We indulge in all five new offerings to determine how the new ones compare with those of autumns past.
pastries
The famous Ispahan rose macaron cake is just one of the sweet delights making its doughnut debut.
A cake so light it’s served in a floating balloon? Guess how you’re supposed to get the cake out. (Hint: it involves something sharp!)
Join us as we sit down for a yummy interview with renowned pastry chef Dominique Ansel, whose Tokyo bakery just celebrated its first anniversary!
Kittens and their paw prints will be blossoming at Tokyo Skytree for a limited time this spring.
It so happens that this past Saturday was kind of a big day for sweets lovers in Japan (well, at least for this writer). That’s right, June 20 was the much-anticipated grand opening of the Dominique Ansel Bakery, home of the original cronuts, in Tokyo’s Omotesando district.
For those of you who may not be into sweets, the cronut is a hugely popular baked creation the bakery is known for which can be described as a hybrid between a croissant and donut. Not surprisingly, stories of people forming long lines every morning at the New York City-based bakery for the cronuts and other delightful baked treats have reached Japan, and many sweets fans were ecstatic when it was announced that the shop would be opening in Tokyo. Not to miss out on the sugar-filled excitement, we were there bright and early on opening day, all psyched up to try the cronuts we had heard so much about!
We’d like to think that all things sweet and beautiful have a certain universal appeal, regardless of country and culture. Japan is no exception, and the Japanese public certainly loves sweets in all shapes and sizes, so much so that the word pâtissier, French for “pastry chef,” has become an established part of the Japanese language. From that viewpoint, an event that brings delectable desserts, beautiful fashion and entertainment all together in one package is something of a dream experience, at least for this writer. And just recently, we were fortunate enough to attend exactly such an event — the Tokyo Sweets Collection 2014!
Join us as we take you along on a sweet journey through this unique show in which six renowned pastry chefs serve up heavenly plates of desserts in a fantastical setting complete with lights, music, dancing and models in beautiful clothes, all designed to tantalize not just your taste buds but all of your senses!












A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Start saving room now – Japanese grocery store’s biggest sushi roll yet is coming for Setsubun
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Japanese Internet debates sure-fire way to catch a cheating lover and/or make them hate you
“25 Potential Culture Shocks from around the World” infographic offers tidbits of travel wisdom
Japan’s snack of almonds and whole fish might not be for everyone【Taste test】
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 1)
Mist descends upon Japan’s “Killing Stone” after ceremony to appease nine-tailed fox spirit
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Japanese Internet debates sure-fire way to catch a cheating lover and/or make them hate you
“25 Potential Culture Shocks from around the World” infographic offers tidbits of travel wisdom
Japan’s snack of almonds and whole fish might not be for everyone【Taste test】
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 1)
Mist descends upon Japan’s “Killing Stone” after ceremony to appease nine-tailed fox spirit
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
We taste-tested 10 convenience store roll cakes for Roll Cake Day!
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism