Japanese Donuts Worth Trying: Mister Donut’s Pon de Ring and I’m donuts:

Donuts might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japanese food, but Japan has developed its own distinctive donut culture, with textures and styles genuinely different from what you’ll find elsewhere. Two names in particular stand out for foreign visitors: Mister Donut and the newer, rapidly growing I’m donuts. Here’s what makes each worth seeking out.

Mister Donut: A Japanese Institution with a Signature Texture

Mister Donut is a massive, long-established chain found throughout Japan, and while its classic donut flavors are well-made and popular in their own right, the real standout is Pon de Ring, a donut that’s become something of a cult favorite specifically among visitors who don’t normally consider themselves donut people.

What makes Pon de Ring different: it’s made using Tapioca starch (tapioca flour) blended into the dough, giving it a distinctly chewy, mochi-like texture rather than the soft, cakey or airy texture typical of most Western donuts. The ring itself is also shaped from connected dough balls rather than a solid circle, both a visual signature and part of what gives it that springy, bouncy bite.
Why it wins over donut skeptics: a lot of visitors who say they don’t particularly like donuts, often because they find typical Western donuts too sweet, too greasy, or too soft, report genuinely enjoying Pon de Ring specifically because the texture feels like an entirely different category of food rather than a heavier variation on the same thing.
Flavor variety: Pon de Ring comes in a rotating range of glazes and coatings, from simple sugar and chocolate to seasonal and limited-edition flavors, so it’s worth trying more than one variety if you find yourself back at a Mister Donut more than once.
Where to find it: Mister Donut has locations throughout Japan, in cities and smaller towns alike, making it one of the easier donut experiences to fit into almost any itinerary without going out of your way.

I’m donuts: The “Raw Donut” Redefining the Category

I’m donuts is a newer, buzzier brand that’s built its identity specifically around what it calls “nama donuts,” or raw donuts, a lighter, fluffier style of donut that’s become genuinely popular enough to draw lines at its stores, particularly in Tokyo.

What “raw donut” means in practice: rather than a dense, traditionally fried dough, I’m donuts aims for an especially soft, almost cloud-like interior texture, closer to a light, airy bread or brioche than a typical heavier donut, while still maintaining a proper fried exterior.
A different eating experience altogether: the lightness is the whole point here, it’s designed to feel less heavy and less overtly sweet than a classic donut, appealing to visitors who want something indulgent but not as rich as a typical Western-style donut.
Where to find it: I’m donuts operates primarily in and around Tokyo, with a growing number of locations, so it’s worth checking current store locations if this is specifically on your must-try list, since it hasn’t expanded as broadly nationwide as Mister Donut.
Expect potential lines at popular locations, given how quickly the brand’s reputation has grown, particularly on weekends or when a new flavor or limited release is available.

Why These Are Worth Trying Specifically in Japan

Both Pon de Ring and I’m donuts represent something you genuinely can’t easily find outside Japan, distinct takes on donut texture that diverge from the standard Western donut format most people are used to. Rather than treating donuts as a food you already know well and can skip, it’s worth giving these a try specifically because the texture, not just the flavor, is where Japan has done something different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pon de Ring good for someone who genuinely dislikes typical donuts?

Many visitors report exactly this experience, since the chewy, mochi-like texture feels different enough from a standard donut that it doesn’t trigger the same dislike, worth trying even if donuts aren’t usually your thing.

Is I’m donuts available outside Tokyo?

Coverage is more limited than Mister Donut’s nationwide presence, with locations concentrated in and around Tokyo, so it’s worth checking current store locations if you’re not visiting the city.

Do I need to wait in line for I’m donuts?

It depends on the specific location and time, popular stores can have lines, especially on weekends, so building in some flexible time is worth doing if this is a priority stop.

Which one should I try if I only have time for one?

If you want the widest availability and a genuinely unique texture, Mister Donut’s Pon de Ring is the easier, more accessible choice. If you’re specifically in Tokyo and curious about the “raw donut” trend, I’m donuts is worth seeking out as well.

Next Steps

Try Pon de Ring at any Mister Donut location for an easy, widely available taste of Japan’s distinctive mochi-textured donut, and if your itinerary includes Tokyo, look up current I’m donuts locations for the lighter, fluffier “raw donut” experience that’s become a genuine trend in its own right.

This post is part of an ongoing series on Japan travel planning. Check back for more guides on Japanese sweets and desserts.

Rakuten Travel is one of Japan’s largest and most popular domestic travel booking platforms. It features an extensive database of hotels, ryokan, resorts, and other accommodations across Japan, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to book stays throughout the country. Available in your language. If you’re using a computer, click “Language” in the top-right corner to change the language. If you’re using a smartphone, tap the person icon in the bottom-right corner, then tap “Language” to select your preferred language.