Uncle Rikuro Cheesecake in Osaka: Worth the Hype?
Last Updated on July 10, 2025 by Kay
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As someone who has lived in Japan for more than a decade, I’ve had my share of famous food, including Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake from Osaka. I tried it way before it became viral on social media, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure why it became so popular.
I get it — it’s thick, jiggly, and freshly baked, making it unlike most cheesecakes around the world. But is it really worth the hype?
I didn’t find this cheesecake impressive the first time I had it, but since this was a few years ago, I decided to give it another try.
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake as well as my family’s honest thoughts about it.
Table of Contents
Where to Buy Uncle Rikuro Cheesecake in Osaka
Uncle Rikuro has been baking their fluffy and jiggly cheesecakes for over 40 years, which is truly a testament to how popular they are in Japan.
There are several places where you can purchase Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake in Osaka.
The main store is located in Namba. This store usually has long lines due to it being their flagship shop and in a popular tourist location.
You can also find Uncle Rikuro Cheesecake in:
- Osaka Station
- Tennoji Station
- Daimaru in Shinsaibashi (near Dotonbori)
- Daimaru in Umeda
- Shin-Osaka Station
- Itami Airport
This cheesecake is usually take-out only and sold whole, but some locations (like Itami Airport) allow you to purchase a piece to enjoy right away!
Note that you cannot find Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake in Tokyo or other cities in Japan. It’s only sold in Osaka.
What to Expect: The Buying Experience
The first time I had Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake, my husband had brought it back to Tokyo via Shinkansen after returning from a business trip to Osaka, so it had spent about three hours in transport.
This time around, I bought it myself from the Daimaru location in Umeda. The shop is specifically located in the basement of the Daimaru department store where you can find lots of other delicious foods.
Below is what the shop sign looks like. As you can see, the name of the shop is written in Japanese: りくろーおじさんの店.
I hadn’t been planning on buying it, but when I passed by, there was hardly anyone waiting in line. I waited for about fifteen minutes before I was able to buy one, and I was able to get a freshly baked 18 cm cake for only 1065 yen right away. I paid by credit card.
The cakes were also just pulled from the oven when it was my turn, and I saw them place the cakes quickly into bags and then onto a tray near the counter.
When it comes to buying the cake, there are no other options in terms of size, so if you’re alone, be prepared to devour an entire cheesecake on your own! They also sell apple tarts, but I haven’t tried one yet.
I loved watching them slide the fresh cheesecake, which indeed jiggled very nicely, deftly into a box and then a bag so I could take it home. There are no places to eat this cheesecake on that particular floor, but there are some benches in and around Osaka Station where you can enjoy it, such as the outdoor space on the 15th floor of Daimaru and the Osaka Station City Square of Space Time.
I took mine home, which was about 30 minutes door-to-door, because I wanted to enjoy it with my family. (For anyone confused, we moved from Tokyo to Osaka a few years ago.)
Taste Test: Is Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake Worth the Hype?
This was my second time trying Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake. The first time I wasn’t impressed, but perhaps this was because three hours had passed since it was baked and I didn’t give it a fair chance.
Although 30 minutes had transpired since I bought the cake this time around, it was no longer as jiggly and had a bit of moisture on it. When I took off the wrapping, some of the outside of the cake came off with it, which was disappointing but I suppose it couldn’t be helped.
Here’s what the takeout box looks like:
Here’s what the cake looked like in the plastic wrapping:
And here’s what it looked like when I took it out:
My family of three dug into the cake, and it was just like I had remembered it — very eggy and a little too soft for my liking, like a very soft steamed bread. The cake wasn’t very sweet, either. It was almost like having an egg soufflé.
I usually hate raisins, but I didn’t mind the ones on the bottom, which were plump and juicy. It gave the cake some much-needed sweetness.
My daughter and Japanese husband felt pretty lukewarm about the cake, and after having one piece each, we had no desire to finish the rest. Alas, we are a family that does not waste food, so we forced ourselves to polish off the cake the next day after keeping it overnight in the fridge.
For those who are wondering, the cake will last up to three days in the fridge, but it’s best to eat it as soon as possible. To heat up Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake, place a slice in the microwave at 500 W for 20-30 seconds.
Final Verdict: Should You Try Uncle Rikuro Cheesecake?
If you like Japanese eggy and fluffy pancakes, you will probably enjoy Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake. I am more of a fan of Western cheesecakes and pancakes, so I did not.
Personally, I don’t think this is worth lining up for, but if the line is short and you’re aware that this cheesecake is soft and more eggy than sweet, then by all means try it out! I especially recommend it if you’re traveling with a group of people. That way, you can share the cake, and hopefully it won’t go to waste if it doesn’t suit you.
FAQ
Can You Buy Uncle Rikuro Cheesecake Outside Japan?
No, you cannot buy Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake outside of Japan.
Can You Buy Uncle Rikuro Cheesecake Outside Osaka?
No, this cheesecake is only available in Osaka. However, they do have an online shop where you can buy the cheesecake and have it delivered to you in Japan.
How much is Uncle Rikuro cheesecake?
Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake costs 1065 yen for a whole cake.
Is it gluten-free?
No, it is not gluten-free.
Can I bring it back on a flight?
It’s completely fine on a domestic flight in Japan. For an international flight, make sure to check what food items are restricted in the country you’re flying into.
Personally, I don’t recommend bringing it on an international flight because it’s best eaten fresh.
How long does it stay fresh?
It stays fresh for 2-3 days when refrigerated.