Between the historic seafood mecca of Tsukiji and the nostalgic monjayaki alleys of Tsukishima, Kachidoki is a modern waterfront neighborhood with a quietly evolving cafe scene. Here, you’ll find everything from modern kissaten-style hangouts to cozy spots serving deli-style bagels. While it may not draw the same crowds as Harajuku or Shibuya, Kachidoki is steadily gaining attention for its growing lineup of trend-forward cafes.

Among them is SILK AND ILY DONUT. Set along the Asashio Canal waterfront, this cozy shop, which opened on March 24, 2026, serves up some truly fresh, mouthwatering treats. Guided by the philosophy “reward donuts that make your heart and body happy,” it emphasizes high-quality domestic Japanese ingredients and carefully crafted textures. Inside, the warm, inviting space seats 18, with subtly refined decor, and looks out toward a waterfront terrace.

SILK AND ILY DONUT is also notably the first-ever direct-retail donut shop opened by Gurunavi, one of Japan’s leading restaurant search and reservation platforms and parent company to Live Japan.

The menu centers on two signature lines that highlight the appeal of Japanese textures and flavors.

Named for its silky, airy bite, the SILK DONUT is a brioche-style treat made with Hokkaido wheat (Daichi no Haru) and fresh milk. Finished with wasanbon, a fine-grained traditional sugar prized for its gentle sweetness, it’s an easy, satisfying snack to enjoy while you rest your feet, without sending you into a food coma.

Short for “I Love You,” ILY is a tribute to Japan’s rice culture. Made with domestic rice flour (Emitawawa), these donuts have a soft yet refined mochi-mochi chew that feels both comforting and satisfying.

Individual donuts start from 250 yen (tax included) and come in 15 unique flavors, ranging from seasonal picks like Strawberry Cream (いちごクリーム) to more traditional-inspired options.

Highlights include Matcha Chocolate (抹茶ショコラ), with its rich, melty matcha and satisfying crunch; Wasanbon Kinako (和三盆きな粉), made with 60% rice flour for a soft, chewy texture and lightly sweet finish; and Mitarashi & Seaweed (みたらし海苔), a nostalgic, festival-style flavor combining sweet-savory glaze with a hint of seaweed for a dango-like experience.

The one that especially caught my eye was the Yuzu Glaze (ゆずグレーズ). Yuzu is a bright, tangy citrus I often enjoy with soda water or as part of yuzu-kosho, a punchy condiment commonly topping yakitori.

On its own, yuzu can be quite sharp, so I was curious to see how its acidity would balance with a sweet glaze.

Fantastic. And not at all what I was expecting. I had imagined something bold, with a strong sweet-and-sour punch.

Instead, it was far more refined, and perhaps even more dangerously addictive: candied yuzu paired with a gently sweet glaze. Lightly sweet; nothing over the top. The chewy dough had a pleasing texture, and it’s easy to see why this style of nama donut has gone viral.

SILK AND ILY DONUT also offers a range of hot and cold drinks, from coffee (450 yen) to cafe latte (700 yen) and a selection of teas (500 yen each).

(*All prices are tax-inclusive.)

On your next visit to Tokyo, consider making a small detour to Kachidoki for some cafe and donut shop hopping! It’s a chance to experience a quieter side of the city while enjoying thoughtfully crafted donuts.