Enjoy MONKATUS, eat around Mon Blanc in kimono
by T
Hello. I'm T from Canada and live in the Nagano.
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Nagano, Japan, lies the charming town of Obuse. Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning scenery, and, most importantly, its delectable chestnut-based desserts, Obuse offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a taste of traditional Japan. Let us take you on a journey through our recent trip to Obuse, where we indulged in the town's signature treat, Mont Blanc, and explored its old district in style, wearing in yukata.
Obuse is known throughout Japan for its chestnuts. The town's chestnut trees have thrived in its fertile soil for centuries, giving birth to a thriving chestnut industry. It's no wonder that Obuse is often referred to as the "Chestnut Town." If you're planning a visit, consider coming during chestnut season when the town is at its liveliest, as locals and tourists alike flock to enjoy the fresh harvest. I also hear that it gets quite crowded during such a chestnut season.
Our adventure began with a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of the old Obuse district. Wearing yukata, we felt like we had stepped back in time as we wandered along narrow, winding lanes lined with traditional wooden buildings, tea houses, and art galleries. The charming atmosphere and well-preserved architecture made us appreciate the town's rich history.
Our first stop on the gastronomic journey was Entotsu Café, where we had the chance to savor their specialty Mont Blanc. This delightful treat consists of a base of sweet chestnut puree, topped with layers of whipped cream. The dessert's name is derived from the towering Mont Blanc mountain, and the resemblance is striking.
As we savored every bite of our Mont Blanc creations, we were captivated by the chestnut's rich, nutty flavor and the delicate balance of sweetness. The café's cozy atmosphere, with its classic decor and friendly staff, made the experience even more enjoyable.
Next, we visited Patisserie Rond-to, another hidden gem famous for its various pastries, including Mont Blanc. As we went late in the day, there was only one Mont Blanc left, so we were also able to sample some of Rond-to’s other delicious cakes and desserts. The rich creaminess of the Mont Blanc and the crunch of the cookie was a delicious mix.
After leaving Rond-to, we wound our way through back streets, and even saw Obuse’s famous Hokusai museum. We would love to come back and go there sometime.
Our final culinary destination was Kuri no Ki Terrace, a charming café on the main street. This café’s rustic décor, including dark wood and even a fireplace, made the space feel intimate and close. Aside from Mont Blanc, Kuri no Ki Terrace is also known for its delicious variety of teas, and we were fascinated by the little teapot jacket that we were given to help keep our tea warm. The Mont Blanc there was layered beautifully, and each bite was a delight.
We had a wonderful time wandering around Obuse and enjoying Mont Blanc and other treats together. We definitely hope we can go back again sometime!
【information】 For up-to-date information, please contact the institutions directly.
Access from Tokyo Station to Obuse Station
By car: 15 min from Suzaka Nagano Higashi IC on Joshinetsu Expressway.
25 min from Shinshu-Nakano IC
7 min from Obuse Smart Interchange
Places visited on this walk (From Obuse Station)
*Differs from the actual route walked.
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i-saloon Obuse ~yukata/kimono rental, hair and makeup～
Location: 1113 Obuse, Obuse-town, Nagano Prefecture
Access: On foot: 10 min from Obuse Station on the Nagano Dentesu Railway.
Opening hours: 9:00-18:00
Closed: Mon(every week), Tue(1st and 3rd)
Tel: 026-247-2645
Cost: Kimono rental + dressing + hair & make-up from ￥5,390
HP:
http://www.obusekanko.jp/spot/isaloon
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Entotsu (meaning chimney) ~1st bite~
Location: 808, Obuse-town, Nagano Prefecture
Access: On foot:10 min from Obuse Station on the Nagano Dentesu Railway.
Opening hours: 11:00-15:00 (Mar-Jan)
*Availability period of "Suzaku"(Mon Blanc) in Video) offerings may vary.
12:00-14:00 (Feb)
Closed: Open all year round (except year-end).
Tel: 026-247-7777
HP:
https://obusedo.com/kaiwai/
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PATISSERIE RONDTO ~2nd bite~
Location: 534 Obuse, Obuse-cho, Kami-Takai-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Access: [On foot] 15 min from Obuse Station on the Nagano Dentetsu Railway.
Opening hours: 10:00-18:30
Closed: Tue(every week), Mon(irregulary)
Tel: 026-247-2057
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/patisserie_rondto/
Coffee shop business may be closed regardless of shop opening days.
Rondto, meaning '"To" in circle" in French, is named after a fish shop called 'Maruto (Maru:circle)', which was run by the previous generation.
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Kuri no Ki Terrace ~3rd bite~
Location: 784 Obuse, Obuse-town, Nagano Prefecture
Access: On foot:12 min from Obuse Station on the Nagano Dentetsu Railway.
Opening hours: 10:00-17:30 (LO 17:00)
Closed: Wed
Tel: 026-247-5848
HP:
https://www.kanseido.co.jp/shop/obuse/