialises in making fresh, quality bread. They also carry classic baked treats, like éclairs and sweet rolls.

About the author

Alicia is a freelance travel and culture writer living in Tokyo. Find her at thetokyogirl.com

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