[Just Opened] A Day Trip to Truffle Bakery Yatsugatake | How a Couple in Their 20s Enjoys Quality Time in Yatsugatake
This time, we made a day trip to the Yatsugatake branch of Truffle Bakery, which we had been curious about for a long time, right after it opened.
A new branch of the popular bakery that draws long lines every day in Monzen-nakacho, Futako-tamagawa, and Karuizawa has finally arrived in the Yatsugatake area. The moment we saw the news of the opening on social media, we both agreed as a couple that we had to go as soon as possible.
In this article, we will summarize a realistic day trip plan for a couple of entrepreneurs in their 20s, covering the actual access from our home in Takasaki, Gunma to Truffle Bakery Yatsugatake, the crowd situation right after opening, the atmosphere inside the store, our impressions of the bread we bought, and how to enjoy the Yatsugatake area starting from Truffle Bakery.
If you are thinking, 'I want to go to Yatsugatake, but I don't know what to go for,' or 'I'm looking for a day trip destination from Tokyo,' we hope this will be helpful.
Access from Takasaki to Yatsugatake | A Record of a Drive Taking About 2 Hours and 20 Minutes
We live in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. Our honest impression this time was that the distance to Yatsugatake is closer than we thought.
Actual Timeline from Departure to Arrival
6:55 | Departed from our home in Takasaki
En route | One bathroom break at a service area
9:15 | Arrived at Truffle Bakery Yatsugatake
Travel time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes (including breaks)
Thanks to our early morning departure, there was zero traffic on both the Kan-Etsu Expressway and the Joshin-Etsu Expressway. Even with a break along the way, we were able to arrive in just under two and a half hours.
Bathroom break spot we stopped at along the way
Even though it's an early morning drive, it's over two hours one way, so a break is essential. This time, we used the restroom at a 7-Eleven along the way. I always buy something because I feel bad just using the restroom (lol).
Parking congestion and ease of parking
Since it was right after opening, the store's parking lot was already quite full. However, we were able to park smoothly, and it was a great relief not to have to panic here.
It seems there are several parking lots, but we parked in the second parking lot. It is a 1-2 minute walk from the store.
Truffle Bakery Yatsugatake Right After Opening | The Reality of Crowds and Waiting Times
We arrived in front of the store at 9:15. There was already a line.
The state of the customers waiting in line
The age range of the people waiting in line was broad, including groups of moms in their 50s, families, and people who brought their dogs along.
The reception staff controlled entry to the bread section to ensure everyone could shop at a leisurely pace. During that time, they introduced various goods and cookies.
I wonder if it was to let us shop slowly, or just an excuse to make a sales pitch...
(No, no. I shouldn't be thinking things like that...)
The atmosphere unique to just after opening
Since it was right after opening time, the eat-in cafe on the way to the bakery was still empty, creating a stylish, atelier-like space.
Also, a sense of anticipation and excitement, typical of a new store opening, filled the entire shop.
The atmosphere inside the store and the Yatsugatake-style spatial design
Finally, into the store. The moment we opened the door, the scent of freshly baked bread and butter rushed out, and we couldn't help but look at each other.
Exterior and interior in harmony with the nature of Yatsugatake
Unlike the urban locations, Truffle Bakery Yatsugatake had a calm exterior that harmonized with the surrounding nature. The building, which makes the most of the texture of wood, embodies a 'design that blends into nature' typical of the Yatsugatake area.
Once inside, the high ceilings create an open space. You can see the greenery of Yatsugatake from the windows, making it a bakery with a 'resort feel' not found in the Tokyo or Futako-Tamagawa stores.
Freshly baked bread lined up in the showcase
The showcase was filled with everything from cookies and large meal breads to sweet breads, savory breads, loaves, and salt breads. Starting with their signature salt bread, popular items like melon pan and croissants were neatly arranged in a lineup that was a joy just to look at.
Staff members even delivered freshly baked bread to those waiting in line so they wouldn't miss out.
The bread we actually bought and our impressions | A review of Truffle Bakery's signature products
We bought several types of bread, so I'll share my thoughts on each one.
Truffle Salt Bread (Signature Product)
Of course, we couldn't skip the Truffle Salt Bread, which is synonymous with Truffle Bakery. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. The moment you bite into it, the juicy butter oil and the rich aroma of wheat spread instantly, accompanied by the scent of the truffle, which is the star of the show.
It's a level of perfection where 'this one is enough to satisfy you,' and I honestly felt it was worth the effort of traveling over two hours from Takasaki.
We ate the bread we bought at the cafe, and it was so delicious that we went back for more salt bread after our meal.
Other bread we purchased
Besides the salt bread, we bought a few other things.
We got melon pan, a hot dog, shiitake mushroom salt bread, two types of donuts, cookies, and Dubai chocolate.
Price range and value for money
The price range is, as you'd expect from a popular urban bakery, in the 'slightly luxurious' category.
While it is certainly not the price of an everyday bakery, the pricing felt reasonable when considering the quality of the ingredients and the final product.
I think it would be a highly satisfying choice as a 'souvenir for someone'.
How to Spend Time in the Yatsugatake Area Starting from Truffle Bakery | A Half-Day Plan for a Day Trip
From here, I will introduce a half-day plan for the Yatsugatake area starting from Truffle Bakery. I have summarized the route we actually took this time, as well as spots we would like to visit next time.
Our Schedule for This Trip
6:55 | Depart from our home in Takasaki City
9:15 | Arrive at Truffle Bakery Yatsugatake and join the queue
9:45 | Eat in at the cafe
10:30 | Head back home
Yatsugatake Spots to Visit Along with Truffle Bakery
The Yatsugatake area has many attractive spots that can be enjoyed in combination with the bakery. It is a good pace to choose 2-3 spots without being too greedy on a day trip.
Cafes in the Kiyosato/Kobuchisawa Area | Touring cafes with the open atmosphere typical of Yatsugatake
Yatsugatake Resort Outlets | An option that can be enjoyed even on rainy days
Doryu Falls | A walking spot where you can enjoy forest bathing in nature
Recommended Points by Season
The Yatsugatake area is said to have different charms depending on the season.
Spring to Early Summer (April-June): A season with beautiful fresh greenery and pleasant driving. Our visit this time was also during this season
Summer (July-August): Cool enough to forget the heat of the city. However, be careful of road congestion on weekends
Autumn (September-November): The autumn leaves and the clarity of the air are outstanding. The best time of the year
Winter (December-March): While the snowy scenery is beautiful, car equipment (studless tires) is essential
A day trip is nice, but staying overnight in Yatsugatake is another great option
While we enjoyed a day trip this time, the Yatsugatake area offers even more charm when you choose to stay overnight.
Buying bread at Truffle Bakery in the morning and enjoying a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation.
There are plenty of places in this area that offer such a luxurious stay.
We have also stayed at the Yatsugatake base of 'SANU 2nd Home,' a second-home subscription service in the Yatsugatake area. I think the combination of staying in a cabin surrounded by nature and having bread from Truffle Bakery is a perfect way to enjoy Yatsugatake.
If you plan to visit Yatsugatake for an overnight stay in the future, please consider your accommodation options as well.
Summary | Who is Truffle Bakery Yatsugatake recommended for?
We have delivered a report from a couple of entrepreneurs in their 20s who visited the newly opened Truffle Bakery Yatsugatake store on a day trip. Finally, based on our experience, we will summarize who this is recommended for.
Recommended for people like this
Those living in the Kanto region who are looking for a high-quality experience a little further away on the weekend
Truffle Bakery fans who want to experience the new store as soon as possible
Those who want to enjoy cafe hopping or driving in the Yatsugatake area
Those looking for bread with a special touch that makes a great souvenir
Will we go again?
Our conclusion: We will go again.
Next time, I'd like to stop by with my sister's family and visit places like Kiyosato Terrace.
For those wondering, 'What should be the purpose of my trip to Yatsugatake?',Truffle Bakeryis definitely a destination worth traveling for. Please check it out for yourself with your own eyes and taste buds.
Read more | Quality travel records from a couple of entrepreneurs in their 20s
In this note, we share records of the 'quality trips' experienced by us, a couple of entrepreneurs in their 20s. Please also take a look at the following articles.
Thank you for reading until the end.
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