Best cupcakes in Tokyo

Last year's biggest sweets craze was undoubtedly pancakes, with breakfast eateries springing up all over the city, often attracting unbelievably long queues. However, another trendy dessert emerged more quietly: the humble cupcake, which quickly caught the attention of Tokyo's cute-loving crowd. Specialist shops from Yurakucho to Shinjuku and from Jiyugaoka to Oshiage now tout their quality wares with increasing success. We have scoured the city for the best sugary treats out there, and now present our authoritative top 10. Do take care not to overdo it – these calorie bombs are best enjoyed responsibly.

Notting Hill Cakes & Gifts

The London location of this legendary cupcake shop is frequented by celebrities, and although the Tokyo branch's clientele is less flashy, the products more than make up for it. The just-right cupcakes are perhaps slightly less unhealthy than most others found in Tokyo, accordingly allowing you to feel slightly less guilty every time you sneak back in here.
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Mai’s Cupcake

Hiroo's cupcake-loving residents have never had it so good. Bellas Cupcakes Truck is already a classic, whereas upstart Mai’s makes noise by keeping things defiantly simple: no fancy decorations, just a layer of lusciously soft icing spread over a chunky, tangerine-sized piece of sponge. If you prefer your cakes to be comfort food rather than works of art, that should be more than enough.
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Bellas Cupcakes

This Takanawa shop is the permanent location of Bellas, perhaps best known for their aforementioned cupcake truck that's been keeping Hiroo's sugar addicts satisfied for years. The cute and colourful cakes are all baked on the premises. Do take care to get there early though, as stock often runs out during the two midday hours that the shop is open.
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Tables

Omotesando's Tables specialises in bite-sized cupcakes, particularly ones flavoured with tea and topped with excellent cream. The sizes may be small, but then again, nothing stops you from having more than one.
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NY Cupcakes

American-style cupcakes are the attraction at this Meidaimae shop, which decorates its creations with pretty flowers and butterflies made from sugar. The popular marshmallow cakes feature a chocolate base covered with a mountain of marshmallow cream. We also recommend the Earl Grey variety with its soothing tea aroma and slightly dry mouthfeel.
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L'Olioli 365

Conveniently located on the bottom floor inside Shinjuku's Isetan, the cupcakes here are so cute you'll have a hard time biting into one. The small animal-themed goodies are super-fresh, and their other creations also feature decadent amounts of fresh cream and fruits, making everything here extremely addictive.
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La Petite Mercerie

La Petite Mercerie's cupcakes are loved by Tokyo sweets hunters, despite the fact that prices here are well above the standard. The strawberry shortcake (¥540) is a definite highlight, as it's always topped with the freshest strawberries available, and finished with a hearty helping of matching cream. Yum!
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Munchies Deli

You won't find any chemical additives in the cupcakes at this Yurakucho deli. Generously topped with fruity purée made from raspberries, passion fruits, and more, these goodies aren't overly sweet or heavy. Reasonable in both size and price, Munchies's creations are also available in packs - how's that for a gift idea?
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Fairycake Fair

Specialists in traditional English cupcakes, this Tokyo Station shop varies its selection by the season. Pick up the 'Fairies' set for a five-pack of cute animal-faced cakes, or go for the simple but well-balanced 'Lemon'.
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Yamashita Seizaburo

These Azabu-Juban sweets makers have attracted a respectable following with their speciality 'Tokyo Entotsu' cupcakes, made entirely with domestic ingredients. The strawberry and chocolate versions are ever-popular, owing not only to their delicious taste but also to their considerable size.
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