Tucked into the scenic landscape of Shiga Prefecture, La Collina Omihachiman is more than just a confectionery shop, it’s a whimsically designed blend of nature preservation, sustainable design, and artisan dessert-making.
The flagship store of the Taneya Group, the shop is surrounded by nature and serves up a wide variety of popular seasonal confections. With its undulating grass-covered roof, seasonal gardens, and charming architectural style often likened to something from a Studio Ghibli film, La Collina has become a must-visit spot for sweet lovers, architecture fans, and photographers alike.
A Brief History of La Collina
- Opened by the Taneya Group, one of Japan’s premier traditional confectionery brands
- Built as a sustainable confectionery park that cultivates some of its own ingredients
- Designed by renowned architect Terunobu Fujimori, known for nature-inspired and surreal structures
- Emphasizes local sourcing, seasonal menus, and eco-conscious design
La Collina (meaning "the hill" in Italian) was conceived as a place where “what we eat and how we live” are celebrated through design and tradition. From its rolling rooftop meadow to its surrounding farmlands and eco-conscious construction, the site embodies the Taneya Group’s belief that food and nature are deeply interconnected. Visitors are invited not just to buy sweets, but to savor the rhythms of the seasons and appreciate the beauty of sustainability.
As a bakery, the owners developed a deep appreciation for natural ingredients and thus decided to turn their shop into a nature preserve where they could grow their own ingredients and be in tune with the seasons. With its grass-covered roof, the shop has been described as Ghibli-like in appearance and is a great location for photography lovers.
Signature Confections
La Collina is particularly famous for its baumkuchen, a ring-shaped German-style cake that has been fully embraced by Japanese bakers and confectioners. Visitors can watch skilled pâtissiers bake baumkuchen layer by layer in the shop’s open kitchen, enclosed by glass walls.
Top Offerings:
- Baumkuchen: Moist, tender, and available in seasonal variations
- Monaka and Mochi: Traditional Japanese sweets with a modern twist
- Seasonal Cakes & Jellies: Made from fresh, local fruits and herbs
- Organic Teas and Beverages: Designed to pair with sweets
- Gift Boxes: Beautifully wrapped confections perfect for souvenirs
Guests are welcome to enjoy their treats on-site in the café terrace, with views of the gardens and mountains beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is La Collina Omihachiman best known for?
Its storybook-like grass-roof building and its delicious, handmade baumkuchen.
Can you watch the sweets being made?
Yes! One of the highlights is the glass-walled kitchen where visitors can watch artisans bake baumkuchen and other treats.
Is there a café at La Collina?
Yes. There's relaxing café terrace where visitors can enjoy their confections while taking in views of the garden and landscape. There is also a food stall area where you can purchase seasonal snacks and beverages.
Is La Collina wheelchair accessible?
The main areas are accessible, though some paths may be slightly uneven due to the natural design of the grounds.
Do they sell souvenirs or boxed sweets?
Absolutely. La Collina offers beautifully packaged sweets perfect for gifts or travel souvenirs.
How do I visit La Collina?
We at Snow Monkey Resorts are proud to include a stop to La Collina as part of our 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman will take you to two castle towns, Hikone, with one of the oldest castles in Japan, and Omi Hachiman, known for its charming canals. Taste Matcha, relax in peaceful gardens, and soak in the scenery as you are led by your experienced, English-speaking guide through this picturesque region of Japan.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman
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