Hyperlocal Tokyo

I visited this place while exploring the gourmet options at Tokyo Station. It's located in the Tokyo Gift Palette, between the Yaesu North Exit and the Daimaru department store, outside the ticket gates. I purchased the following items: * **Small:** This is the end piece of the baumkuchen, a bit drier and denser, but still delicious. It has less fondant, making it less sweet and more refreshing, which I recommend. * **Bostock Marron:** This is infused with liquor, making the dough moist and flavorful. It's substantial and the chestnut paste is delicious. * **Baumkuchen:** This is nicely moist and has a rich egg flavor. It's delicious. The fondant on the outside adds sweetness and a nice texture. I often visit the store in the basement of the main building of the Tobu Department Store in Ikebukuro, but I was happy to find this location, making it easier for me to buy these treats on the go.

While browsing for souvenirs at Tokyo Midtown's Gift Palette, I stumbled upon Club Harie. Their baumkuchen is my absolute favorite. In Osaka's Hanshin Department Store, their discounted 'edge' baumkuchen sells out by 11 am on weekdays. Here, even at 5 pm on a Saturday (maybe I just got lucky!), I was able to snag one, making me feel like I got a great deal. The matcha flavor was sold out, which made me wonder if they even had that flavor. It's perfect for a small souvenir for myself or family. The store has an eco-friendly vibe, which I really appreciate.

I bought a MIMI. Personally, the edges are good enough. It was very delicious, dense, and had great value for the price. It's definitely a gift that anyone who likes Club Harie's Baumkuchen would love.

I tried the freshly baked Baumkuchen at La Collina Omihachiman, but I noticed they didn't sell the end pieces. Then I found out that they do sell them at this store, Ikspiari, and the Umeda Hanshin department store in Osaka! While I think of Club Harie's Baumkuchen as something you receive as a gift or give as a gift, these end pieces are perfectly fine for personal enjoyment. They come in regular and mini sizes. Apparently, they also sell discounted, slightly imperfect leaf pies, so I'll definitely be visiting again soon. (^^)

While "Club Harie" is famous for its baumkuchen, their leaf pie is actually my top recommendation. If I happen to be near a "Club Harie", I always pick up some leaf pies. I used to almost always take taxis, but lately I've been enjoying taking trains. When I was at Tokyo Station, I intended to go to Yaesu, but ended up at Marunouchi instead. I'm still getting used to trains, but I find them fun to ride. As I walked from Marunouchi towards Yaesu through the free passageway, I noticed Club Harie. I had no idea they had a location at Tokyo Station, so I stopped to buy some leaf pies. That's when I noticed they were selling "imperfect leaf pies", which are broken pieces. A regular box of 5 leaf pies costs around ¥1,300, but this box of imperfect ones had probably more than 5 pieces and cost less than ¥1,000. I bought it immediately. I prefer the baumkuchen from "Fukugiya" in Okinawa, where they also sell a box of baumkuchen scraps. Whenever I go to Okinawa, that's the only thing I buy. I travel and eat out frequently, so I'm always buying souvenirs, but it can get expensive. I only buy things for myself, and of course, individually wrapped items are more expensive. I really appreciate these boxes of scraps. It's right up my alley.