Japoniase, located in St Mary’s Street in Brookline has a special place in my heart. When I was a pre-teen, I would come here with my math/science teacher (I was being homeschooled and my parents hired various teachers to tutor me for credits, essentially) and we would sit down and learn about ions or parabolas, ya know- all those things that I haven’t once needed in my adult life.

Anyways, it was a special place and for my “graduation” which was really just inviting all my tutors to my home and having them meet each other- I asked my parents to get the white strawberry cake from Japonaise (which they still have!) which they did.

Growing up in Brookline was interesting- it was both diverse, inclusive and fairly restrictive (growing up in a orthodox family), but that’s a story for another time!

When I was there in 2010, there was a small display case in the back, holding pastries, the famous white cake with strawberries and onigiri. There was seating in the front and it was a pretty quiet place from what I can remember. It felt very friendly and family-owned. I can’t remember if they had decorations, but I would say it was simple. Sweet, welcoming and simple.

It’s clear that the owners now make an effort to decorate and really lean into the Japanese characters.

Flash back to 2025, when I visited again, the bakery is bussing! There were probably about 5-7 people in the bakery and I could tell renovations were done! I was sad to see that there were no more places to sit; the counter was moved to the front, the back being dedicated to the bakers and it was more like a counter bakery as opposed to a sit-down one. However, the pastries made up for the initial disappointment.

Like are these not the cutest you’ve seen?! And in Brookline fashion, the prices are VERY reasonable.

They have both sweet and savory treats and snacks. Even long sandwiches and this time- a variety of onigiri. The logo and name was not changed, even after the owners changed (which I so appreciate) and the vibe is cute and current.

While there was a long line, there were multiple people up front working hard to get you served quickly. It seems like many of the customers here come to pick up bread or other things to stock their pantry with (which I suppose makes sense given the seats no longer exist, RIP!) I think I was probably in and out within 5 minutes or less.

Something also to note is they do have discounted pastries for those that were not sold the day before, which I appreciate- not only for the sake of a cheaper pastry, but the fact that they don’t automatically sell them.

What did I get, you ask? Well I was on my way to the Isabella Gardener Museum and just wanted something quick, filling and also to hit that sweet spot of reminiscing so I got a Berkshire Dog Roll (quick & filling) and a tuna onigiri. They asked if I wanted the Berkshire Dog Roll heated it, and I said yes, so it won’t be cold! The workers were incredibly friendly and kind. Mostly young Asian women.

Parking:

So let’s talk Parking. Like many places in this area, there isn’t a parking lot or anything of the sort. This bakery is right across the St. Mary’s train station or “T” as they like to call it, so if you use public transportation, this is a no-brainer. However, if you are driving to get here, there is metered parking next to the T (and yes, on the same side of the road, although you will have to be in the left lane to reach the parking). Personally, I really just went to Japonaise and left, so I did not pay for the metered parking, mainly because of the hassle- the phone, the app, the code, the card, all the things. However, it’s not expensive.

Metered parking in Brookline is $2/hr with a maximum of three hours. And yes, if I wasn’t in a rush and wanted to spend 2 extra minutes to do this, it’s an easy process, much like any metered parking you’ll find- you get whatever app it’s asking for, you put in the code on the meter, pay and violà! However… I am not responsible for any tickets you may get from a waiting police officer!

Do I recommend Japonaise?

I recommend Japonaise for those wanting a quick snack or breakfast on their way- whether it be walking on foot around Brookline, or taking a drive to their next adventure. The food is delicious, fresh and truly adorable. Service is friendly and kind. However, unlike other bakeries I’ve tried and posted here on my blog, it does not have seating, so I would not recommend Japonaise if you wanted to sit somewhere for free wifi and get some work done. Perhaps it will expand or have more renovations, but like I said- this place was popping when I got there and it seems like business is running just fine.

I think that’s one of the cons with having old memories of something- we’re not creatures that enjoy change and sometimes we get stuck, but alas- maybe it’s time for me to accept the new super cute, adorable and successful Japonaise. Besides, the one in 2010 didn’t have nearly the cute pastries it has today! When one door closes, another opens. Am I right?

Address: 1020 Beacon St. Brookline, Massachusetts 02446

Email: japonaise617@gmail.com
Phone: (617) 566 7730

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japonaisebakery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CafeJaponaise

Website: https://japonaise.squarespace.com/

Cheers Friends & Travelers!

~ Backroad Butterflies ~