Shinjuku is often known for its skyscrapers, shopping districts, and neon-lit nightlife. However, the area is also home to traditional wagashi shops and Japanese dessert cafes where visitors can experience classic Japanese sweets.
One dessert that becomes especially popular during colder seasons is oshiruko, a warm sweet soup made with red beans. With its gentle sweetness and the addition of grilled mochi or shiratama rice dumplings, oshiruko has long been enjoyed as a comforting winter dessert in Japan.
In this article, we introduce places in the Shinjuku area where you can enjoy red-bean sweets such as oshiruko and similar traditional Japanese desserts.
What Is Oshiruko? A Traditional Japanese Sweet
Oshiruko is a traditional Japanese dessert made by simmering red beans with sugar to create a sweet soup. It is typically served warm and often includes grilled mochi or shiratama rice dumplings.
The dessert has long been enjoyed during winter and is commonly served at wagashi shops, tea houses, and traditional cafes. Oshiruko is also sometimes prepared at home, making it a familiar part of Japanese food culture.
The Difference Between Oshiruko and Zenzai
Another dessert similar to oshiruko is zenzai. The two are often confused, and the terminology can vary by region.
Generally speaking, oshiruko is often made with smooth red bean paste, while zenzai typically uses whole red beans. However, the naming convention differs between regions of Japan, so the distinction is not always strict.
Both desserts share the same base ingredient—sweet red beans—and are classic examples of traditional Japanese sweets.
Red Beans in Japanese Dessert Culture
Red beans play a central role in Japanese wagashi. Many traditional sweets use sweetened red bean paste as a key ingredient.
In addition to oshiruko and zenzai, red beans are used in desserts such as anmitsu, dango, daifuku, and taiyaki. Several shops in Shinjuku offer these types of traditional sweets.
Places in Shinjuku Where You Can Enjoy Japanese Sweet Desserts
Shinjuku has a variety of wagashi shops and Japanese cafes where visitors can enjoy desserts made with red beans.
Oiwake Dango Honpo Shinjuku Main Store
Located in Shinjuku-sanchome, Oiwake Dango Honpo is a long-established wagashi shop famous for its dango (Japanese rice dumplings).
The shop has been loved by locals for many years and offers a variety of traditional sweets. In addition to dango, visitors can enjoy desserts made with sweet red beans and other classic Japanese flavors.
It is a great place to stop by if you want to experience traditional Japanese sweets in the Shinjuku area.
Kyo Hayashiya Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square
Kyo Hayashiya is a historic tea shop from Kyoto that operates a Japanese-style cafe. The Shinjuku location is inside Takashimaya Times Square.
The cafe is well known for its matcha desserts, including matcha parfaits and sweets made with high-quality green tea. It also offers various Japanese desserts that use red beans and shiratama.
This makes it a convenient place to enjoy traditional Japanese sweets while taking a break from shopping.
Toraya Charyo Isetan Shinjuku
Toraya is a famous wagashi brand with a history dating back to the Muromachi period. At Toraya Charyo inside Isetan Shinjuku, visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese sweets in a calm and refined setting.
The tea room serves seasonal wagashi along with red bean desserts and other classic sweets. It is a great place to experience traditional Japanese confectionery culture in Shinjuku.
Japanese Desserts Similar to Oshiruko
In addition to oshiruko, Japan has many other desserts made with red beans or rice dumplings. These sweets can also be found at wagashi shops and cafes around Shinjuku.
Zenzai
Zenzai is a dessert very similar to oshiruko and is typically made with whole red beans. It is often served warm and includes grilled mochi or shiratama dumplings.
Like oshiruko, it is especially popular during the colder months.
Anmitsu
Anmitsu is a traditional Japanese dessert made with agar jelly, sweet red beans, shiratama dumplings, and fruit.
Unlike oshiruko, it is served cold and has a refreshing sweetness. It is commonly found on the menu at wagashi shops and Japanese cafes.
Mitarashi Dango
Mitarashi dango are rice dumplings covered with a sweet soy sauce glaze. The dumplings have a soft, chewy texture and a slightly savory sweetness.
Shops such as Oiwake Dango Honpo in Shinjuku are well known for this classic Japanese sweet.
Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste. The outside is slightly crispy while the inside contains warm red bean filling.
It is a popular street snack in Japan and can often be enjoyed while walking around the city.
Enjoy Traditional Japanese Sweets in Shinjuku
Although Shinjuku is famous for its busy shopping districts and nightlife, the area also has many places where you can enjoy traditional Japanese desserts.
Oshiruko is one of Japan’s classic sweets, offering a comforting warmth and gentle sweetness from red beans. It is especially popular during colder seasons and is perfect for relaxing during a break from exploring the city.
When visiting Shinjuku, consider stopping by a wagashi shop or Japanese cafe to enjoy oshiruko and other traditional sweets.
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Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.(https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/)
