The Fluffiest Pancakes in Town! A Guide to Pancake Places in Harajuku & Shibuya

Published on 2023-08-26

Over the years the Japanese fluffy and souffle-style pancake has garnered a favourable reputation, being renowned as one of the best types of pancakes in the world. Japanese pancakes have become so famous that most tourists visiting Japan add ‘eat pancakes’ to their itinerary.

Although Tokyo is home to many great pancake places, you will find that the best ones are located in the Harajuku and Shibuya area.

① Flippers

A brunch cafe with a few branches across Tokyo, Flippers prides itself on using the freshest eggs to make its food.

There is a strong selection of savoury and sweet pancakes to choose from. Keep in mind that the savoury pancakes are American style so slightly thicker whereas the sweet pancakes are souffle style, being more light and airy.

The Strawberry Pancake is highly recommended and regarded as the signature pancake. It definitely deserves this recognition since it is not only beautifully presented but is perfectly sweet, fluffy, and melts in your mouth. An excellent option for those wanting high-quality and aesthetic looking pancakes.

Flippers, Shibuya
〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−15−5, Jinnan Plaza Bldg., 1F
Mon - Sun: 8am - 7pm
¥900 - ¥2000
Cash, card and electronic money
@flippers.jp
https://www.flavorworks.co.jp/brand/flippers.html

② A Happy Pancake

One of the most iconic pancake chains in the whole of Japan, A Happy Pancake’s main aim is to serve “delicious food [that] can make people smile”. What makes this chain different is that they use the finest quality Hokkaido milk as well as rich and creamy New Zealand Manuka honey to make their famous pancakes.

This pancake chain has one of the most extensive menus, offering both sweet and savoury options. From matcha flavoured pancakes to savoury pancakes served with an omelette, there is something that everyone will enjoy. Prices start from around ¥1380 and there is even an option to add a set drink for an extra ¥330.

For those who are yet to try Japanese style pancakes and want to see what all the hype is about, this is the place you should go!

A Happy Pancake, Omotesando
〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 4 Chome−9−3 Kiyohara Building B1F
Mon - Thurs: 10am - 7pm / Sat & Sun: 9am - 7:30pm
¥1200 - ¥2000
Cash, card and electronic money
@ahappypancake
https://magia.tokyo/

③ Bills

Despite this Australian brunch place only offering one type of pancake on its menu, it is still one of the most popular places in Harajuku to go for pancakes. This is because the signature ricotta hotcakes with fresh banana and honeycomb butter are simple but flavourful – it is like they have perfected the traditional and old-fashioned pancake recipe.

Costing ¥2000, it is fair to say that this stack is slightly on the pricier side. However, you are partly paying for the luxury atmosphere and high-quality ingredients.

Since bills is a much-loved brunch cafe among many Tokyoites, it is best to make an online reservation in advance.

④ Rainbow Pancakes

Hidden in one of the many side streets of Harajuku is the iconic Rainbow Pancake. Loved by locals and tourists, Rainbow Pancakes offers fluffy Japanese pancakes with creative flavours.

Although the choice here is more limited compared to other places on this list, this is made up by how delicious and filling the pancakes are. The main options include Macadamia Nuts, Baked Apple & Caramel, Ice Cream & Maple Syrup, Chocolate & Orange and Mixed Fruits. If you are feeling fancy, you could choose the special Seasonal pancake.

The Harajuku restaurant has fairly limited spaces so expect to wait on weekends and holidays.

Rainbow Pancakes, Harajuku
〒150-0001, 4 Chome-28-4 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun: 11am - 6pm / Tues & Weds: Closed
¥1150 - ¥2100
Cash, card and electronic money
@rainbowpancake
NA

⑤ Eggs N Things

Hawaiian inspired with a laid-back and a relaxing atmosphere, Eggs N Things is a popular cafe chain which serves all day breakfast. The American-style pancakes are among one of the most popular items on the menu. There are so many flavours to choose from, with some of the fan favourites being the Strawberry Whipped Cream, Banana Whipped Cream and Chocolate Chips.

If you cannot find the perfect pancake for you, no need to worry, you can add your own toppings for a few extra hundred yen. Notably, when the pancakes are brought over to the table, you are also given an array of syrups so that you can customize your pancakes, making them exactly how you like them.

There are several other great breakfast options available including Eggs Benedict, salads and even hamburgers, making this the ideal spot for even the fussiest eater.

Eggs N Things
〒150-0001, 4 Chome-30-2 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Mon - Sun: 8am - 10:30pm
¥500 - ¥2000
Cash, card and electronic money
@eggsnthings_jp
https://www.eggsnthingsjapan.com/

⑥ Micasadeco & Cafe Jingumae

Serving some of the best and most aesthetic fluffy pancakes in all of Tokyo, Micasadeco & Cafe Jingumae is a contemporary cafe located on Cat Street which is constantly filled with hungry customers. It is said that the pancakes here are so fluffy they look like they are dancing on the plate.

The best sellers include the Ricotta Cheese Pancake, Matcha Pancake and the Plain Pancake. Each extremely fluffy in addition to being carefully decorated and presented. Similar to Rainbow Pancakes, Micasadeco & Cafe has seasonal pancakes which are always a favourite among customers.

Offering a sophisticated atmosphere and modern interior which has a traditional Japanese influence, this cafe is great for those looking for a picture perfect pancake spot. If you are planning to go on a weekend, we recommend going as early as possible since the queue gets long quite quickly.