This modern, French inspired bakery and sweets shop is a real treat if you are in the Asa-minami-ku area heading on or along the Astram line. It is a small shop, but has quality ovens and prepares a range of savory and sweet delights on a different scale than a typical pan-ya san (bakery) in Japan. Everything I have enjoyed from this La Mystere shop reminds me of our summer in France when we enjoyed so many breads and sweets like these.
The shop front is all black and modern, I was unsure whether it was a hair salon or clothing boutique when I first saw it. There is parking available for 2 cars at the front and also benches to sit at outside. Inside the shop, it is very small, but it is a clean and modern display and there is a small area to stand and eat-in while enjoying a quality espresso too.
The selection varies by season, but you can usually find breads made with nuts, dried fruits and fresh fruit as well as crusty baguettes, Pain de campagne (typical round French country loaf), donuts, sugar, custard filled and chocolate glazed pastries, hand made chocolates and some buttery cakes. I also picked up a few tabs of French butter they had on offer, a perfect addition to a toasted piece of their crusty loaf.
When you spend ¥500 or more you are offered a complimentary cup of espresso, coffee or tea to have in the shop or take with you. Prices are very reasonable at around the ¥200-300 per item and descriptions are written in English/French as well as Japanese.
It is a convenient stop on your way to the
Asa zoo, the Hiroshima
transportation museum, the
Hiroshima garbage/recycling facility or a San Frecce game at the
Edion (big arch) stadium. Mystere is located a short, less than 5 minute walk from Yasu-higashi astram monorail station, across the main road from Yasuda womens university and next to
Papas Mamas Italian restaurant.
- Open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00-19:00 (Closed Mondays)
- Address and Tel: 1-1-2 Hashimoto bld. 1F Kamiyasu, Asaminami-ku Hiroshima city 732-0154 Tel/Fax 082-878-5453
