A drive to Lake Kawaguchi in autumn, heading for a bakery that caught my eye.
Enjoying an autumn trip to Lake Kawaguchi with my beloved dog, Chocolat. While admiring the beautiful scenery at the foot of Mt. Fuji, we headed to a bakery that I had been curious about to conclude our trip.
Enjoying the lakeside scenery and visiting charming shops is one of the pleasures of traveling. With anticipation building as I wonder what kind of bread I'll encounter, I drive towards the town of Kawaguchiko.
A tranquil view of Lake Kawaguchi from Funatsu Beach.
We parked our car in the free parking lot at Funatsuhama on the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchi and headed to the lakeside. We spent some time basking in the afterglow of our trip, gazing at the calm surface of the lake stretching out before us and the scenery of the surrounding mountains.
Along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, there are numerous spots where you can experience the lakeside scenery up close. As you feel the breeze across the lake, gaze at the distant mountain ranges and the vast sky, it's as if time itself is slowing down.
Enjoying a stroll along the lakeside before heading to our target bakery is a unique way to spend time at Lake Kawaguchi. It was a pleasant detour, combining natural scenery with delicious food.
A scene unique to Lake Kawaguchi, with swan boats and sightseeing boats coming and going.
Swan boats and pleasure boats ply the lake, creating a tranquil scene unique to the lakeside. Looking at the water's surface reflecting the color of the sky and the mountain ranges that hint at the changing seasons, you can forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and feel your mind slowly unwind.
The sight of a boat slowly moving along the tranquil lakeside landscape adds movement to the scenery. Each time you shift your gaze from the distant mountains to the lake's surface, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery woven by the nature of Lake Kawaguchi.
Walking with my beloved dog, Chocolat, becomes a special time when we can enjoy scenery like this. Blessed with good weather, we enjoyed the fresh air by the beautiful lakeside before heading to our target bakery.
"Le pain de Daniel" - where the dedication of French craftsmen comes alive.
The place I visited this timeLe pain de Daniel (Pain Daniel)This bakery and cafe is operated by the Fuji Lake Hotel. It opened in July 2022 and continues to make bread that combines the traditions of French cuisine with the skills of artisans.
The shop has an eat-in area with about 20 seats, so you can enjoy the bread you've purchased right there.
The shop also has outdoor terrace seating, and the fact that you can bring your pet is a welcome feature for dog lovers. It's also lovely to stop by while strolling around Lake Kawaguchi with Chocolat and enjoy some bread while soaking up the fresh air.
Daniel Paquet's dedication to drawing on his experience in French cuisine.
The bakery's offerings here are overseen by chef Daniel Paquet, who hails from the Bresse region of France.
Daniel gained experience at establishments such as the Plaza Athénée in Paris, and has served as executive chef at Maxim's de Paris, Lecomte Compagnie, and Camellia at Chinzanso. In 2018, he became the chef of Premier, the French restaurant at Fuji Lake Hotel.
The experience cultivated over many years in the world of authentic French cuisine is also put to good use in creating the flavors of Pan Daniel.
According to an official announcement from Fuji Lake Hotel, the store will offer homemade bread, French-style side dishes, and cakes, all made with carefully selected ingredients and techniques by Daniel and bakery master Yuhara. It is designed to be a place where customers can enjoy the familiar flavors of the hotel's restaurants in a more casual setting.
Knowing that this bakery is supervised by a French chef gives each item displayed in the showcase a different kind of appeal.
A French boulangerie that is particular about everything from the selection of ingredients to the manufacturing process.
As you step inside, you're greeted by the fragrant aroma of freshly baked wheat and the rich scent of butter. Beautifully arranged in glass cases and on shelves are carefully baked breads and pastries, making the time spent deciding which to choose one a delightful experience in itself.
What sets Pan Daniel apart is that they prepare the dough from scratch in their in-house bakery, and each loaf is baked individually by skilled bakers. They use imported flour and butter, mainly from France, and cherish traditional French breads such as croissants and baguettes.
On the other hand, they also offer familiar breads for everyday meals, such as white bread and melon bread made with domestically produced wheat. The appeal lies in being able to encounter both authentic French flavors and breads that are familiar in Japan.
From fragrant croissants to colorful Danish pastries
What particularly catches the eye is the croissant, with its beautiful layers of dough. Made primarily with flour and butter from France, it is baked with care to preserve the flavor of the ingredients and the texture of the dough.
According to customer reviews, the croissants are especially popular. They are baked to a golden brown, with beautifully layered, airy textures, and a rich buttery flavor. They are the most popular item. When I asked the staff about the second most popular item, they said it was a quiche made with plenty of seasonal ingredients, so I got both.
The Danish pastries and tarts, adorned with seasonal fruits, are beautifully colorful. These pastries, which allow you to enjoy the deliciousness of fruits typical of Yamanashi, are perfect not only for breakfast but also for an afternoon moment spent with coffee or tea.
In addition, they offer a variety of treats that are irresistible to those with a sweet tooth, such as kouign-amann made with croissant dough, canelés (a traditional French pastry), and scones.
Enjoy a luxurious brunch at home with Pan Daniel
One of the great things about takeout is that you can enjoy the delicious food you discovered in Kawaguchiko the day after you return from your trip.
I arranged the bread I brought home on the table, made a rich sweet potato soup, and enjoyed a leisurely brunch with freshly brewed coffee.
Enjoy the unique ingredients and textures of these diverse breads.
First up, we have a croissant with a delightful buttery aroma and a chausson aux pommes (apple chausson) that offers the sweet and tart flavor of apples. This combination allows you to enjoy the crispy texture of the pastry and the flavors created by each ingredient.
For savory breads, the quiche, with its fragrant crust and rich filling, will brighten up your table. In addition, there's an anko butter sandwich, where the sweetness of the bean paste harmonizes with the richness of the butter, offering a well-balanced selection from sweet to savory options.
The tartine, combining ratatouille and cheese, allows you to fully enjoy the flavors of the vegetables. The table will instantly become more vibrant with the addition of hard-crusted curry bread that releases the taste of wheat with every bite, epi bread with the appealing aroma of bacon, and savory breads such as cheese and olive.
Enjoying the unique textures and ingredient combinations of each piece, while savoring them slowly with a cup of coffee in hand—it's a luxurious feeling to be able to enjoy your favorite flavors discovered on your travels once again in the comfort of your own home.
A trip that concludes with the beautiful scenery of Lake Kawaguchi and delicious bread.
Enjoying the lakeside scenery at Funatsu Beach and taking home bread that showcases French craftsmanship—even such a casual detour is a precious moment that enriches your travel memories.
"Pain Daniel," supervised by Daniel Paquet, who has extensive experience in the world of French cuisine, bakes bread with meticulous attention to ingredients and methods by skilled artisans. From traditional French breads to pastries made with seasonal fruits and savory breads perfect for pairing with meals, you're sure to discover new delicious flavors with every visit.
The majestic scenery of Lake Kawaguchi overlooking Mount Fuji, and the delicious bread that brightens up your daily meals—enjoying the beauty of nature while discovering the unique culinary delights of the region is one of the greatest pleasures of travel.
Our trip to Lake Kawaguchi this autumn, spent with our beloved dog Chocolat, was blessed with beautiful autumn weather, and is filled with many wonderful memories, including beautiful scenery, delicious food, and relaxing time at the hotel.
"Pain Daniel," the last place we visited on our trip, also became the perfect place to conclude those memories.
When you visit Lake Kawaguchi, why not stop by here in addition to taking a stroll along the lakeside?
Le pain de Daniel (Pan Daniel)
Address: 3631-2 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
TEL: 0555-72-2213
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on Thursdays
（※Official InstagramPlease check the calendar.
Parking: Available (free)
Pets: Allowed only on the terrace.
https://pan-daniel.jp/
