7 Must-Eat Japanese Sweets for Your Next Trip to Osaka

A lively and busy city in the Kansai region, Osaka offers something for everyone: whether you’re in search of a relaxing holiday exploring temples, a thrillseeking day at Universal Studios Japan or Super Nintendo World, or anywhere in-between, you’re sure to find something you’ll love during your visit here.

But one thing you definitely can’t miss out on during your trip is Osaka’s local food scene, specifically the desserts. Here you can eat your heart out as you sample a variety of Osaka desserts like Japanese cheesecake, warabi mochi, melon pan sandwiches, and more!

If you’ve ever wondered “where can I find the best Japanese desserts near me?” during your trip to Osaka, then we’ve got you covered. Read on below for our list of the best Japanese sweets in the area:

One of the most popular Osaka desserts, you’ve probably already seen plenty of videos about this jiggly and fluffy Japanese cheesecake in Osaka from Rikuro Ojisan no Mise, also known as Uncle Rikuro’s Shop. Every bite just melts in your mouth and offers the perfect blend of egg, milk & raisins at the bottom for extra flavor (though you can request for a cake without them).

These Japanese sweets offer the perfect mix between soft and crunchy, with ice cream served inside thin and crispy wafers. The most popular version is the Monaka Ice Cream which you can purchase at any convenience store or grocery in Osaka, but you can also try a local variation: ice cream between slices of a melon pan roll at Melon Bread Shibata on Dotonbori Street.

A traditional Japanese confection (or wagashi) made out of sweetened white bean paste and glutinous rice flour, nerikiri is a must try if you’re interested in sampling some local desserts. For an extra special experience, you can even join a traditional Japanese sweets making workshop, where you can learn to make this special treat in various shapes like flowers or even animals.

Mitarashi dango is a chewy dessert made of skewered rice dumplings that are grilled then dipped in a soy sauce-based syrup. Found in stalls almost everywhere in Osaka, these are the perfect snacks if you’re on the go! The Osaka version of this dish uses kelp dashi in the sauce, which gives it unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

Famous for its soft and chewy texture, mochi can be enjoyed in various ways like daifuku (stuffed with red bean paste or strawberry) and alongside ice cream. You can even try warabi mochi here in Osaka, a Kansai variation that uses bracken starch instead of rice flour. Best served when fresh, these traditional Japanese sweets are a must any time you visit the country!

A Japanese sweet with flavored cream piped over whipped cream and a sponge cake, the Mont Blanc is one of the most popular Osaka desserts! And while the chestnut flavor is recommended when they’re in season during autumn, you can always order the matcha flavor year-round, which uses locally-harvested teas.

Also known as soufflé pancakes, these should be on every foodie’s list for a trip to Japan. Their light and airy texture makes it ideal for pairing with whipped cream, fresh fruits, and maple syrup. And while pancakes are typically breakfast items in other countries, you can easily find cafes in Osaka that serve them the entire day.

Finished planning your foodie itinerary through Osaka? All that’s left to do is to pack your bags and book your travel essentials like a Japan eSIM, an Osaka Metro Pass, and your hotel in Osaka. Safe travels!

The most popular Osaka desserts include the Japanese cheesecake from Rikuro Ojisan no Mise and nerikiri, traditional confections made of rice flour and sweet bean paste. You can also enjoy local variations of popular Japanese sweets like warabi mochi (a chilled Japanese dessert made from bracken starch) and ice cream sandwiches with melon pan instead of thin wafers.

The most popular Japanese sweets are mochi (sweet rice cakes with sweet fillings or ice cream), taiyaki (a fish-shaped waffle with custard or chocolate inside), and various types of  wagashi like nerikiri (a traditional Japanese confection made of rice flour and red bean paste).

Osaka’s most famous dish is takoyaki, golf-ball sized snacks made with a wheat batter, diced octopus, ginger, and crispy tempura bits. Other famous dishes in the city include okonomiyaki (savory cabbage pancake cooked on a grill), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, or vegetables), and local Osaka desserts like warabi mochi.

No trip to Osaka would be complete without visiting its most iconic attractions like Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, and Super Nintendo World. Make sure you also explore the local food scene by visiting the many stalls, restaurants, and cafes in Osaka, as there are some pretty unique ones in the area (like this minipig cafe in Shinsaibashi).