Princess Tart in Nakameguro: A Delicious Riverside Escape

Makayla M.
2 days ago
4 min read

In the leafy, peaceful stretch along the Meguro River in Tokyo lies a cafe that doesn’t quite feel like any ordinary pastry shop: Princess Tart in Nakameguro.

Colorful fruit tart topped with strawberries, grapes, and blueberries on a wooden surface. Bright and inviting dessert display.

If you want something that feels special but still easy to work into a day of exploring, Princess Tart is a strong pick: a Nakameguro dessert cafe tucked along the Meguro River, where a single pastry format- the tart- is treated with the kind of care usually reserved for more elaborate plated desserts.

Cherry blossom trees arch over the meguro river lined with pink lanterns and green ivy. A serene, festive atmosphere under a clear blue sky. — Nakameguro during cherry blossom season.

Since opening in September of 2024, this elegant little space has blended seamlessly into Nakameguro’s stylish, cafe-filled community with its gentle atmosphere, handcrafted pastries, and thoughtful design.

A slice of pear and pistachio tart on a blue plate with a fork and spoon, placed on a wooden table.

Origins and Background

The story of Princess Tart begins far from Tokyo, in Kumamoto, where the brand first opened. It was created by the Japanese hospitality group DREAM ON, a company already known for its successful bakery and cafe, flour + water. Princess Tart emerged as a companion concept: a space dedicated purely to tarts but executed with the finesse of a pastry atelier and the softness of a whimsical fairytale world.

A person in blue gloves slices strawberries on a white cutting board, surrounded by strawberries and a plastic container on a wooden table. — Fresh strawberries sliced for a handmade fruit tart.

The idea was to take a classic dessert and treat it with the same respect usually reserved for more elaborate sweets. When the Kumamoto shop drew attention for its quality and charm, bringing the brand to Tokyo became the next natural step. Nakameguro, calm, stylish, and filled with cafe enthusiasts, proved to be the perfect home for its first location in the capital.

Ready to explore Japan like a pro this cherry blossom season? Japan Food Travels specializes in custom food-focused tours and itineraries so you can enjoy Japan's best sites and bites. Avoid crowds, savor memorable meals, and take in the beautiful cherry blossoms with us this spring! Discover JFT's custom travel planning options.

Location and Atmosphere

Just minutes from Nakameguro Station, Princess Tart sits on the first floor of the Atlas Tower Annex, positioned along the scenic riverside path that becomes famously crowded with cherry blossoms each spring. Even before stepping inside, the view of the river sets a relaxing tone.

People in a bakery with hanging dried flowers. Wooden ceiling, warm lighting, and stacks of boxes add a cozy atmosphere.

The interior extends that feeling with soft lighting, natural wood, dried flowers, and gentle colors that create a warm, quietly romantic atmosphere. The shop is small, with only a handful of tables, which adds to its cozy, intimate feel. It’s the kind of place that encourages lingering, whether you’re meeting a friend for an afternoon treat or enjoying a calm moment on your own.

Princess Tart Nakameguro's Philosophy and Style

Princess Tart centers on making tarts the focus rather than simply another item on a cafe menu. Each one is crafted with layers, textures, and visual balance in mind. The crust is crisp yet delicate, the creams are made in-house, and the fruit is arranged with care so that each slice is arranged intentionally, to create edible art.

Assorted fruit tarts and a meringue pie on black plates with gold utensils. Two cups of coffee on a wooden table. Bright, colorful setting.

The brand blends classic pastry craftsmanship with a soft, fairytale-like aesthetic. It’s refined without being too formal, flavorful without being overly sweet, and clearly rooted in an appreciation of seasonal ingredients.

Menu Highlights and Tart Flavors

Princess Tart’s menu changes with the seasons, which adds an element of discovery to each visit.

The cafe typically features around 10 varieties at a time; each is built around fruits at their peak. While many flavors rotate, a few standouts return regularly, including the signature Princess Lemon Tart. This tart pairs bright lemon curd with a soft meringue layer, offering a refreshing blend of zest and sweetness.

A slice of lemon meringue tart with golden-browned peaks on a black plate. Wooden table background and two gold forks beside it. — The **Princess Lemon Tart** topped with piped meringue and lemon zest.

Other tarts highlight flavors like berries with cheese cream, chocolate with seasonal fruit, or matcha layered with tiramisu-style cream. Depending on the season, you might find tarts featuring peaches, grapes, or citrus, or occasionally something more unexpected like Earl Grey-infused mascarpone. The flavors tend to be clear and well-balanced, with the fruit doing most of the talking.

Slice of a citrus-topped tart on a dark plate, with gold fork and knife, placed on a wooden table. Bright colors create a fresh, inviting mood.

To accompany the desserts, the cafe offers a wide range of teas (about 18 varieties), from classic black teas to herbal blends. The selection feels designed to encourage a slow, thoughtful visit. Choosing a tea alongside a tart gives guests a small, pleasant ritual, and it reinforces the gentle, relaxed pace of the cafe.

Craftsmanship and Ingredients

A lot of Princess Tart’s charm comes from the careful way everything is put together. The fruit is always fresh and vibrant, and the creams have a silky texture that complements rather than overpowers the pastry.

The crust also deserves special attention. The team refined the recipe until it struck the right balance between structure and tenderness. It holds its shape well but doesn't feel heavy. Every tart is layered so that each bite brings a mix of fruit, cream, and pastry.

Slices of fruit tarts with vibrant toppings on black plates and gold flatware, set on a wooden table.

Even the way the tarts are displayed shows intention. Each slice is arranged neatly, giving the counter the feel of a small pastry workshop rather than a typical cafe. That level of thoughtfulness is part of what makes the experience feel elevated.

Reception in Nakameguro

Since opening, Princess Tart has been warmly received in Nakameguro. The riverside location naturally attracts people exploring the area, but it’s the calm atmosphere and beautifully made desserts that keep visitors returning. Many describe it as a lovely place to spend a quiet afternoon or take a break during a stroll along the river.

Outdoor café with glass windows, patrons seated inside. A menu stand displays colorful tarts. Fallen leaves on the sidewalk. Cozy ambiance.

Because the shop is small, it maintains an intimate feel even when busy. That sense of peacefulness is part of its appeal, making it a comforting stop in a neighborhood already known for stylish cafes.

Final Thoughts

In a district full of cafes, Princess Tart stands out by focusing on craft, seasonality, and a soft sense of charm. The tarts are beautiful, but their beauty comes from thoughtful design rather than trendiness. Eating one feels like a small, deliberate indulgence, perfect to enjoy after a morning walk or a long day of shopping.

Cherry blossoms arch over the Meguro river in Nakameguro lined with ivy-covered walls. Festive lanterns hang above crowds, reflecting in the water, creating a serene scene. — Meguro River during cherry blossom season.

For anyone visiting Nakameguro, Princess Tart offers a gentle escape where time slows down, tea is enjoyed slowly, and a simple tart becomes something memorable. For cafe lovers, it’s the perfect addition to your Tokyo itinerary!