Wagashi Fusion: Dorayaki x Macaron… Mochi Pancake Rolls Too! ♡

● A Unique Wagashi Fusion in Osaka’s Kitahorie Neighborhood

A creative wagashi is turning heads in Osaka’s Kitahorie Neighborhood—and Sana, from the popular K-pop group Twice, is one of its fans♪

A quick 2-minute walk from Osaka Metro’s Yotsubashi Station, in the chic Kitahorie neighborhood, you’ll find Waka, a charming little shop specializing in Wakaron, cute wagashi treats. Its simple, mostly white storefront gives it a refined, serene look. Currently, the shop offers takeout and online shopping♪

Noren curtains fluttered in the warm spring breeze.
Can you guess what Wakaron is from the cute poster outside the shop?

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● Wakaraon: Dorayaki Meets French Macarons

Wakaron is what you might call a finger-food dessert. It’s essentially a small dorayaki—the classic Japanese treat made of two pancakes sandwiching sweet anko (azuki bean) filling—except, unlike regular dorayaki, Wakaron is extra thick (about 5 cm tall!) and filled with not only anko but also mousse and cream. Its tiny, round shape is irresistibly cute, reminiscent of French macarons—which is why it’s named “Wakaron.” I love both the name and the look♡

I chose two popular flavors from their regular lineup: matcha & anko on the left, and blueberry cheese cream on the right.

The ones made with fresh seasonal fruits are highly recommended, too!
The seasonal fruit for spring is strawberries—an absolute must-try! The sweet and slightly tangy aroma is so appetizing.

Seasonal menus and special products for events make every visit a delightful discovery♪

The pancakes used for Wakaron have a slightly chewy texture because it contains glutinous shiratamako rice flour. The shop is also highly selective in their anko paste, which is made by Takayamado, a long-established wagashi shop with over 135 years of history. The azuki beans used are grown in Tokachi, Hokkaido, ensuring top quality. Sandwiched between the pancakes, this special anko paste has a gentle, refreshing sweetness that pairs perfectly with matcha mousse and seasonal fruits.

● Anmaki: Fluffy Pancake Rolls with Anko and Mochi

Another highlight at Waka is Anmaki, a chewy Japanese sweet made with high-quality anko, mochi, whipped cream, and more, all rolled inside a thin, homemade dorayaki pancake.

The most popular flavor is chunky anko x mochi. The rich taste of chunky anko pairs perfectly with the chewy texture of soft gyuhi mochi. Its mild sweetness spreads gently across your palate, while the dorayaki pancakes remain soft and fluffy. The anko isn’t too sweet, so you can keep enjoying bite after bite.

There were about 10 flavors to choose from, ranging from mitarashi (sweet soy glaze), a local favorite in Osaka, to sweet potato, as well as seasonal variations. Each flavor highlights the natural taste of its ingredients and is refined with a gentle sweetness.
Prices start at a reasonable 350 yen (tax included), making it a perfect souvenir or a handy snack for strolling around the neighborhood☆彡

● Pick Your Flavor for Takeout♪

Wakarons come beautifully packed in Waka’s gift box, making them a lovely option if you want to give them as a gift. Prices start at 460 yen (tax included).

Of course, you can take them home for yourself, too—Wakarons keep for 2 to 3 days when refrigerated. Pro tip: store them in the crisper drawer to help the pancakes stay chewy!

I picked up matcha & anko paste, strawberry, hojicha & anko paste, and fig cheese cream Wakarons to go. They were colorful, beautiful, and already made me feel happy just looking at them♡

You really notice how tiny and cute a Wakaron is when you hold one in your hand♡ So small, yet delightfully thick, packed with bean paste and cream.

Everyone knows that matcha green tea and anko are two flavors that are perfect for each other. I’m also excited about the combination of hojicha and anko—the hojicha adds a nice roasted aroma, while the mildly sweetened anko paste makes it truly delicious!
What’s great for any wagashi connoisseur is that the bitterness of the tea is perfectly balanced—present, but not overwhelming—in both flavors.

Here’s my top recommendation, the fig cheese cream Wakaron!

I admit I’m biased—I love figs—but this flavor is absolutely to die for!
Refreshing cream cheese envelopes sweet fig chunks, and together they pair perfectly with the pancakes. It feels more like a Western-style confection, or something I’d enjoy with a nice glass of wine. It is truly something totally new and different—I love it!

● Order Online from Anywhere!

You can even order from Waka online at Yahoo! Japan Shopping or Cake.JP.
The delightful sweets come in customizable sets of 8, 10, or 12, shipped refrigerated and usually good for two to three days after delivery. That means you can enjoy them at home, even if you don’t live in Osaka—yay!

Dorayaki meets macaron in Wakaron, and don’t miss the chewy Anmaki rolls♪ Experience these innovative Japanese sweets and treat yourself to something truly special♡

※Please note: Food and drink menus may change seasonally without notice and may differ from what is described in this article.

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