For me when I was young, bread was "a time-saving item for busy mornings." But as I get older, bread becomes a luxury item for the mornings. After researching a nice bakery on weekdays, I'm excited to welcome the weekend.

We will introduce "boulangerie L'Equipe de Koganei" in Chikusa ward, Nagoya City, which is perfect for choosing bread that will elevate your daily life.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Chikusa ward, Nagoya City. There is a shop in a 3-minute walk west from the main entrance.

The owner, Mr. Koganei, is a former bakery general chef at "CLUB HARIE" in Shiga, which is famous for its Baumkuchen. Based on the experience cultivated at numerous restaurants and boulangerie, he opened this shop in 2016.

Face-to-face counter and workshop in the back. The space of 14 tsubo is packed with attention to detail.

Near the "Higashiyama Park"

There is a reason why Mr. Koganei, who was born in Tokyo, decided to open a restaurant in Nagoya.

Ms. Koganei: “When choosing a place to open a store, the most important thing was to make sure it was a place that the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens would feel attached to.

Cute animals are designed for the original shoppers. You can purchase one for 30 yen, and if it gets worn out, you can exchange it for a new one for free.

Talking over the counter is one of the pleasures

Lined up on the counter are "breads that are more casual than cakes and make you feel a little special".

From 30 to 40 types of bread and baked goods, standard bread and seasonal items are lined up in a glass case.

Shopping at the counter can be nerve-wracking, but the real pleasure of L'Equipe lies in face-to-face communication.

"What kind of bread is this?"
"It's a soft bread with chocolate cream inside."
"Looks delicious! Two of those, please."
"Sure!"

The owner's wife takes care of the customers. Because I know Ms. Koganei's thoughts, I feel love in her conversations with customers and the way she treats bread.

Ms. Koganei: "Some customers come to enjoy conversation with her. We sometimes have a good time talking about child-rearing and everyday conversation."

By the way, the store name "L'Equipe" means "team" in French. Craftsmen, producers, traders, customer service staff... all the people involved are our team members.

There is bread ahead of time with family

Mr. Koganei says that the number of customers increased during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the counter style where the bread is not directly touched.

Still, they decided to shorten the business hours until 17:00, which was until 18:00.

Ms. Koganei: “I have more time to spend with my family because of the COVID-19. I feel that my mental state and my attitude toward bread making have changed as I spend more time talking and going out with my children.”

Bread made with care by people who care about their family and friends. That alone will increase your “delicious feeling”!

Reserve popular bread in advance

During the interview, customers continued to visit, and the breads were leaving the counter one after another.

Ms. Koganei: "The aim of our store is from 11:00 to around noon, when most breads are available. Popular breads sell out quickly, so if you really want one, make sure to make a reservation."

Also, it is recommended to check the owner's Instagram, which is updated by the owner himself, such as daily recommended bread. On Thursdays and Fridays, Hoshigaoka Mitsukoshi also conducts business trip sales.