Kuo Yuan Ye: A Taste of Taiwan in Tokyo
For more than 150 years, Kuo Yuan Ye has been synonymous with Taiwanese pastry culture, offering exquisite traditional sweets that have stood the test of time. With its rich heritage dating back to 1867, this iconic bakery has perfected the art of crafting delicate pastries. The pastries embody the essence of Taiwan. Now, with its first overseas locations in Tokyo, Japanese food lovers and international visitors can indulge in these time-honored treats right in the heart of the city.
Whether you are a long-time fan of Taiwanese sweets or a newcomer eager to explore new flavors, Kuo Yuan Ye’s Nihonbashi and Yurakucho locations provide an authentic and unforgettable experience. Here’s a closer look at the brand’s history and its most sought-after pastries.
Legacy of Sweetness: History of Kuo Yuan Ye
Kuo Yuan Ye’s story began in 1708 when the Kuo family migrated from Fujian Province, China, to Taipei. In 1867, Kuo Liang-chen opened the first pastry shop in Shilin, Taipei. He named it Yuan Ye, after his ancestral hall. Over the years, Kuo Yuan Ye became Taiwan’s most respected Taiwanese pastry shop. It has preserved traditional techniques while embracing modern innovations.
Today, Kuo Yuan Ye remains a symbol of Taiwanese confectionery artistry, bringing centuries-old flavors to a global audience. Its Tokyo locations at COREDO Muromachi Terrace (Nihonbashi) and ITOCiA Food Avenue (Yurakucho) invite Japanese consumers and travelers to enjoy authentic Taiwanese delicacies. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular pastries that you need to try.
Must-Try Kuo Yuan Ye Pastries
1. Mini Pineapple Custard Puff Pastry Mooncake
One of Taiwan’s most beloved festival treats, this mooncake features 27 layers of handmade puff pastry, giving it an irresistibly flaky texture. Filled with a rich blend of pineapple and salty egg custard, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, this pastry transports you straight to Taiwan with every bite.
2. “The Blessing of Listening” Assorted Shortcakes
A unique collaboration with designers, this collection includes six distinct shortcake flavors: Original, Coffee, Lemon & Bubble Milk Tea, Pure Pineapple Cake and Oolong & Mixed Berries. Each crafted to stimulate the five senses. Whether you prefer a subtle or bold taste, this variety pack offers a multi-sensory journey through Taiwanese pastry craftsmanship.
3. Taiwan Golden Prize Pineapple Shortcake
This award-winning pineapple cake is a Taiwanese staple, cherished as a symbolic gift and a must-have souvenir. Both Tokyo locations offer two versions:
- Traditional Pineapple Shortcake (with white gourd for extra depth in flavor)
- Modern Pineapple Shortcake (made with 100% pure pineapple for a naturally tart-sweet taste)
4. Taiwan-Style Paste Cake
Kuo Yuan Ye’s Taiwan-Style Paste Cakes draw inspiration from traditional Japanese wagashi, offering a soft, creamy texture with rich, natural flavors. These delicate pastries come in a variety of options, including Sesame Matcha, Mung Bean and Peanut. Made with ingredients such as glutinous rice flour, mung bean powder and natural peanut flavors, these cakes embody Kuo Yuan Ye’s mastery in fusing Taiwanese and Japanese traditions into a flavorful treat.
Kuo Yuan Ye Nihonbashi
Address: COREDO Muromachi Terrace 2F, 3-2-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0022
Store Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Kuo Yuan Ye Yurakucho
Address: ITOCiA Food Avenue B1, 2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006
Store Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Experience the Essence of Taiwan at Kuo Yuan Ye
Kuo Yuan Ye is more than just a pastry shop; it’s a cultural bridge between Taiwan and Japan, offering heritage-filled flavors in every bite. Whether you visit one of its Tokyo locations or shop online, you are in for a delightful taste of Taiwan’s rich culinary history.