Tokyo as we know it today is built upon tens of thousands of years of history. The Paleolithic era, during which traces of human life have been found in the Tokyo area, dates back more than 30,000 years. It might be difficult to imagine what life was like so long ago, but ruins discovered during urban development offer a glimpse into the ancient past. 

 

The Edo-Tokyo Museum opened in 1993, and is set to begin a large-scale renovation in April 2022. Prior to the museum’s temporary closure, a special exhibition titled ‘Memories of the City: A Thirty Thousand Year History of Tokyo’ will open from September 18 until December 5, 2021. The installation will look back on the history of Japan’s capital, from the Paleolithic era to the present day.

Tokyo Takanawa Coast Steam Railway – Hiroshige Utagawa III. 1871. 

Sword-shaped Haniwa. Excavated from Kannonzuka Burial Mound. From the Kofun Period (250-538 CE)

Roof tiles. Excavated from the Site of Musashi Kokubunji Temple. From the Nara Period (710-794 CE)

Scene from Yamabuki no Sato by Ota Dokan. Saitou Yukio, Saitou Yukitaka, Saitou Gesshin, Hasegawa Settan. 1836. 

Excavated Materials from Hachioji Castle Ruins. From the Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1558-1600 CE)

Map of Edo. 1666. 

Procession of the Lords of Edo. Adachi Ginko. 1889. 

Washington Heights (Tokyo Aerial Photograph). Satou Suiyou. 1957.

Blazer worn by the Japanese Delegation at Tokyo Olympic Games. 1964. 

Nipponbashi at Dawn. Kawase Hasui. 1940. 

 

 

As urban development continues to progress, it’s incredible to look back at the many people who have lived in the Tokyo area, and the many events that have taken place over time. Recently, a new train stop was added to the busy Yamanote Line in the capital, and the remains of an old railroad track were discovered during construction! What else might be hiding beneath the metropolis? 

 

Tokyo has undergone constant change due to natural disasters, war, and urban development, but historical buildings and important spots that tell the story of the city are being carefully preserved for future generations. Visitors to Japan often comment on this, claiming that so much of Tokyo’s beauty comes from it’s blend of old and new. 

Cafe BIVOUAC, located in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, will reopen Bath Cafe Hareniwa no Yu on September 18, 21, after a full rebranding.

 

 

 

The space aims to be ‘a garden that clears a guest’s body and mind.’ Visitors can enjoy a full bath and sauna, freshly-picked vegetables at the Haruniwa Dining Room, and a lush green lounge in which to relax and unwind.

 

The Haruniwa Dining Room, run by The Farm, a resort in Chiba Prefecture, offers healthy dishes filled with fresh local vegetables from Kumagaya with carefully-selected main ingredients.

 

In addition, a collaboration with fashion brand ‘niko and…’ will also begin upon reopening, offering the perfect comfy clothes to wear while enjoying the property.  The lineup  includes an original bath bag and sauna hat, each sold exclusively at Hareniwa no Yu.

 

Neko Neko Cheesecake, a sweets shop specializing in cat-shaped treats, is adding the massively popular Neko Neko Tiramisu back to the menu for a limited time only, from September 10 until September 30, 2021.

※Until supplies last. 

 

Originally sold as a limited-edition release for Father’s Day, 800 of these cat-shaped treats sold out instantly. Brought back as a result of constant consumer requests, the Tiramisu will only be available in very limited quantities.

 

The Neko Neko Tiramisu is filled with soft sponge cake soaked with coffee syrup, with a layer of mascarpone cheese mousse layered on top. Finished with cocoa and coffee powder, it’s the perfect mix of bittersweet and rich flavors.

 

The Tiramisu will also be available at the online store All Hearts Mall, making it easy to send to friends and family. As the pandemic continues to keep people apart, this adorable sweet is a great way to surprise loved ones far away.

 

What do you think about this Neko Neko Tiramisu? It might be too cute to eat.

A selection of healing monotone panda sweets will be available at the Gelato Pique Café between September 6 and September 25. The collection is titled “everyday PANDA! ~Sweets Time with Pandas~.”

 

Menu

 

Panda Crepe

 

Panda Gelato

 

Panda Float

 

 

Goods

Gelato Pique Café Original Panda Glass/Mug
Available from September 6

Gelato Pique Panda Motif Eco Bag / Panda Motif Hand Towel
Online reservations open September 2, available instore from September 8

 

 

In 2021, the Gelato Pique Café announced two rounds of animal themed sweets, proving hugely popular on social media. For Easter they released “Bunny Sweets” with rabbit ears motifs, while a series of “Polar Bear Sweets” was released during the Summer. Now, a selection of “Panda Sweets” is the latest to join the animal collection. 

 

The chocolate and banana Panda Crepe is filled with a healing ganache and banana,  while the Panda Gelato has cocoa biscuits studded around the pandas neck, along with rounded eyes and ears. The “healing monotone” Panda Float combines the Gelato Pique Café’s original Guatemalan coffee blend with Royal Blue Bourbon.

 

Along with this “everyday PANDA!” Fair, we have a large lineup of panda goods that will make you happy just by having them.  Goods that are perfect for presents, souvenirs, and rewards for yourself can be purchased at each gelato pique cafe store and EC site, so please look forward to that too!

There is a huge lineup of panda goods that will brighten your day releasing alongside the “everyday PANDA” fair, which make perfect gifts for friends – or yourself! You can view the goods lineup in store and on the Gelato Pique website.

 

A limited-time Marvel themed cafe is coming to Umeda, Osaka from September 16 until October 17. Produced by OH MY CAFE, the concept is centered on themes such as power, courage, talent, justice, and friendship, and the menu will be filled with items inspired by the many heroes of the Marvel universe.

 

The cafe menu features original items representing the worlds of Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and Black Widow. All dishes are healthy, low-sodium, and low-sugar. Various original pieces of merchandise will also be available for fans of American comics!

 

 

Menu

Marvel Paprikash: ¥1,759 (Tax Included)

<Spider-Man> The Best Chicken Sandwich in Queens: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

<Captain America> American Tomato Pasta: ¥1,979 (Tax Included)

<Thor> Hammer Curry in the Desert: ¥2,089 (Tax Included)

<Black Widow> Jet-Black Squid Ink Gratin: ¥1,869 (Tax Included)

<Iron Man> Evening Donut-style Bagel Sandwich: ¥1,979 (Tax Included)

<Captain America> Ramune Soda: ¥1,209 (+¥770 for coaster) (Tax Included)

<Iron Man> Cherry Soda:  ¥1,209 (+¥770 for coaster) (Tax Included)

Marvel Cafe Latte: ¥989 (+¥1,650 for mug) (Tax Included) 

Marvel Tea Bottle: ¥769 (Tax Included) / Bottle and Charm: ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

Customers who make a reservation in advance will receive one random original mask case (7 designs). 

 

 

Original Merchandise

 

Acrylic Keyring (6 designs): ¥825 (Tax Included)

Square Pins (13 designs, random): ¥495 (Tax Included) / Marvel Case: ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

A5-size Clear Folder (7 designs, random): ¥385 (Tax Included)

Tote Bag: ¥1,100 (Tax Included) / Marvel Bandana Handkerchief: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Menu Art Series A4-size Clear Folder: ¥440 (Tax Included) / Menu Bandana Handkerchief: ¥1,650 (Tax Included) / Acrylic Magnets (6 designs): ¥715 (Tax Included)

Avengers: Endgame Clear Folders (5 designs, random): ¥550 (Tax Included) / Avengers: Infinity War Postcards (8 designs, random): ¥275 (Tax Included)

 

 

Ⓒ 2020 MARVEL

Twitter-famous character Chiikawa is coming to Shizuoka PARCO starting September 16! Guests can enjoy a cafe on the first floor of the facility serving specially-crafted treats, and can head to the fourth floor for a shop selling original Chiikawa cafe goods.

 

Menu

Hachiware Cream Soda / Chiikawa Cream Soda / Usagi Cream Soda: ¥990 each (Tax Included)

Fluffy Cloud Latte with Character Sugar: ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

Yoroi-san’s Strawberry Milk: ¥990 (Tax Included)

Best Friends Cookie Set (3 cookies): ¥880 (Tax Included, takeout only)

Each drink order will come with a random coaster (15 designs total). 

Merchandise

 

Mug: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Cafe Chef Plushies: ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Cafe Employee Plushies: ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Bowl: ¥2,200 (Tax Included)

Random Acrylic Keychain (8 designs): ¥660 (Tax Included)

 

*Limit 2 items per person per type of merchandise. For random items, the limit is 10 items per person per type.
*Images are for reference only. Not all products are shown.
*Contents are subject to change. 

 

4th Floor Shop Special Goods

Special Gift

Guests spending ¥4,400 or more (including tax) will receive an original cork coaster!

 

 

The Chiikawa manga, created by Japanese illustrator nagano, is extremely popular on Twitter for its cute illustrations and heartwarming stories. In August, the second Chiikawa book was released.

 

Who is your favorite Chiikawa character?

 

©nagano

Zoomers are used to life with their smartphones and computers. While life certainly is more convenient being able to connect instantly with your friends, have you ever felt a certain emptiness despite this? According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, young people in their 20s spend approximately four to five hours looking at screens per day. However, sometimes, it can be nice to put down your phone and enjoy a cup of tea with your friends in front of you. With those thoughts, the HANARIDA Harajuku cafe open on August 8 2021. The hidden cafe is filled with flowers and greenery, aimed at adults. Here you can enjoy a quiet time away from the bustle of the city, relaxing with a cup of dry fruit-infused herbal tea.

 

 

Every sunday is a digital detox day, meaning that smartphones and laptops are banned in the cafe. You can leave your phone with the staff to receive a free drink. With the comfy interior and a selection of board games, conversations will flow naturally to create a home-like space, even without technology

 

The flowers and trees in the cafe, which was decorated by a professional flower artist, are all real. The atmosphere changed based on the time of day – the sunshine lights up the cafe while the warm lights make for a relaxing evening. You won’t get tired of this cozy space! 

Experience relaxation away from the busy city while watching the flowers bloom throughout the day, as you puff on a dried fruit Hanakemuri hookah. The hookah used by HANADIRA is both nicotine and tar free, meaning they can be enjoyed by non-smokers. 

 

Their drink selection for Valentine’s day 2021 was a huge hit on social media, particularly the Sakicha dry fruit tea. The tea is now available on the menu, so make sure to try it for yourself!

 

The calm Machiya sweet shop eXcafe Gion-Shinbashi will be restarting the popular eXcafe Breakfast (Calico) menu on weekends from September 4 2021. This is the perfect spot to start your Gion adventure, packed full of ancient city charm and history. 

 

 

 

eXcafe currently has three store locations in Kyoto: Kyoto-Arashiyama, Gion-Shinbashi, and the newly opened Gion Yasaka.

eXcafe Gion Shinbashi is located in an area where you can appreciate the beauty of Gion, with the ever changing scenery fully reflecting the four seasons. Even on sunny weekends, the area isn’t overly busy and the sky is beautifully clear, making it the perfect spot for commemorative photos.

 

The returning breakfast menu is the eXcafe Breakfast (Calico), made up of charcoal-grilled toast with a calico cat motif. The fluffy bread is thickly cut and can be completed with your favorite topping: Bean paste, butter, whipped cream, or fruits. The breakfast set also includes a drink and Mitarashi dango dessert, making it the perfect way to spend a relaxing moment at the beginning of your trip, or as a break from your early-morning sightseeing.

 

Morning walks in Gion are particularly refreshing at this time of year, making a perfect break from the intense Summer heat. It is also ideal for visiting the Yasaka Shrine.

You’ll feel even cooler as you listen to the flowing Shira River, the water gently bubbling under the cobblestones of the famous Tatsumi Bridge. Although it is located in a trendy area, the eXcafe Gion-Shinbashi is a welcome break from the bustle of the city, surrounded by cobblestone alleys and wooden townhouses.

 

Adorable stop-motion series Pui Pui Molcar is getting a limited-time cafe run! The Mogu Mogu Molcar Restaurant will open in four areas–Tokyo, Osaka, Shizuoka, and Sendai–starting September 2. 

 

Main Visual

 

Those who reserve a seat early will receive a randomly-selected sticker. (5 designs.)

For each drink ordered, guests will receive a random paper coaster. (5 designs)

 

Menu

Who Caused the Traffic Jam? PUIPUI Temarizushi: ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Cat Rescuing Operation – Meat! Meat! Pasta: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Zombies and Lunch Green Curry: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Pui Pui Racing Salad: ¥1,210 (Tax Included)

Time Molcar Stew: ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

It’s a Prank? It’s Tiramisu: ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Mission Impossible Pancakes: ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Everything is a Surprise Box Cake: ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

Angelic Parfait: ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

Let’s Molcar Party Drinks: ¥880 each (Tax Included)

Masked Shiromo Cafe Latte: ¥990 (Tax Included)

Chewing Chewing Popcorn Smoothie: ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

 

 

 

Original Merchandise

Acrylic Keychains (5 designs): ¥700 (Tax Included)

Pins (5 designs): ¥450 each (Tax Included)

Acrylic Stands (5 designs): ¥1,100 each (Tax Included)

Mug: ¥1,800 (Tax Included) / Tag Roll: ¥800 (Tax Included)

Neck Strap: (5 designs): ¥1,700 each

Drawstring Pouch: ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

 

Pui Pui Molcar is the first animated television series directed by Asaki Misato, and has captured the hearts of children and adults alike with it’s short episodes and fluffy characters. The series began broadcasting in January 2021, and in only the first week, the official Molcar Twitter page exceeded 100,000 followers. The show is available on Netflix in the west, and is being rebroadcast in Japan each Tuesday morning on TV Tokyo. 

 

The cafe menu utilizes each episode’s title, and guests can enjoy reliving their favorite moments of the show through artfully-plated dishes. 

 

What would you order at the cafe? 

 

 

 

©Tomoki Misato JGH・Shin-Ei Animation／Molcars

 

 

The 9th BT21 Cafe ~Relaxing Holiday~ will be open for a limited time in six venues across Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Okinawa. If you’re a fan of these adorable LINE FRIENDS, just take a look at the menu items and goods on offer!

 

Main Visual

 

 

The Menu

 

Chicken and Orange Hot Sandwich: ¥1,760 (Tax Included) 

Grilled Vegetable Curry: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

 

Tandoori Chicken Tacos: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Bacon: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

Mug Collection

Combo Meals

Pistachio and Chocolate S’mores: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Cinnamon Apple Pie: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Maple Lemon German Pancake: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Mixed Berry German Pancake: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Strawberry Mojito/Kiwi Mojito/Peach Mojito: ¥990 each (Tax Included)

Coffee (Iced/Hot) / Black Tea (Iced/Hot): ¥550 (Tax Included)

 

 

 

Original Merchandise 

 

Pins (Random, 7 designs): ¥660 (Tax Included)

Acrylic Keyrings (7 designs): ¥770 (Tax Included) / Clear Folder: ¥440 (Tax Included)

Stickers (7 designs): ¥770 each (Tax Included) / Placemat (2 designs): ¥1,000 each (Tax Included)

 

Swizzle Stick (7 designs): ¥990 each (Tax Included) / Tote Bag: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Canvas Pouch: ¥1,980 (Tax Included) / Mini-towel (7 designs): ¥990 each (Tax Included)

Bandana (2 designs): ¥1,320 each (Tax Included) / Marshmallows: ¥972 (Tax Included)

 

 

Customers who book a table in advance will receive a randomly selected A5-size clear folder and a random clear coaster for each drink ordered.

 

 

 

The first installment of the 9th BT21 Cafe run, ~MY LITTLE BUDDY~, began in July 2021. The menu and goods, based on cute babies and their friends, received rave reviews. 

 

~Relaxing Holiday~ is inspired by summer and being outside with friends. Menu items look like what people may eat while camping, and the original character art features your favorite BT21 characters eating their favorite foods. Various soups and desserts are available in cute souvenir cups, and anything ordered is perfect for posting on social media!

Which menu item looks the most delicious to you? 

 

*Images for reference only. 

 

©BT21

Capcom Cafe Ikebukuro will be hosting a special cafe inspired by the upcoming The Prince of Tennis film, releasing in theaters September 3. The cafe will run from September 3 until October 14. 

 

The Prince of Tennis ran in the popular manga magazine Shonen Jump from 1999 until 2008, and found incredible popularity in Japan. It was adapted into an anime series in 2001, running for 178 episodes, and has also been transformed into 15 stage musicals, a live-action film, a radio show, multiple video games, and more. The upcoming 3DCG film was announced in 2019. 

 

In a teaser image released to promote the special cafe, main character Ryoma appears beside other characters from the series in an adorable tiny style. More details about the menu and goods offered will be revealed soon, so keep an eye out for an update!

 

What goods are you hoping to see sold at the cafe? 

 

©TK/S ©RPT
©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Disney HARVEST MARKET By CAFE COMPANY, pre-opening for reservations on August 12, is a new cafe and gift shop that offers “Food that connects with the future.” 

The ‘Health-ertainment’ themed menu is healthy for people, society, and the earth itself, while staying tasty, fun, and enjoyable to reflect Disney’s world view.

 

 

Menu Sample

Afternoon Tea Party: ¥3,200 per customer (2+ guests)
An Afternoon Tea set with seasonal fruits, pancakes, open sandwiches and drinks.

 

From the bottom: Otoboke Barista Cafe Latte: ¥770 / Cheerful Farmer Jumbo Mushroom Burger: ¥2,530 / Fluffy & Crumbly Doggy Potato (Curry Flavor): ¥935 / Cute Chef’s Pink Berry Pancake: ¥2,200 / Stylish Patisserie Double Berry Glass: ¥1,980 / Careless Fisherman’s Wholegrain Carbonara : ¥2,200 

 

 

The menu is made up of the characters and stories that make up Disney, starting with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, perfect for both adults and children.  

In addition, with the concept of Japan Local, there will be a special menu that allows you to experience the four seasons of Japan, with menu items that reflect Japanese seasonal events.

By combining the act of eating with entertainment through Disney’s world view, the customer can enjoy a “delicious and fun” food experience. 

 

 

 

Oh!Miyage ~GOODS EXPERIENCE~

The gift shop offers not just Omiyage (souvenirs) but Oh!Miyage, filled with original products and traditional crafts made by trustworthy creators from across Japan. The gift shop provides an experience packed with the fun of choosing, buying, gifting, and using your purchases while offering awareness of both yourself and the makers. 

 

 

 

A ‘Harvest’ Experience Full Of Disney

The Harvest store is decorated with wood and greenery,  built using both new and recycled goods made from waste materials.

 

 

The menu represents the four seasons of Japan by combining Japanese culture and natural motifs with designs inspired by Mickey and Friends.

 

 

The back of the store is taken up by a huge white Mickey Mouse statue, standing 1.7m tall. The statues outfit and display changes based on the season, welcoming guests as a symbol of the store. Limited merchandise based on the statue’s hand towel and muffled designs are scheduled to be released in the future. 

 

 

BGM

The store background music is full of timeless and beloved tunes, perfect for relaxing in a cafe. Songs have been selected from Disneyland Records and Burns Vista Records, both popular since the 1950’s, including legendary Disney tunes from the Sherman Brothers and Annette.

You can also hear rare tracks sung by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and other disney characters within the playlist.

 

 

Make sure to enjoy this Disney-colored ‘Health-ertainment’ experience for yourself!