Asakusa Kagetsudo
Iconic bakery famous for its jumbo, freshly baked melonpan with a crispy crust and fluffy interior. A must-try Asakusa street food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Asakusa Kagetsudo
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic bakery famous for its jumbo, freshly baked melonpan with a crispy crust and fluffy interior. A must-try Asakusa street food.
"The warm-and-cold mix, the soft bread with the smooth ice cream—it all worked so well."
Cash Only! 💰
Remember to bring cash, as they don't accept cards.
Try the Plain First! 👍
Experience the pure flavor of the melonpan before adding fillings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jumbo Melonpan
Iconic sweet bun with a crispy, sugary crust and a warm, fluffy interior. A must-try street food experience.
Melonpan with Ice Cream
The perfect pairing: warm, soft melonpan meets cold, creamy ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Matcha Melonpan
A popular variation featuring a delicious matcha-flavored filling within the classic melonpan.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Melonpan Perfection Awaits
Cash is King Here
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash Only! 💰
Remember to bring cash, as they don't accept cards.
Try the Plain First! 👍
Experience the pure flavor of the melonpan before adding fillings.
Warm & Cold Combo! 🥶
The warm bread with cold ice cream is a must-try contrast.
Queue Moves Fast! 💨
Don't be deterred by the line; it usually moves quickly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash Only! 💰
Remember to bring cash, as they don't accept cards.
Try the Plain First! 👍
Experience the pure flavor of the melonpan before adding fillings.
Warm & Cold Combo! 🥶
The warm bread with cold ice cream is a must-try contrast.
Queue Moves Fast! 💨
Don't be deterred by the line; it usually moves quickly.
Perfect for Snacking! 🍞
Grab extra to enjoy later during your Asakusa exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Asakusa Kagetsudo for its exceptional melonpan, highlighting the perfect balance of a crispy, sweet crust and a warm, fluffy interior. The combination with ice cream is a standout, offering a delightful contrast. While queues can form, they move quickly, and the cash-only policy is a minor point for an otherwise highly satisfying treat.
"We tried the warm bread with ice cream here, and it ended up being one of those simple but perfect treats. The bread came out hot and soft, with a light crisp on the outside, and the ice cream was cold, creamy, and rich. Putting them together made such a great contrast — the warm-and-cold mix, the soft bread with the smooth ice cream — it all worked so well. It felt comforting and fun at the same time, and I honestly loved every bite. If you’re nearby and want a dessert that’s a little different but super satisfying, this is a great stop."
Lilly B
"So simple but so incredibly delicious! It is served warm and the top part is so crispy, with the perfect amount of sweetness. The bun itself was warm and soft. Wished I had gotten more! There is a short queue that moves very quickly, do note that they accept cash only"
yvette
"Fantastic bread shop.
Melon bread was large and had plenty of different filling options to choose from. We chose the Matcha and Whipped cream filling options.
Also grabbed some for the trip home and just to snack on random days of our trip. 300y for a plain bread, and something like 600-800y for other filling options.
Popular place and wait times were short despite having a long wait line."
Hei Strawberry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Asakusa Kagetsudo is conveniently located near Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. You can reach it via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, or Tobu Skytree Line to Asakusa Station. From the station, it's a short walk. +1
Yes, it's very accessible. Asakusa Station serves multiple subway lines, making it easy to get to from various parts of Tokyo. +1
Kagetsudo is just a short walk from Senso-ji Temple, often found on Nakamise-dori street or nearby alleys. Look for the signs and the likely queue of people! +1
Public parking is available in the Asakusa area, but it can be expensive and difficult to find. Using public transport is highly recommended.
Absolutely! It's centrally located within the Asakusa district, making it easy to visit after exploring Senso-ji Temple or the surrounding shopping streets. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need to purchase tickets to enter Asakusa Kagetsudo. It's a bakery/shop where you buy items directly. +1
Opening hours can vary, but they are generally open from around 10 AM to 6 PM or 7 PM. It's always a good idea to check their latest hours before visiting, especially on holidays.
There is no admission fee to enter the shop. You only pay for the delicious melonpan and other treats you purchase.
Advance reservations are typically not offered for their popular melonpan. It's best to visit and purchase them fresh. +1
No, there are no specific entry times or time slots. You can visit during their operating hours, but be prepared for potential queues during busy periods. +1
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Payment
Asakusa Kagetsudo is primarily a cash-only establishment. It's essential to have Japanese Yen on hand for your purchases.
A plain melonpan typically costs around 300 yen. Filled options, like those with ice cream or cream, can range from 600 to 800 yen.
Yes, besides the classic plain melonpan, they offer various fillings such as matcha cream, whipped cream, and ice cream. +1
While melonpan is their specialty, they may also offer other baked goods or ice cream treats. +1
While not traditional souvenirs, purchasing extra melonpan to enjoy later or share can be a delicious way to remember your visit.
🎫 😋 Onsite Experience
The undisputed star is their 'Jumbo Melonpan,' a large, freshly baked sweet bun with a crispy, sugary crust and a soft, fluffy interior. +7
It's the perfect balance of a slightly crisp, sweet exterior and an incredibly soft, airy, and warm interior. Many describe it as cloud-like. +4
Absolutely! The combination of warm, soft bread and cold, creamy ice cream is a highly recommended treat that offers a delightful contrast. +1
Queues can form, especially during peak times, but they tend to move quite quickly. Many visitors report short wait times despite the line.
While there might not be dedicated seating, you can typically enjoy your melonpan while standing nearby or take it to go as you explore Asakusa. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic jumbo melonpan, especially when it's fresh and warm. The contrast of the crispy top and soft interior is visually appealing. +1
Yes, feel free to photograph the shop's exterior, the bustling queue, and your delicious treats. It's a popular spot for street photography. +1
Close-ups of the melonpan's texture, the ice cream filling, and shots of people enjoying their treats are popular. +1
It's generally best to be discreet and avoid photographing staff directly without their permission. Focus on the food and the general atmosphere.
Daylight hours are best for clear, vibrant photos. Early mornings or late afternoons might offer softer lighting and fewer crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that it's a popular spot, so there might be a queue, but it usually moves quickly. It's a great place to grab a quick, satisfying snack that everyone in the family can enjoy. Remember to bring cash, as they are cash-only.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a perfect way to experience a popular local delicacy without spending a lot. You can enjoy a delicious treat and save your yen for other experiences or meals in Tokyo. Just remember to have cash ready!
📸 Foodie Photographers
Focus on close-ups to highlight the textures, or wider shots to show the bustling atmosphere and the iconic location near Senso-ji Temple. The vibrant colors of the matcha or ice cream fillings also add visual appeal to your photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Melonpan
The name 'melonpan' comes from its resemblance to a cantaloupe or honeydew melon, due to the criss-cross pattern on its surface and its often greenish hue (though Kagetsudo's is typically golden brown). While the plain version is a revelation on its own, Kagetsudo also offers delightful variations. Popular choices include fillings like matcha cream or whipped cream, and the highly recommended melonpan with ice cream.
This simple yet perfect combination of warm bread and cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience. The contrast in temperatures and textures is what makes it a standout treat. It's a testament to how simple ingredients, expertly prepared, can create something truly memorable.
Navigating the Asakusa Food Scene
While Kagetsudo's melonpan is a major draw, exploring the wider Asakusa food landscape is highly recommended. Many vlogs and travel guides highlight other must-try spots, including old-school diners serving classic Japanese Western dishes (Yoshoku) and restaurants offering high-quality wagyu beef bowls.
When visiting Kagetsudo, remember that it's a cash-only establishment, a detail that some travelers might overlook in Tokyo's increasingly cashless society. Having yen ready ensures a smooth transaction, allowing you to quickly get your hands on their famous melonpan and continue enjoying the sights and tastes of Asakusa.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit