Tabelog ratingPoche du Reve (ポッシュ・ドゥ・レーヴ) has earned a stellar reputation in the competitive Ashiya area for its delicate pastries and baked goods. The shop's most famous creation is the wasanbon ring sablé, a butter cookie made with fine-grained Japanese sugar that is so fragile it seems to dissolve on the tongue. Beyond this signature item, the pâtisserie is lauded for its fresh cakes, which feature unusually light and clean-tasting creams that allow the primary flavours, like fresh peach or rich pistachio, to shine through.
Guests consistently praise the wasanbon ring sablé, often buying them as gifts. Other recurring favourites include the pistachio cakes and tarts (ピスターシュ), the seasonal peach shortcake (桃のショートケーキ), and the classic cream puff, or chapeau choux. The quality extends across their range of baked goods like financiers, making their boxed sets a popular choice.
The main drawback for visitors is the limited availability of fresh cakes (生菓子), which are typically sold only from Thursday to Saturday and often sell out early in the day. With minimal staffing, service can be slow during busy periods. Some reviewers also find the portions small for the price, though most agree the quality justifies the premium.
Expect to spend under ¥1,000 per person. Reviewers recently paid ¥210 for a single wasanbon ring sablé (or ¥990 for a boxed set of four), around ¥800–¥850 for the peach shortcake, ¥300–¥350 for a chapeau choux, and ¥660–¥750 for a pistachio cake.
- Location: A 1-minute walk from the north exit of Hanshin Ashiya Station, or a 12-minute walk from JR Ashiya Station.
- Booking: Reservations are not accepted; this is a walk-in, takeaway-only shop. Arrive early, especially on days fresh cakes are sold, as items sell out.
- Seating: There is no eat-in space. Be aware that the fresh cakes are very delicate and best consumed soon after purchase.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), various electronic money cards (Suica, etc.), and QR code payments (PayPay, etc.) are accepted.
- Parking: The shop has no dedicated parking, but paid parking lots are available nearby.
- Opening Days: Fresh cakes are primarily sold Thursday to Saturday. Other days feature baked goods only, though a limited selection of fresh cakes may be available on Sundays. The shop is closed on Mondays.
