Many shops in Kyoto seem to open at 11:00, based on my experience yesterday. I checked out of my hotel in Sanjo and went for a stroll, but I found that there were few shops open at 10:00. I arrived at this shop at 10:45 and waited outside on a bench for it to open at 11:00. I was the only one waiting, probably because it was a weekday. When the shop opened, I ordered the recommended "Pineapple Tart" and an iced coffee. The shop was quiet, with only two other customers coming in while I was eating at the counter. The pineapple tart had a perfect balance of bitterness and saltiness, with a crispy crust, but I wished it had a bit more volume. The coffee, on the other hand, lacked the attention to detail that would have complemented the dessert better.

I chose the strawberry and rhubarb crumble tart, the raspberry tart, and the custard. The crumble tart had a nice acidity and the tart base was thin and delicious! The custard was not too sweet, and the bitterness of the caramel was also delicious! I got the raspberry tart to go, I'll have it during my lunch break at work tomorrow (laughs). For dining in, there is only seating at the counter along the wall in the aisle, where about 10 people can sit.

I chose the strawberry and rhubarb crumble tart, the raspberry tart, and the pudding. The crumble tart has a nice acidity and the tart base is thin and delicious! The pudding is not too sweet and the bitterness of the caramel is also delicious! I got the raspberry tart to go, I'll have it during my lunch break at work tomorrow (laughs). For dining in, there is only seating at the counter along the wall in the aisle, about 10 people can sit there.

In the past, there was a place called "Au Grenier d'Or." Now, there is "Namporukowa" in that same location. The shop is quite long and narrow, with the hallway widening a bit towards the end. The interior has a pop culture vibe, with decorations of John Lennon, foreign artists, and mask figurines. You can also eat inside at counter-like seats. I bought the recommended apple tart for 480 yen. There are figurines of John Lennon and Steve Jobs here too. The fake fireplace flickers. I was surprised by the interior, but maybe this is how things change from one generation to the next. I walked through the narrow hallway or eat-in space and went outside. In front of the tables, there is a photo of the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Perhaps paying homage to the famous pyramid cake from before. The apple tart looks beautiful and is reasonably priced at 480 yen compared to some cakes over 900 yen per slice nowadays. It is neatly layered and has a soft texture that can be easily cut with a fork. Although they don't have a wide variety of cakes and are only open four days a week, it is a charming place that makes you want to visit again.

I love apple pie and always order it. Personally, I don't like strong-smelling things, so I ask to leave out the sansho pepper and cinnamon. I always thought that apple pie must have cinnamon, but when I tried the apple pie here, I couldn't taste any cinnamon at all. It was perfect, and I finished it in no time. I can only eat this apple pie once a year, but it's the best. The atmosphere inside the shop is pleasant with natural light, giving a pop vibe that makes me feel like I'm in Paris. Of course, the mille-feuille is also on a different level. The shop owner and his wife are both lovely people.

What is this!? The Millefeuille Tarte Tatin is too delicious! Thinly sliced apples layered multiple times on a thin tart, topped with cream. I thought I wouldn't be able to cut through with a fork because of the many layers, but it went smoothly. And yet, the texture of the apples still remains, perfectly balanced. The iced coffee seemed like something from a coffee specialty shop. Slightly roasted and delicious♡ Took home the apple tart which can be enjoyed at room temperature. After visiting the shop, I went to an art museum, so it was about 6 hours until I got home. It's May, so it's just about okay (highest temperature 25 degrees). Had the tart after dinner at home. The layers of cream were flattened due to being baked thoroughly. Not too sweet and delicious. It's not as shocking as the Millefeuille Tarte Tatin though. Millefeuille Tarte Tatin 580, Iced Coffee 300, Apple Tart 480 x2, Takeout. The itinerary for the day: Inaba Yakushi -> Nanportoqua -> Kyoto Cultural Museum "Exhibition of Oda Yurakusai" -> Takashimaya.

"Nanporto Kuwa" is a renowned restaurant run by the son of the well-known pastry chef, Kanekura Nishihara, Mr. Hirokatsu Nishihara. I finally had the opportunity to visit this restaurant, which is only open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11:00 to 16:00. I was able to try their popular "apple tart" and also decided to get the "apple and rum raisin crumble tart" which looked delicious. Even though it was already past lunchtime, they still had some tarts left, so I was able to purchase them. The other tarts also looked tempting, but I will try them on another occasion since I found out they are available on weekdays as well. The tarts can be stored at room temperature, so I enjoyed them in the locker room until the end of my workday. When I got home, I brewed my favorite Twinings Earl Grey tea and had a blissful moment... The apple tart was the best I have ever tasted! It uses different types of apples depending on the season, which is impressive. It was not too sweet and paired perfectly with the crust. It was incredibly delicious and left me speechless. The apple and rum raisin crumble tart was good, but I personally preferred the simplicity of the apple tart. The joy of discovering such delicious food is indescribable. I will definitely be coming back for more. Thank you for the wonderful meal."

A small shop with depth located right near the Kin Shotengai shopping street. They didn't have a wide variety of cakes, and some were already sold out by 1pm. I wanted to try the strawberry mille-feuille, but it was sold out, so I chose the strawberry tart instead. I enjoyed it with a cup of tea in the eat-in area near the entrance. The tart was crispy, the cream had a strawberry flavor, and it was easy to eat. It was a taste that I really liked!

"The apple tart here is delicious," I heard and headed towards the shop. I continued down a narrow entrance, opening doors and feeling unsure if I was in the right place. Finally, I reached the showcase at 3 PM, with only a few cakes left. But, the apple tart I wanted was there! I was relieved and excited. The apple tart looked beautiful with layers of apples and a delicious aroma. The taste was amazing, with the tart crust being crispy and slightly salty. I closed my eyes in delight. I wished I had bought more as the cakes sold out right after me. The shop, Namporutoquwa, offers unique and delicious tarts that break traditional molds. The green wall had signs of famous chefs, including Pierre Herme. The owner shared that she used to work with Pierre Herme in Paris. She was happy to hear that I enjoyed the tart. The shop has a rich history, with the owner's father starting the business in the area. I learned a lot from the owner, even though I struggled with the technical terms. I want to come back earlier next time to try more cakes. The apple tart is also available for delivery but sells out quickly!"

Visited the popular patisserie "Nampoltoqua" in Sakaimachi Nishiki. The owner is the son of the legendary former shop "O Grunier Dole" which sadly closed in 2018, Chef Nishihara. Tried the Apple and Rum Raisin Crumble Tart (¥580). While the apple tart is said to be popular, I wanted to try something with more variety. It was delicious. The apple was cooked through but still crisp and refreshing. The rum raisins had a subtle presence, but a nice aroma emerged later on. The crumble on top was the best part. It was quite thick, but had a light texture, crispy and crunchy with sugar sprinkled on top for a gentle sweetness that didn't overpower the apple's natural sweetness, creating a perfect balance.

Nanporukowa, a stylish and artistic patisserie located near Karasuma Station and Shijo Station in Kyoto, is the successor to the legendary patisserie O Grunie Dole. Known for its signature apple tart, the menu also includes tarte tatin, mille-feuille, mont blanc, and verrines in chic glass jars. The interior is modern and artsy, with cute decorations and a playful showcase. The cakes are limited but exquisite, with options like apple tart, tarte tatin, and mont blanc. The cafe also serves coffee and tea, and you can enjoy your cake in-store without ordering a drink. The mille-feuille was crispy and buttery, with layers of coffee cream and hazelnuts. The apple tart featured thin slices of Akita apples baked with sugar, butter, and cream. The balance of flavors in both desserts was perfect, making for a delightful experience.

Popular patissier Kanekura Nishihara's son, Hirokatsu Nishihara, has opened a patisserie in the same location where "Au Grenier d'Or" was founded. They offer a Japanese-style pound cake at "Namporuto Kwa" in Kyoto! This pound cake is made with matcha, red bean paste, and walnuts. The red bean paste aroma and bitterness are not overpowering, and the matcha bitterness is subtle. Overall, it has a Japanese vibe. It doesn't have the heaviness of chocolate, but rather the weight of red bean paste. It is moist, with a crispy sugar coating on top, creating a unique and delicious flavor.

The shop has a long narrow corridor that leads to the eat-in space, where there are a few cakes available for purchase. The selection is limited, with about 10 types of cakes, and some may sell out quickly. Here are the items purchased: - Millefeuille Tart Tatin (580 yen) - Rating: 3.9 - Mont Blanc with Japanese Chestnut (700 yen) - Rating: 3.6 - Chocolate Banana Crumble Tart (580 yen) - Rating: 3.6 - Praline Millefeuille (650 yen) - Rating: 3.6 - Apple Tart (480 yen) - Rating: 3.5 - Jasmine Tea Cream (530 yen) - Rating: 3.3 - Bretonne (800 yen) - Rating: 3.5 Overall, the shop seems to focus on tarts, with a decent selection of flavors. The tart crusts are crispy and the fillings are flavorful, although some may find the richness lacking. It is recommended to visit early as the cakes tend to sell out quickly.

I used to like a cake shop that closed down, and now it is run by the son and daughter-in-law of the pastry chef who used to work there. The shop is called "Anything Goes," which means they have a variety of items. The interior is decorated with all sorts of knick-knacks like Studio Ghibli, Spider-Man, Disney, and The Beatles, creating a very stylish atmosphere. They also have a drink menu, and you can eat at the counter seats along the aisle. This time, I chose to get takeout. I bought the classic apple tart and the recently popular Millefeuille Tatin. Both were delicious, but I was particularly surprised by how delicious the Millefeuille Tatin was. It had a base that seemed like a mix of pie crust and biscuit dough, with sweet apple compote on top. There was also whipped cream on the very top, making it a cake that sweet lovers would adore. Despite being sweet, it wasn't too heavy, and I finished it in no time. I want to buy the Millefeuille Tatin again next time I go.

The atmosphere of the shop is like a miscellaneous goods store, with famous people's canvases and figures of famous characters displayed, giving off a sense of style. The walls are adorned with the signatures of renowned chefs, adding to the prestige of the shop. Some sweets may sell out by around 3 p.m., so it may be necessary to visit early. The quality of the sweets exceeds expectations, with a perfect balance of sweetness that is truly impressive.

This shop is located about a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Station. I heard from a friend that their tarts are delicious, so I decided to visit. They are often closed on Sundays and Mondays. When I visited at the opening time of 11:00, there were already 3 customers inside. They offer Pineapple Tart for 490 yen, Strawberry and Rhubarb Crumble Tart for 580 yen, Earl Grey and Peach Mille-feuille for 600 yen, and Basque-style Cheesecake for 420 yen. The Pineapple Tart features ripe pineapple baked slowly with sugar, butter, and cream on a thin, crispy crust, which pairs well with the fruit. The Strawberry and Rhubarb Tart is topped with a crunchy crumble and passion orange jelly, creating a delicious combination. The Earl Grey cream in the Mille-feuille, paired with fresh peach, was delightful. The Cheesecake was creamy and delicious, just to my liking. These are sweets for adults that are truly delicious. I look forward to trying them inside the shop next time.

Until 2018, the store was called "O Grenier D'or" and was owned by Chef Kanekura Nishihara, who is now succeeded by his son, Yujiro Nishihara. I had visited the place when it was still operating as "O Grenier D'or," but only the salon was open, and this part of the store was closed. The salon always had long lines, and eventually, the entire place closed down. I had stayed away since then, but while passing by Nishiki Market, I decided to stop by. Upon entering the store, you will see a long counter table and a hallway decorated with illustrations of famous people and characters. This area can also be used for dining in. Moving further inside, you will find a boutique. The boutique displays various objects and art pieces, making it feel like an art museum rather than a patisserie. These are apparently collections of the owner couple. The showcase is designed like a garden, giving the cakes a radiant appearance. The signature "apple tart" is available from September to May, and in August, they had "pineapple tart" on display. The dining area is self-service, where you order and pay, and they will serve your selection on a tray. You can then move to the counter table to enjoy your treat and return the tray when done. ● Earl Grey and Peach Mille-feuille (600 yen) A mille-feuille with Earl Grey cream sandwiched between layers, topped with sliced white peaches and cream. The pastry is arranged vertically, making it a bit tricky to cut from the top, so it's easier to remove the layers one by one. The fragrant Earl Grey cream paired perfectly with the peaches, and the rich buttery pastry completed the harmonious combination. ● Tea (Assam / 300 yen) I chose Assam tea to complement the Earl Grey dessert. The tea was served in a paper cup with a tea strainer. It was a simple setup, but it allowed me to adjust the strength of the tea to my liking. It was my first time using a tea strainer, and I found it convenient for quick extraction.

On the first day of my trip to Kyoto, after lunch, I visited the shop I had checked out for tea. It's near Nishiki Market, which is convenient on this rainy day. The shop has a counter-only interior as you go in from the sign, with a showcase further inside. I knew from my research, but it was interesting to see in person. You order at the back of the shop, and eat at the seating area which also serves as a walkway. The space is stylish with photos and art on the walls. There was a sign on the wall, but I couldn't tell who it was. This time, I ordered... - Apple tart (¥427) - Blend coffee (¥305) The thin apple tart had a strong apple flavor and a crispy crust, very delicious! Even though I had a full lunch, it was easy to eat (laughs). The coffee was easy to drink and paired well with the tart. The prices were reasonable, making it a perfect dessert after a meal. The counter seating is great for solo diners. When I entered, I was the only one, but soon three ladies arrived. It might be hard to chat with three people. But in these times, sitting side by side is more reassuring. I enjoyed my rainy day tea time. Thank you for the meal.

Located a 5-7 minute walk from Karasuma Station, Patisserie Nanport Kuwa is a popular pastry shop known for its tarts and desserts. They are closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and typically open about half of the month. It's recommended to visit on weekdays as there is usually not much of a line, especially in the early afternoon when there are still plenty of cakes available. This time, I ordered the popular Millefeuille and the apple tart. The Millefeuille was filled with plenty of custard and had a crispy texture, while the apple tart was topped with sweet stewed apples. Both desserts had a perfect balance of sweetness and texture in the pastry, making them a must-try if you can. Although it's a bit on the pricey side, it's definitely worth a visit to this renowned shop. Bon appétit!

I visited this place because I wanted to try this chocolate cake limited to Valentine's Day and White Day. The apple cake I bought on a whim was so delicious that I decided to come here all year round. I will definitely be a repeat customer. The atmosphere of the shop is also very nice, and the lovely shop manager (?) talked to me.