For this, the sixth installment of our "Weekend Cafe Club," we're changing things up a bit and introducing four cafes where you can enjoy delicious cakes (some even offer takeout). All of these cafes are located near familiar shrines and temples in Tokyo, so we chose them with the hope that you'll be able to stop by on your way home from a visit, or for your first shrine visit of the year. However, before you head down, be sure to check each cafe's opening hours for the New Year.
Let's go eat some delicious cakes.
1. TIES
at Yushima Tenmangu Shrine
We've been waiting for this year! Many fans say the strawberries wearing whipped cream hats are charming. TIES Seasonal Strawberry Shortcake (480 yen)
I'd been interested in TIES, as staff at a certain popular cafe unanimously recommended their "best cakes!" The nearest shrine is Yushima Tenmangu Shrine. This time, I chose the "Seasonal Strawberry Shortcake" and "Cassis." First of all, with just one bite of the shortcake, I can understand why everyone recommends Tides. It's so fluffy and creamy. It's a must-try for lovers of melting cream...! (I love melting cream.) It's not oily at all, and the cream is subtly sweet and milky. The soft genoise base of the cake is really fluffy and delicious. It's a seasonal menu item made with domestic strawberries, so if you're interested, go and try it now. The cake is also available for takeout.
Tides Cassis (480 yen), Liqueur Cafe (900 yen)A kirsch bavarois with a hint of vanilla nestled inside a tangy cassis mousse. The Liqueur Cafe with its Baileys aroma is also recommended for winter.
TIES
Address: 4-1-13 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Last Order 5:30 PM / Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays)
※New Year's Holiday: December 30th - January 3rd, 2020
TEL: 03-3818-0393
2. Shirotae
at Hie Shrine
This may be a staple gift in the Akasaka area. But I chose it because it's delicious.
Shirotae Rare Cheesecake (270 yen)
Shirotae's rare cheesecake is captivating with its light, pure white color. The nearest shrine is Hie Shrine. It's also conveniently located just a four-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station on the Marunouchi Line. Personally, this is my absolute favorite rare cheesecake. It has none of the bouncy, gelatinous texture of some rare cheesecakes you might encounter, and instead has a rich, smooth cream cheese flavor that's irresistible. The subtle sweetness of the biscuit base complements the tartness of the cream cheese. The pumpkin seeds on top add a touch of elegance. The small size is nice, and you might even wish you could eat a little more. But it's precisely because it's so rich that this size is perfect. Why not enjoy this beautiful white cake, perfect for celebrating a happy new year and the start of a new year?
There was a line when the cake opened at 10:30, and we joined in to buy the rare cheesecake and another specialty, a cream puff. However, since it was just before Christmas, the cafe was closed. The cafe is located on the second floor of the store. 
Shirotae
Address: 4-1-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
What is it about lemons that draws me so much? They're bright and fresh, yet emotional. They're so appealing. Royal Coffee Shop Kamakurayama Cheesecake (400 yen), Lemon Tea (530 yen)Royal Coffee Shop is located in an alley three doors down from Nakamise Shopping Street, which leads to Sensoji Temple. I chose the Kamakurayama Cheesecake. This baked cheesecake, slowly baked at a low temperature, is a little different from your average baked cheesecake, with a unique texture. Another key point is that it doesn't have a biscuit or tart crust base. Some people might wonder why that is, but it allows you to simply enjoy the cheese flavor. The lemon on the garnish is also a highlight; first enjoy half of it as is, and then drizzle lemon juice on the other half. It not only adds a different flavor, but the fresh aroma is also quite romantic. If you like lemon, why not try pairing it with lemon tea?
When it comes to Royal Coffee Shop, this hot sandwich is a must-have. You can choose from five filling recipes, but we recommend starting with the corned beef. It includes asparagus. It's also good to share between two people. The salad and consommé potato chips are also good as side dishes. Royal Coffee Hot Sandwich (various options: ¥530)
Royal Coffee
Address: 1-39-7 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
*Please check for opening hours during the New Year holidays.
TEL: 03-3844-3012
This is a place that suits a classic, high-quality navy Melton coat. It would also be a good place for a date night. Cafe Les Jeux Greniers Gâteau au Chocolat (450 yen), Au Lait Glacé (650 yen) Although not located near Meiji Shrine, Cafe Les Jeux Grenier is a lovely, long-established cafe near the Omotesando station, named after the approach to Meiji Shrine, making it one of our top four picks. You might be wondering where to find tea in this area. This is a great place to choose if you're looking for a quiet cafe to spend some quality time with your loved ones. The Art Nouveau-inspired menu is also a plus. Here, we'll be introducing the Gâteau au Chocolat. The glossy chocolate cake, glazed on top, is subtly sweet, yet still boasts a strong cocoa flavor. The accompanying whipped cream is also not too sweet, allowing you to enjoy a pure milky flavor. The Au Lait Glacé, which we also ordered, is a sweet drink. I'd love to just look at these beautiful separates, but make sure to mix them well. 
A sour glacé filled with soft fresh cream. It's very creamy and can be enjoyed as a dessert drink. It's not sweet by itself, so add the syrup provided to your liking. Cafe Les Jeu Greniers Souris le Glacée Basic Instinct (650 yen)
Cafe Les Jeu Greniers
Address: Murayama Building 2F, 5-9-5 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM (Sundays and public holidays) 12:00 - 21:30) *Please check opening hours during the New Year holidays.
TEL: 03-3499-6297
Each shop has been carefully selected as a truly recommended spot. Please be sure to stop by.
That's all from the Weekend Cafe Club.
Photography: NATSUME TEZUKA
This cafe reporting unit is made up of FASHION HEADLINE editor Suzuki and photographer Tezuka Natsume. Each time, they set a theme and visit shops that interest them, recording their recommended menu items, unique features, and the atmosphere of the store. They currently meet once a month.
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