Ginza Akebono:

Iconic Japanese Confectionery and Ichigo Daifuku

5 Chome-7-19 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061

March 28, 2025

Located in Ginza is the aptly named Ginza Akebono; a confectionary shop that originally sold oshiruko in the winter and shaved ice in the summer. Founded in 1947, during a time when sweets were scarce, Akebono aimed to revitalize war-weary citizens.

Over time, Akebono has adapted to evolving tastes, expanding their offerings to include a diverse range of confectionaries, from monaka to mochi. Keep in mind that all of the fresh confectionaries in their showcase must be eaten within the day. If you’re looking for omiyage or snacks for later, they also offer many other packaged and less perishable snacks such as monaka, okaki and more.

Their signature ichigo daifuku, or strawberry mochi, is exclusively available at the Ginza location, and only during peak strawberry season in winter. When strawberries are out of season, they feature other seasonal fruits like blueberries or shine muscat grapes.

Akebono has perfected the balance of mochi to anko, resulting in a perfectly soft and chewy texture. While the long lines may make you question the wait, it’s absolutely worth it.

If you had to choose only one thing from Ginza Akebono, this would be it.