From mochi-filled buns to matcha croissants, these bakeries bring a taste of Tokyo to the capital.

London’s obsession with Japanese baking is finally having its moment. Where once you had to hunt down an elusive melon pan or settle for a sad supermarket mochi, the capital is now home to a growing number of bakeries bringing Tokyo’s light-as-air breads, intricately layered cakes, and matcha-infused everything to the fore. French patisserie technique meets Japanese precision, with flavours that range from subtle to downright decadent.

Whether you’re after a delicate roll cake with your afternoon tea or a morning anpan on the go, these are the best Japanese bakeries in London right now.

Kova Patisserie

📍 Soho / Chinatown / South Kensington

Kova has built a name for itself with its silky mille crêpe cakes. Matcha is a signature flavour here (are you sensing a theme?), but they also do an excellent taro and hojicha version. The cakes are made fresh daily and are delicate without being overly fussy. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up after shopping in Soho or a sweet finish to a Chinatown meal.

Don’t miss: Matcha mille crêpe or hojicha roll cake.

Good to know: They do takeaway boxes if you’re planning a picnic – or just want to stock your fridge.

Sakurado

📍 Leicester Square

Another mille crêpe specialist (London can’t get enough), Sakurado leans into the Japanese aesthetic with clean lines and precise layering. Flavours like black sesame and strawberry are seasonal standouts, but the matcha and chocolate combo is a crowd-pleaser. A good option if you’re in central London and craving something sweet but light.

Don’t miss: Black sesame mille crêpe and matcha-chocolate.

Good to know: They offer UK-wide delivery if you need a cake shipped.

Happy Sky Bakery

📍 Acton

A neighbourhood gem in Acton, Happy Sky Bakery is known for its soft, fluffy Japanese milk bread (shokupan), which makes the best sandwiches. You’ll also find curry pan (deep-fried bread filled with Japanese curry), melon pan, and seasonal specials like sakura mochi during cherry blossom season. Everything is baked fresh on-site, and the staff are lovely.

Don’t miss: Shokupan loaf and curry pan.

Good to know: It’s takeaway only—come early for the best selection.

 Kento Cakes

📍 Online / Pop-ups

If you’re looking for a showstopper, Kento Cakes delivers. Their designs are whimsical and playful, often shaped like animals or Japanese characters. They specialise in Japanese-style sponge cakes and roll cakes that are soft, fluffy, and not too sweet. It’s perfect for birthdays or celebrations, with a fun nod to kawaii culture.

Don’t miss: Custom roll cakes and animal-themed sponge cakes.

Good to know: Orders need to be made in advance online.

Toconoco

📍 Haggerston

Toconoco is more of a café than a bakery, but their homemade Japanese sweets are worth the trip. Their dorayaki (red bean pancakes) and matcha Swiss roll are homemade and pair beautifully with a pot of hojicha. It’s a serene space by the canal, ideal for a quiet morning or afternoon tea.

Don’t miss: Dorayaki and matcha roll cake.

Good to know: Kid-friendly, with floor seating and a family-friendly vibe.