Three Unique Tokyo Parfait Shops For Sweets Lovers
- Makayla M.
- Sep 18
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 6
If you have a soft spot for beautifully crafted desserts, look no farther than Tokyo’s many parfait shops. Read on to learn about three unique hidden gems, perfect for every sweet tooth.
What Are Japanese Parfaits?
Parfaits may have French roots, but Japan has truly made them its own. Introduced during the post-war Western food boom, parfaits gained popularity in Japan in the 1960s and became a café staple by the 1980s. Unlike the Western style you may be familiar with, Japanese parfaits are tall, layered desserts filled with ice cream, fruit, whipped cream, jelly, and even matcha or mochi.
Over time, parfaits evolved into stylish, seasonal treats. Often designed to be as beautiful as they are delicious. Today, you’ll find them everywhere from cozy kissaten to trendy dessert bars, seamlessly blending Japanese and Western flavors and culinary techniques in every bite.
Stop 1: A Modern, Architectural Parfait at Bien-Être Maison
If you’re looking for a modern, clean, and elegant parfait, that is seasonal with plenty of layers of delicious toppings, then Bien-Être Maison in Yoyogi Uehara is for you.
This charming café, born from the beloved Pâtisserie Bien-Être, enjoys a cozy second life in a light-filled, minimalist space where every parfait feels like a love letter to flavor and craftsmanship. The parfait menu changes monthly, making each parfait a totally new experience featuring the finest seasonal ingredients, and attention to detail that speaks to its complex construction.
The individual ingredients are highlighted and thoughtfully displayed in a diagram that comes with each parfait. As you enjoy each bite you can refer to this diagram for more information on each individual topping.
This September, Japan's famous grapes were featured along with over fourteen toppings. In autumn, figs may team up with unexpected pairing like gorgonzola for a daring sweet and savory duet. One winter even offered creamy chestnuts, coffee and nihonshu (Japanese rice wine.) No matter the month, you can expect parfaits featuring unique flavors constructed in a modern, architectural style.
Why You’ll Fall for It
Seasonal Flavors
Every month brings a new parfait, a fresh, seasonal creation that keeps the experience alive and exciting.
Thoughtful Artistry
You don’t just get a parfait you get a breakdown of what you’re tasting. Each season’s parfaits are explained with a diagram that enhances your appreciation of the edible art in front of you.
A Serene Escape
Located on the second floor, above the bustle of Pâtisserie Bien-Être, the café’s refined interior invites you to slow down, sip, and savor - perfect for that quiet, indulgent moment you crave.
What to Know Before You Go
Reserve ahead
The café is popular for a reason. You’ll need a pre-paid reservation via TableCheck for groups of 2 or more to guarantee a spot. Dining time is limited to one hour, and the café is closed on Thursdays.
Need help reserving a spot? Our Tokyo Full Day Food Tour can take care of it for you!
Mind the stairs
Like many hidden-gems in Tokyo, Bien-Être Maison is on the 3rd floor in a building with no elevator, so be prepared for a climb before your dessert.
Stop 2: L’atelier à Ma Façon - Tokyo's Parfait Shop from a Fairytale
If you’re on the hunt for a unique, picture-perfect parfait, then head to L’atelier à Ma Façon. Just a minute’s walk from Kaminoge Station, this café is a hidden gem run by Chef Ikuma Mori, a celebrated pastry chef with over 15 years of experience.
Eating a parfait at L’atelier à Ma Façon is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The style of these parfaits is so unique you won’t believe that they are edible! Featured below are two of their regular parfaits. Every element of the parfait is prepared with an unbelievable amount of detail, creating an edible work of art.
This time, the parfaits featured different layers and toppings that resembled ponds and flowers for a truly photo worthy dish. Don’t worry though! Substance is not sacrificed for style here, and every mouthful was a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
The staff kindly prepares mini “photoshoot” props for pictures and provides ample time before resetting the table to eat. Coupled with an atmosphere filled with antique furniture and soothing music, this shop felt like a scene straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. The experience of enjoying such a beautiful dessert is a luxury hard to come by anywhere, making L’atelier à Ma Façon a must visit spot.
Why You'll Fall for It
Edible artistry in every parfait
From a hydrangea shaped parfait crowned with a tiny snail (yes, it’s that adorable) to artful recreations of French classic pastries like fraisier (strawberry and pistachio cake), each parfait is meticulously crafted and unforgettable.
Design that tells a story
It’s not just the parfaits that dazzle, you’ll dine amidst vintage charm: antique furniture, dried flowers, framed art, and bespoke ceramics chosen to harmonize with each edible creation.
A coveted, quietly exclusive shop
This shop was selected as a part of Tabelog’s coveted “Sweets TOKYO 100” (スイーツ１００名店） ranking for 2023 for its high quality desserts and charming atmosphere.
The shop has just 19 seats, and a “1 dessert + 1 drink per person” rule in place. When writing your name outside the shop please note that only one to two people are able to sit together
There are no reservations so make sure to arrive early. The store calendar also changes monthly so make sure to check out their instagram for the most up to date information (@latelier_a_ma_facon).
Stop 3: Kannonyama Fruit Parlor Ginza: Farm-Fresh Parfaits in the Middle of the City
If you’re after parfaits topped with the finest, perfectly ripe fruit, Kannonyama Fruit Parlor Ginza is a must try. This fruit parlor is an extension of Kannonyama Fruit Garden, a family-run farm in Wakayama that’s been growing high-quality fruit for over a century. Everything here is centered around displaying their produce at its best, and it shows in every parfait they serve.
The shop is bright and calm, located on the ground floor of the Tokyu Stay Ginza hotel. The atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, a little oasis away from the busy Ginza streets. You’ll settle into simple wooden chairs with big windows letting in the light and press a buzzer when you are ready to order. No fuss, just good fruit done right.
The shop offers a variety of desserts, from parfaits, to waffles, and even jellies! Outside of desserts, you’ll be tempted with coffees, teas, and even a Ginza exclusive lime or lemon house-made cola.
What to Know Before You Go
Seasonal fruit, straight from the source
The fruit used here comes directly from their own orchards - things like mikan, figs, lemons, grapes, and peaches ensuring everything tastes fresh, sweet, and in season.
The Seasonal Farm Parfait
This is their signature parfait that changes regularly depending on what’s ripe and in-season. Think layers of fresh-cut fruit, creamy Japanese soft serve, whipped cream, and homemade jam. It’s a simple, generous parfait that really lets the fruit speak for itself.
You can bring a taste home
There’s also a small shop area with fruit jams, dried fruit, and bottled juices made at the farm, ideal if you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts.
Final Thoughts
Trying a parfait in Tokyo is an essential part of any food journey here in Japan. Here are the three unique, must visit parfait shops in Tokyo, summarized below:
Bien Être Maison for seasonal, modern, and artful parfaits.
L’atelier à Ma Façon for visually whimsical, storybook-like desserts.
Kannonyama Fruit Parlor Ginza for generous portions of farm-to-table fruit excellence
Together, they form a delightful parfait journey: start in the calm and thoughtful world of Bien-Être Maison, pause for a bite of edible art at L’atelier à Ma Façon, and finish in the bustle of Ginza at Kannonyama Fruit Parlor for elegant parfaits topped with the fruit picked at the peak of its season.
For personal, thoughtfully planned days centered around food, including Tokyo’s best parfait shops, explore our Full Day Food Tour, where you can discover the best food Tokyo has to offer tailored to your tastes.