Panettone is an Italian Christmas “cake” and it’s getting traction in Japan, where the usual sweets are whipped cream-strawberry cake and the German stollen.

Photo by Vicky Ng on Unsplash

In the last few years, for my greatest joy, we have seen an increase in Panettone availability in Japanese stores (even if Pandoro is still my favorite, but this will be another story).

One surprising thing is that from 2020 there is even an association called Panettone Society whose aim is nothing but promoting Panettone culture in Japan!

Here below is a list of stores that sell artisanal or more commercial panettoni.

There will be another article about the online options. Stay in touch subscribing to the mailing list or with instagram @dolcevita_japan

Note:

• Prices and availability might change.
• Prices refer to the product package independently from the quantity (slice, 500g, 1kg..)
• This is not an exhaustive list, it reflects only the items I found in the actual stores or searching online. I will be happy to add more info if you have, contact me at [email protected]
• There are NO affiliate links in this article

1. Pane & Olio

Panettone making – pic from Pane e Olio bakery Facebook page

Features	​This Italian bakery also sells panettone, it has won two awards at the 2014 Panettone Concours (Re Panettone) in Milan, Italy. They use a natural yeast made specially for panettone, that originated in northern Italy. The sweet takes up to 5 days to grow.
​Price range	¥3,600-3,900
Address	​1-20-13 Otowa, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0013
Link	​http://paneeolio.co.jp/

2. Donq

Donq panettone – pic from Donq website

Features	​Founded in Japan in 1905, Donq has partnered for about 40 years with Italy’s San Remo panettone maker. There are several sets available from a small panettone to a big one, you can buy only one slice or a mix of Panettone-Pandoro slices. They directly learned the manufacturing technology in Milan, and directly imported special paper molds and yeast to manufacture their products. Sales are available also on their online store and on Amazon.
​Price range	¥1,300-4,100
Address	There are over 100 Donq shops, find the closest to you here https://donq.co.jp/shop/
Link	https://donq.co.jp/aboutdonq/sanremo/

3. EATALY

One of the four Panettone available – pic from EATALY website

Features	The popular Italian food chain there is a big variety of sweets with 17 types of panettone from 4 companies and 4 types of pandoro from 2 companies. Company names are those of Bonifanti, Muzzi Tommaso (both Pandoro and Panettone), Vergani, Antica Sicilia and Borsari (only Pandoro). Online shop is available too.
​Price range	¥3,500-6,900
Address	​There are 5 EATALY shops: Ginza, Shonan, Harajuku, Marunouchi and Nihonbashi: https://eataly.co.jp/pages/stores
Link	https://eataly.co.jp/blogs/news/2022110401

4. Princi

Panettone – pic from website

Features	​The Princi Panettone is created from the same recipe as the main store in Milano. There is a classic version and a chocolate one. At the store, it is served in slices with special mascarpone cream, perfect for tasting. Available online too.
​Price range	¥6,400-7,000
Address	Only some location sells panettone, check in the link below for detailed info
Link	https://www.princi.co.jp/offerings/panettone/

5. DEAN & DELUCA

One of the four products available – pic from DEAN & DELUCA website

Features	DEAN & DELUCA is an American chain often providing Italian products. There are several Panettone of different sizes and flavors . Chiostro di Saronno (100g both classic and chocolate), Vincenzo Tiri (1 kg), LESS (Chestnut and Fig). Online store available too.
​Price range	¥970-6,800
Address	There are several stores around Japan
Link	https://store.deandeluca.co.jp

6. Kaldi

One of the available panettone – pic from website

Features	Kaldi has an assortment of panettoen from 2 different producers: Corsini and Chiostro di Saronno. Sizes range from 1kg to 100g and tastes are Panettone classico or limoncello cream. Online shop available too.
​Price range	¥448-3,180
Address	There are several stores around Japan
Link	https://www.kaldi.co.jp

7. Bulgari

Bulgari gourmet pandoro – pic from PRTIMES

Features	Luxury panettone and pandoro do exist, if you were wondering. The historical brand Bulgari offers salted and sweet gourmet panettone in some of their stores. Online shop available too.
​Price range	¥5,800-7,200
Address	Bulgari Ginza Tower 10F ; Matsuya Ginza store B1F ; Takashimaya Osaka store B1F; Hankyu Umeda Main Store 5F
Link	https://gourmet.bulgari.com/shop/g/gSBHR-0080/

8. Piatto Suzuki

Yahei Suzuki – Pic from The Yomiuri Shimbun

Features	SOLD OUT – Michelin Chef Yahei Suzuki of the Italian restaurant “Piatto Suzuki” in Tokyo has been making panettone since 1992 and is undoubtedly the leading person in making panettone in Japan.
​Price range	​¥3,960
Address	1−7−7 Azabujuban, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0045
Link	https://piattosuzuki.square.site/

9. Roggenmehl

Panettone – pic from website

Features	Even if German, this bakery in Shizuoka prefecture mastered the art of Panettone.
​Price range	¥1,000-2,000
Address	1-51-32 Takaoka Kita, Naka Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture 433-8119
Link	https://www.roggenmehl.co.jp/panetone.htm

10. Costco

Panettone – pic from website

Features	To buy in Costco, the famous wholesale chain, you need a membership, however if you find it convenient, or you know someone with one, you might find good deals for panettone there too. Moreover, they sell panettone online too.
​Price range	¥1,000
Address	https://www.costco.co.jp/store-finder
Link	https://www.costco.co.jp/c/Saronno-Panettone-1kg/p/23332

11. Mega Donki

Panettone – pic from website

Features	Actually not Italian, but surprisingly Brazilian, some panettone have been spotted even in the chain Mega Donki. Chocolate or fruits version available. A cheap alternative for.. an exotic alternative.
​Price range	¥600
Address	–
Link	–

Conclusions

I am not sure where I will buy mine yet, but I look forward to cutting a big slice in the morning and dipping it a little bit in a hot milk cup. This is not the only way to eat it but it is my favorite. My grandma, for example, first cuts it horizontally and between all the layers she puts cream pasticcera ( eggs, milk and lemon zest cream) to make it … lighter.

Or you can eat it as a dessert or snack. Plain, with Nutella, Pistachio cream or similar.

Hope many of you will enjoy a tasty Panettone (or Pandoro) this year!

There will be another article about the online options (usually more affordable).

Stay in touch subscribing to the mailing list or with instagram @dolcevita_japan

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