PRONTO’s Matcha Basque Cheesecake Gets a Fresh Twist in 2025

PRONTO is well-known as a casual café during the day and an unexpectedly chic bar at night. In a previous post, I shared about the Matcha Basque Cheesecake—something like a “reimported” treat—you can only find at PRONTO in Japan, other than San Francisco’s Stonemill Matcha. You can check out that post here. → Matcha Basque Cheesecake from San Francisco...

Matcha Basque Cheesecake from San Francisco's Stonemill Matcha

Well, it seems that this cheesecake was revamped in August 2025! Of course, I had to go and see what’s new.

Uji Matcha Basque Cheesecake made with 100% Uji matcha

The renewed Matcha Basque Cheesecake is now made with 100% Uji matcha. To me, it looks even more vibrant in green than before. It feels a bit softer and more melt-in-your-mouth. The balance is exquisite—the creamy richness of the cheese highlights the subtle bitterness of matcha, creating a truly luxurious dessert. Its silky smooth texture and refined flavor feel like something you’d expect from a specialty shop.

And yet, who would have thought you could get such a high-quality cake at PRONTO, a chain café you can just drop by anytime. If you get the chance, I definitely recommend giving it a try.

With the previous Matcha Basque Cheesecake, it was noted to be Kyoto-grown at Stonemill Matcha, but the details weren't revealed. This time, though, it's been renewed with 100% Uji Matcha — known as one of the top varieties — marking it a bold and exciting step for PRONTO.

Matcha from Japan is gaining worldwide fame and popularity these days. As someone who’s always up for a matcha-flavored treat, I couldn’t be happier. How about you? Have you had a memorable encounter with matcha in your city? If so, then you and I are truly on the same wavelength. :)

◆Quick Update◆

At some point, my blog and photos suddenly stopped showing up in search results. It makes me sad not to be found through Google anymore ;_;  Did I do something to upset Mr. Google, I wonder? Right now, I’m requesting index registration with Google Search Console, but it’s still pending T_T  Fingers crossed that my blog will get indexed soon so everyone can find me again...　Rose

Why I Fell in Love with Chilling Coffee & Bake’s Carrot Cake (and Everything Else!)

Where Coffee Meets Bake: Chilling Coffee & Bake

Right near Hatanodai Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line, there’s a cozy little café called Chilling Coffee & Bake https://www.instagram.com/chilling_coffeeandbake that has become quite popular. The “Bake” in the name comes from the owner’s background working at patisseries and bakeries, while the “Coffee” reflects his younger brother’s expertise as a certified barista. Their carefully baked homemade sweets paired with proper specialty coffee have been gaining attention on social media, and their fans just keep coming back. 

From Parisian Training to Heartfelt Baking

Hatanodai itself is a peaceful neighborhood lined with quiet residential streets. And tucked away here is a café run by an owner who has professional pâtissier experience, and who even trained in France, the home of fine pastries. What’s charming about this café is that alongside European-style treats, you’ll also find rustic and down-to-earth American baked goods prepared in such a natural, relaxed way. Since I’m someone who absolutely loves hearty American sweets, this place really makes my heart skip a beat.

Crumbly, Moist, and Perfect with Coffee

That day’s cookie offering was—I think—macadamia nut and white chocolate? And yes, it was crumbly yet moist—and absolutely delicious! Since I prefer coffee with a softer, less acidic taste, I went with an Americano♡

A Chill Space Inspired by France

His time in France on a working holiday, where he gained valuable pastry-making experience, became a real turning point in his career. As the café name suggests, his hope was to create a place where people could truly “chill”—a space of comfort. That’s why he chose Hatanodai, with its calm and easy-going atmosphere, as the perfect location. I also loved the green tiles he imported from overseas—they add such a nice, laid-back stylish touch to the café’s vibe.

The Ultimate Carrot Cake Discovery

My number-one recommendation? Definitely their signature carrot cake!!!  I’ve always adored the carrot cake at Bubby’s, but since it’s not one of their standard menu items, I’ve often been left wanting. I kept trying carrot cakes elsewhere, but they just didn’t hit the spot… until I found this one. The carrot cake here is my perfect match!

Next time I go back just to enjoy that carrot cake again, I’ll write another blog post about it. Be sure to come back then and listen to me gush about it some more♪

Rose😊

Words That Give Me Strength, Wisdom, and Peace.

There are words that lift me up whenever I need courage. When I read them silently, my heart feels steadier, gaining focus and calm determination. These words remind me that strength is not always something we create on our own. Sometimes, it feels as though there is a power greater than what we can fully comprehend—an unseen force that opens unexpected paths and offers answers beyond logic.

Whether you call it faith, intuition, resilience, or simply the mystery of life itself, there is something remarkable about recognizing that we are not left without help. This thought gives me courage in the midst of uncertainty, and the confidence to keep moving forward.

One day, as the sun sets and the city lights begin to shine, I look at the skyline before me: the buildings standing clear against the fading light in the evening sky, their windows glowing brightly against the dark silhouette of the buildings. This image is not just concrete and glass; to me, it is strength in form, hope in motion.

These are the words that give me strength.

God will give you strength for every battle, wisdom 

for every decision, peace that surpasses understanding.

Discover Brahms Path: Harajuku's European-Style Alley Behind Takeshita Street

Just a short walk from the lively crowds of Takeshita Street in Harajuku lies a place that feels like an entirely different world. Step through the gate near JR Harajuku Station’s Takeshita Exit, and soon you’ll find yourself on Brahms Path — a quiet backstreet full of European charm.

Unlike the vibrant, bustling Takeshita Street lined with pop culture shops and sweets stands, Brahms Path offers a moment of calm. Its brick-paved walkway, ivy-draped walls, and quaint buildings create the atmosphere of a tucked-away European neighborhood. Small antique shops, cafés, and restaurants can be found along the way, making it a retreat for those seeking peace just behind the colorful energy of Harajuku. 

Brahms Path behind Takeshita Street in Harajuku

A Stroll Through History

This alley was once home to a small stream, likened to the Seine River in Paris, offering a small taste of Europe. Lined this street, an elegant Western-style residence was built here by a Japanese man who dreamed of creating a place where people could experience the atmosphere of Europe, and the path was named Brahms Path.

According to one account, it was through the suggestion of novelist Françoise Sagan, who was a close acquaintance of the residence’s first owner, the Japanese man, that the name “Brahms Path” was chosen—drawing inspiration from her novel Aimez-vous Brahms? (Do You Like Brahms?). 

The entrance of La BOULETTE Dec.5, 2016-Mar.31, 2025 as seen from Brahms Path

One of the most notable spots along Brahms Path was the French restaurant La BOULETTE, which opened in 2016 inside the elegant Western-style residence that once housed Jardin de JUSEINE, too. Beloved for its antique-inspired atmosphere and approachable French cuisine, La BOULETTE allowed visitors to experience a true European atmosphere in the heart of Tokyo. Sadly, the restaurant eventually closed due to the aging state of the building and the need for redevelopment, but its presence remains an important part of the area’s unique story.

View of Brahms Path from inside La BOULETTE's dining room Dec.5, 2016 - Mar.31, 2025

Sitting inside La BOULETTE and looking out onto the brick-paved path once felt like being transported to another city. Even after its closure, Brahms Path continues to enchant visitors — a hidden pocket of calm that contrasts strikingly with Harajuku’s vibrant energy.

Why Visit Brahms Path?

Brahms Path is more than just a backstreet — it’s a glimpse into a different side of Harajuku. Here, time seems to slow down. Visitors can wander, take photos, and appreciate the blend of architecture and greenery that gives the path its European-inspired flair. Though restaurants and shops may change over time, the quiet spirit of this charming walkway endures, making it one of Harajuku’s best-kept secrets.

If you’re planning a trip to Harajuku, don’t just stop at Takeshita Street. Step into Brahms Path and experience the quieter, more reflective side of the neighborhood.