Asakusa Umegen

Umegen first started offering traditional Japanese sweets and snacks in Tokyo in the 30th year of Japan’s Showa era (1907), and in 1926 the confectionery put down roots in Asakusa, eventually opening up a small retail shop with a small eat-in space. Now, well over a hundred years since its establishment, Umegen still specializes in handmade treats prepared using simple recipes, focused on the flavors of high-quality Japanese ingredients! But while the menu hasn’t changed much in the past hundred years, some things have been modernized to welcome the rising wave of international visitors arriving in Asakusa. Umegen’s menu has been certified halal, so that anyone can enjoy the sweet taste of Japanese confectionery! Just steps from some of Asakusa’s most popular sightseeing spots, this cozy little cafe is the perfect place for travelers from all over the world to take a break and relax during a trip to Tokyo – especially in the midst of a busy day of sightseeing.

Menu Highlights

If you have ever tasted Japanese sweets, then it should come as no surprise that red bean is a staple of Umegen’s lineup! Japanese cuisine in general often focuses on seasonal ingredients, and Umegen gives their menu a refresh multiple times throughout the year, but a you can count on one or another red bean creation being offered whenever you might visit. The sweet bean jam is most notably featured in their popular “anko-maki,” a satisfyingly chewy pancake rolled around red bean filling – perfect with a simple creamy cup of matcha from the drink menu.

When the Japankuru team visited on the brink of autumn, however, the cafe was awash in sweet potato confections of all kinds. The seared sweet potato snacks were irresistibly sweet, candied and slightly toasty, with a unique crunch.

Add Tokyo’s Traditional Sweets to Your Asakusa Itinerary

Many of Asakusa’s best-known landmarks, like Sensoji Temple and Nakamise shopping street, are just a quick walk from Umegen – making it great whenever you’re ready to take a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the area. But it’s actually even closer to another Asakusa destination, Kappabashi Dogugai, or “Kappabashi Kitchen Town.” Originally a hub for professional chefs and restauranteurs, Kappabashi now attracts plenty of curious travelers and everyday shoppers thanks to the fantastic selection of kitchenwares: pots, pans, elegant ceramics, and some of Japan’s finest cooking knives. Umegen offers the perfect place to relax, recharge while exploring Asakusa, and it’s a convenient place to sit down and think about which of your friends and family might like a nice set of cups or some other souvenir from Kappabashi!

Asakusa Umegen (江戸昔菓子 あさくさ 梅源 甘味喫茶)
3-10-5 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
Hours:
　Wed ~ Fri: 10:30 – 18:00
　Sat ~ Sun: 10:30 – 17:00
　*Last order 30 min prior to closing.
　Closed Mon/Tue
Official Instagram

Umegen is just under 10 minutes on foot from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station, or about 12~13 minutes from Tawaramachi Station or Iriya Station, on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Hibiya Line respectively. If you’re already out sightseeing, it’s tucked in a side street just off of Kappabashi Dogugai, or about 10 minutes from Sensoji Temple. Check it out when you’re looking to taste traditional Japanese sweets instead of the trendy modern treats that often take over Tokyo, or when you’re just ready to take a quick break during your tour of Asakusa!

▶︎ Plan your trip to Tokyo with more things to do in Asakusa.

For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don’t forget to follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook!