Pâtisserie Toraya - Japanese Speciality Paris, France

“Tradition is the continuity of innovation” – the motto of Toraya, a prestigious Japanese pastry shop with 480 years of history. 

Toraya chose Paris for the opening of its first and only store outside Japan. In celebration of its 35th anniversary, we were given the opportunity to redesign the interior of the group’s tea house in the city. The boutique embraces tradition, and respects the traditional Japanese culture of Toraya, who have been committed to their techniques and ingredients since the creation of their first pastry shop in the 16th century. 

Embracing this philosophy for the architecture of the space, the proposal uses local and authentic materials from France. In order to preserve the primary essence of the materials, work was mainly conducted with French artisans who helped to give a voice to stone and wood.

The boutique is made from two spaces with distinct atmospheres - the teahouse is white and pure, whereas the “Atelier Toraya” at the rear is composed of wooden panels, a place where customers can learn of some of the trade secrets. We also imagined bespoke chairs and tables which reflect the intricacies of the world of the wagashi pastries. 

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Photos © Takuji Shimmura