Japanese parfaits are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate. Whether you’re a fruit lover, matcha enthusiast, or someone seeking unique Japanese sweets, these hand-picked spots will take your dessert experience to the next level. Here’s your ultimate guide to Tokyo’s top parfait destinations!
- Authentic matcha delights: Kyo Hayashiya Takashimaya Times Square
- Elegant matcha flavors: Ochobohan
- Garden-inspired parfaits: Hibiya Hayashiyashinbē
- Japanese-inspired flavors: yusoshi chano-ma Ueno
- Luxury fruit desserts: Nihombashi Sembikiya Azabudai Hills
- Luxurious fruit desserts: Shinjuku Takano Fruit Parlour
- Vibrant and refreshing: Futaba Fruits Parlor
- Artistic fruit parfaits: Fruit Parlor KAJITSUEN Liber Shibuya Hikarie
- Classic fruit perfection: Shibuya Nishimura Fruits Parlor Dougenzaka-ten
- Whimsical strawberry desserts: FRUITS PARLOR ASAKUSA YOROZU CAFE444
Authentic matcha delights: Kyo Hayashiya Takashimaya Times Square
“Kyo Hayashiya,” with over 270 years of tea-making history, specializes in desserts that showcase the bold, bittersweet flavors of Uji matcha. Their “Matcha Parfait,” exclusively available at their Takashimaya Times Square location in Shinjuku, is a multi-layered masterpiece featuring matcha soft-serve ice cream, shiratama dumplings, agar jelly, and sweet red bean paste. This combination offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, highlighting the complexity of authentic matcha.
The parfait stands out for its harmonious blend of sweetness and slight bitterness. The smooth, creamy soft-serve ice cream pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of shiratama dumplings, while the firm agar jelly adds a satisfying layer of contrast.
For matcha lovers seeking an authentic and satisfying dessert, the restaurant offers perfection in every spoonful.
Elegant matcha flavors: Ochobohan
Located in Shinjuku’s Lumine EST shopping mall, “Ochobohan” specializes in desserts that highlight the rich and nuanced flavors of Uji matcha. Their signature “Matcha Parfait with Fruit” features creamy matcha-flavored ice cream as its star ingredient, accompanied by a luscious matcha sauce crafted from refined beet sugar and water. Drizzling the sauce over the parfait deepens the matcha’s bold flavor while introducing a perfectly balanced sweetness.
The parfait also features a refreshing twist with yuzu—a Japanese citrus known for its aromatic zest. Yuzu puree is used as a topping, while a layer of yuzu-flavored jelly rests at the bottom, creating a delightful balance of sweet, bitter, and tangy flavors. The creamy matcha ice cream and sweet whipped cream are perfectly complemented by the refreshing citrus notes.
Ochobohan’s parfaits are a perfect blend of sophistication and taste, making it a must-visit for matcha enthusiasts.
Garden-inspired parfaits: Hibiya Hayashiyashinbē
Situated not far from the famous Hibiya Park, “Hibiya Hayashiyashinbē” transforms desserts into works of art, drawing inspiration from the beauty of Japanese gardens. A standout creation is the “Koto no Teien Parfait,” which blends matcha ice cream, tangy sudachi sherbet, and creamy mascarpone. Sweetened black soybeans add a touch of richness, while delicate strawberry flakes, reminiscent of fallen petals, provide an elegant finish.
For matcha enthusiasts, the “Koicha Parfait” is a must-try. This bold and flavorful dessert combines thick matcha syrup, crispy monaka wafers, and rich matcha ice cream. The concentrated matcha flavor makes this parfait a decadent choice for those who love the intensity of Japanese green tea.
Combining artful presentation and rich flavors, Hibiya Hayashiyashinbe is a must-visit destination.
Japanese-inspired flavors: yusoshi chano-ma Ueno
Within the Ueno Marui department store, you’ll find “yusoshi chano-ma Ueno,” a restaurant serving up Japanese desserts with thoughtful flavor combinations. Their “Brown Sugar and Kinako Parfait” features soft kuromitsu jelly, kinako-dusted warabi mochi, and creamy vanilla ice cream. The nutty, roasted kinako pairs beautifully with the sweet richness of the kuromitsu syrup, making this parfait both flavorful and satisfying.
Another favorite is the “Matcha and Coconut Parfait,” which layers matcha sauce with coconut ice cream and yomogi-flavored dumplings. This unique combination highlights a balance of earthy, sweet, and herbal flavors for a refreshing take on a Japanese dessert.
For anyone looking to try desserts that blend traditional Japanese ingredients with subtle modern twists, this restaurant is a great option.
Luxury fruit desserts: Nihombashi Sembikiya Azabudai Hills
“Nihombashi Sembikiya” is a name synonymous with luxury fruits and exceptional craftsmanship. At their Azabudai Hills branch, their “Sembikiya Special Parfait” showcases seven types of seasonal fruits, with each piece cut larger than bite-sized to fully savor their flavors. Layered beneath are mango sherbet, vanilla ice cream, and strawberry purée, complemented by lightly sweetened whipped cream that enhances the fruit’s natural taste without overpowering it.
The “Fruit Salad Parfait” offers a bold twist by combining seasonal fruits with fresh vegetables, creating a uniquely refreshing dessert. Ingredients like avocados, turnips, strawberries, and broccoli vary by season, while a tangy calamansi vinegar dressing adds a bright contrast to the natural sweetness. With its surprising mix of flavors and textures, this parfait is a standout for adventurous dessert lovers.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic luxury or bold innovation, Nihombashi Sembikiya Azabudai Hills offers a parfait experience that is both elegant and unforgettable.
Luxurious fruit desserts: Shinjuku Takano Fruit Parlour
Founded in 1926, “Shinjuku Takano Fruit Parlour” has earned its reputation as a premier destination for fruit-based desserts. Their iconic Fruits Parfait is a vibrant showcase of up to 13 types of seasonal fruits, such as mangoes, dragon fruit, strawberries, and kiwi. These fruits are paired with layers of sherbet, jelly, and vanilla ice cream, creating a treat that is both visually stunning and delightfully refreshing.
Another standout is the “Shizuoka Muskmelon Parfait,” a luxurious dessert that highlights the natural sweetness and aroma of Japan’s premium muskmelon. The parfait is layered with granité, melon sherbet, and soft-serve ice cream, emphasizing the fruit’s fresh, juicy flavor.
If you’re seeking top-tier fruit desserts in an elegant setting, this restaurant is the place to go.
Vibrant and refreshing: Futaba Fruits Parlor
“Futaba Fruits Parlor,” located in the Shinjuku Marui Main Building shopping complex, is known for its colorful and fruit-filled desserts. Their standout offering, the “Fruit Mix” parfait, showcases nine types of fruits, including strawberry, banana, orange, kiwi, grapefruit, pink grapefruit, grape, pineapple, and mangoes. The generous serving of fresh fruit is so abundant that you won’t know where to begin!
Adding to the experience are layers of lemon-flavored fruit jelly and chewy nata de coco, providing a refreshing and delightful texture. Topped with rich, creamy soft-serve ice cream, the parfait offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, leaving you satisfied until the very last bite.
If you’re looking for a refreshing and photogenic parfait, this restaurant is an excellent choice for fruit lovers visiting Tokyo.
Artistic fruit parfaits: Fruit Parlor KAJITSUEN Liber Shibuya Hikarie
“Fruit Parlor KAJITSUEN Liber,” a branch of fruit parlors in the Kanto area, including one in the Shibuya Hikarie shopping complex, is renowned for its fruit-focused parfaits that double as works of art. Their signature “Dancing Fruit Parfait” features 12 types of fruits, combining staples like strawberries, pineapples, and grapefruits with a selection of seasonal fruits that change throughout the year. The fruit on top always reflects the current season, making each visit to Lieber a unique experience.
What sets this parfait apart is the delicate and thoughtful way the fruits are cut and arranged, making it look like the fruit is “dancing” inside the parfait glass. Beneath the vibrant fruit layers, you’ll find fresh cream and ice cream, adding a luscious sweetness that perfectly complements the natural flavors of the fruits. Each bite offers a different combination of textures and tastes, making it an indulgent and satisfying dessert from start to finish.
For those seeking a perfect balance of artistry and flavor, this restaurant delivers unforgettable fruit parfaits.
Classic fruit perfection: Shibuya Nishimura Fruits Parlor Dougenzaka-ten
Situated near the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, “Shibuya Nishimura Fruits Parlor Dougenzaka-ten” is a beloved establishment that has been crafting exceptional desserts since 1936. Their “Fruit Parfait” is a showcase of seasonal fruits, thoughtfully curated to deliver maximum flavor and freshness, all arranged beautifully.
Unlike most parfaits, which reserve the bottom layers for cereal or jelly, Nishimura’s Fruit Parfait continues its fruity excellence all the way down. The base is layered with cut fruit and strawberry jelly, ensuring each spoonful offers the natural sweetness of the fruits. This attention to detail makes every bite a complete fruit experience from start to finish.
For those seeking a quintessential fruit dessert with unmatched freshness, Shibuya Nishimura Fruits Parlor is a must-visit destination.
Whimsical strawberry desserts: FRUITS PARLOR ASAKUSA YOROZU CAFE444
“FRUITS PARLOR ASAKUSA YOROZU CAFE444,” located in Asakusa, offers memorable parfaits in a cozy, storybook-like setting. For example, their luxurious “Strawberry Tree Parfait” is made with around 20 carefully selected strawberries from Japan. The juicy strawberries, bursting with sweet and tart flavors, pair perfectly with the subtly sweet whipped cream, creating a balance that is both refreshing and indulgent.
Beneath the strawberries and cream lies a base of strawberry ice cream and jelly packed with whole strawberries. The ice cream’s cool sweetness adds a refreshing element that contrasts beautifully with the richness above, while the jelly provides a final burst of fruity flavor and texture. From start to finish, the parfait flows seamlessly from indulgent richness to a light, refreshing finish.
For strawberry lovers or those seeking a cozy dessert experience, this cafe is a must-visit.
From the bold flavors of matcha to the vibrant sweetness of fruits, Tokyo’s parfaits are a journey through the artistry of Japanese desserts. Each of these nine destinations offers something unique, making it impossible to choose just one favorite.