What is Japanese Café Culture? Experience Etiquette at Éclat des Jours Toyosu

When you visit a Japanese cafe for the first time, you might find it a little strange.

"How do you find a seat?" "When should you order?" -- these small differences reveal the "culture of consideration" that is unique to Japan.

In this article, we will introduce to our international customers visiting Éclat des Jours how to spend time at a Japanese cafe, some basic rules, and the appeal of sweets that can be enjoyed even while traveling. By knowing this, you can enjoy your "time at a Japanese cafe" more comfortably and deeply.

• Table of Contents
• Rules for visiting the restaurant and how to use your seat
• What is the "one drink order system" common in Japanese cafes?
• Supporting overseas customers and language support
• Accommodating a variety of eating styles
• Store congestion and recommended times
• About reserving a whole cake perfect for an anniversary
• How to enjoy takeout
• A special cake you'll find on your journey in Toyosu.
• Store Information
• Éclat des Jours Toyosu store Q&A
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Rules for visiting the restaurant and how to use your seat

What may seem like a normal behavior in Japan may be surprising overseas.

One of these is the custom of "putting your bags down to reserve a seat." Apparently, people from overseas are surprised when they see this, thinking, "What? Surely someone's going to steal your bag!?" In Japan, where public safety is good, you may see people reserving a seat before ordering, but in reality, the rules vary depending on the restaurant.

How to use

①Please tell the staff that you would like to use the service inside the store .

At that time, we will ask you to purchase one drink per order (one cake or bread + one drink) and will inform you of the opening hours when the cafe is crowded.

② Choose your favorite cake or bread from the showcase.

After you have made your selection, a staff member will guide you to your seat.

③ Once you are seated, please take a look at the drink menu and order .

④Please pay after your meal .

*Please note

・Except for small children, we ask that you refrain from purchasing only drinks or only cake.

・We also do not allow customers to combine takeout orders with in-store drinks only, as the tax rates and serving methods are different.

・Last orders are taken at 7:00 PM, and you can use the cafe until 7:30 PM. If you want to enjoy a leisurely cafe time, we recommend coming a little earlier.

We want to welcome each and every guest with care so that they can have a comfortable stay. The rules and requests we have in place are also there to ensure that everyone has a pleasant stay. We ask for your understanding and cooperation.

What is the "one drink order system" common in Japanese cafes?

Many cafes and coffee shops in Japan have a rule and custom called the "one drink order system." This means that each customer must order at least one drink, and it is common to order a drink even if you order food such as cake or a sandwich.

There are several reasons behind this culture.

First of all, a café is not just a place to sit, but a place to enjoy time. Ordering a drink gives you the feeling that you are part of that time and space.

Furthermore, in Japanese cafes where seating is limited, the "one drink rule" has naturally taken root in order to maintain a balance between long stays and securing a seat. You could say that ordering creates a rhythm that allows both parties to spend time comfortably.

Many cafes offer menus that include a drink, such as a "cake set," and Eclat de Jours also offers a combination of one cake or bread and one drink. This "time to relax and enjoy one dessert and a drink" is one of the charms of Japanese cafe culture.

Supporting overseas customers and language support

Éclat des Jours has many customers from overseas. Although the staff is not full-time, some can speak English and will communicate in English as much as possible, using gestures. Some staff can also communicate using simple sign language. The menu is currently available in English (drinks only) . We plan to make the cake, bread, and other menus available in English in the future.

As support is only available in English, some people may feel anxious about the language barrier.

However, please come with peace of mind. All of our staff welcome all customers with a heartfelt welcome, regardless of nationality or language. We value welcoming you with a smile and a warm atmosphere.

Accommodating a variety of eating styles

Éclat des Jours does not currently offer any vegan products. However, we do offer wheat-free products such as "Macarons" and "Cheminées." These are popular sweets that can be enjoyed by those avoiding gluten.

Cheminée

A ganache containing fresh raspberry puree emerges from within the smooth chocolate mousse. The sweet and sour fruit flavor gently spreads through the rich sweetness of the cocoa, leaving a lingering aftertaste that warms the soul. To finish, a layer of raspberry macarons creates a delicate appearance reminiscent of a cheminée (fireplace). This gluten-free, modern chocolate cake is typical of Éclat des Jours.

Macaron

Éclat des Jours' macarons are made with a chocolate-based ganache for each flavor. Fruit puree is added to each, allowing you to fully enjoy the aroma and flavor of the ingredients. The colorful macarons lined up are a gorgeous sight, and you can enjoy different flavors and textures with every bite.

Store congestion and recommended times

The level of crowding at Éclat des Jours varies depending on the time of day, so if you want to take your time, we recommend coming a little later.

(Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)

*There may be a waiting time to use the store, especially from around 3:00 p.m.

The atmosphere of the shop changes slightly depending on the time of day, so be sure to find a comfortable time to visit that suits your travel schedule and mood.

About reserving a whole cake perfect for an anniversary

A whole cake is also recommended for those celebrating a special occasion while traveling.

You can reserve a whole cake through TableCheck. If you make your reservation at least 7 days in advance, you can be sure to receive it.

When making a reservation, you can also specify the name and message to be printed on the message plate. We will prepare special versions such as "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Anniversary," perfect for a surprise.

Spending time together over cake at a hotel while traveling will surely make that special day even more memorable.

Shortcake

Éclat des Jours' signature shortcake is made with fluffy strawberry sponge and carefully selected fresh cream. The gentle sweetness of the ingredients and the light, melt-in-your-mouth texture make it perfect for any occasion.

12cm (serves 4-5 people) ¥3,996 (tax included) / 15cm (serves 6-8 people) ¥4,752 (tax included)

Chocolate Shortcake

Made with generous amounts of French chocolate, this cake has a rich, deep flavor and is recommended for chocolate lovers and as an anniversary cake for adults.

12cm (serves 4-5 people) ¥4,320 (tax included) / 15cm (serves 6-8 people) ¥5,400 (tax included)

Tropico

A tropical cake with fresh banana, pineapple, and mango encased in a tart crust. Its refreshing and gorgeous flavor is perfect for those who want to feel like they're at a resort.

12cm (serves 4-5 people) ¥4,320 (tax included) / 15cm (serves 6-8 people) ¥5,400 (tax included)

Baked Cheesecake

This rich and smooth cheesecake is made with three types of cheese and baked slowly and carefully. The blueberries on top add a nice tartness, making it the perfect dessert after a meal.

12cm (serves 4-5 people) ¥4,320 (tax included) / 15cm (serves 6-8 people) ¥5,400 (tax included)

Mont Blanc

A rich Mont Blanc with a brown sugar dough, chestnuts and apricots hidden inside, vanilla-flavored whipped cream, chestnut brulee, and apricot jelly, gently scented with rum.

12cm (serves 4-5 people) ¥4,536 (tax included) / 15cm (serves 6-8 people) ¥5,616 (tax included)

Reserve a cake

How to enjoy takeout

At Éclat des Jours, you can also enjoy cakes and baked goods as takeout. The recommended carry time is usually about two hours, but about one hour during hotter times such as midsummer . We also provide ice packs upon request, so please feel free to ask when ordering.

Perfect for a relaxing afternoon at the hotel in between sightseeing and shopping.

It's also nice to enjoy it while feeling the breeze along the Toyosu coast.

We also recommend adding a little sweet treat to your breakfast the next morning.

Enjoy a relaxing sweet treat during your trip.

Let your Éclat des Jours cake be the highlight of your day.

A special cake you'll find on your journey in Toyosu.

If you're going to enjoy Japan to the fullest, why not be a little more particular about what you eat?

"Cake is the same no matter where you eat it"

Is that really true? When the ingredients, the air, the scent of the seasons all change, the taste and the way it is remembered change too.

A dish you stop off at during your journey will sweeten the memories of your trip.

That's the experience you can have at Éclat des Jours.

Store Information

Store name: Éclat des Jours Toyosu store

Access: 3 minutes walk from Toyosu Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line

Business hours: Weekdays: 11:00-20:00 Saturdays and holidays: 10:00-20:00

Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays

Official website:

See the latest sweets on Instagram

Éclat des Jours Toyosu store Q&A