Feature | These Are the Christmas Cakes You Should Buy This Year! | Patisseries & Chocolatiers
Gelateria Marghera
Gelateria Marghera, a long-established gelato specialty shop born in Milan, arrived in Japan in July. As soon as its first store opened in Azabu-Juban, it was swamped with customers daily, rivaling its original store, which sees over 3,000 visitors on busy days. For Christmas, Gelateria Marghera presents "Panettone," a traditional Italian Christmas cake. With a unique twist only a gelato specialty shop could offer, they have created an "ice cream cake" for adults.
Panettone, originating from Milan, is now a beloved Christmas tradition throughout Italy. Using Italian natural yeast, panettone starter, and plenty of eggs, they create a dough with a delicate texture, then sandwich it with chocolate and nocciola (hazelnut) gelato. Topped with fruit and nuts, it's a dish that colors the Christmas table with festive hues. Don't forget to pair it with spumante, the Milanese way.
"Panettone" Price | ¥4,500 (16 x 12 cm) Sales Period | November 22 (Fri) - December 25 (Wed) Sales Stores | Azabu-Juban store, Atre Ebisu store (opens November 22)
Enjoy both the coolness of gelato and the smooth texture of cake with "Semifreddo." It's a new textural dessert that allows you to savor its gradual melt over time.
"Crema & Frutta" Price | ¥3,200 (12 cm), ¥3,800 (15 cm) Sales Period | November 22 (Fri) Sales Stores | Azabu-Juban store, Atre Ebisu store (opens November 22)
The reason Pierre Marcolini's couverture (chocolate for confectionery) is called the "Jewel of Brussels" is none other than his unwavering dedication to cacao. While most chocolatiers typically source chocolate ingredients from manufacturers and add their originality through flavorings and aromas, Pierre Marcolini himself handles everything from sourcing cacao beans to blending and roasting. Let us introduce this year's new cake from Mr. Marcolini.
This creation layers a chocolate mousse with a bold aroma, the elegant tartness of fruit rouge (red fruits like berries), and the rich flavor of the chocolate biscuit base. Simple yet harmonious in its balance of tartness, bitterness, and sweetness, it promises a superior Christmas experience.
"Noël de Pierre 2013 'Fruit Rouge'" Price | ¥5,985 Sales Stores | Major department stores nationwide
Encased in a chocolate mousse made with his signature couverture is a rich caramel paste and a light, crispy feuilletine (thinly rolled and baked cookie). The glossy chocolate dome, adorned with a red heart, brings happiness to any table.
"Noël de Pierre 2013 'Dôme'" Price | ¥5,985 (12 cm) Reservations accepted Pickup Period | December 13 (Fri) - December 26 (Thu) Pickup Location | Directly managed stores Reservation Method | Phone, directly managed stores, Shibuya Hikarie limited-time shop, Pierre Marcolini "Online Shop" *Delivery is not available due to the delicate nature of the product.
Pierre Marcolini Tel. 03-5537-0955 http://www.c-c-c.co.jp/shopping/ (Online Shop) http://www.pierremarcolini.jp
Jean-Paul Hévin, founded in Paris, France, celebrates its 25th anniversary. Mr. Hévin, a world-class chocolatier, creates chocolates that are as delicate and exquisite as jewels. This year, befitting the anniversary, he presents "Best of," embodying Mr. Hévin's "masterpieces."
A Bûche de Noël that combines a rich chocolate mousse with a raspberry jelly flavored with violet and a finely crushed chocolate-flavored sablé for a delightful texture and taste. The decoration, modeled after the streets of Paris, reflects Mr. Hévin's deep affection for the city.
"Best of Paris" Price | ¥5,460 Reservations accepted *Refer to the website for reservation periods, pickup locations, etc.
A passionate red Bûche de Noël, enclosed in a chocolate fence. The dark chocolate mousse, with a passion fruit jelly hidden inside, is layered with three different chocolate cakes, overflowing with a passion for chocolate.
"Best of Passion" Price | ¥6,510 Reservations accepted *Refer to the website for reservation periods, pickup locations, etc.
Representing the element of air among the four natural elements—earth, air, fire, and water—this Bûche de Noël features a dark chocolate mousse with a hidden biscuit and crème brûlée, creating a harmony of sweetness and bitterness. Catch it before the colorful balloons float away.
"Best of Nature" Price | ¥5,775 Reservation Period | Until December 13 (Fri) Pickup Period | December 22 (Sun) - 24 (Tue) Pickup Location | Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Main Building 7F "Christmas Pre-order Item Pickup Area" Reservation Method | 2013 Mitsukoshi Christmas Cake "Online Shop"
Pâtissier es KOYAMA'sSusumu Koyamais a figure gaining global attention not only as a pâtissier but also as a chocolatier, having won a gold medal at the "International Chocolate Awards 2013." This year, celebrating its 10th anniversary since opening, the theme is "The Best Christmas of My Life!" to create a memorable night with cake.
Pâtissier es KOYAMA 0120-931-395 Tel. 079-564-3392 (Mobile/PHS) http://www.es-koyama.com
A fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth sponge cake generously filled with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Adorable snowman and Santa Claus figures bring smiles to your table.
"Fresh Cream Decoration" Price | ¥3,150 (15 cm), ¥3,885 (18 cm), ¥5,145 (21 cm), ¥7,350 (24 cm), ¥9,450 (27 cm), ¥12,600 (30 cm) Reservation Period | Until December 17 (Tue) Pickup Period | December 20 (Fri) - 25 (Wed) Pickup Location | es KOYAMA Gift Salon "KOYAMA EX!" (20th only), es KOYAMA "FRAME" (21st-25th) Reservation Method | Phone, es KOYAMA Gift Salon "KOYAMA EX!", website
Pâtissier es KOYAMA 0120-931-395 Tel. 079-564-3392 (Mobile/PHS) http://www.es-koyama.com
The gentle sweetness of Belgian milk chocolate harmonizes with strawberries and a moist, baked chocolate sponge cake. The entire cake is then coated with dark chocolate and fresh cream. Served with a special caramel-flavored nama chocolate, inspired by a log.
"Nama Chocolate Decoration" Price | ¥3,360 (15 cm), ¥4,095 (18 cm), ¥5,460 (21 cm), ¥7,875 (24 cm), ¥10,500 (27 cm), ¥13,650 (30 cm) Reservation Period | Until December 17 (Tue) Pickup Period | December 20 (Fri) - 25 (Wed) Pickup Location | es KOYAMA Gift Salon "KOYAMA EX!" (20th only), es KOYAMA "FRAME" (21st-25th) Reservation Method | Phone, es KOYAMA Gift Salon "KOYAMA EX!", website
Pâtissier es KOYAMA 0120-931-395 Tel. 079-564-3392 (Mobile/PHS) http://www.es-koyama.com
This Stollen boasts a moist, soft dough, rich with dried fruits, made in the French style. Even a thin slice releases an elegant aroma of dough and fruit that fills the mouth.
"Stollen" Price | ¥1,680 (18 cm) Reservation Period | Until December 17 (Tue) Pickup Period | December 20 (Fri) - 25 (Wed) Pickup Location | es KOYAMA Gift Salon "KOYAMA EX!" (20th only), es KOYAMA "FRAME" (21st-25th) Reservation Method | Phone, es KOYAMA Gift Salon "KOYAMA EX!", website
Pâtissier es KOYAMA 0120-931-395 Tel. 079-564-3392 (Mobile/PHS) http://www.es-koyama.com
This year's new addition is a chocolate version of the Stollen. The aim was to maximize the richness and aroma of chocolate while achieving a moist texture. Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg further enhance the chocolate's fragrance. The marzipan with dried fruits and pistachios mixed inside creates a beautiful contrast of black and green.
"Stollen Chocolat" Price | ¥1,890 (18 cm) Reservation Period | Until December 17 (Tue) Pickup Period | December 20 (Fri) - 25 (Wed) Pickup Location | es KOYAMA Gift Salon "KOYAMA EX!" (20th only), es KOYAMA "FRAME" (21st-25th) Reservation Method | Phone, es KOYAMA Gift Salon "KOYAMA EX!", website
Pâtissier es KOYAMA 0120-931-395 Tel. 079-564-3392 (Mobile/PHS) http://www.es-koyama.com
This Bûche de Noël, with its playful appearance, makes one want to hum "Petit Baba Noël" (gentle Santa Claus) in the French style. Its specialty is the unique textured sponge cake infused with aged rum. The rich praline cream hidden inside is irresistible.
"Bûche Petit Baba Noël" Price | ¥5,670 (17 cm) Reservation Period | Until December 17 (Tue) Pickup Period | December 20 (Fri) - 25 (Wed) *If reserved at the Aoyama main store, pickup is from December 23 (Mon) - 25 (Wed) Pickup Location | Aoyama main store Reservation Method | Aoyama main store, website
Pierre Hermé Paris Tel. 03-5485-7766 (Aoyama main store) http://www.pierreherme.co.jp
This new cake was inspired by Mr. Hermé's first taste of "Summer Pudding" in London 25 years ago. The sponge cake, made with lemon and olive oil, melts smoothly with the lemon-flavored cream, leaving a warm aftertaste reminiscent of the summer sun.
"Ispahan" Price | ¥5,250 (15 cm) Reservation Period | Until December 17 (Tue) Pickup Period | December 20 (Fri) - 25 (Wed) Pickup Location | Aoyama main store Reservation Method | Directly managed stores, website
Pierre Hermé Paris Tel. 03-5485-7766 (Aoyama main store) http://www.pierreherme.co.jp
Even a traditional cheesecake is transformed into an original creation by Mr. Hermé. The fruity flavors of rose, lychee, and raspberry combine with the richness of cream cheese, creating an elegant taste sensation.
"Bûche Cheesecake Ispahan" Price | ¥5,670 (17 cm) Reservation Period | Until December 17 (Tue) Pickup Period | December 20 (Fri) - 25 (Wed) Pickup Location | Aoyama main store Reservation Method | Directly managed stores, website
Pierre Hermé Paris Tel. 03-5485-7766 (Aoyama main store) http://www.pierreherme.co.jp
Glittering costumes, beautiful music, and a moving moment of emotion──. To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner, two of opera's greatest composers, Henri Le Roux presents this year's Christmas with an opera theme. The mysterious, gothic-inspired decoration will surely add a bewitching and festive touch to your Christmas Eve.
A Bûche de Noël inspired by the opera "La Traviata." Fragrant rose, citrusy bergamot and mandarin blend with rich ganache, jelly, chocolate mousse, and crémeux, promising a dramatic melt. Finished with a single rose.
"Bûche Déclinaison Traviata" Price | ¥6,300 Reservations accepted Pickup Location | Tokyo Midtown store
Henri Le Roux Tel. 03-3479-9291 (Tokyo Midtown store) http://www.henri-leroux.com
Mini cakes packed with the world of opera. "Bichette Pinacolada," with its striking white and yellow contrast, reimagines the cocktail Pinacolada using different ingredients. A sophisticated taste with coconut, pineapple, and rum. The chocolate-colored cake in the back is "Bichette Crêpe Dentelle," layered with crêpe dentelle (thinly baked crepes), chocolate mousse, and cacao biscuit. Three unique cakes are presented.
(From front to back) "Bichette Pinacolada" Price | ¥588 "Bichette Yuzu Matcha" Price | ¥588 "Bichette Crêpe Dentelle" Price | ¥588 Sales Period | November 29 (Fri) - December 25 (Wed) Sales Stores | Tokyo Midtown store, Isetan Shinjuku store, Tamagawa Takashimaya store *At Tamagawa Takashimaya store only, sales begin December 11 (Wed)
Ladurée's Chef Pâtissier, Vincent Lemains, has created a dessert resembling red and white socks, evoking the excitement of Christmas. What gifts will arrive this year? Looking at this chocolate object naturally sparks such thoughts.
"Bûche Petit Sourire" Price | ¥12,500 Sales Period | December 22 (Sun) - 25 (Wed) Sales Stores | Ginza store, Nihonbashi store, Shinjuku store
A mini cake featuring a fragrant sponge cake infused with aged rum, layered with chestnut mousse and small pieces of candied chestnuts. Despite its small size, the image of a tree stump is meticulously recreated.
"Bûchette Duchesse" Price | ¥1,400 Sales Period | December 14 (Sat) - 25 (Wed) Sales Stores | Ginza store, Nihonbashi store, Shinjuku store
The base is a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth sponge cake. It's layered with mousseline (custard cream mixed with butter) generously flavored with vanilla beans, a jelly with wild strawberry pieces, and mascarpone-infused fresh cream with a hint of cherry liqueur, creating a balanced sandwich. This new-concept cake combines the classic shortcake and Bûche de Noël.
"Bûche de Noël Fraise" Price | ¥4,725 (17 cm) Reservation Period | From December 1 (Sun) Pickup Period | December 20 (Fri) - December 25 (Wed) Pickup Location | Ebisu Garden Place store, Roppongi Hills store, Marunouchi store Reservation Method | Phone, Ebisu Garden Place store, Roppongi Hills store, Marunouchi store
La Boutique de Joël Robuchon Tel. 03-5424-1345 (Ebisu Garden Place store) Tel. 03-5772-7507 (Roppongi Hills store) Tel. 03-3217-2877 (Marunouchi store)
A pure white cake with white chocolate mousse encasing a raspberry jelly. The nutty aroma of the hazelnut sablé base adds a delightful accent to the flavor.
"Blanc Blanc 2013" Price | ¥2,940 (11 cm) Reservation Period | From December 1 (Sun) Pickup Period | December 20 (Fri) - December 25 (Wed) Pickup Location | Ebisu Garden Place store, Roppongi Hills store, Marunouchi store Reservation Method | Phone, Ebisu Garden Place store, Roppongi Hills store, Marunouchi store
La Boutique de Joël Robuchon Tel. 03-5424-1345 (Ebisu Garden Place store) Tel. 03-5772-7507 (Roppongi Hills store) Tel. 03-3217-2877 (Marunouchi store)
Inside the vibrant red Christmas-colored cake is a milk chocolate mousse blended with cherry and raspberry puree, and pistachio crème brûlée. A delightful combination of tart berries and the mellow sweetness of pistachios.
"Rouge" Price | ¥3,675 (14 cm) Reservation Period | From December 1 (Sun) Pickup Period | December 20 (Fri) - December 25 (Wed) Pickup Location | Ebisu Garden Place store, Roppongi Hills store, Marunouchi store Reservation Method | Phone, Ebisu Garden Place store, Roppongi Hills store, Marunouchi store
La Boutique de Joël Robuchon Tel. 03-5424-1345 (Ebisu Garden Place store) Tel. 03-5772-7507 (Roppongi Hills store) Tel. 03-3217-2877 (Marunouchi store)
A Bûche de Noël featuring a tart fruit rouge jelly and an elegant cream scented with hibiscus. It's crafted with an artistic decoration befitting Paris.
"Noël Rouge" Price | ¥5,670 (16 cm) *Limited to 50 pieces Reservation Period | Until December 12 (Thu) Pickup Period | December 22 (Sun) - 25 (Wed) Pickup Location | Marunouchi store, Tokyo Midtown store Reservation Method | Phone, Marunouchi store, Tokyo Midtown store, Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI Paris "Online Shop"
Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI Paris Tel. 03-6404-3769 http://www.sadaharuaoki.co.jp/ (Online Shop)
A Japanese-style creation featuring a rich matcha-flavored cream and homemade anko (sweet red bean paste). The crisp feuilletine (thinly rolled and baked cookie) provides a textural accent, complementing the subtle bitterness of matcha and the sweetness of the anko.
"Matcha Azuki" Price | ¥3,150 (12 cm) *Limited to 100 pieces Reservation Period | Until December 12 (Thu) Pickup Period | December 22 (Sun) - 25 (Wed) Pickup Location | Marunouchi store, Tokyo Midtown store Reservation Method | Phone, Marunouchi store, Tokyo Midtown store, Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI Paris "Online Shop"
Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI Paris Tel. 03-6404-3769 http://www.sadaharuaoki.co.jp/ (Online Shop)
A white Bûche de Noël made with smooth whipped cream and plenty of sweet and tart seasonal strawberries. The fluffy sponge cake promises a delicate melt. This is a limited edition item available only at the Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs store.
"Crème Fraise" Price | ¥5,250 (17 cm) *Limited to 30 pieces Reservation Period | Until December 18 (Wed) Pickup Period | December 23 (Mon, Holiday), 24 (Tue) Pickup Location | Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs store Reservation Method | Phone, Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs store
Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI Paris Tel. 03-6434-1809 (Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs store)
Debailleul was born in Brussels, Belgium. It is a maison founded 30 years ago by Marc Debailleul, a legendary pâtissier with the title of "MOF" (Meilleur Ouvrier de France - Best Craftsman in France). Inheriting Mr. Debailleul's spirit of pursuing perfect flavor, the maison continues to create memorable tastes by combining exceptional craftsmanship with high-quality ingredients. What Christmas cake has Debailleul introduced this winter?
A rich chocolate mousse encloses a crème brûlée infused with vanilla beans. The harmony between its melting texture and the light crunch of rice crispies is exquisite. This is a high-quality chocolate cake that reproduces Debailleul's traditional recipe.
"Rêve d'un Jour" Price | ¥5,250 (approx. 15 cm) Reservation Period | Until December 19 (Thu) Reservation Method | Debailleul Marunouchi Building store, Marunouchi Oazo store, other major department stores nationwide
