THE ORDY BAKERY at Hotel Vintage Meguro Fudomae: A Quiet Morning Escape

A hidden gem with a cinnamon roll that always reminds me of Finland

Nestled between Meguro and Gotanda lies Fudomae — a neighborhood where city convenience meets nostalgic tranquility. Hotel Vintage Meguro Fudomae stands a pleasant walk from Fudomae Station, blending quietly into a residential neighborhood on a street lined with cherry trees, especially charming in spring when the blossoms are in full bloom.

On the ground floor of Hotel Vintage sits THE ORDY BAKERY, a bakery café devoted to authentic ingredients. Opened on April 7, 2025, it uses only domestically grown Japanese wheat and 100% natural yeast — with no shortening or margarine added.

Labeled Hotel Vintage on the café’s glass window

From inside the café, you can see the quiet views of Fudomae through Kamurozaka (the cherry‑tree‑lined street).

The café opens from 8 a.m., so why not enjoy a morning stroll and then spend a peaceful, refreshing moment in this little‑known gem of a space?

A freshly baked Original Croissant 

Did you enjoy the cherry blossoms🌸 this season?

Here’s a freshly baked original croissant and house‑roasted organic coffee at THE ORDY BAKERY. 

The receipt also serves as a Refills Ticket. It says: “Enjoy your 2nd coffee or latte at half price on the same day. Please show your receipt.”

On my way to the café, I picked up a pretty cherry blossom that had fallen on the sidewalk, so I shared a story with music on Instagram. Then I sent a video message to Collie in Michigan.

Of course, I took it easy and enjoyed a slow, relaxing moment afterwards!

A freshly baked Cinnamon Roll

My top pick is the cinnamon roll. Here, it has a Nordic feel that takes me back to the ones I tried in Finland. Having a cinnamon roll in Tokyo that reminds me of Finland feels truly special...!

If you’re curious, here are my articles about Helsinki’s cinnamon rolls❤︎

Lovely Korvapuuti (Finnish cinnamon roll) at Hakaniemi Market Hall

A Fabulous Finnish cinnamon roll & an excellent Americano I tasted at St.GEORGE BAKERY, Helsinki

Big Korvapuusti of KANNISTON LEIPOMO, and my favorite Korvapuusti during my stay in Helsinki is...

THE ORDY BAKERY　      8:00-17:00 (Weekday L.O. 16:00)

Hotel Vintage Meguro-Fudomae 1F, 4-9-16 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 141-0031

The quality shows in the price, so I can’t come here every day…^^; Even so, I’d recommend stopping by when you want to treat yourself to a little special escape in your daily life.

When I start craving the cinnamon roll again, I’d like to visit in the fresh, clear air of the morning, as I always do.

Rose

Charming & Fluffy: The Adorable Magic of Tokyo's Yaezakura

Yaezakura (Double‑Flowered Cherry Blossoms) 

These lush, layered blossoms bring an almost heavenly charm to Tokyo’s streets in late spring…

As the single‑petaled cherry blossoms fade away in late spring, the double‑flowered cherry blossoms begin to open, as if gracefully taking the baton to continue the season’s beauty.

Delicate pink Yaezakura double‑flowered cherry blossoms in full bloom, fluffy petals creating a romantic canopy over a tree‑lined street in Shinagawa, Tokyo.

Some sections along the quiet route are lined with various types of Yaezakura among many other cherry trees along the Meguro River, and it’s the Yaezakura that always puts me in a dreamy mood.

The single‑petaled cherry blossoms have a fragile, fleeting beauty, yet I am especially drawn to Yaezakura with their strong, lively, and adorable charm. Fluffy layers of Yaezakura are so lovely💕

The bouncy Yaezakura, where pure white and soft pink blend, also look dreamy.

These Yaezakura overflow with adorable fluffiness, yet they feel powerful and uplifting!

Pink petals gather along one side of the walkway beside the bridge.

Looking from that walkway toward the main avenue, I’m amazed at how such a cute, natural world can coexist with the city.

This season, why not discover the adorable fluffiness of double‑flowered sakura? A leisurely walk under these blossoms is the perfect way to fall in love with Tokyo’s springtime magic.

Rose

Cherry Blossoms Seen Through the Glass Hallway at Meguro Gajoen Tokyo

A Painting‑like View of Cherry Blossoms and City Buildings Along Meguro River

Meguro Gajoen Tokyo closed its operations on September 30, 2025, following the expiration of its lease agreement with the property owner. As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding its renewal or reopening. It’s truly regrettable, as the building was adorned with magnificent Japanese paintings and intricate décor throughout, harmoniously integrated with traditional Japanese gardens that showcased the elegance and beauty of Japan.

Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos when Meguro Gajoen Tokyo was still open, but I took this earlier this week.

View of cherry blossoms along the Meguro River and city buildings in the background, seen through the glass hallway at Meguro Gajoen Tokyo, where the scenery blends beautifully with the architecture. It feels as if one were looking at a contemporary painting.

The cherry blossom season is often marked by unsettled weather, but whenever it isn’t raining, I try to go outside and enjoy the blossoms. Among the many beautiful spots, the cherry trees along the Meguro River also feel like one of nature’s gifts, offering us a gentle chance to appreciate the subtle beauty of the sakura.

Standing in front of the glass, you can see the entire view, and even look down over the Meguro River.

Although Meguro Gajoen Tokyo has closed its doors for now, I quietly hope that one day the doors will open again, letting us rediscover the beauty that once graced this space.

◇ Quick Update ◇

I’ve added a cute Instagram clip of the lovely waitress who served Collie and me at Whistle Stop Diner in Birmingham to the bottom of this post⬇︎

Returning to Michigan Memories: Healing at Airy Whistle Stop Diner Hope you’ll check it out💕

A Gentle Morning Walk and Café Time in Birmingham, Michigan

A charming house with navy blue accents and a navy blue coffee cup at PARIS BAGUETTE

After breakfast, I took a walk down some of the streets behind Holiday Inn Express Detroit–Birmingham. It was around 9 a.m. During my stay at the hotel, I wandered through different residential areas of Birmingham. Each time, I found myself captivated by charming homes and stopped to take photos. And here’s the very last house photo from that walk.

A large brick house in soft pink and red tones, featuring navy blue accents on the roof

and around the windows, surrounded by deep green trees in Birmingham, Michigan.

I wonder if this is a single-family home. The identical windows line up so neatly that it almost looks like an apartment building. But this is America — and here, in Birmingham, a town of elegant, affluent neighborhoods. So perhaps it is indeed a house. Then again… I can’t really be sure.

And so, I made my way toward Downtown, where the cafés await.

Seems like the coffee cup coordinated with the navy blue from that house☕💙

I arrived at PARIS BAGUETTE, eager to experience the morning café scene. There were so many tempting treats that I wanted to try, but I decided to settle for just a cup of coffee — I’m visiting friends this afternoon and didn’t want to be too full. (Besides, I don’t feel like eating more after having a hearty breakfast at the hotel...😅)

**A small, heartwarming moment from a quiet morning at the café.

A baby boy, accompanied by his parents, stared up at me with his big round eyes as they came into the café. He stayed like that for a while, unmoving. A little later, on their way to the exit after what must have been a meal, he looked at me again with the same sincere gaze, turning his whole body toward me. His parents noticed and laughed — and so did I — before gently leading him outside. 

　。〜 ゜　。〜 ゜　。〜 ゜

Speaking of the hotel tips, it ended up being three dollars by the end of my stay.

For someone like me, who’s used to being thrifty and making smart purchases back in Japan, starting at three dollars felt like a high hurdle (~_~). I began with one dollar, then two... and finally made it to three. But three dollars felt just right for me—or maybe that was my limit. lol

This was my breakfast today at the hotel buffet. Of course, I had a cinnamon roll afterward as well.

I fully enjoyed all the food and drinks (as always =3).

All in all, I had a lovely morning before visiting my friends with Collie in the afternoon. Both the walk and the quiet moments at the café felt like gentle, heartwarming parts of my Michigan days.

Springtime Surprise at Bistro Quatre Avril: Mackerel Quiche & Chef's Generous Gift

The soft, hearty quiche and heartwarming pork belly takeaway story.

It's the season when I can really feel spring—enjoying sweets at Bistro Quatre Avril. 

🌸Spring's Breath at Bistro Quatre Avril: Desserts & Window Shelf Delights

For lunch, I thought I'd go with something different this time. That's because I came in a bit later than usual, and the roasted pork belly I'd normally go for was already sold out.

Quiche maquereau avec salade verte

サバのキッシュ 山盛りサラダ添え

The soft, generous quiche is made with an unusual ingredient—mackerel. Quiche appears for lunch occasionally with different fillings each time, always accompanied by plenty of fresh vegetables 🥗 

If you love quiche, you have to try this one—it's like nothing else!

I was delighted when Chef Bosco told me, "I have a little bit of that sold-out pork belly left—I'll give you some!"

I thought he'd just add a small portion alongside the quiche plate...   Instead, 

Poitrine de porc rotie SP sauce avec pate

豚バラ肉のロティ スペシャルソース パスタ添え

What a surprise—he packed it in a plastic takeout container for me to take home! It even included some other side dishes, making it essentially a mini version of the lunch menu.

So, I've listed the menu names above 😊

Lately, this blog has been featuring a lot more Bistro Quatre Avril in my Tokyo Life updates. 

Today, I wanted to share a heartwarming everyday moment that happened there with you all.

What's your most heartwarming moment lately?  Have a wonderful day today🌷   Rose

Cozy Solo Stay at Holiday Inn Express Detroit‑Birmingham, Michigan.

After we got back from the drive, we took some rest at the hotel. Collie was napping peacefully—he’s been keeping irregular hours lately, getting up even in the middle of the night to care for his mom. Plus, he’s been helping with her dog, Pepper. After he left to return to his mom’s place, I must have fallen asleep too. When I woke up, it was already almost nine at night.

Nighttime view of downtown Birmingham, Michigan from a room at Holiday Inn Express Detroit‑Birmingham, showing lit buildings and city streets.

I wanted to keep the night view from our room as something to remember this trip with, because Collie had reserved this hotel for me. Our room... well, almost like it was mine alone.

The TV screen showed a “GOOD EVENING” message with my name, so I took a picture of it too.

The Keurig machine in the room was such a lifesaver at that time. I could quickly make a cup of coffee in the room late at night. I gratefully brewed a decaf.

I was a bit hungry since I hadn’t eaten dinner, but it was late and I didn’t want much. So the leftover Autumn Harvest Bowl from sweetgreen was the perfect light snack. Oh, pita from Whistle Stop too!

Through all this, while somehow managing to make time for us visiting Michigan, I’m still enjoying my own quiet moments—avoiding food waste and turning my hotel room into a cozy café‑style retreat. I think I’m doing pretty well on this trip… What do you think?

◇ Quick Update ◇

Rose here, who said she’d be back in April… but then came back in late March and have been posting articles like crazy🤭 If you thought: “Wait, weren’t you supposed to come back only in April?!” — I’m sorry! No wonder you’re a bit behind on my posts now.

Spring's Breath at Bistro Quatre Avril: Desserts & Window Shelf Delights

As the first hints of spring began to show, I felt my heart quietly leap with excitement for the season of cherry blossoms ahead.

Brownie aux cacahuetes

Savoring a peanut brownie and coffee at Bistro Quatre Avril.

Nestled in this cozy café, the window shelf tempts with baked goods beyond the menu's desserts—perfect for enjoying here or carrying home.

A variety of donuts

Pain aux raisins

The baked goods vary from day to day—each visit a delightful surprise of what treats await us.

In Gotanda, different varieties of cherry blossoms start their own bloom in gentle succession, each type revealing itself in turn.

Bavarois aux fraises🍓

A softly pink strawberry bavarois, harmonizing with the cherry blossom's gentle beauty.

Kamuro-zaka in Gotanda is a quiet, atmospheric spot—a hidden gem with a delicate cherry blossom tunnel. Located in such a place is Bistro Quatre Avril.

Should you find yourself nearby, do stop by. The cozy comfort and exquisite flavors of French home cooking will surely enchant you.

☕️More dessert photos from Bistro Quatre Avril: Bistro Quatre Avril — Sweet Moments Photo Diary