01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
At Kissaten Hangetsu in Kuramae, people keep coming through the door for cream puffs whose flavours and fillings change with the seasons. The pastry is baked until crisp and deeply golden, with a satisfying crunch and a fragrant hint of nuts. In autumn, Nagano Purple grapes are paired with Earl Grey cream; during citrus season, mascarpone or lemon curd brings a brighter touch. The fruit’s acidity balances the cream’s richness for a dessert with a more grown-up feel. The popular cream puffs can sell out early, so an earlier visit is the safer choice if they are what you have come for.
The pairing of baked treats and fruit extends beyond the cream puffs. The rare cheesecake is light on the palate. Seasonal fruit—blueberries and cassis, pear or citrus—brings a lively contrast to the mellow cheese, while the savoury edge of the crisp, fragrant base keeps it in balance. There is also a moist carrot cake with gently aromatic spices, as well as a simple, neatly made Swiss roll—tempting choices for different moods.
There is care in the drinks selection, too, with options to suit the desserts. The café latte, finished with delicate latte art, combines deep espresso with plenty of milk and makes a good match for richer sweets. For a more pronounced taste of coffee itself, try a long black or drip coffee, both noted for their bitterness and depth. Beyond coffee, the drinks include teas such as Te Tibetan, scented with vanilla and jasmine, and Mizudori, a green tea blended with mango and bergamot, as well as a refreshing peach soda. There is plenty to enjoy even if a drink is the main event.
On the ground floor of Uguisu Building, the café has a calm, understated interior centred on wood tones. After entering, order and pay at the counter before choosing a seat and settling in while your food and drink are prepared. With its carefully chosen tableware and classic furniture, it is a relaxed place to pause during a walk.
