Hello, travelers!
[Sarukuma] writer Cho-san here!

Today I’m excited to introduce you to
[CHEMIN D’INFINI – Chemin d’Infini],
located in Shimotori, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City.

Calling this a simple cake shop would be a serious understatement.
It’s so impossibly chic that it truly stands in a class of its own – no exaggeration. This is one of Kumamoto’s most celebrated patisseries!

Even though it’s well-known locally,
if you haven’t discovered it yet,
please let me show you what makes it so special.

The shop sits along Washington Street.

You’ll find it on the 2nd floor of the Morimoto Building, with the
beloved gyoza restaurant Gyoza no Maruoka occupying the 1st floor.
(The photo above was taken during the day, but please note:
Chemin d’Infini is open only in the evening.)

Because it’s such a popular spot,
making a reservation is highly recommended.
Walk-ins on a whim often end in disappointment –
the shop fills up fast!

I tend to drop by spontaneously myself,
and I can’t even count how many times I’ve been turned away over the years…

Head up the staircase next to the gyoza shop,
and at the very end of the corridor you’ll find
[Chemin d’Infini] waiting quietly for you.

There’s no flashy signboard outside –
just a simple “OPEN” sign on business days.

At the time of our visit, opening hours were
18:00 until sold out,
with strict limits on group size:
only parties of 2 or 3 are admitted.

Additionally,
each visit is capped at 1 hour.

Just stepping through the doorway, you can already feel that refined elegance…

The interior has an absolutely incredible atmosphere.

Every table and chair perfectly matches the mood of the space,
creating a truly grown-up sanctuary.

There are even gorgeous sofa seats!
The entire space is unified with antique-style furniture.

I want to live in a house like this…
It’s the kind of dreamy space that makes you fall in love at first sight.

First, you’re guided to the display case at the back of the shop
to choose your cake.
Honestly, gazing into this case
is pure happiness!

Any fellow sweets lover will totally understand –
serotonin (the happiness hormone) is absolutely flooding the brain!

Not only does each cake look incredibly delicious –
the colors are absolutely flawless!
Every single piece sparkles like a jewel.

Descriptions are written above the display case.
Some cakes contain alcohol.
Most are priced in the 500-yen range.

A staff member stands by to help,
so you simply order whichever cake catches your eye.

After choosing, you return to your seat to select a drink.

Recommended Menu

Although you’re meant to be picking a drink,
the menu also describes more cakes,
so you end up daydreaming over the descriptions!
What should I try next time…
even though you haven’t eaten the first one yet!
Plus, all the cake names are written in beautifully stylish French-inspired katakana that I can never remember!

Now, here’s the drink menu!
There’s a great selection of soft drinks,
but the alcohol options are remarkably extensive too.
Draft beer: 600 yen
Bottled craft beer: from 1,000 yen
Kir: 600 yen

Homemade sangria: 600 yen

Cocktails: from 600 yen

The sophisticated combination of cake and alcohol

was something I first discovered
back in my early twenties (long, long ago)

right here at this very shop!

And so,

this time I ordered the
Bananes Caramel – 550 yen
*This dessert contains alcohol
A truly artistic plate!

And here’s what my friend ordered:

Orancho – 550 yen

This one also scored very high marks all around.

For my drink, I chose
cranberry juice (450 yen)!

This time I went with juice instead of alcohol,
but places that pair gorgeous cakes with great cocktails
are genuinely rare – and that’s what makes Chemin d’Infini so special.

It’s perfect for date nights or sophisticated girls’ nights out!

Takeout is also available,
and you can even order whole cakes for birthdays
and special occasions.
Definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Kumamoto!

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.