In Japan, the idea of a Christmas cake goes far beyond the classic fruitcake. In fact, the festive season desserts seem to become richer and more decorated every year. To help you choose one for your 2016 celebrations, we’ve rounded up a few luxury and designer cakes. Put your order in…
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Besides offering a dose of nostalgia for fans of Lost in Translation, Park Hyatt Tokyo also affords a view of Mt. Fuji (when she’s not feeling shy), and some of the finest fine dining in the city. But let’s not waste any more time talking about fine dining when we could instead be salivating over these exquisite-looking treats (pictured above and below). We simply cannot wait to dig into the decadent Bûche Forêt Blanche (¥4,400), with its striking snowy white chocolate glaze, rich mousse filling, and cherry compote center.
Cake orders can be placed in advance from Pastry Boutique by calling 03 5323 3462 before December 21. More information at tokyo.park.hyatt.com
Maison Landemaine Tokyo
Founded by couple Rodolphe Landemaine and Yoshimi Ishikawa, this French bakery opened its first branch in Tokyo in 2015, and has been going strong here ever since. Known for choosing the best quality raw ingredients, and turning basic breads and pastries into artisanal wonders, Maison Landemaine doesn’t disappoint when it comes to their Winter 2016 cake menu. Priced from ¥2,900 to ¥3,900, these pretty little things make perfect gifts for friends, co-workers, or even just for yourself. Because you deserve it.
For more information, visit www.maisonlandemaine.com (English) or www.maisonlandemainejapon.com (Japanese)
The Ritz-Carlton
A five-star urban oasis in Tokyo Midtown, The Ritz-Carlton is of course revered for its opulence. And its Christmas cakes for 2016 fit the bill. There are four versions to try, each of which include four to six different layers of dreamy deliciousness. The Caramelia Pineapple Chestnut cake (¥6,400), for example, features gianduja-guanaja glaze and caramelia mousse wrapped around pineapple confit and chestnut cremeux, on top of chestnut frangipane and almond shortbread.
Cake orders can be placed in advance from The Ritz-Carlton Café & Deli by calling 03-6434-8711 before December 22. More information at www.ritzcarlton.com
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
This luxury hotel is in the center of Shinjuku and has a knack for combining Japanese traditions with popular culture into its numerous special offers. It boasts over 20 restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy, for example, an “Alice in Wonderland”-themed sweets buffet (until January 31). For this year’s festive season, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is unveiling a Snow White Christmas cake collection, on sale from December 19-25. Choose from cakes such as “The Magic Mirror” (¥4,500), “The Forest of the Dwarfs” (¥4,500), and “The Magical Princess” (¥4,500).
Love ballet and cake? The “Cinderella and a Night of Magic, Ballet and Dining” special package lets you enjoy a special ballet performance of Cinderella at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, before tucking into dinner and themed holiday cakes.
More information at keioplaza.com
Andaz Tokyo
Whether you’re catering your own Christmas lunch for friends and family, or you’re looking for that perfect corporate gift to send out to clients, Andaz Tokyo’s Pastry Shop has an inspiring line-up of playful pastries, sweets and cakes to choose from. Pastry Chef Okazaki has worked his magic once again, putting a flavor twist on his signature eclairs, and creating a range of exquisitely decorated Christmas cakes and hampers.
Cakes range from ¥3,000 to ¥5,500 (excluding consumption tax) and reservations will be accepted from November 1 (store pick-up between December 19-25), while a selection of eclairs and hampers will be on sale at Pastry Shop from November 21 to December 25. For more information, visit www.andaztokyodining.com
Custom Cakes by Raindrop Sweets
For those looking for a personal touch for their Christmas cakes, Reina Reyes’ unique creations will please you to no end. Reyes, who was born in Tokyo but grew up in Los Angeles, founded Raindrop Sweets just last year. “I have always had a passion for art and design, and I’ve also always been fascinated by cake decorating shows,” she tells Weekender. “In September 2015, I decided to make my mother a birthday cake; it was a simple vanilla buttercream cake with flowers made of frosting. I was surprised to get an outpouring of interest when I posted a photo on social media. The messages soon turned into orders – and the rest is history!”
Let your imagination run wild as Reyes can make pretty much anything you ask for, from basic Christmas-themed cupcakes to a “dinosaur-on-a-shinkansen cake.” When coming up with unique designs, she says she finds inspiration in many different places from window displays to magazine covers. All the cakes are custom made so Reyes asks for at least two weeks’ notice when placing an order. The price depends on size and design, and delivery within Tokyo is available at an additional cost.
To make an inquiry, email [email protected]. For more information, visit raindropsweets.com
