“I’m donut ?” is a wildly popular donut shop with locations in Tokyo and Fukuoka. Long lines are a regular sight. The Harajuku shop, located just five minutes from Harajuku Station, sees lines forming even before its 10:00 AM opening.
So, what’s the secret to their popularity? The donuts here have a completely different mouthfeel compared to the traditional variety.
Soft and chewy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these donuts completely transform what you think a donut should be—in the best way possible.
Four must-try donuts at I’m donut ?
I’m donut ? offers around ten types of donuts, including seasonal flavors. If you want to fully appreciate the unique texture that sets this shop apart, the plain version of their eponymous “I’m donut ?” donut is the way to go.
I’m donut ? Eat-in: 242 JPY (tax included) / Take-out: 237 JPY (tax included)
What sets I’m donut ? shops apart from their competitors is that they use the same dough as brioche, a pastry bread of French origin. In addition, by mixing kabocha (Japanese pumpkin) into their dough, they ensure the donuts retain moisture, resulting in that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The ‘I’m donut ?’ donut
The plain I’m donut ? is the shop’s signature offering, and it’s the donut that nearly every customer orders at least one of. Lightly dusted with soft, mild-tasting cane sugar, they’re irresistible. You could easily eat several without even feeling weighed down!
Another crowd favorite is the matcha-flavored version, “I’m donut ? Matcha,” which rivals the plain version in popularity.
“I’m donut？抹茶,” I’m donut ? Matcha Eat-in: 297 JPY (tax included) / Takeout: 291 JPY (tax included)
Compared to the plain version, the matcha donut is less sweet, with a noticeable bitterness and fragrance from the matcha. Topped with kinako (roasted soybean powder), this donut marries the flavors of traditional Japanese ingredients perfectly. The slight bitterness of the dough combined with the gentle sweetness of the kinako creates a delightful harmony with every bite.
I’m donut？ Matcha
For chocolate lovers, the “cacao” donut is a must-try. This donut is made with a slightly bitter cocoa-infused dough and coated in smooth milk chocolate. Not only is the sweetness perfectly balanced, but the contrast in textures between the coating and the dough is another reason why this donut is so popular.
cacao Eat-in: 352 JPY (tax included) / Take-out: 345 JPY (tax included)
The shop also sells donuts generously filled with cream, among which the “pistacchio” comes highly recommended. Only premium Italian pistachios are used, ensuring a rich, fresh flavor.
pistacchio Eat-in: 506 JPY (tax included) / Take-out: 496 JPY (tax included)
The pistachio cream, made by blending the nuts with fresh cream made from milk sourced from Kyushu, the southwesternmost of Japan’s main islands, is light and refreshing. By adjusting its sweetness, they’ve created a cream that makes you want to come back for more.
pistacchio
Enjoy freshly made donuts at I’m donut ? Harajuku
Glazed Eat-in: 286 JPY (tax included) / Take-out: 280 JPY (tax included)
At the Harajuku shop, you can savor their popular classic donut, the “Glazed,” freshly made on the premises. It’s a simple ring donut, but if you try it fresh from the fryer, the dough has an even chewier texture!
Glazed
The freshly made I’m donut ? is also exceptional. Both Glazed and I’m donut ? donuts are available hot out of the fryer only at the Harajuku location.
The Harajuku shop has a second-floor seating area accessible by an elevator next to the register, so you can enjoy your donuts right away!
Exterior of I’m donut ? Harajuku
The ordering process is simple: write down your order and name on a special sheet and hand it to the staff. If you choose to eat in, you can order directly on the second floor—but note that cash is not accepted.
An I’m donut ? order form
I’m donut ? – Where the aroma of fresh donuts fills the air
At I’m donut ?, each donut is made by hand. Even before the shop opens, a sweet aroma wafts through the area. The kitchen has glass walls, allowing passersby to see the donut-making process from outside.
The second-floor seating area has exposed concrete walls accented with bright yellow, creating a stylish vibe. There’s also a selection of cute merchandise for sale—perfect for a little souvenir to take home with your donuts.
Second floor of I’m donut ? Harajuku
In-store merchandise area
Since the donuts often sell out by the evening, your best bet is to line up just before opening. I’m donut ? has become famous even among international visitors, and with a New York location already open, you may find yourself waiting in line for hours, especially during busy times.
In addition to Harajuku, I’m donut ? has locations in Shibuya, Nakameguro, and Omotesando in Tokyo, each one drawing crowds eager to taste their delicious fare. But the donuts are definitely worth the wait—come and taste for yourself!
Information
| Store name | I’m donut？原宿 I’m donut ? Harajuku |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-14-24 Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station A short walk from Exit 3
Harajuku Station 2-minute walk from Harajuku Station East Exit
|
| Phone number | Unlisted |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | First floor 10:00-19:00 (closes earlier when sold out), second floor 10:00-18:00 |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 23 seats 15 table seats, 8 counter seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/i.m.donut/?hl=ja |
| Other information |
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※ Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of October 2024.
