Our Benitsuru
Pancake Experience ♡
A morning reservation, a few hours around Tokyo, and finally a plate of fluffy pancakes. Here’s how our Benitsuru visit went!
01 / The pancake plan
What’s the hype with Benitsuru Pancake?
If you love pancakes, you may have already seen Benitsuru on your feed. What caught my attention was the thick, fluffy soufflé pancakes and the chance to watch them being made right in front of us.
An early start… or that was the plan
During our visit, reservations were taken in person from 7 AM. We couldn’t book online, by phone, or through Instagram, so getting a slot meant going to the shop that morning.
We planned to arrive by 7 AM but ended up getting there at 8 AM. I thought we might have missed our chance, but we managed to reserve a 2 PM slot. We paid ¥2,000 upfront to secure our reservation.
- 7 AM Our planned arrival
- 8 AM When we actually arrived
- 2 PM Our pancake reservation
Reservation arrangements and payment details describe our visit. Check the shop’s latest information before going.
02 / A little exploring
How we spent the time before our slot
With six hours to spare, we decided to make a day of it. We wandered around Asakusa, had a light breakfast, and made our way to Tokyo Solamachi before returning for pancakes.
Stop 01
Kaminarimon Gate & the Sumida River
We started with photos at Kaminarimon and by the Sumida River. It was a simple way to enjoy the neighborhood while waiting.
Stop 02
A light breakfast at Hoshino Coffee
We stopped at Hoshino Coffee in Tokyo Solamachi for a light breakfast. I wanted something to keep us going without filling up before our pancake reservation.
Stop 03
A browse around Tokyo Solamachi
We spent some time browsing the shops at Tokyo Solamachi. If you enjoy shopping, this is an easy place to spend part of the morning.
Stop 04
City views from the 31st floor
We also went up to the 31st floor of Solamachi to enjoy the city views. It was a free stop during our visit, with a different perspective from the Tokyo Skytree observation decks.
Stop 05
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Back in Asakusa, we visited the tourist information center. From the eighth floor, we could look out toward Kaminarimon, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Sensoji. There was a café up there too.
03 / Pancake time
Back at Benitsuru, finally
We returned around 2 PM to a tiny shop full of people waiting for their pancakes. There were about 12 seats arranged along a counter, which meant we could watch the chefs work.
Even with the nonstop cooking, the staff stayed focused on each plate. Seeing the pancakes being prepared was part of what made the visit memorable.
What we ordered
Something sweet
Chocolate & Roasted Nut Banana
¥2,100The chocolate version was warm, fluffy, and nicely balanced. It wasn’t too sweet, which I really liked.
Something savory
Bacon & Egg with Hollandaise
¥2,300The bacon, egg, and hollandaise gave us a savory contrast to the sweet plate. I enjoyed having both to try.
Prices are from our visit and may have changed.
Once the plates arrived, we mostly just wanted to eat. The pancakes were incredibly soft and warm, and this was the moment the long wait felt worth it.
04 / My honest take
Is Benitsuru Pancake worth it?
Worth the price?
For me, yes. It’s more than I would usually spend on pancakes, but the texture and the experience of watching them being made made it feel special.
Worth the time?
Yes, if you have other plans nearby. I wouldn’t spend the whole morning simply waiting outside. Exploring Asakusa and Solamachi made the day much more enjoyable.
Did they taste good?
Absolutely. Both versions were fluffy, flavorful, and satisfying. I liked that the sweet plate wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet.
Would I return?
I would. Next time, I’d love to bring friends so they can try the pancakes too.
05 / Save this stop
Getting to Benitsuru Pancake
Address:
2 Chome-1-11 Nishiasakusa, Taito City,
Tokyo 111-0035
From Tokyo Station
-
Tokyo Station → Kanda Station
Take the JR Yamanote Line or Keihin–Tohoku Line to Kanda. -
Kanda → Tawaramachi Station
Transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line toward Asakusa and get off at Tawaramachi. -
Walk to Benitsuru
Continue on foot to the shop. Open the map below for the route from your current location.
One for the travel journal
Would I go back? Absolutely.
Benitsuru gave us a reason to slow down, explore, and finish our afternoon with something delicious. Go early, leave room for pancakes, and give yourself time to enjoy the neighborhood too.
Amazing Tokyo Hotel deals for your next trip
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo and you love pancakes (like really love them), then chances are you’ve come across Benitsuru Pancake in Asakusa on your FYP. It’s gone viral for a reason but is it really worth the early morning struggle and the slightly steep price?
Well, I recently went there myself, and here’s my full experience, no fluff, just pancakes.
What’s the Hype with Benitsuru Pancake?
Benitsuru Pancake is not your typical pancake shop. Located in the heart of Asakusa, it’s been buzzing online thanks to its cloud-like soufflé pancakes that are made fresh right in front of you. Tourists and locals alike rave about it but there’s a catch.
Reservations can’t be made online, by phone, or through Instagram. You literally have to show up at the store starting 7:00 AM to line up and secure a slot for the day. It’s first come, first served and once the slots are gone, that’s it.
Our Pancake Hustle: Waking Up Late but Still Got Lucky
We planned to be at the shop by 7 AM but the universe had other plans. We got there at 8 AM, and honestly thought we missed our chance. But to our surprise, we still managed to grab a 2:00 PM slot! You’ll need to pay 2,000 yen upfront to reserve, so don’t forget to bring cash.
With 6 hours to spare, we decided to make the most out of our day in Asakusa and beyond.
How to Kill Time While Waiting for Your Slot?
Here’s what we did while waiting for our pancake appointment:
📸 Snapped photos at Kaminarimon Gate and Sumida River
☕ Had a light breakfast nearby (gotta save space for pancakes)
🛍️ Shopped at Tokyo Solamachi
🌇 Went up to the 31st floor of Solamachi — the same view as Tokyo Skytree, but free!
🚆 Took a quick train ride to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
location:
Tip: Head to the 8th floor for an unobstructed view of Nakamise Dori, Kaminarimon, and Sensoji Temple. There’s even a cozy coffee shop up there.
Finally, Pancake Time at Benitsuru Pancake
When we got back to Benitsuru Pancake around 2 PM, the shop was already full of hungry, excited guests. The interior is tiny — only about 12 seats — and it’s styled like a bar counter so you can actually watch the chefs prepare your pancakes right in front of you.
Despite the nonstop cooking, the staff were incredibly focused and you could tell they really poured their heart into every plate.
What We Ordered?
We went with two options:
- 🍫 Chocolate & Roasted Nut Banana – 2,100 yen
- 🥓 Bacon & Egg with Hollandaise Sauce – 2,300 yen
The moment those pancakes hit the table, I knew the wait was worth it. They were unbelievably fluffy and warm — like eating a pancake cloud. The chocolate one was perfectly balanced (not too sweet!), while the bacon and egg version gave us that satisfying savory punch. It was so good, we didn’t even want to talk — just eat.
Benitsuru Pancake Review: Is It Worth It?
Let’s break it down.
Worth the Price?
Definitely Yes. For some, 2000 yen for pancakes might feel steep, but this isn’t your average breakfast — it’s a full-on art pancake experience.
Worth the Time?
Only if you have other plans in the area. Don’t just come for the pancakes — explore, shop, and nearby tourist attractions while waiting for your slot.
Is It Delicious?
1000% YES. Fluffy, flavorful, and satisfying.
Will I Come Back?
For sure! Next time I’m dragging my friends so they can taste it too.
How to get to Benitsuru Pancake from Tokyo Station?
Step 1: From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line (or Keihin–Tohoku Line) to Kanda Station — approximately 2 minutes, covered by JR lines.
Step 2: Transfer at Kanda Station to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and ride one stop to Tawaramachi Station — about 10 minutes, fare around ¥180–220.
Step 3: From Tawaramachi Station (Exit 2 or nearby), walk approximately 5 minutes to Benitsuru.
Total Travel Time: Around 20–25 minutes, with minimal walking and smooth transfers.
Final thoughts
Benitsuru isn’t just serving pancakes, they’re serving art on a plate. Between the vibe of the store, the passion of the staff, and the insane texture of those soufflé stacks, it’s definitely one of the must-try food experiences in Tokyo.
Just remember:
📍 Show up early
🕖 Be patient
📷 And get your camera ready… because these pancakes deserve a spot on your feed.
