11 Japanese Bakeries & Sweet Shops In Singapore To Visit When You Miss Japan Dearly

Singaporeans are obsessed with Japan — just take a look at how many people on the streets wear Uniqlo (with the brand's Airism T-shirt unofficially named SG's uniform). Whether we are fawning over the latest Hello Kitty and anime figurine collectibles or tucking into sushi and sashimi at the many Japanese restaurants here, it really is undeniable how much we love Japan.

But if you're feeling the post-Japan vacation blues or can't find time in your busy schedule to fly over for a holiday, we understand. That's why we have rounded up this list of 11 Japanese bakeries and sweet shops in Singapore for instances when the wanderlust feels unbearably strong. We chose establishments with a presence on their mainland before creating an outpost here to share their flavours and cultures with us.

1. Gokoku Japanese Bakery

Gokoku Japanese Bakery was started in Kobe, Japan, in 1961. It aimed to create healthy, chewy bread made with Japanese flour and traditional ingredients such as brown rice and sakadane (fermented dough). Among the bestsellers are the Mochi Mochi Cheese ($2.80), Red Bean Anpan ($2.60), Malt Kurumi Pan ($2.40), and the Gokoku Shichifuku Pan ($2.40) made with spelt, brown rice, millet, rye, oat bran, barley, and whole wheat.

Gokoku Japanese Bakery has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its website for more information.

2. Kamome Bakery - Simply, Daily

ICYDK, Asanoya Boulangerie shuttered its operations in Singapore in January 2024. But before its closure, the brand announced that it would partner with Kamome Bakery and be rebranded as Kamome Bakery – Simply, Daily. Kamome Bakery was started by Chinami Date in November 2019 and is known for its Japanese-style bakes. Sweet and savoury bread flavours range from Red Bean Butter Bun ($3.20) to Pork Cutlet Sandwich ($3.80). There are also seasonal releases from time to time.

Kamome Bakery - Simply, Daily is at 290 Orchard Rd, B1-K27 Paragon Shopping Centre, Singapore 238859 and 913 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 589623. Visit its Facebook for more information.

3. Yamazaki

Yamazaki was established in June 1948 and has since built over a hundred stores worldwide. Fun fact: the Four Leaves bakery is also listed as one of the companies under the Yamazaki group. Yamazaki is known for its array of sweet and European-style breads and confectioneries, including Japanese Sweet Potato Bun ($2.50), Choco Horn ($2.20), Matcha Mochi Red Bean ($2.30), and Baguette ($3.40).

Yamazaki is at 1 HarbourFront Walk, #B2-10 VivoCity, Singapore 098585.

4. Pullman Bakery

Pullman Bakery started life as Tachihara Bakery in 1978. The owner, Kazuomi Tachihara, then renamed the namesake shop Pullman Bakery in 1986 after moving operations to Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan. Fan favourites here include the Curry Bun and Croissant, alongside sweet treats such as the Kouign Amann and Cafe Mocha Croissant.

Pullman Bakery has multiple locations in Singapore.

5. Chateraise

With many outlets dotted around Singapore, Chateraise has become one of the easiest places to get confectioneries and desserts straight from Japan. Tried-and-true picks include the Double Fantasy ($2), a cream and custard puff that also comes in flavours such as matcha and chestnut, and the assorted flavours of Mochi ($1.90). Chateraise also releases limited-edition desserts featuring various seasonal fruits and themes.

Chateraise has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its Instagram for more information.

6. Johan Paris

Johan Paris was started by baker Roland Johan in Montparnasse, Paris. In 1983, he opened his first Japanese outlet in Ginza Mitsukoshi, where the brand aimed to retail classic breads from various European nations, including French bread. Today, it sends out French-style bakes with Japanese ingredients. Recommended items are its top five bestselling flavours — Shio Roll ($2.60), Lemon & Cranberry ($6.40/$3.20), Melted Cheese Bread ($3.20), Fluffy Sweet Potato Bread ($4), and Raisin Roll ($5.20).

Johan Paris is at 350 Orchard Rd, B1 Shaw House, Singapore 238868 and 3 Gateway Dr, #B2-01 Westgate, Singapore 608532.

7. LeTAO

Fun fact: LeTAO stands for La Tour Amitie Otaru, or The Amiable Tower of Otaru. Founder Seigou Kawagoe was inspired by his travels in France when he named the brand after the canal city in Hokkaido in 1998. Since then, LeTAO has continued to hone its blend of nostalgia and modernism, especially through its famous Double Fromage Cheesecake ($38.50). The confectionery also sells a plethora of other desserts and cake flavours such as Uji Matcha Jersey Milk Roll Cake ($29.50), Hokkaido Fresh Cream Shokupan ($23.10), and Otaru Rue Ironai Fromage Cookies (from $18.10).

LeTAO is at 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-05 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801. Visit its website for more information.

8. Tsujiri

Lovers of matcha will have want to make a beeline for Tsujiri. The brand was started in 1860 by Riemon Tsuji in Uji, Kyoto, a place synonymous with Japanese green tea. Now, Tsujiri continues an array of matcha desserts and drinks, ranging from cakes, tarts, and parfaits to gelato, soft-serve ice cream, and hot and cold drinks. In January 2024, the brand unveiled Tsujiri Premium in One Holland Village shopping mall which also offers savoury foods such as soba and ochazuke.

Tsujiri has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its Facebook for more information.

9. Donq Boulangerie

Donq Boulangerie traces its origin back to 1905 Kobe. The bakery became known for its Western-style bread which propelled it to over a hundred locations across Japan, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The outlet in Singapore is located in the Food Hall of Takashimaya Shopping Centre, where customers return for its Croissants (from $2.60), Strawberry & White Chocolate (from $3.60), Mini Cheesecakes (from $3.60), and many other favourites.

Donq Boulangerie is at 391 Orchard Road, #B2-03 Ngee Ann City, Singapore, Singapore.

10. Anri Bakery

Hailing from Mino City in Osaka is Anri Bakery. Here, the bakery specialises in one product: Aomori Apple Pies. These apples are lauded for their sweet and crisp texture and are said to be the best apples in Japan. The sweet and sour apple filling is then accented with flaky pie crust, which also comes in a Chocolate Apple Pie version. And if you're a fan of sweet potatoes, then try the Sweet Potato Pie or Purple Potato Pie made using sweet potatoes from Shikoku and Kyushu respectively. Each pie is sold at $7.

Anri Bakery is at 391 Orchard Rd, B2 Takashimaya, Singapore 238873. Visit its Facebook for more information.

11. Mister Donut

Mister Donut has over 900 locations in Japan itself. In Singapore, the brand has over five outlets and is expanding. Donuts are the mainstay here, especially the Pon De Ring that features eight balls stuck together into a ring shape. The donut is made with tapioca flour that gives it a chewier, mochi-like texture. But if you prefer the traditional textures, Mister Donut has the French Cruller, Old Fashion, Chocolate, and Yeast Donut variants. Each type has multiple flavours ($2.30-$2.50).

Mister Donut has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its Instagram for more information.