dacō? Kagurazaka Opens with a Crispy New Take on I’m Donut?’s Fresh Donuts

dacō? opened in Kagurazaka on Saturday, December 14th, offering both dacō’s breads and drinks alongside I’m donut?’s fresh donuts. Following the Komazawa location, this second Tokyo store debuts a new menu item: the Napoli Donut.

What is the Napoli Donut?

The Napoli Donut is a unique twist on donuts, made with ‘I’m donut?’s signature brioche dough and baked to perfection at high temperatures in a custom pizza oven. It features a one-of-a-kind texture, combining the crispy, toasty flavor of pizza crust with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. To top it off, it’s simply finished with a light, sweet glaze that enhances the natural taste and aroma of the wheat.

the Napoli Donut

Owner-chef Mr. Hirako, while exploring new possibilities for the brioche dough used in his fresh donuts, drew inspiration from his experience as an Italian chef and decided to bake the donuts in a pizza oven. After nearly a year of experimenting with cooking and fermentation techniques, he perfected the recipe.

Since the donuts are baked rather than fried in oil, they are less greasy and healthier. Their light texture and subtle sweetness make them an ideal option for those mindful of their diet and calorie intake, or anyone looking for a lighter treat.

About dacō? Kagurazaka

The daco? Kagurazaka

dacō? Kagurazaka is located about five minutes from Kagurazaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, along the main street, Kagurazaka Dori. The terrace seating includes benches, allowing guests to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Kagurazaka. The menu features the exclusive Napoli Donut available only at this location, as well as around 40 types of dacō’s breads, 20 drink options, and approximately 10 varieties of I’m donut? donuts. Be sure to try the special creations like the Strawberry Chocolate Custard Cream donut.

The Strawberry Chocolate Custard Cream donut

Kagurazaka, often called Petit France, is known for its many French restaurants and patisseries. This nickname dates back to Japan’s post-war economic boom when a French language school opened in the area, attracting a growing French community. Before that, the neighborhood thrived as a traditional hanamachi (geisha district) and was a favorite haunt of literary greats, giving it a rich and storied history.
Even today, its backstreets feature cobblestone paths and long-standing ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants), offering a unique blend of Japanese heritage and Western influences. When visiting dacō? Kagurazaka, be sure to wander through the alleys and take in the area’s historical charm.

In the colder months, you can cozy up indoors with a hot drink and fresh donuts. When cherry blossom season arrives, grab some takeaway and enjoy hanami (flower viewing) at Koishikawa Korakuen or along the Kanda River. It’s the perfect way to savor the seasons.

Dacō? Kagurazaka
Address: 1st Floor, Nozomi Kagurazaka Building, 6-67-1 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays (announcements on Instagram)
Instagram: @daco.pan

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ZEROMILE showcases a diverse range of information on Japan for intellectually curious travelers. Topics are curated by the editorial team under the theme of "Bringing psychological distance to ZERO through curiosity."

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