L'avenue

Located in the heart of Kobe, L'avenue's reputation far precedes it. This is one of the few Japanese confectionery stores that is known all around the world because of the famous chocolatier Shigeo Hirai. Shigeo was named World Chocolate Master back in 2009, and the hype for his confectionery hasn't died since. Don't be surprised at the endless queue snaking out of the shop — that's the normal situation daily. The wait gives you time to decide on what to buy, no mean feat since all of the goods offered are stunning. From bonbons and cookies to pastries and pies, everything here is crafted just like the ones you find in France. Their most famous confectionery is the chef's winning competition piece: the Mode. The delicious treat has the perfect balance of chocolate, hazelnuts, and apricots. Customers go so crazy over them that they are always sold out within half an hour of the store's opening!