Pancakes are a big deal in Japan, and eager customers are often seen lining up at the most popular pancake houses to devour a plate of sweet, fluffy goodness. It’s not just limited to breakfast time, either. In fact, the busiest hours are around mid-afternoon, when people are looking to get a nice break and something delicious to satisfy their sweet tooth.

There are many excellent pancake houses in Japan, but which ones should we try? If you’re in — or plan to be in — the Tokyo area, here is a list of the top 7 pancake houses you should definitely try while you’re there. We would even say they’ll be well worth the wait, however long it may be. You can thank us later.

1. gram

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Originally deemed the “best pancake house in Osaka,” gram opened with a new location in Jiyugaoka in April of 2016. The explosive popularity they had in the Kansai area followed them to the big city, and have stolen the hearts of many hungry guests.

Their most popular menu is the Premium Pancake, a stack of unbelievably thick but fluffy pancakes. They’re not easy to get, though — only 60 servings are made each day, with 20 available at three different times slots (11AM, 3PM, and 6PM) during the day.

Location: 2-12-13 Jiyugaoka, Meguro, Tokyo, Glass Bldg. J
Hours: 11AM~9PM
Irregular holidays (make sure you check before you go!)

2. Triton Cafe

This popular cafe from Kobe has finally made its way into the massive metropolis, opening in Daikanyama in March 2016.

Their number one recommendation is the Strawberry Milk and Fresh Cream Pancake. Drizzled with condensed milk and a sauce made with strawberries and framboise, the combination of sweet and tart on layers of pancakes is sheer perfection.

In addition to the regular menu, the Daikanyama location also has original dishes you’ll only be able to get in Tokyo.

Location: 28-3 Sakuragucho, Shibuya, Tokyo, 2F
Hours: Weekdays/11AM~8PM, Weekends and Holidays/9AM~8PM
Open every day

3. hona cafe

The hona cafe opened in Kabukicho in April of 2016.

A must-try at the hona cafe is the Hawaiian Ricotta Pancake. They use ricotta cheese made specially at the cafe, and on top of that, they offer special services like unlimited servings of sauce and giant towers of whipped cream.

Location: 1-20-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Apa Hotel Shinjuku, Kabukicho Tower 1F
Hours: Monday-Thursday, Sunday, Holidays/11AM~8PM, Fridays and Saturdays/11AM~11PM
Open every day

4. Micasadeco & Cafe

Micasadeco & Cafe achieved fame through SNS after it first opened in Osaka back in 2013. Now, it’s made its arrival in Harajuku.

The most popular pancake dish you can get there is the Fuwa-Fuwa Ricotta Pancake, which translates to Fluffy Ricotta Pancake. True to the name, the batter is made to become extra soft when cooked by the addition of lots of meringue.

Even though the pancakes are undoubtedly the main attraction for hungry customers, the overall healthy menu and the cafe’s stylish, mediterranean-style interior are other reasons for its incredible popularity.

Location: 6-16-5 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo, HOLONⅢ 2F
Hours: 11AM~7PM
Open every day

5. VERY FANCY loves ANNTEANA

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This special pancake house was produced in March 2016 by Satoru Sugimoto, known in Japan as the “Pancake Prince.”

The pancakes there have all become wildly popular for their fluffy and creamy texture. Located in Daikanyama, the richness of the pancakes perfectly match the elegant atmosphere of the city.

Location: 12-16 Daikanyamacho, Shibuya, Tokyo, Symphony Daikanyama 102
Hours: 11AM~9PM
Irregular holidays (make sure you check before you go!)

6. Shiawase no Pancake

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Hailing once again from Osaka, this pancake house is known by pancake-lovers to serve the fluffiest pancakes in the world.

The name of the pancake house literally translates to “pancakes of happiness,” and if you ever get the chance to visit, you’ll find that’s exactly what they serve to each of their customers.

They’ve already opened a new location in Omotesando in 2015, but plan to also open in Shibuya later this year in 2016.

Location: 4-9-3 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo, Kiyohara Bldg. B1F
Hours: 9AM~7:30PM
Irregular holidays (make sure you check before you go!)

7. Nine Pancake House

Nine Pancake House was started by mobile crepe catering shop Nine Crepes, opening in Shimokitazawa in April 2016.

In addition to their delicious pancakes, they offer lots of fresh toppings of whipped cream and fruits. If you’re looking to snap some awesome pictures while you eat as well, this might be the perfect place for you.

Location: 2-33-6 Kitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo
Hours: 11AM~8PM
Closed Mondays


By - grape Japan editorial staff.