Restaurant

Usagiya: The Original Two-Pancake Dorayaki

うさぎや

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Photos: Tabelog

A historic sweet shop in Ueno, credited with creating the modern dorayaki. Visitors queue for its famous honey-scented pancakes, filled with moist Tokachi red bean paste and best eaten warm.

Price range$$$$$

Tabelog rating3.86 / 53,944 ratingsExcellent — roughly the top few percent nationwideJapanese diners rate strictly — 3.5 is excellent, 4.0 exceptional.View on Tabelog

Opening hoursMon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Wed closed

Phone03-3831-6195

Address1-10-10 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

MapOpen on map →

Websitehttp://www.ueno-usagiya.jp/ →

Usagiya (うさぎや) is a legendary name in the world of Japanese sweets, widely celebrated as the creator of the modern dorayaki. This small takeaway shop in Ueno draws long queues for its signature item: two pillowy, honey-scented pancakes sandwiching a generous filling of moist, glossy red bean paste (粒あん, tsubu-an) from the Tokachi region. What sets it apart is the experience of eating it fresh. The dorayaki are served slightly warm, with a uniquely satisfying, chewy texture that fans insist is best enjoyed on the day of purchase, if not immediately.

Reviewers almost universally praise the dorayaki's fluffy yet substantial skin and the perfectly balanced sweetness of the filling. While the dorayaki is the main draw, other items like the rabbit-shaped Usagi Manju and the crisp Monaka wafer shells are also popular choices. Despite the frequent queues, the staff are known for their efficiency, moving customers along quickly. The main criticisms are practical: some find the bean paste a touch too sweet, and the shop often sells out of its most popular items by late afternoon, typically around 4:00 PM.

The value is considered excellent for the quality and historical craft. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥270 for a single dorayaki, ¥240 for an Usagi Manju, and ¥1,350 for a boxed set of five dorayaki. Because of their short shelf life, they are a perfect immediate treat rather than a gift to be transported over long distances.

Getting There: Usagiya is a 3-minute walk from Yushima Station (Exit 6) on the Chiyoda Line, or a 4-minute walk from Okachimachi Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
Booking: Walk-ins are the norm, but queues are common. Same-day phone reservations are recommended if you plan to pick up dorayaki after 4:00 PM, as they often sell out.
Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
Seating: This is a takeaway-only shop. There are no tables, though there is a bench inside and outside for a quick stop. A separate 'Usagiya CAFE' is located nearby for a sit-down experience.
Parking: No dedicated parking is available, but there are paid parking lots in the vicinity.

Usagiya: The Original Two-Pancake Dorayaki

Nearby within 2km