Sweet House Wakaba (スイートハウスわかば) is an institution in Ito, a classic Japanese-style café (or kissaten) that has been serving desserts since 1948. Its reputation is built on one thing: a rich, dense soft-serve ice cream made in-house daily. Served in a distinctive rounded 'pon-pon' shape, its milky flavour is the star of the menu and the reason for the frequent queues outside.
Reviewers consistently praise the signature soft-serve cone (コーンソフトクリーム) and the popular combination of soft-serve with house-made pudding (ソフトプリン). Other favourites include classic hotcakes (ホットケーキ) and nostalgic parfaits. Many guests highlight the warm, Showa-era interior and the friendly, chatty staff, which contribute to a welcoming, old-fashioned atmosphere. The portions are noted as generous, offering excellent value.
The shop's popularity means it can get very busy. Visitors should be prepared for waits, and service can be slow during peak hours. Some limited items, like seasonal puddings, may sell out early in the day. While most find the staff charming, a few isolated reports mention brusque service.
Prices are very reasonable. Reviewers in 2024–2026 typically paid around ¥400–¥480 for a soft-serve cone, ¥700–¥780 for the soft-pudding set, and about ¥780 for hotcakes. The typical spend is under ¥1,000, which many consider a bargain for the quality, especially compared to Tokyo prices.
- Booking: Walk-ins are standard, but expect to queue and sign a waiting list at busy times. Reservations are also accepted but are not essential.
- Getting There: Located in a covered shopping arcade, about a 7-minute walk from JR Ito Station.
- Payment: Credit cards are not accepted. Electronic money (like Suica) and QR code payments are accepted, but it is wise to carry cash.
- Service: An English menu is available, and staff are welcoming to international visitors. A takeout window is available for soft-serve.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Smoking: There is a designated smoking area. Note that on Saturdays and Sundays, smoking is prohibited at the counter seats.
- Parking: No dedicated parking, but customers spending over ¥1,500 receive a 1-hour ticket for the nearby Matsubara Motor Pool.
