(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Dessert in Tokyo has hit peak convenience with the opening of a Châteraisé confectionary branch in the Nishiazabu neighborhood.
Customers can grab cakes, cookies and ice cream treats without judgment as the shop is unmanned, offers self-checkout and is open 24 hours.
This is the first of its kind for the Kofu City-based chain which has over 740 locations Japan-wide and 160 shops overseas.
The shopping experience at the Nishiazabu location features cutting-edge AI technologies, including multiple cameras tracing customers and an advanced self-checkout system. Using radio-frequency identification (RDIF) tags, the self-checkout auto-detects the items in the customer’s basket, so no scanning is required!
The register also has an English option for ease of use and allows for cash, credit card, QR code or IC transportation cards for payment. After the transaction ends, a gate door opens to allow you to exit the shop.
Though the Châteraisé Nishiazabu is unmanned after hours, there is a small staff restocking goods and boxing desserts behind the counter between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. The shop also has advanced reservations for fresh-baked decorated cakes and other desserts to pick up between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Next time you find yourself in the area and have a late-night hankering for something sweet, be sure to swing by this technologically advanced dessert paradise!
Châteraisé Nishiazabu
Hours: 24/7/365 (Staff available between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.)
Location: 1-13-15 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3479-5400
