I found a lovely cake shop while looking for a birthday cake. I was worried that even a small cake might not come with a birthday plate, but luckily they said they could add one for just 100 yen. They decorated it with a cute chocolate plate, white chocolate pen, and blue accents, which was really nice. The staff at the reception was also very polite, so thank you. The shortcake and cream puff flavors were not too sweet, allowing the deliciousness of the pastry to shine through. It was really delicious, with a mature taste that was just right.

I received a Financier from Patisserie Hana. It was delicious!

What should I serve to a group of male guests? Maybe a fancy French patisserie won't suit their taste. I need something more intuitively delicious... and then it hit me, our shop's shortcake. Oh, there's a new product called Premium Shortcake? I follow our shop's Instagram but didn't know about it. Let's go with half of that. The moist sponge, creamy filling, and overall quality seem the same, but the variety of berries on top and the slightly smaller size make it look more luxurious. While a regular shortcake would be larger if cut into 6 pieces, the Premium one can be cut into 3 pieces (I should measure the size with a ruler...). The feedback from everyone is great! They devoured it eagerly. It wasn't me who made it, but I feel happy. Even if this is a limited edition for Golden Week, the regular shortcake offers the same enjoyment. Give it a try, it's one answer to delicious shortcake.

I went to a shop I had been curious about and bought a birthday cake. The whipped cream was very light and the cheesecake at the bottom was delicious. The cookie layer at the very bottom was especially tasty. There were also many other types of cakes available, so I will definitely be going back!

Asagaya - Patisserie Hanazakura Mont Blanc's cream was delicious and rich. It had a Japanese-style feel with cream made from cherry blossom paste. The custard inside was also rich! The cherry blossom mousse had a subtle cherry blossom flavor, and it also had cherry blossom cream inside the mousse.

If you follow our Instagram, you'll find mouthwatering new products even in this scorching heat! Drinkable almond pudding: Chill it well! Smooth texture! Gentle sweetness, maybe with a hint of strawberry... Enjoying this in the extremely hot summer doesn't seem so bad after all. Strawberry shortcake: Sometimes they come up with variations like this. The mellow fruit may not always match perfectly, but the huge Kyoho grape from before was a home run. Shortcake: As I've said many times, this is our signature dish. Moist sponge cake with mysteriously delicious chantilly cream, a juicy phrase, and a unique flavor that sets it apart! Cream puff: A pillar of our shop that I personally recommend! The rich custard cream filling, combined with the light cream on top, is incredibly delicious. Personally, the cream puff from Chef Kanda at Akitsu is the best so far, but this one doesn't fall short. The chef at our shop may not have the extreme flavors of hardcore French chefs, but he has hidden weapons that are uniquely ours. I will continue to visit for the taste that only our shop can offer.

I saw this Sakura Mont Blanc on Instagram before and had been looking forward to trying it this season. I purchased two items: Sakura Mont Blanc for 490 yen including tax, and Sakura Mousse for 460 yen including tax. The Sakura Mont Blanc has a tart base with brulee, cream, and Sakura bean paste. The Sakura Mousse has a sponge base with Sakura brulee, Sakura bean paste, and Sakura mousse. Both were delicious! The center where you can taste everything together was especially tasty. There are a few other cakes that caught my eye, so I definitely want to try them again.

The reviewer keeps coming back to this restaurant because they have a must-try item. The Shortcake is irresistible with its classic white and red design that catches the eye. The combination of a refreshing phrase, moist sponge cake, and rich cream is a winning formula. The Mont Blanc is another recommended item, similar to the must-try Mont Blanc, with a chestnut paste and creamy chantilly that complement each other perfectly. The White Orange, a new item, features a white chocolate theme with a noticeable orange flavor. The balance between the soft sponge and flavorful cream is excellent. Lastly, the reviewer appreciates the personal touch of being escorted to the door by a pastry chef who treats them like family.

I shouldn't have looked... haha. When transferring buses, I saw that there were still some shortcakes left in our store's showcase! Something inside me clicked, and my one-year hiatus from patisserie hunting was suddenly reignited. Shortcake: I know I keep saying this, but do any of you have a list of good shortcake shops? It's surprisingly difficult. If you're having trouble finding one, why not come visit our store even if it's a bit far? The light yet rich chantilly cream, moist sponge cake, and the refreshing acidity of the strawberries... Just these elements make it incredibly delicious. Mont Blanc Chantilly: Chantilly is whipped cream with added sugar. It's like a rearranged version of a Mont Blanc. The store tag mentioned that it has a hint of liqueur, but it's safe even for kids. The subtle elegant aroma lingers and it's so good! Ah, it was delicious! Well, I guess once in a while... Oh, but I have a medical check-up next week. Apparently, recent tests show the past two weeks' trends, so it's already too late haha. But I need to make sure I don't let this patisserie hunting urge get out of control (although I couldn't resist it! haha) (← not haha!).

I found this Western confectionery shop a little further north from Asagaya Station. It was just before 7:00 pm and most of the fresh confections were already sold out, which made a child who was there sad. I decided to try the Financier (including tax 170 yen) which caught my eye as a baked confection. It had a nice color and a neat shape, giving the impression of being carefully made. It was quite moist and easy to eat, maybe because the butter had soaked in well. When I chewed it, the flavor of butter spread in my mouth, and it had a nice level of sweetness. It was a delicious and easy-to-eat Financier.

I visited a shop located about 7-8 minutes north of Asagaya Station on a weekend afternoon. The shop is situated on Nakasugi Street, where the number of eateries decreases significantly compared to the main streets. I purchased matcha mousse for 450 yen, strawberry tart for 460 yen, red tea mousse for 450 yen, and shortcake for 460 yen. I tried the first two items, and they tasted delicious, but each layer seemed to have a similar taste, just overly sweet. However, I found the cakes visually appealing and reasonably priced for a local cake shop. The service was good too, with staff quickly opening the door for customers pushing strollers. Overall, it was a pleasant experience.

At the beginning of this year, I tried a Mont Blanc cake from Doutor for the first time, as part of my first patisserie tour. I originally wanted to try the shop's recommended shortcake, but it was already sold out by late evening. So, I decided to try something new and ended up with a matcha mousse. Personally, I usually prefer matcha flavors in traditional Japanese sweets, but this mousse impressed me with its skillful use of chocolate in the middle layer, making it really delicious. It seemed like a special item that the chef put a lot of thought into. It might have been a limited edition or just a popular item that sells out quickly. The items I ended up purchasing again were the Mont Blanc, which never disappoints with its generous cream and chestnut paste, and the cream puff, with its crispy shell and perfectly balanced custard cream. The shop is known for having a set menu, but it's always worth visiting to discover hidden gems like these.

When I entered the store, I saw many cakes and pastries. The shop was cute and charming. The boundary tape on the outside bicycle had added emojis, which I found humorous and liked. It was my first time at this shop, so I decided to try their shortcake (¥460). The whipped cream was light and not too sweet, which I prefer. During this season, I also tried their Mont Blanc (¥470), which had finely chopped chestnuts inside and a tart crust at the bottom. I enjoy the combination of tart and sweet flavors. The Mont Blanc was a bit on the sweeter and heavier side than I expected. I apologize for the slightly squished appearance in the photo I attached. The prices of the cakes are mostly below ¥500, making it quite affordable!

Visited around 4:30 PM on Saturday with no other customers. There was a sufficient selection of cakes and a variety of baked goods at affordable prices, suitable for small gifts. I wanted to have cake today, so I got the Chocolate Sweet for 440 yen and a Cream Puff for 230 yen. The chocolate cake was lighter than expected, and the cream puff had a not-too-sweet cream filling, making it easy to eat. The cream puff pastry was dry and crispy. There were quite a few cake options, so I had trouble deciding and got a bit flustered at the checkout, but the staff were very friendly.

From the very beginning, I apologize for the inappropriate analogy, but I read about how people who have survived drug addiction feel an intense craving when they see "it", even if they know it's just sugar or cornstarch. They can't help but have a strong desire to try it. And somehow, I can relate to that feeling. Lately, when I take the bus home, I transfer at the bus stop in front of our shop because it's the shortest walk. On one occasion, an ambulance passed by, pushing us aside. And, in a rather inappropriate way, that sight triggered a flashback in my mind...to our shop's signature shortcake. It's like I couldn't resist it. I've been trying to cut back on sweets lately, so it only makes it worse. The rich taste of the chantilly cream and the dense texture of the biscuit with the accent of strawberries. Shortcakes may seem similar everywhere, but if asked about the most delicious one, I would immediately choose our shop over others. Well, the hardcore French patisseries might not agree with that. The cream puff has a crispy shell filled with cream, a rich taste that hits all the right notes! Personally, I prefer a firmer texture, but the balance of flavors in our shop's cream puff is just perfect. The Mont Blanc! A crispy tart with almond cream, cream, and all the assertive elements combined. The chestnut flavor particularly stands out, which is great. I forgot to take a photo of the cross-section, but the multiple chestnuts inside add to the flavor. I initially found it quite heavy, but it's well-balanced and I highly recommend it. These are my top three favorites at our shop. Seasonal shortcakes are also worth trying. Last year, the Kyoho grape one was delicious. On this day, there was a Shine Muscat shortcake... I shouldn't say it's recommended, but I can't help but want to try it out for myself.

Suddenly craving for a strawberry shortcake, where would you recommend? In Japan, it's a relatively common item that you can find almost anywhere, but this might be a surprising challenge. However, if you're in Asagaya, head to this shop. Their strawberry shortcake has a fresh taste, slightly chewy biscuit, and as mentioned on the shop's website, a light yet flavorful chantilly cream. It may seem simple, but there is a hidden element that makes it satisfying. What that is can only be experienced by cutting it vertically and taking a bite of all layers at once. Crème brûlée: Despite being a middle-aged man, I have a soft spot for cute things, so I was drawn to this container... A rich and creamy custard! By the way, this one is not burnt on top, but there are types like that too, right? I remember a movie where a character said they enjoy cracking the burnt part of crème brûlée, so I wanted to try that and searched all over Tokyo for crème brûlée, which was not so common at that time. I bought one at Blondyell this month, so I'll talk about that later. Chocolat sweet: A relatively light chocolate dessert. When you enjoy it cold from the fridge, the cold cream melts and spreads the chocolate flavor in your mouth! The layer soaked into the biscuit adds another dimension to the experience. It has a lightness but still a good balance. Choux cream: Another purchase opportunity. The rich and packed cream flavor! The taste of custard cream is also a strong point of this shop... Asagaya residents who can just decide to come to this shop are lucky. By the way, I also live within walking distance if you're a city person.

I am writing this in the spring of 2020. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the stay-at-home order, I have noticed people gathering at certain places. One of these places seems to be cake shops or patisseries. Perhaps grandparents are taking their grandchildren out to keep them quiet at home by treating them to something sweet? The shop I visited had more customers than usual, mostly older people. Even the nearby Tatuya Sasaki had limited options early in the day. At Atesuei, there was a line outside. And even at Hiroya Minamisawa, a place not really for kids, they were selling out daily according to social media. The Raspberry Mousse had a perfect balance of tangy mousse, raspberry jelly, cream, and chocolate. The Banana dessert was elegant, not overpoweringly banana-flavored, with a delightful macaron on top. The Asagaya Roll had a unique chewy texture, with chestnuts crushed into the cream. It reminded me of the chestnut trees near Saginomiya Station. Despite my ramblings, the beautiful pastries and the care shown by the talented pastry chefs made me forget about the current situation.

Recently, my sister who lives in Sapporo told me about a grape shortcake she had at a local shop and how delicious it was. Coincidentally, I had a similar experience here and was equally impressed. It seems that grapes go well with shortcake during this season! Grape Shortcake: The juicy Kyoho grapes pair perfectly with the slightly light yet flavorful cream, and the moist, slightly springy sponge cake. Personally, I think it's fine to leave the skin on, but maybe there aren't many people in Japan who feel that way, which is why it's prepared this way. Cassis: The harmony of cassis and chocolate. The cassis mousse with chocolate is a contrast between the light and fluffy texture and the rich and indulgent flavors battling it out. Three Cherries: "Three cherries" refers to sour cherries. They can be eaten raw, similar to Japanese cherries. By the way, I learned this year that "Griotte" is a variety used for processing. According to a specialist's webpage (link → https://www.tsujicho.com/oishii/recipe/letter/totteoki/cerise.html), compared to the previous cassis flavor, this one seems more tangy, but in reality, it has a fresh acidity that stands out. Is this a result of the combination effect? Maybe it's related to the density or texture of the mousse. Cakes with fruit toppings depend on the fruit, but cakes with fruit incorporated like this one seem to require various ideas and techniques, showcasing the skills of the pastry chef. Our shop offers such seasonal cakes.

The summer heat is still lingering, but I continue my pastry shop visits. The shop near my home ensures I don't have to endure the heat for too long. Watermelon Shortcake: A surprising combination of watermelon and cream, recommended by the shop. It's refreshing but doesn't quite reach the next level of deliciousness. Lychee Mousse: A summer-like treat with a delicate lychee flavor. It's elegant and enjoyable. Cream Puff: A cute puff filled with double cream, standing out with its rich creaminess. Cheesecake: Light yet flavorful, with a hint of cheese and a berry base. The contrast is delightful. The shop's approach to cream is unique, offering a delicate yet flavorful experience. The shop may not scream "French pastry," but its seasonal items and delicate touch cater to Japanese tastes. I'll visit again when autumn arrives.

From inside the bus, I could see that beautiful female store clerk seeing off customers outside again. And I came back again. Do you really want to be pampered by a "beautiful girl" so much, me! (laughs) Framboise Chocolat: Is chocolate and raspberry a classic combination in the world of sweets? I didn't know that until now, but this combination seems to be a common flavor in many shops. The rich chocolate with the tartness of the raspberry cutting through it. Caramel Chocolat: The caramel mousse part has a light taste, and the anticipated bitterness gradient does not occur. Is this item meant to appeal to Japanese taste with its elegance? Black Tea Mousse: Cut it vertically with the cream on top and all! Although the tea flavor is not very noticeable, when the fluffy mousse melts, you can smell the tea aroma inside. Patisseries always take care in packaging, securing the items in the box to prevent them from falling. It takes time, and during that time, I hope the next customer doesn't come. Because if the customer is waiting, I won't get the "beautiful girl seeing me off" experience (laughs).