In Asakusa you’ll find many things. But perhaps most importantly, you’ll be in the absolute optimal place to treat yourself to the world’s best melonpan!
Despite the misleading name, there is no melon in traditional melonpan. The misnomer refers rather to the large, voluminous shape of the sweet bun, as opposed to it’s filling. Traditional melonpan fillings are more akin to chocolate chips, matcha, or even ice cream. And though melonpan is sold under different names all over the world (and in fact, in several Japanese convenience store chains), you haven’t really lived until you’ve tried traditional melonpan from Kagetsudo. This small shop, which now boasts six locations in and around Asakusa, is one of the first makers of melonpan, and continues to create these delicious buns in the old style: with the perfect balance of butter and milkiness, and beautiful, melts-in-your-mouth crystalized sugar. Though melon buns from Kagetsudo run a little bit on the pricey side, at 220 yen for one, we promise, the investment is worth every cent.
Pro-tip: Kagetsudo’s original shop near the Kaminarimon gate sells over 3,000 melonpan buns a day, so it might be worthwhile to branch out into one of the newer locations, or at least prepare yourself for a line!
Honten Asakusa Kagetudo
Working hours: Open Daily, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (or until sold out)
Website: asakusa-kagetudo.com
Location on map: Honten Asakusa Kagetudo (original store)
