Hyperlocal Tokyo

Located right in front of you after exiting Ginza Station on the Hibiya Line, A5 exit. The shop is on the 7th floor, so it might be a bit hard to find. There is a sign in front of the elevator on the first floor, and you need to make an online reservation in advance to enter the shop. You will receive an email notification when your time slot arrives. This time, I ordered two kinds of happiness pancakes. As expected, the fluffy batter was soft and the pancakes had a moderate sweetness, making them incredibly delicious.

The customer base has completely changed in the past year. The shop is mostly filled with foreign tourists. The air is filled with the scent of fabric softener and perfume, making it feel like a foreign country. The relaxed, leisurely atmosphere of the past, where people would come to read, is gone. I made a reservation online and secured a seat on the first floor. It took about 20 minutes for my order to arrive. The thick, fluffy whipped cream and delicious chocolate sauce, the perfectly ripe bananas, and the pancakes, which are slightly more yellow than before, are all still excellent. The pancakes have always been made with a soft, fluffy texture. The water service remains unchanged, with citrus-infused water and regular water available for self-service. I don't remember if they used paper cups, but it didn't bother me. The restrooms are busier than before, and the elevator hall is packed with foreign tourists. Considering the pandemic and the fact that the shop was closed for a while, I think it's best to just go there for the pancakes and get coffee elsewhere.

First, you need to scan a QR code on the first floor, register your email, and wait for a notification. This system is good when there's a queue, but it's a bit of a hassle because the same procedure is required even when the store is empty. The pancakes are soufflé-like and not as voluminous as they look, so you can eat them quickly. They are fluffy and delicious. The problem is the drinks... I ordered hot tea, but it came in a paper cup. The pancakes were served on a regular plate, though. That's fine, but when I took a sip, it smelled like rubber. It's probably because they use a tea bag, and it's likely due to a cheap kettle. Cheap kettles sometimes make the water smell like rubber when you boil it (personal experience). So, I wouldn't recommend the hot drinks.

Happiness Pancake Ginza Store! It's always crowded, especially with international customers! It's best to make a reservation early by scanning the QR code in front of the store. I made a reservation 15 minutes before opening on a Friday and was able to enter 45 minutes later! The pancakes are fluffy and airy, a classic souffle pancake. Men might find them a bit small! They go really well with iced coffee, it's delicious! But the wait is definitely a challenge.