JAIME: A Stylish Cafe in Akasaka with Modern Japanese Desserts

Akasaka is a district renowned for its blend of business, politics, and upscale leisure. However, nestled among the offices and hotels, Akasaka is becoming well known for it's growing cafe scene that attracts both locals and tourists seeking stylish, high-quality places to relax and unwind.

If you’re looking for a café in Akasaka that feels modern, relaxed, and memorable, JAIME stands out. This stylish spot blends Japanese-inspired desserts with European aesthetics, offering a space that works for everything from a peaceful coffee break to a late-night drink.

A Cafe in Akasaka with European Flair

JAIME opened in July 2021 in Tokyo's Akasaka neighborhood. It occupies the space once held by the well-known CAFE SANS NOM, and the transition has preserved some of the charm while introducing a refreshed, modern identity.

The name “JAIME” is a play on the French phrase j’aime, meaning “I like” or “I love.” This reflects the cafe's concept of providing an enjoyable and stylish space for people to gather, relax, and indulge in sweets or light meals.

Hinokicho Park, just a two minute walk from JAIME.

The cafe is located about a 5-minute walk from Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. It’s also accessible from Roppongi and Nogizaka, making it convenient for anyone exploring central Tokyo. The surrounding area has a mix of residential buildings, small parks, and office spaces, creating a calm but lively setting. 

Interior and Atmosphere

JAIME’s interior design is minimalist and elegant, with a touch of European cafe inspiration. The space features light wood tones, marble tables, soft lighting, and a well-organized layout with a mix of table seating, counter space, and small lounge-style sofas.

There is also a terrace area that becomes especially popular in warmer months. Dogs are allowed in the shop, making it a perfect spot for dog lovers! JAIME is open daily from 8:00 AM and typically runs cafe service until late afternoon. From the early evening until approximately 10:00 PM, the cafe operates as a bar! 

The House Special Daifuku-Style Tiramisu

This is JAIME’s most iconic dessert — a creative twist on the classic Italian tiramisu. Instead of being served in a glass or layered in a dish, the tiramisu is wrapped in a soft, chewy mochi skin, similar to traditional Japanese daifuku. The mochi itself is made from gyuhi, a smoother, softer form of mochi dough, giving it a delicate texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling inside.  

The filling includes the classic tiramisu components: rich mascarpone cream, espresso-soaked sponge cake, and a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s served individually, almost like a mochi cake, making it both photogenic and unique. 

This hybrid dessert reflects JAIME’s concept of merging Western and Japanese styles, the familiar flavor of tiramisu presented with the texture and visual appeal of traditional Japanese sweets. 

Lemon Daifuku-Style Tiramisu

 The lemon tiramisu at JAIME is a refreshing seasonal variation that stays true to the cafe’s signature style while offering a brighter, citrus-forward twist. Like their original, it’s wrapped in soft, delicate gyuhi, giving it that distinctive chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. 

Inside, the mascarpone filling is light and silky, infused with the zest and subtle tartness of lemon.

The citrus element lifts the richness of the cream, making the dessert feel lighter and more vibrant than the classic version. It’s thoughtfully balanced, sweet, tangy, and texturally playful, and fits seamlessly into JAIME’s lineup of creative, ever evolving tiramisu flavors. 

Croffles (Croissant-Waffle)

 JAIME also serves croffles, a trendy fusion of croissant dough and waffle preparation. The croissant dough is pressed in a waffle iron, resulting in a crispy, flaky exterior with a slightly chewy interior. It’s served warm and topped with ice cream, whipped cream, fruit, or drizzles of syrup. 

For my visit, I enjoyed the chocolate banana croffle. With a pile of whipped cream and almonds scattered on top, it was a sweet way to enjoy brunch and paired well with our drinks and tiramisu!  Croffles are available as part of the cafe’s brunch and afternoon menu. It is a bit sweet, so I recommend ordering a regular coffee for balance. 

Cream Sodas and Special Drinks

JAIME offers a variety of cream sodas that are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

These are served in tall, retro-style glasses with brightly colored soda bases, flavors like blue curaçao, melon, strawberry, or grape, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla or milk ice cream. 

Some of the sodas are inspired by birthstones, with drink colors and names matching each month, making them popular choices for birthday outings or social media posts.  

Additionally, specialty lattes such as the “Shortcake Latte” are featured on the drink menu. These combine sweet, dessert-like flavors with espresso or milk bases, topped with whipped cream and garnishes that made it feel like I was actually eating a strawberry shortcake. 

Café Pricing

Most desserts are priced between ¥700-¥1,200, with drinks in the ¥500–¥800 range. Morning sets and sandwiches fall in the ¥800–¥1,300 bracket. Alcoholic beverages and bar-time desserts are slightly more expensive, reflecting the evening setting. Ordering is through a QR code on the table, making it simple and allowing for a speedy AI translation. 

Quick Tip: For anyone planning a visit, early afternoon tends to be the busiest time, especially on weekends, so mornings or later evenings offer a more relaxed experience. Reservations aren’t required but may be helpful if you’re visiting with a group or during peak hours. 

Final Thoughts

JAIME is a versatile cafe that offers a carefully curated experience from morning to night. Its blend of modern design, inventive desserts, and flexible service hours makes it a strong option for anyone in the Akasaka area looking for a break from busier parts of Tokyo.

The cafe’s proximity to major transit stations and cultural landmarks, such as Hinokicho Park, adds to its convenience, making it a great stop during a day of sightseeing or business. Whether you’re interested in trying a unique dessert like the mochi-wrapped tiramisu, need a peaceful place to work in the morning, or want to unwind with a drink in the evening, JAIME covers all bases with style and substance. 

Find JAIME on Google Maps