Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Quick Facts

What it is

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Japan, originally founded in North Carolina in 1937 and launching its sensational Japanese debut in Shinjuku in 2006, holds a cherished place as Japan's ultimate melt-in-your-mouth doughnut indulgence. While famous worldwide for its iconic Original Glazed (オリジナル・グレーズド)—a secret yeast-raised doughnut fried to golden perfection and draped in warm sugar glaze—Krispy Kreme in Japan has elevated the concept with immaculate Japanese craftsmanship. For a chance to watch doughnuts being made, visit the Tokyo International Forum branch near Yurakucho Station. Its in-store Doughnut Theater lets visitors see the production process, and a glowing HOT NOW sign indicates when freshly made Original Glazed doughnuts are available. Production times vary. Complemented by adorable Japan-exclusive animal seasonal decorations (pandas, tigers, bunnies), Uji matcha glazes, and comfortable laptop-friendly cafe seating, it is a delightful urban oasis.

How to order

Visiting Krispy Kreme Japan is colorful, sweet, and simple:

1. Approach the showcase counter: Walk in and view the brightly lit glass display cases showing rows of glistening doughnuts.
2. NO Otoshi cover charge: Enjoy honest dining—Krispy Kreme charges strictly zero table fee and zero cover charge (¥0 Otoshi)!
3. Select your doughnuts:
   • Original Glazed (オリジナル・グレーズド): The timeless legend! Incredibly light, airy yeast dough that melts instantly on the tongue.
   • Chocolate Iced Glazed with Sprinkles: Glazed doughnut frosted in milk chocolate and colorful rainbow sprinkles.
   • Uji Matcha Old Fashioned: Dense, crumbly cake doughnut infused with Kyoto green tea and matcha glaze.
   • Japan Seasonal Animal Doughnuts: Intricately hand-decorated custard-filled pastries shaped like smiling pandas, cats, or holiday snowmen!
4. Order your drinks & combo sets:
   • House Blend Coffee / Cold Brew: Rich American drip coffee formulated specifically to balance the sweet sugar glaze.
   • Cafe Latte / Frozen Drink: Espresso lattes, iced teas, and fruit chillers.
   • Combo Set Deal: Ordering any drink and doughnut together provides a combo discount!
5. Declare Eat-In or Takeout: Tell the cashier "Eat-in" (10% tax) to sit in the cafe, or "Takeout" (8% tax) for a takeout box.
6. Pay at the register: Tap your Suica transit card, credit card, or pay with cash/QR code.
7. Collect your tray and take a seat: Staff will place your doughnuts onto a colorful tray with napkins. If you order an Original Glazed for eat-in, staff will ask if you want it warmed!
8. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture: Take a bite—the light yeast dough collapses like warm sweet air, dissolving effortlessly!
9. Return your tray: Carry empty trays, paper liners, and cups to the cleanup window (Henkyakuguchi).

What to order first

Dishes below reflect core brand staples officially featured on the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Japan Official Website:

• Signature Original Glazed (オリジナル・グレーズド): The 1937 world-famous classic; warm yeast doughnut with crystalline sugar glaze that melts like cotton candy (~¥205–¥220 single tax-included).
• Original Glazed Dozen Box (オリジナル・グレーズド ダズン - 12 pcs): The iconic yellow dozen box packed with 12 fresh glazed doughnuts (~¥1,980–¥2,200).
• Kyoto Uji Matcha Old Fashioned (宇治抹茶オールドファッション): Dense, rich cake doughnut packed with authentic Kyoto green tea umami (~¥280–¥330).
• Japan Limited Animal Doughnut (季節のどうぶつドーナツ): Cute seasonal character doughnuts filled with rich chocolate or vanilla cream (~¥340–¥380).
• Krispy Kreme Drip Coffee (ハウスブレンドコーヒー): Smooth, aromatic roasted coffee designed specifically to cut through sweet sugar glazes (~¥380–¥450).

Payment & practical info

Prices and details checked: October 2026.

• Pricing & Value: Accessible luxury cafe pricing; an Original Glazed doughnut and a hot drip coffee costs under ¥600 ($4.00 USD).
• Cover Charges: Strictly zero cover charge and zero seating fees (¥0 Otoshi).
• Payment Methods: Accepts Japanese Yen cash, major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, Diners Club, UnionPay), Japanese transit IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA), electronic money (iD, QUICPay), and mobile QR codes (PayPay, Rakuten Pay).
• Atmosphere: Vibrant, cheerful, and comfortable. Red, white, and green mid-century American diner motifs, plush banquettes, natural light, and clean restrooms.
• Power Outlets & Wi-Fi: Many flagship branches (such as Yurakucho Itocia and Shibuya Dogenzaka) feature counter seating equipped with free AC power outlets (100V plugs) and free Wi-Fi—ideal for recharging your phone during sightseeing!

Good to know / Common mistakes

• The Legendary "8-Second Microwave Hack": If you buy a box of Original Glazed to eat in your hotel, do NOT eat them cold straight from the box! Place one doughnut on a plate and microwave it for about 8 seconds (at 600–700W; adjust a few seconds either way for your microwave). The glaze will soften into a warm glaze, the yeast dough will become cloud-soft, and it will taste remarkably close to fresh off the hot line!
• Watch Doughnuts Being Made (Tokyo International Forum): The Tokyo International Forum branch near Yurakucho Station has an in-store Doughnut Theater where you can see the production process. When the HOT NOW sign glows, freshly made Original Glazed doughnuts are available — the best moment to order one (production times vary).
• Dozen Box Discount: If traveling with family or a group of friends, buying an Original Glazed Dozen box saves nearly 25% compared to purchasing individual doughnuts.
• Japanese seasonal packaging: Krispy Kreme Japan is famous for festive packaging—during Halloween, Christmas, and Cherry Blossom season, boxes and doughnuts feature spectacular Japanese art.
• No tipping: Tipping is never accepted. Pay the exact bill at the register.

Sources

• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Japan Official Website: https://krispykreme.jp/ (Verified: 2026-10-02)
• Krispy Kreme Japan Corporate Directory: https://krispykreme.jp/company/ (Verified: 2026-10-02)