Fugetsu-do [Mimi's World Tour]

Bakery: Fugetsu-do (風月堂)
Address: 2 Chome-1-3 Kawayuonsen, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido
Website: n/a
Style: Japanese
Price: $$

After a disastrous and downright humiliating trip to what is listed online as the only "bakery" in the village of Kawayuonsen (there are two next to the train station a few kilometres away), I was beginning to lose hope that there was a bakery here. However, there is a cluttered knickknack/cafe and confectionery on the main street that seems to always look closed and outwardly resembles a convenience store. Despite the closed, albeit unlocked, doors, minimal lighting and complete lack of staff until you make enough noise, this rather eclectic spot has a surprising array of pretty cake slices, gift boxes and other treats.

Their signature item - as the countless newspaper articles and increased signage indicate - is without a doubt the "ponta" cake (250 yen), an adorable slice of chocolate cream cake with a little raccoon popping out of the top. Despite not being a big chocolate cake fan, I decided to give it a try. It's a good thing I did - this was absolutely delicious! Not only was it very fresh, the cake was unbelievably complex with layers that included vanilla and chocolate cake, white cream, orange jam and nuts - not to mention the chocolate coating on top and soft meringue underneath the cute critter's face. Amazing.

I also took a rhubarb cream cookie (160 yen). One, because I can't remember seeing anything with rhubarb in Japan. Two, because it seemed like another specialty, especially as there were multiple flavours of cream filling. The cookie was soft and slightly airy with a delicious brown sugar streusel top. There was just the right amount of cream in the middle so it wasn't too rich combined with a slightly tart rhubarb jam. Maybe it wasn't on the same level as that chocolate cake, but it was excellent nonetheless. What a totally unexpected hit!

Rating: ****