Author:Aura RuggeriPublished: May 24, 2023 (Updated: October 12, 2023)
This article was fact checked and it's 100% helpful.
Are you unsure what Japanese cake is? Maybe you have heard people talk about Japanese cake and want to know more? Or are you curious about where you can buy Japanese cake? Whatever the reason is that brought you here, we have the answers for you!
Finding out what Japanese cake is can be tricky, especially if you have never had it before. You head online for some guidance but are met with page after page of conflicting and confusing responses. Frustrated and disappointed, you are left unsure where to turn or who to trust.
How will you know what Japanese cake is now?
Well, you can turn to us for the answers you need! Keep reading to find out what Japanese cake is, where you can buy it, and everything else you need to know about Japanese cake!
What Is Japanese Cake?
Let’s dive straight into our article. Japanese cake is similar to Western Style cake. You can find Japanese cakes in many of the same flavors you would find in the US, like chocolate and strawberry shortcake.
Japanese cake has a different texture though. It has a light, melt-in-the-mouth texture and tends to be less sweet than American-style cake. Cake in Japan is designed to have a delicate sweetness. Many people try Japanese cake and then find that the cake they usually eat is too sweet!
Japanese cakes are prepared differently too. You will find an unbelievable amount of detail in Japanese cakes, leaving you with a dessert that looks like a piece of art!
Now that we have established what Japanese cake is, let’s dive in even deeper to learn more about this delicious cake.
Where Can I Buy Japanese Cake?
Japanese cake can be purchased at specialty Japanese cake shops, known as keekiya-san. These cake shops are found all over Japan, in food sections in department stores, at train stations, along high streets, and even in residential areas.
Wherever you are in Japan, you won’t be far away from some Japanese cake!
Some cake shops will make the cake in front of you, allowing you to watch how much effort and detail goes into making this beautiful cake.
Japanese cakes are typically sold as individual slices rather than whole cakes too, allowing you to enjoy a slice of heaven without needing to purchase the whole cake!
That said, you can still purchase whole cakes too, for parties and other events that you might want a whole cake for. The cakes are all presented in display cases with the name of each cake and the price displayed, helping you to make your choice with ease.
Most cake shops will operate a carry-out-only policy, where the cake shop staff box your cake up and you take it with you, rather than dining in and eating your cake there. They will also ask how long it will be until you eat the cake and provide dry ice to keep your cake fresh!
Ideally, your cake should be eaten the day you purchase it or the next day to ensure you enjoy it while it is still fresh!
The price of cake in Japan varies from shop to shop and depends on the type of cake you order. You can expect it to be from 250 yen to 500 yen for individual slices, and a whole cake usually costs around 1,000 yen or more.
Types Of Japanese Cake
So what types of Japanese cake are there? Well, there are lots for you to choose from! Let’s take a look at the most popular now for you to learn more about them.
Japanese Christmas Cake
It is a tradition in Japan to eat a cake on Christmas. This is usually a strawberry shortcake as its colors are similar to those seen during the festive period.
Japanese Mont Blanc Cake
Mont Blanc, pronounced monburan, is a chestnut cream cake and is delightful! The type of cake is extremely popular in Japan with many shops creating tasty varieties like pumpkin and sweet potato. You will find a Mont Blanc cake in most Japanese cake shops to try.
Beard Papa’s Cream Puffs
Beard Papa’s cream puffs are a chain of cake shops in Japan. They have recently expanded worldwide, with stores in North America and Asia. These are delightful cakes and one you should try if you get the chance!
Choux Cream Puffs (Shu Cream)
While these aren’t technically a cake, they are commonly sold in cake shops in Japan. They feature a crisp and airy pastry shell filled with a sweet and creamy custard sauce that melts in your mouth!
Japanese Cupcakes
Cupcakes are another popular type of cake sold in Japanese cake shops. You can expect these to be gourmet and available in a range of flavors.
Japanese Cheesecake
Japanese cheesecake is hugely popular in Japan. The Most popular and unique type is their rare cheesecake, an unbaked and chilled cheesecake that is super creamy!
Japanese Rice Cake
These are cakes made with rice flour and are becoming increasingly popular. You can expect a spongy texture than other cakes, but that does not take away from its fantastic taste!
Japanese Roll Cake
Japanese roll cakes are log-shaped cakes that are hugely popular! They come in a range of flavors, with the most popular being white cake, chocolate, and green tea.
Japanese Chocolate Cake
Chocolate cake is hugely popular in Japan and tasty, with a creamy sweetness that is not too overpowering.
Japanese Strawberry Shortcake
Finally, we have strawberry shortcake. This cake is creamy, light, airy, and fluffy, all the components of a perfect cake! It’s no wonder it is so popular.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, everything you need to know about Japanese cake! The delightful cake is a wonderful treat and a beauty to look at. Why not try one today and enjoy the great tastes you have been missing out on?
Hi, I’m Aura Ruggeri and I want to make sure that no one makes the same mistake that I did.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan anytime soon, do exactly that - plan! Read up on all of the amazing things to do here to make the most of your time. I can bet that you’ll still return home feeling like you could’ve explored much more.
