Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2014

Any time of day is a good time for cookies. Proving the concept also applies in Japan is the instant popularity of New Zealand chain Cookie Time’s first location in Tokyo. The colorful shop that opened last month just across from Harajuku station already has a dedicated clientele who line up for their soft chocolate chunk and cranberry cookies in two sizes (¥80 and ¥240) as well as ice cream sandwiches (¥280) and coffee drinks. The hyper-colorful interior makes it a great place to bring kids (provided they can bear the wait) and the staff is mostly bilingual. Other items include gift packs of cookies, iPhone cases and, strangely, Cookie Time undies.

Open daily 10am-8pm. 1-21-15 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6804-3779. www.cookiebar.jp