Introduction
Taiyaki — Japan’s beloved fish-shaped cake filled with sweet bean paste — is a traditional treat that perfectly blends crispy batter and warm, rich filling.
In recent years, it’s gained popularity among visitors from around the world as a must-try Japanese sweet.
In this guide, we introduce three authentic Taiyaki spots in the Shinjuku area, from classic hand-baked shops to modern street-food favorites.
Best Taiyaki and Japanese Sweets Shops in Shinjuku
Naruto Taiyaki Honpo Shinjuku 3-Chome — Freshly Grilled “Natural Taiyaki”
Naruto Taiyaki Honpo is a well-known chain famous for its “natural Taiyaki,” each one hand-grilled individually.
Made with azuki beans from Hokkaido’s Tokachi region, its Taiyaki features a crispy, thin crust and just the right sweetness.
Perfect for takeout, you can enjoy your Taiyaki hot off the grill right by the station.
- Address: 1F, Wamall Ogawa Bldg, 3-14-22 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 1-min walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Exit E3)
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Closed: Open daily
Katsugoro — Taiyaki and Roasted Sweet Potato Specialty Shop near Kinokuniya
Located next to Kinokuniya Bookstore in central Shinjuku, Katsugoro specializes in both Taiyaki and roasted sweet potatoes (yaki-imo).
Each Taiyaki is baked individually until golden and crispy, filled with smooth, mildly sweet red bean paste.
It’s a small takeout-only shop, ideal for grabbing a warm snack while shopping or strolling through the city.
The gentle aroma of freshly baked Taiyaki fills the street — you can’t miss it.
- Address: 1F, Kinokuniya Bldg, 3-17-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-min walk from JR Shinjuku Station (East Exit)
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Closed: Follows building schedule
Taiyaki Wakaba (Yotsuya) — A Legendary Shop Since 1953
Founded in 1953, Taiyaki Wakaba is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most beloved Taiyaki shops.
Each Taiyaki is hand-grilled one by one using traditional “natural” molds, resulting in a crisp exterior and soft, flavorful filling.
Its handmade red bean paste has a delicate sweetness that keeps locals and visitors coming back for decades.
Recognized as one of the “Top 3 Taiyaki Shops in Tokyo,” Wakaba is worth the short trip from Shinjuku Station.
- Address: 1-10 Wakaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 5-min walk from Yotsuya Station (Akasaka Exit)
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closes when sold out)
- Closed: Sundays
Conclusion: Experience the Taste of Japan’s Sweet Tradition
From the nostalgic hand-grilled Taiyaki at Wakaba to the crispy sweetness of Naruto Taiyaki Honpo and Katsugoro, Shinjuku offers a delicious glimpse into Japan’s traditional dessert culture.
Each shop has its own flavor and charm — whether you’re exploring the busy streets around Shinjuku Station or wandering toward Yotsuya, a freshly baked Taiyaki is the perfect sweet companion to your Tokyo adventure.
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