Sapporo is the fifth most populous city of Japan and the capital of Hokkaido. It's a location bustling with tourists from around the world every year who come to enjoy its lush natural environment, fabulous food and amazing art.   The city also has a whole range of popular sweets and desserts. Here's our list of 6 of them you have to try when visiting Sapporo.  

Fuyuko Taniguchiさん(@okuyuf)がシェアした投稿 - 2017年 9月月28日午後10時03分PDT

Saturdays Chocolate Factory Cafe Saturdays Chocolate Factory Cafe is a local chocolate brand that started in Sapporo. They delicately craft chocolate in chocolate using carefully selected ingredients from around the world. The shop interior is stylish like that of a general store, with chocolate decked out in cosmetic-like packaging. Enjoy a variety of chocolate and drinks sat at the counter or on the benches.    

KANON PANCAKESさん(@kanon_pancakes)がシェアした投稿 - 2018年 8月月3日午後7時19分PDT

KANON PANCAKES KANON PANCAKES is a popular pancake cafe that opened in 2012. The cafe has a high ceiling and a relaxing space with table seats and window seats where you can enjoy yourself even on your own. Their pancakes will satisfy your belly and are the perfect picture for your Instagram feed. They have a range of different pancakes to try, so tuck in!    

ひなこさん(@hinako1675)がシェアした投稿 - 2018年 8月月12日午前6時50分PDT

WORLD BOOK CAFE This spacious cafe has huge bookshelves lining the interior just like a bookshop with books on world travel and more. Displayed on the walls are illustrations of famous figures. The cafe is so relaxing you'll want to stay there for a lengthy period of time. Enjoy a cup of fragrant coffee and pick from a line-up of delicious sweets or something from the food menu. They also offer a book borrowing service that lets you keep the book for 2 weeks, so if you couldn't finish the book you were reading in the cafe then take it with you!    

c_mmmipiaceさん(@c_mmmipiace)がシェアした投稿 - 2018年 7月月25日午後7時55分PDT

Rokkatei The Sapporo branch of Rokkatei is just a 5-minute walk from the south exit of JR Sapporo Station. They are famous for their crispy biscuit snacks called Marusei Butter Sandwich which they also have an ice cream version of. This version is made with vanilla ice cream, white chocolate and raisins. This dessert can only be eaten in the Sapporo and Obihiro branches.    

hiro-chiro＊wireworkさん(@hiro_chiro_sb)がシェアした投稿 - 2018年 3月月18日午前2時52分PDT

Shiroya This mochi shop uses komochi from the city of Nayoro in Hokkaido, a white, chewy kind of mochi that doesn't dry out and get hard easily. They are made with adzuki and black soy bean both from Tokachi. They stock a whole range of different mochi using ingredients from Hokkaido, with prices starting at a resonable ¥140. They also serve matcha for ¥200 when you eat in, meaning you can kick back and enjoy some authentic traditional Japanese confections.    

yama- puchiさん(@puchi_pan)がシェアした投稿 - 2018年 1月月26日午後2時51分PST

Parfaiteria PaL This bar style shop is open until 2am where you can enjoy sake together with a parfait. Their sweet parfaits are irresistible, combined with pear and yogurt. It's the sister shop to the restaurant Risotteria GAKU which has boasted popularity for 10 years in Sapporo and Asahikawa. If you're a fan of parfait or even of Risotteria GAKU then you've got to eat at Parfaiteria PaL.     Did you enjoy this list? Which do you want to try the most? Be sure to check out these places if you're in Sapporo!

Every year in Japan, the popularity of mint chocolate flavoured sweets, desserts and beverages increases, but this summer has seen the biggest boom so far. Here’s our Top 5 list of popular mint chocolate goodies you can get your hands on in Japan right now.   Starbucks Chilled Cup – “Iced Mint Mocha” Starbucks are introducing an iced mint mocha to their popular chilled cup series for a limited time starting on August 14. This mocha is made with flavoursome coffee, rich chocolate and refreshing mint. The combination of the chocolate and fresh fragrance of the mint makes for a satisfying taste. Even the packaging looks refreshing.       Cookie Time x Mint Chocolate Cookie Time in Harajuku are now selling a range of mint chocolate items for a limited time. Check out the list below. Half & Half (Cookie Dough x Mint Chocolate Ice Cream) Price: ¥850   Enjoy everybody’s favourite cookie dough combined with pleasant mint chocolate ice cream. This fusion of soft cookie dough and cool mint chocolate is Cookie Time’s recommended menu item for summer 2018. Giant Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich Price: ¥950   Treat your taste buds to mint chocolate ice cream sandwiched between two giant freshly-cooked cookies. Cookie lovers and mint chocolate lovers won’t be able to resist this one!       BARBARA a table – “Fuwatoro Mint Chocolate” Bakery and beer restaurant BARBARA a table, located on the seventh floor of Lumine Yokohama, have created a summer-only shaved ice menu. Their mint chocolate shaved ice is drizzled in cool mint syrup and topped with fluffy espuma cream and sweet chocolate sauce. Its refreshing taste makes it a perfect after-dinner desert!       KAWAII MONSTER CAFE – “Mint Chocolate Space Cake” The KAWAII MONSTER CAFE in Harajuku is celebrating its 3^rd anniversary by holding a space-themed fair in the popular Mushroom Disco area of the café which is running until September 2. The theme of the fair is ‘a giant forest where colourful and toxic mushrooms and plants from space fly overhead.’ The mint chocolate cake takes on the form of a monster. It’s a mint chocolate roll cake topped with mint chocolate ice cream and fresh mint chocolate cream. Enjoy it together with the cotton candy cloud the monster is sitting on.       Mario Gelateria – “Shaved Mint Chocolate” Mario Gelateria are selling mint chocolate shaved ice desserts at three of their branches. At their Shibuya Hikarie branch they are selling their fluffy textured ‘Kezuri Mint Chocolate’ and at their Yokohama Bayside and Minato Mirai branches they’re selling their ‘Mint Chocolate’ which changes colour to pink, all for a limited period. The one to really try is the Kezuri Mint Chocolate which is topped with shaved frozen mint milk and a chocolate sauce that hardens when it gets cold. On top of the fluffy shaved ice is a mint chocolate gelato made with salt from the Uyuni Salt Lake.       Which of these mint chocolate goodies do you want to try the most? Each one is available the summer season only, so don’t miss out!

Summer is still here in Japan, which means there's still plenty of events to be enjoyed. Let's take a look at events happening in the Kanto region in August 2018.   Snoopy in Ginza 2018 - Ginza Mitsukoshi Snoopy in Ginza 2018 is a popular event currently ongoing at Ginza Mitsukoshi. This year marks the event’s 20^th anniversary, so the department store has been completely taken over by cute and happy Snoopy decorations. At the entrance of the first floor you are greeted by Snoopy at the rest of the Peanuts posse celebrating the 20^th run of the event. Roll on up for the ultimate Snoopy experience! Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/120299     Shinjuku Kabukicho Haunted House - inSPYre A haunted house attraction has made its way to inSPYre in Kabukicho, Shinjuku. When the event was first held tickets sold out within 30-minutes on Nico Nico Chokaigi, so in a bid to have more people enjoy the experience they have set it up once more. It is an upscaled version of the ‘Angel of Massacre’ developed by obakeyashiki producer Hirofumi Gomi. Full Details:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/120328      Pikachu Outbreak Parade in Yokohama Japan's army of Pikachu is readying themselves to appear at the Pikachu Outbreak: Science Is Amazing event set to take place from August 10 to 16 in the Minato Mirai area of Yokohama. Every year, packs of Pikachu march from Queen's Square Yokohama to Grand Mall Park, bringing in countless spectators. For the first time ever this summer, an army of Eevee will join the march. Don't miss out on meeting the cute Pikachu and Eevee this year♡ Full Details:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/118063     Sony Technology Summer Festival in Shibuya Sony Square Shibuya Project is located on the first floor of Shibuya Modi and acts as an information hub for Sony’s products, and it's there that the company are holding a summer festival until August 31. Meet aibo the robot, immerse yourself in VR and get up close with the latest technology from Sony. Full Details:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/117435     Gintama & Edo Wonderland Collaborative Event Cultural theme park Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is holding a special event in collaboration with Gintama this summer which is running until October 30. This event will have you seeking out hidden treasure as you are guided by the voices of popular characters from Gintama. Participants will go around the park to each designated voice system location while solving simple puzzles inspired by the world of the series. The voice story was recorded specially for this event and includes the voices of Gintoki Sakata, Kondo Isao, Hijikata Toshiro, Okita Sougo, and Kotaro Katsura. Full Details:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/118666       All of these events are easily accessible via the cities, so continue enjoying the Japanese summer by going to as many places you can!

Each month, a new themed café or menu is introduced in Japan in collaboration with popular characters. There's a whole list of kawaii ones that make an appearance every time.   Let's take a look at some character cafés you can look forward to in August 2018.   'Over Action Rabbit' x VANDALISM Shibuya Over Action Rabbit is a popular stamp series used on the LINE and Kakao Talk messenger apps that has gained much attention in Japan and particularly with young people in South Korea. The cute and lovable rabbit is getting his own themed café that will be open for a limited period between July 21 and August 26. This is the first time a café has collaborated with Over Action Rabbit in Japan. The kawaii café will take the form of his surreal world and be decorate in pastel-coloured decor. They also have a takeout menu. Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/118092       The Very Hungry Caterpillar x Marione Gate Ginza The internationally beloved children's picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar has its own café in Japan, and they've introduced some eye-catching new menu items for the summer. Everything delicious thing on the menu recreates the wonderful world of the story down to the finest of details that are sure to leave you smiling! Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/107654       Gudetama x Dining Park Ikebukuro To celebrate Gudetama's 5th anniversary, he's launched into space to bring us a very special space-themed menu packed with dishes perfect for Instagram feeds, such as the Zero Gravity Gudetama Burger, Black Hole Jar Parfait, and much more. Drink and dine at the café to receive a limited edition Gudetama fan and coaster. Keep in mind these are limited in quantity, so you'll want to visit quick! Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/112954       Chiitan☆ x Harajuku Kawaii-ya Located down Takeshita Street, Harajuku's iconic shopping spot, is Harajuku Kawaii-ya, a café that has teamed up with the kawaii otter mascot Chiitan☆. Running until September 9, the menu is filled with dishes with very unique names in Japanese which translate to things like "I'm Chiitan, the One Who Destroyed the Trampoline Someone Bought For Me... Hot Pie." You don't need to make any reservations. It's first-come, first-served all day making it an easy place to get into if you're unsure how to book in Japanese. Experience the world of Chiitan☆ in Harajuku!       Cinnamoroll x Sapporo PARCO Sanrio’s popular character Cinnamoroll recently won the 33rd Sanrio 2018 Character Awards  so to celebrate, he received his very own themed café which is open at Sapporo PARCO until September 10. Enjoy the Soratobu Cinnamoroll Curry featuring Cinnamoroll flying through a green curry sky with his big ears. The dish is topped with cotton candy clouds which, when mixed with the curry, creates a unique flavour of sweet and spicy. There's a whole list of cute dishes on the menu. Cinnamoroll and his pals will also be there to greet you as staff. Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/116613       Cardcaptor Sakura x Sakura Fantasy Cafe The Sakura Fantasy Caf is a new collaborative café themed on the latest entry to the Cardcaptor series, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, now open for a limited time in Tokyo (Harajuku), Osaka (Abeno) and Saitama (Koshigaya). The cafés have a photogenic themed menu as well as a photo spot and more, all with original illustrations. There's even a line-up of original Cardcaptor merchandise you can’t get anywhere else. The menu includes a selection of cheese toast, roast beef, smoothies, pancakes and more.   Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/116035       Did you enjoy this list? Be sure you get a chance to visit a character café while you're in Japan.

Unique fashionista duo Yuna Yabe and MIOCHIN embarked on their third trip around Harajuku together. In the first trip we saw them visit 6 second hand clothing shops recommended by them, and in the second they went around finding different places to take photos.   For their third entry they are showcasing places where you can buy inexpensive makeup and fashion accessories in Harajuku.   "STYLENANDA" - The Cute Pink Shop"There's actually I place I've always been curious about when walking around Harajuku. Please! I wanna go!" This was MIOCHIN's enthusiastic request, and so they headed there - to STYLENANDA, the Harajuku flagship store, located along Takeshita Street. The pink exterior is very stylish. STYLENANDA is a South Korea-based fashion brand. Japan's flagship store in Harajuku was the first branch to arrive and it attracted much attention. There are three floors decked out in cosmetic brands such as 3CE as well as a range of apparel. The cosmetic designs are of course flashy looking, but as cosmetic items they are also first-class quality. Additionally, because the store collaborates with so many times, you can always look forward to seeing something new no matter when you visit. Their hugely popular white milk cream is a must-check too. It's a moisturising cream that naturally turns your skin white wherever you put it as pictured above. It comes in cute milk carton packaging too! The product is synonymous with the 3CE brand. MIOCHIN and Yuna began searching for items that best suited them. Yuna is a frequent customer at this store but this was MIOCHIN's first time.   What did the both of them end up buying? Find out at the end of the article!     STYLENANDA's Must-See Photo Spots STYLENANDA has a number of places for great photo opportunities. The store has a cute appearance wherever you look. You can see that it's not only the cosmetic designs that look great, but every nook and cranny of the store has been tended to.   If you go to then you've got to check out STYLENANDA!       "WEGO1.3.5..." - Kawaii Bargains"Sorry! There's something I forgot to buy so can we go to Takeshita Street again?" asked MIOCHIN enthusiastically. Off they went to WEGO1.3.5..., a lifestyle store that sells cute and fun pop items in three prices: ¥100, ¥300 and ¥500. They have everything from apparel to fashion items and accessories, socks, travel goods, cosmetics, event and party goods, souvenirs and more all for the bargain prices of ¥100, ¥300 or ¥500. Some items cost a bit more but even those are super cheap! They stock plenty of items trending this summer like aurora and rainbow designs. The shelves are absolutely overflowing with things to choose from, and they're all so cheap! You might end up buying too much... The store also has the photo spot above which makes for a great Instagram post. Visit and try to find it yourself!       Showing Off the Items They Bought!MIOCHIN MIOCHIN bought the white milk cream from STYLENANDA, something she's always wanted. She also picked up the Sparkling Liquid Pigment which can be used to make up parts of your makeup. It's a liquid type so it's easy to spread but difficult to kink. Putting it just around your eyes leaves a gorgeous impression. It's fine to use on your body too of course. At WEGO1.3.5..., she bought a unicorn boots keeper, a piggy bag, a rainbow coloured heart earrings, and a flower photo frame. Despite it all being so cheap everything really stands out and is eye catching. Will she use the unicorn in a YouTube video...? Yuna At STYLENANDA, Yuna bought some cosmetics... or so we thought, she actually got a hat and a bag! The summery material brings out that fresh vibe. The fact you can enjoy makeup as well as apparel at STYLENANDA is part of its appeal. She bought a heart-shaped mini dresser from WEGO1.3.5... and a pen case. She also got some cute glittery wrapping paper to use as a backdrop in her YouTube videos. With just this she can elevate her home interior aesthetic that much more!   Did you enjoy their third trip to Harajuku? In this article the two of them visited two bargain stores that MIOCHIN wanted to go to. Harajuku has even more unique and appealing spots along its streets. Why not find them yourself this summer in Japan?   This series can be enjoyed on their YouTube channels too, so be sure to check them out!

 

With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s recipe series! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.   In this character recipe you'll learn how to make a Totoro black sesame seed purin.   1: Ingredients Black Sesame Purin Mix (purchased from Daiso) Milk Pura Chocolate (Swiss chocolate also fine) Transparent Jar (Weck jar used) ☆For Decorating: Almonds Fresh Cream Fruits of your choice   2: Cook the black sesame seed purin according to the box instructions and leave to cool.   3: Cut the chocolate into eyes, a nose and stomach and decorate the features with a chocolate pen. Make a leaf with a green pura chocolate. ☆Cool each part in the refrigerator to fully harden.     4: One the chocolate in step 3 has solidified, place it on the inner side of the jar as shown in the photo. Add whiskers with the chocolate pen.   ☆Once everything is in position, leave it to cool in the refrigerator once more.     5: After cooling again, pour in your black sesame seed purin mix from step 2. ☆If you do not leave the chocolate to completely harden it will fall off. ☆Place in the fridge once more to harden and you're done! Finish off by decorating with fresh cream, add almonds for ears and top with a cherry.   Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!