15 Must-Try Japanese Desserts Everyone Gotta Try Once

Photo credits: Kelly Visel Unsplash

Japanese cuisine has taken the world by storm with its vibrant flavors and unique culinary techniques.

But beyond the famous sushi and ramen, Japan offers an array of delightful desserts that are just as captivating.

From the rich, creamy matcha ice cream to the irresistibly chewy mochi, these 15 must-try Japanese desserts promise to enchant your taste buds.

Ready to discover your new favorite treat?

Let’s dive into these delectable Japanese sweets and satisfy your dessert cravings!

1. Mochi

Photo credits: Meredith P. Flickr

Indulge in Mochi, soft and chewy rice cakes made from pounded sticky rice, often filled with sweet red bean paste or ice cream. This traditional dessert is a staple during the Japanese New Year, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.

2. Dorayaki

Photo credits: Hiroshi Yoshinaga Flickr

Enjoy Dorayaki, featuring two small, fluffy pancake-like patties made from castella sponge cake filled with sweet azuki red bean paste. Thanks to the beloved anime character Doraemon, this snack has gained international fame as his favorite treat.

3. Daifuku Mochi

Photo credits: kaige Flickr

Savor the delightful Daifuku Mochi, a soft and chewy treat stuffed with sweet fillings like azuki red bean, matcha, or strawberry. Originating from the Muromachi period, this wagashi (traditional Japanese confection) has been enjoyed by the imperial court and now by all.

4. Japanese Cheesecake (Soufflé Cheesecake)

Photo credits: Taiwai Yun Flickr

Experience the airy, light Japanese Cheesecake, known for its fluffy, soufflé-like texture, which is far less dense than its Western counterparts due to reduced cream cheese content. Its lightness makes it a popular choice worldwide.

5. Manju

Photo credits: mu6751 Instagram

Discover Manju, steamed buns filled with sweet azuki red bean paste. This confection, made from flour, sugar, and buckwheat or rice flour, has been cherished since the 16th century, typically enjoyed with a cup of green tea.

6. Anmitsu

Photo credits: yoppy Flickr

Dive into Anmitsu, a refreshing parfait made with agar jelly cubes, boiled azuki beans, and fresh fruits, drizzled with syrup or condensed milk. Dating back to the 16th century, Anmitsu was originally a luxury snack for the Japanese imperial court.

7. Dango

Photo credits: Charles Kim Flickr

Taste Dango, chewy dumplings made from rice flour served on skewers and often glazed with sweet sauces. The traditional colors of Dango—white, green, and pink—symbolize the samurai virtues of truth, nature, and flourishing life.

8. Taiyaki

Photo credits: Kelly Visel Unsplash

Try Taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake with a crispy exterior and a filling of sweet azuki red bean paste or custard. Inspired by tai (Japanese red seabream), a fish associated with celebrations, Taiyaki offers a festive treat in a whimsical shape.

9. Yokan

Photo credits: Ming yen Hsu Flickr

Sample Yokan, a thick jellied dessert made from azuki red bean paste, agar, and sugar. With a history spanning over a millennium, Yokan incorporates traditional ingredients like sweet potato or chestnut for added texture.

10. Monaka

Photo credits: Toshiyuki IMAI Flickr

Relish Monaka, featuring two crisp wafer shells filled with sweet azuki bean paste. Originally a travel snack during the Edo period, Monaka’s wafers keep the filling fresh and are a testament to Japanese innovation in confectionery.

11. Imagawayaki

Photo credits: senri62 Instagram

Explore Imagawayaki, delightful pancakes filled with sweet azuki red bean paste, cooked in special round molds. Originating from Kyoto, these treats are a favorite at Japanese festivals, combining tradition with sweet satisfaction.

12. Warabi Mochi

Photo credits: City Foodsters Flickr

Enjoy Warabi Mochi, jelly-like dumplings made from bracken starch and typically dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour). This ancient dessert showcases the traditional use of natural ingredients in Japanese sweets.

13. Zenzai

Photo credits: Pete Birkinshaw Flickr

Warm up with Zenzai, a sweet soup featuring mochi dumplings in a thick azuki red bean broth. Traditionally consumed at year-end to welcome the new year, Zenzai is a comforting, festive dish in Japanese culture.

14. Kuzumochi

Photo credits: 22n Flickr

Delight in Kuzumochi, dumplings made from kuzu starch, known for their jelly-like texture, served with sweet syrup. A favorite summertime snack of samurai, this dish has been enjoyed since the 8th century.

15. Sakuramochi

Photo credits: Vegan Feast Catering Flickr

Celebrate spring with Sakuramochi, sweet pink rice cakes filled with azuki bean paste and wrapped in a salted cherry leaf. This dessert is traditionally consumed during cherry blossom viewings, embodying the beauty and fleeting nature of sakura.

These desserts not only showcase the rich culinary history of Japan but also highlight how traditional techniques and local ingredients can create an array of delightful tastes and textures.