Located right outside the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo, “Takase” is a beloved bakery and pastry shop steeped in the nostalgic charm of Showa-era retro Japan. Serving as an iconic landmark of the Ikebukuro East Exit area, this shop is actually an ultra-historic establishment with roots dating back to the Taisho era in 1920. On this visit, I enjoyed their rare (unbaked) cheesecake amidst the cafe’s heritage-filled atmosphere.
About Takase Confectionery
Takase Confectionery originally began as a humble red bean bun (anpan) shop, but its building was lost to wartime fires. The company rebuilt around 1951 and was incorporated as “Takase Confectionery Co., Ltd.” in 1962. The current building was reconstructed in 1978.
The main building right outside the Ikebukuro East Exit operates different dining formats by floor: the 1st floor serves as a bakery and cake takeout shop, the 2nd floor hosts a classic tearoom (kissaten), the 3rd floor houses a Western restaurant, and the 9th floor features a coffee lounge (with independent tenants on intermediate floors). Directly behind this main building sits an annex building (accessible through the front) housing “Coffee Salon Takase,” a self-service cafe. That is where I enjoyed my cheesecake for this visit.
Beyond Ikebukuro, Takase also operates locations in Itabashi, Sugamo, Higashi-Ikebukuro, and Minami-Ikebukuro. I have previously reviewed the cheesecake from their Sugamo branch on this blog.
Thanks to its evocative retro interior, charming vintage bread packaging, and classic old-fashioned hotcakes, Takase enjoys wide popularity among younger generations as well.
Appearance and Characteristics of the Rare Cheesecake
Now, let’s take a closer look at the rare cheesecake I sampled today.
Priced at 530 yen (tax included), it is remarkably affordable for prime Tokyo real estate right outside a major transit hub. It wasn’t on the menu during my past visits, so it may be a relatively recent addition from the past few years.
Simply named “Rare Cheesecake,” it is coated in a pure white cream layer over a creamy, pale-yellow unbaked cheese batter, hiding an inner layer of berry gelée (likely raspberry-based). Garnished with fresh fruit on top and anchored by a crumbly cookie crust below, this cake elevates the typically minimalist aesthetic of unbaked cheesecake into an eye-catching, festive creation. It delivers an elegance and visual sophistication you wouldn’t expect at the 530-yen price point.
Tasting Impressions: Texture and Flavor
Upon taking a bite, the outer cream feels light and fluffy, while the rare cheese body glides smoothly over the palate with a slightly springy, dense texture. As you chew, it melts warmly and effortlessly. The crust at the bottom provides a pleasant crunch, perfectly contrasting with the tender wobble of the berry gelée.
The sweetness is understated, allowing the rich, deep dairy profile—clearly blending multiple dairy components—to take center stage. The wobbly berry gelée introduces a bright, refreshing fruity acidity that spreads delightfully throughout the palate.
In modern cafe scenes, heavy and ultra-rich Basque cheesecakes are everywhere. Takase, on the other hand, eschews fleeting trends and flashy visual gimmicks. Instead, it offers an honest, soothing flavor that blends seamlessly with the gentle hum of patrons from multiple generations savoring their tea time. It is a dessert that genuinely reflects a shop crafting sweets with its customers’ daily comfort in mind. If you love nostalgic spaces and gentle, comforting sweets, be sure to give it a try.
Shop Details
- Shop: Takase Confectionery (Ikebukuro Main Branch)
- Ordered Item: Rare Cheesecake
- Price: 530 yen (tax included)
- Google Maps
