SunnyHills Aoyama, Tokyo

SunnyHills Aoyama is a beautiful building that houses delicious Taiwanese pineapple cakes. Beautifully designed, SunnyHills Aoyama is a shop with a stunning wooden exterior lattice, a technique called “jigoku-gumi,” intricately assembled by skilled artisans one piece at a time.

For architecture lovers, this Tokyo masterpiece was designed by Kengo Kuma, the same designer who completed the stunning Nezu Museum. Upon entering the store, you will feel as if you’ve entered a forest. The staff will guide you around the shop, or alternatively, take you to the first floor where you can sample the store’s delights alongside traditional tea.

About SunnyHills Aoyama

Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, SunnyHills is a three-story masterpiece that combines traditional Japanese woodworking techniques with modern design. Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a forest. The crisscrossing wooden lattices filter sunlight into the space, filling the shop with a soft, dappled light. And as day turns to night, the entire building glows, resembling a lantern amidst Tokyo’s skyscrapers. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger, maybe snap a few Instagram-worthy shots.

Products at SunnyHills Aoyama

SunnyHills specialises in Taiwanese pineapple cakes, which are sweet and buttery, filled with delicious pineapple paste. The Pineapple cake is the top-selling product and their core product.

There are also banana waffle cookies shaped as animals, which are usually served alongside tea. These cute waffles were designed to hang on the side of your cup.

SunnyHills sells apple cakes too, which are similar in consistency to the pineapple cakes. The only difference is the filling, which is a sweet and sour apple paste with the perfect texture.

The shop is on the ground floor, where you can buy different types of treats like pineapple cakes, apple cakes, and banana waffles. Each item is individually wrapped and comes in a beautifully designed box. Plus, you get a small canvas tote bag to carry your purchase easily.

You have a few options for how many pineapple or apple cakes you want to buy. You can choose a box of 5 for 1850 yen, a box of 10 for 3500 yen, or a box of 15 for 5100 yen. These prices already include taxes.

The apple cakes are sold in the same types of boxes as the pineapple cakes, and they cost the same too.

If you can’t decide between pineapple and apple cakes, there’s a combo box. It has 5 of each type of cake and costs 3900 yen.

For banana waffles, you can buy a box of 8 for 2800 yen.

A Taste of Taiwan, Free of Charge

You don’t just come here to admire the architecture. SunnyHills is renowned for its pineapple cakes, a traditional Taiwanese treat that’s a blend of tart pineapple and a crumbly, buttery crust. On your visit, you’ll be guided upstairs where you can sample these cakes along with Taiwanese tea, all for free and without any pressure to make a purchase. You can pick the product you wish to sample. For example, if you visit as a couple, one can get the pineapple cake and the other can get the banana waffle so you can try a little bit of both.

Essential Info for Visitors

If you’re planning a visit, consider coming on a weekday or early on weekends to beat the crowds. A box of five pineapple cakes sets you back ¥1,500, making for a delicious souvenir or gift. And if you’re coming via public transport, it’s an easy 7-minute walk from Omotesando Station’s exit A4.

Planning Your Visit

Exit Omotesando Station and stroll down Miyuki Street—a bustling area known for its high-end stores, and cozy cafés. After a few minutes, you’ll find yourself transported to another world altogether. Nestled among modern buildings and traditional houses is SunnyHills, a slice of Taiwan right in the middle of Aoyama. Its cypress-covered exterior beckons you in, promising a blend of nature and luxury that’s hard to find in urban Tokyo.

Access: 7-minute walk from Omotesando Station (Exit A4).

Payment Methods: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, and Diners are accepted.

Visitor Limit: The shop can accommodate up to 15 visitors at a time. For larger groups, call ahead.

So, if you’re a fan of architecture, food, or just looking for a peaceful escape in the midst of Tokyo’s hustle, SunnyHills has something for everyone. One visit and you’ll find it hard not to come back.