Tokyo Stroll: The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone #8 – ‘Ginza West’

05.October.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

Ginza is a district in the heart of Tokyo famed for its extravagant streets lined with upmarket shops, luscious restaurants and fantastic entertainment. But it’s not only worthy of note for its flamboyance – it’s also rooted in rich culture and history.

 

Today, I visited Ginza West, a café that has been continuously loved in Ginza ever since it opened in 1947.

Before entering I saw lots of delicious confections lined up on display. You can order takeout too. Your mind will wander off as you ponder on which to take away for snack time.

The entire café is clean and tidy throughout and you can feel the decor has grace. It’s different from other cafés in that it has a dignified atmosphere to it. It has an air of tension to it, the kind that makes you straighten up your back. It’s a place that’s nice if someone wants to enjoy a luxurious experience once in a while.

I ordered cake and tea set! The tea cost ¥1,048. A cake set is the price of the drink plus ¥324.

You can actually have them bring you samples of cakes being served on that day. There’s so many cake varieties it’s hard to choose.

The most popular is this one – the Mosaic Cake!

Its appearance is cute. I ended up wanting to take a lot of photos.

The Mosaic Cake is made of cocoa sponge and butter sponge which is arranged to look like a mosaic piece. You can really taste the different flavours of each sponge. It’s only moderately sweet so it’s not too heavy. I wolfed it down!

And then, and then!

I got the white cream soda which I’d been wanting to try. It cost ¥1,188.

 

When you think of cream soda it’s generally green coloured melon soda with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top. But this one uses no colouring. The soda is clear and also served with vanilla ice cream. Try drinking it yourself after adding a syrup of your choice.

It looks like a very elegant beverage.

In terms of taste, if you eat the vanilla ice cream after drinking some of the soda (which is subtly sweet) it makes for an exquisite balance. It’s a flavour I’ve never had before – it’s a novel sensation.

Delicious.

The chairs in the café have something about them too! They feel extremely comfortable, I felt exhausted. The staff kindly told me the secret behind them.

 

The back legs of the chairs are a little wider than the ones at the front allowing you to lean back much easier and making it feel much more comfortable. The chair legs are also cut to a certain length to allow easier sitting.

So that’s why. That’s why I felt so relaxed simply sitting on them. I felt I could be sat there no matter the hour.

 

t’s a kind of consideration you’d only find at a café. Hearing about those chairs made me think that cafes really are such wonderful places. The more you learn about them, the more you come to love their charms.

 

I wonder where I’ll visit next? Look forward to it!

TALENT PROFILE

Ema Tanioku

“Emaeri” is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies.

RECOMMENDED ENTRIES

  • Tokyo Stroll: The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone #7 – Garden Café & Bar ‘Urara’ in Daikanyama

    15.August.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

    The place I am showcasing today is ‘Urara,’ a garden café and bar located in Daikanyama. Their shaved ice is super popular in summer. It’s somewhere I love and often go to in my private time. It’s an old Japanese-style house so it has a much different atmosphere to that of stylish Daikanyama. The outside of it has a warm and welcoming feel to it that will have you wanting to see what kind of place it is. Upon entering through the shop sign curtain, you arrive in the courtyard which is surrounded by trees. You can hear the sounds of birds from somewhere, and when the wind blows you also hear the rustling of tree leaves. You completely forget you’re in Tokyo as you feel like you’ve come to a grandma’s house in the countryside. It’s very relaxing. Hm? What’s this odd looking thing? These unique ornaments were scattered all around the courtyard ready to greet us! This sign makes for a great photo spot. It says ‘Urara’ just like the name of the café. Its nostalgic design is so cute! When you really look, it says tissue paper on it! There’s lots to be discovered on the posters and signs that make up the interior, it’s a lot of fun! I ordered the Uji adzuki bean shaved ice topped with condensed milk! It cost ¥600 for the shaved ice and ¥100 for the topping. The matcha used is from Uji in Kyoto. Such a big portion of shaved ice is enough to cool you down by just looking at it. Let’s eat! Where have I tasted this before…   The matcha seeped all the way to the middle of the shaved ice. The refreshing sweetness was so tasty. The adzuki beans are from Tokachi in Hokkaido. They were a perfect combination with the condensed milk. The ice used is natural ice from Nikko. It’s fluffy, tastes great, and doesn’t give you brain freeze!   Natural ice is different from regular ice. It’s frozen slowly so the crystals have high density, and it takes longer for it to melt. The cool part was how it didn’t crumple instantly when I poured the syrup on it! This is blueberry syrup (¥600). The blueberries used are from Nagano. They make it from jam in the café. Isn’t the colour just beautiful? It has that sour flavour that blueberries have and a refreshing, lip-smacking sweetness. I normally don’t drink alcohol, but since Urara is a café and a bar I will show you a mojito (¥600). The mint is so refreshing! On a hot summer’s day it seems like there are people who order both shaved ice and beer together. They’re seasonal items so will satisfy and cool you down. I also got to meet Tama-chan, the cat who comes to play at Urara. One time when I came before Tama was out walking so I didn’t get to meet him. Lastly, I snapped a photo with Arai who’s in charge of promoting Urara! We’re roughly the same height and have a similar interest in clothes so I grew an affinity with her. Coffee shops and cafés in old style Japanese houses tell you something about the people associated with them. Urara feels natural thanks to SELIN & Co., an apparel maker who make things that feel one with nature. The staff at Urara all love living things, so the big hearted atmosphere there was really wonderful. If I was to set up a shop I wonder what it would be like… I think I’d want to put out something warm like Urara.  
    ■Information Urara Address: 20-10 Sarugakucho, Shibuya, Tokyo Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:30am-7:00pm / Weekends & Holidays 11:30am-7:30pm *Closed during rainy weather. Access: 4-minutes on foot from Daikanyama Station via the Tokyu Tokoyo Line Website: http://www.hrm.co.jp/news/2016/04/garden-cafe-bar-urara
      Photographer:Haruka Yamamoto Editor:Ai Watanabe Design:Yuko Abe(ASOBISYSTEM) Translater:Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

    TALENT PROFILE

    Ema Tanioku

    “Emaeri” is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies.

  • Tokyo Stroll: The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone #6 – ‘Angelus’ in Asakusa Loved by Osamu Tezuka

    13.June.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

    In this sixth instalment to her café seriesEma Tanioku stopped by Angeles, a café in Asakusa with a history spanning over 70 years. Angeles is known for its history of famous frequenters including legendary manga artist Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy). This wonderful location is always bustling with customers and is known to be full even during holidays. When people think of Asakusa, they imagine Sensoji Temple and the district's old-fashioned architecture. However, Angeles breaks that mould and instead takes on the form of a European-style place of worship. It's different from all the rest and looks warm and welcoming from the outside. Even if you have no plans to go into the café, the desserts on display look so invitingly delicious you'll find yourself stopping in your tracks.   "They look so tasty..."   Time to go inside! You'll be spoilt for choice because they all look so good. The café has three floors. It's like an atrium where you can look down below from the top floor.   People who want to kick their feet up and read in the café or relax and space out can head to the second floor which has a hiding-place-like area. There's a different atmosphere wherever you decide to sit, so it can be fun finding which part fits for you! 'Angeles' refers to a devotion in memory of the Annunciation in Christianity signalled by the ringing of church bells. Looking around at the decor you'll see things like crosses and doves as well as signs of peace dotted about. Ema ordered the Almond Purin (¥930).   In the middle of the bowl is a melon that looks as if it's been sliced. It's also plated with various fresh fruits like banana strawberry as well as tinned pineapple and peaches and finished with a side of fresh cream. All of that hides vanilla ice cream underneath. And of course the highlight of the dessert, the purin, also tucked away! First thing's first: munching down the strawberry! The fresh cream is a perfect complement to the fruits. Combine and gobble it all up.   And finally, the star of the plate. The purin! It has quite a sweet flavour and is supple so it's very tasty. The café's number one recommendation on the dessert menu is the above.   The flavour of the Angelus (¥330) dessert hasn't changed for over 50 years. It comes in either black or white. The black Angeles is made with coffee flavoured butter cream and coated with sweet chocolate. The white Angeles is made with ordinary butter cream and coated in white chocolate.   Neither are overly sweet and they're at an easy-to-eat size. They were exquisite! Angelus' speciality is their Dutch Coffee (¥620). Dutch coffee is made by dripping ice water dripped over the coffee to extract the maximum flavour. It even looks refreshing, making it perfect for the summertime heat. If you're a coffee enthusiast then you've got to try this.  Ema was contemplating that although she's sat there there in that moment, what kind of people were talking about what kinds of things 70 years ago? The thought simply excited her ♪   "Though the generations will change, this place will continue remaining the same and probably continue to be loved by lots of people. As time flows so does the delicious taste of what they have to offer. More places like this will come to be one by one. I wonder what kind of cafe will I encounter next?♡"  
    ■Information Angelus Address: 1-17-6 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo Opening Hours: 11am-9pm (Last Orders 8:40pm) Closed: Mondays Access: 3-minutes by foot from Exit 1 of Asakusa Station via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line 4-minutes by foot from Asakusa Staion via the Tobu Isesaki Line 6-minutes by foot from Asakusa Staion via the Toei Asakusa Line 5-minutes by foot from Asakusa Staion via the Tsukuba Express Website: http://www.asakusa-angelus.com
       
    Model&Writer: Ema Tanioku Profile: “Emaeri” is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies. Instagram: @ematanioku   Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto Editor :Ai Watanabe Design: Yuko Abe(ASOBISYSTEM) Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
     
  • 【Tokyo Stroll】The cafe that you want to visit to see someone #5: “café Benisica” – The Birthplace of Pizza Toast

    21.February.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

    “A café that has continued to be loved for 60 years”   In this entry to my café series, I visited the familiar Yurakucho, the center of modern Tokyo culture. This year, long-standing café Benisica turned 61-years-old. I stopped by to have my fill of their amazing pizza toast. The café is a 2-minute walk from Hibiya Station via Tokyo Metro lines, and 4-minutes on foot from Yurakucho Station via JR lines, making it an easy place to get to.   The café opened all those years ago in response to the large number of cinemas and theatres dotted around Yurakucho. They wanted to create place where people could relax on their way back from seeing a show.   Upon arrival, you can still observe stylish older ladies strolling into the café. The scene hasn’t changed one bit which I found to be wonderful.   Café Benisica is famous for being the birthplace of original pizza toast. They even have a sign at the entrance telling you that! Eye-catching!!!   Without further ado, let’s head on in♪   I take one step into the café, and... Huh? What’s this?!   That’s right. At Benisica, you can enjoy vacuum brewed coffee. This was the first time I had seen a vacuum coffee maker up close, so I gazed at them with a keen interest.   Inside, I gazed at the café décor and objects scattered around of Hibiya, a town which changes with the times. You can feel the weight of the times instore – all the wonderful items look stylish simply by being placed in there! The café interior is a collection of warm colours. It’s a place where you can relax and feel comfortable.   This is Benisica’s famous pizza toast, costing ¥950 (tax included). They have plenty of set menus, and drink menus are ¥1,350. The story behind the pizza toast was how if you didn’t go to an Italian restaurant back then, you couldn’t eat pizza. So, they took pizza and turned it into something you can eat casually – toast. Since then, it has continued to be a much-loved menu item with customers for almost half a century.     After hearing the story, I took no time at all ordering my own pizza toast! To drink, I chose a strawberry shake. Just so you know, the shake doesn’t come in set orders, so be careful.   Thick servings of cheese and put onto chunky slices of toast. “The soul of the pizza toast is in the cheese!” is what you’ll be saying at its presence on the toast. Its generous serving makes this pizza toast suitable not just as a light meal, but even a whole lunch. As well as the standard ingredients like salami, onion and bell peppers, I was happy that there were mushrooms too.   The bread’s texture is fluffy! I was hungry, so I made short work of it. Thank you for the meal.   This is the owner of Benisica, Setsuko Murakami, who told me the story of the café. She’s a very wonderful person who loves her husband very much. Not only did she tell me about the café – I got to hear about her husband’s way of living and thoughts too. The words of people that have walked the road of life longer than me are deep and enlightening.   I stored the owner’s story safely onto the shelves in my heart. The next time something happens, I’ll rely on those special words she graciously taught me and work hard.  
    ■Information Café Benisica Address: 1-6-8 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Opening Hours: 9:30-23:45 (Open from 9:00 on Weekends & Holidays) No Fixed Holidays. Access: 2-minutes on foot from Hibiya Station via the Hibiya Line, Chiyoda Line, and Toei Mita Line / 4-minutes on foot from Yurakucho Station via JR Lines Webpage:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130102/13002146/
     
    Model : Ema Tanioku Profile: "Emaeri" is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies. Instagram:@ematanioku   Photographer:Haruka Yamamoto Editor&Writer:Ryoichi Komaba Design:Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM) Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
     
  • 【Tokyo Stroll】 The café that you want to visit to see someone #4 Cats working at Shinjuku-sanchome’s Café Arles

    21.December.2017 | FEATURES / FOOD

    "Good service, a jolly owner and cute cats – this café is sure to heal you!"   I’m Ema Tanioku and today I’ll be introducing you to yet another café in Tokyo as the fourth edition of my series "The café that you want to visit to see someone". Today I’ll be reporting about my visit to Café Arles which can be found at Shinjuku-sanchome. Ever since hearing that there were cats at this café, I’ve been set on going 〜♪♪   The café is very easy to access. To get to there, you can take the Toei Shinjuku line to Shinjuku-sanchome. From here, you can get to the café within a five-minute walk. Walking around the Shinjuku Suehirote theatre, the café soon came into sight. Somehow, I could sense the presence of cats just from the atmosphere... There it was! The entrance to the café was decorated with many ornaments of cats and dogs. I don’ know why but I was filled with excitement before even having entered. As soon as I entered, I immediately spotted a cat. I was then greeted by the cat’s master who had a sweeping grin across his face and was wearing a hat with a cat broach. I could really feel his love for cats ♪♪ I took a sweeping glance over the café – cats, cats and more cats - there were so many cat-themed goods everywhere! Apart from cats goods, the master also collects clown goods and displayed everything all huddled together to decorate the café. Although this was my first time at Café Arles, I immediately felt right at home as a warm feeling grew within me. I asked the master what got him into the café business and I was surprised by his response. It all started when the master was working at a mahjong parlour, where a person they knew asked them to start up a café. The master then thought about the numerous paintings he had collected and how he was in search of a place to display them. The idea of choosing his own music, menu and decorating a café interior to his own taste really struck a chord with him. There are many paintings displayed in the café. Amongst these are some by modern artist Tomomi Kondo, who made the paintings “please your master” and “cool your thighs”, which feature the kaban neko (café cats) Ishimatsu and Jirocho, who are “working hard” by lazing around. Café Arles is fun and draws in even more fun. The atmosphere is filled with the love and enjoyment of the customers. That’s why I immediately felt so at home as soon as I entered. You can easily spend a long time here. I asked the master what he recommends from his menu. His response? “My recommendation is what you want to eat the most!” he said wisely. I felt like eating Napolitan spaghetti and so that is what I ordered! (Price: ¥720 including tax) It came with banana and giant corn ❤ – this excellent service made me so happy! The gentle flavour of this homemade dish was delicious and I could really taste the Showa-retro Napolitan flavour to it. The drink, soup and salad services available gives this meal a perfect score for portion size satisfaction! The master allowed me to take his café cat Jirocho-kun out for a walk. This was the first time I'd ever walked a cat – a new, fresh experience! Jirocho-kun is a very calm and obedient cat, so we had a lovely stroll together. Speaking of which, Jirocho-kun loves his owner so much that he runs to meet him whenever he hears his car pull up at the shop. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the café. “I enjoyed every minute of it” explained the master happily. The master created a place where everyone can be happy and in return everyone supports him. Perhaps this cycle is the motivational force that has kept and will continue to push this café to live and thrive.   I’m glad I came to this café today and met such a special person. I want to come here again and have another chat with the master!      
    ■Information Cafe Arles Address:1st floor, 5-10-8, Shinjuku, Tokyo Opening h0urs: 11:30 〜 22:00 Regular holidays days: Sundays, New Year's period holiday period Access:398 metres from Shinjuku Sanchome station (reach via Toei-Shinjuku line/ Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line URL:https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13087540/  
     
    Model & Writer: Ema Tanioku Profile: "Emaeri" is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies. Instagram:@ematanioku   Photographer:Haruka Yamamoto Editor:Ryoichi Komaba Design:Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM) Translated by: Samantha Fernandes
     
  • 【Tokyo Stroll】The cafe you that you want to visit to see someone #3 “Galant” —a retro café in Ueno

    15.November.2017 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

    “It’s a mysterious café vacuum sealed with an energy that feels like it’s the time of the Japanese economic miracle”   We’re at the third installment of this series where we take a stroll to old-fashioned cafes filled with a sense of nostalgia. I, Ema Tanioka, will be introducing to you another retro café that I am in love with. Today, we go to “Galant” in Ueno, a town where the Showa mood still lingers.   Galant has continued to be loved by many people since it opened its doors back in 1977. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the popular café. “Galant” sounds a little space-y, don’t you think? It’s a little different from the norm. When I enquired to the staff about the origin of the café’s name, they told me that it comes from the Mitsubishi Galant as the owner is a fan of cars. To think that a car’s name became the name of a café! But it has a ring to it and is easy to remember, so it might actually be a huge success.   Anyway, without further ado, let’s make our way there! Galant is on the 2nd floor of this building. As you head up the stairs, it no longer felt like I was in the real world. A completely different world opened before me. Because of the entrance’s chic brickwork, I was surprised by the dazzling lights floating inside. And here! Here too! There was so much sparkle. The first thing to peak my interest was the uniform the staff were wearing. So cute... You don’t see that red & yellow combination much these days. It helped amplify that retro mood of the café even more.   The male staff wore red & black! Black was the base colour and had that well defined, guy-like feel to it. Together with the checkered vests, it completed that retro look. It was wonderful. The café was also playing popular Showa era songs. I really felt like I had stepped back in time.       And then... and then! The menu arrived! The most popular item on the menu is the chocolate parfait (¥900 tax incl.). It was absolutely stuffed with cream all the way to the middle. For people who love sweet things this is an irresistible delight. By the way, I must ask, what do you do when it comes to the cherry on top of the parfait? The truth is, I absolutely love parfaits, but I’m really not into the cherry – I usually leave it until the end. Even though it looks so cute on the parfait... Another item is the cream soda (¥750 tax incl.). When going to a café, you just have to get a cream soda!! It’s because you don’t see them around much besides at cafes and family restaurants, so I’m the person that ends up ordering one unintentionally when if I see it on the menu. There’s a nice fat serving of ice cream in there. It’s a drink you can enjoy that has the aesthetic of a dessert. The melon soda is crystal clear like a precious gem. The best part about cream soda is how the ice cream slowly melts into the drink. It’s pretty fun to watch! Galant is the kind of café where the more you get to know it, the more you start to love it. Its fans have been supporting it for many years, and even when I become a grandma in the future, I reckon it’ll still be bustling all the same.  
    ■Information Galant (ギャラン) Address: 6-14-4 Ueno, Taitō, Tokyo Open: 8:00-23:00 Open all week. Access: 2-minutes’ walk from Ueno Station via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / 1-minutes’ walk from Exit 5b at Ueno Station via the Hibiya Line URL:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131101/13039759/
    Model&Writer:Ema Tanioku Profile:Ema and Eri Tanioku are well-known Aomoji-kei twin models that go by their duo name “EmaEri.” Their twin-like fashion co-ordination and cute looks have earned them a fast growing fan base. They are officially appointed tourism ambassadors and work both in Japan and overseas to promote Harajuku culture. They work as fashion models in a wide range of areas and have appeared in fashion magazines as well as on TV, in dramas, movies and more.  Instagram:@ematanioku   Photograph:Haruka Yamamoto Editor:Ryoichi Komaba Design:Yuko Abe(ASOBISYSTEM) Translation:Joshua Kitosi-Isanga  
  • 【Tokyo Stroll】The cafe that you want to visit to see someone #2 “Nanatsumori”—An Attractive Cafe in Kōenji

    26.July.2017 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

    "A coffee lounge where you can step back in time and spend it in luxury."   Showa, retro-style coffee shops that are comfortable and echo a sense of nostalgia. I, Ema Tanioka, love going to these kinds of cafés. I hope to make you want to visit a place like this, the kind of place where you want to meet with someone.   For today's stroll, I went to Kōenji, a conveniently accessible location from the city just one stop from Shinjuku on the Chūō Line. When you think of Kōenji, you think of its plentiful second hand clothes shops and shops selling miscellaneous goods, among others, all with their individual traits. It's the kind of town where you're sure to discover something new each time you visit. This time around, I went to "Nanatsumori," a café that has a retro look to it from the outside. It was built in Showa 53 (the year 1978). I heard that the building was originally used as a tea house. At the front of the café is an old-fashioned shaved ice machine. I couldn't help turning it. Upon entering, you can see the interior of the café has weathered. It has an atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era, like you've just stepped back in time. No matter where you take a photograph in the café it will look beautiful.   There were lots of mysterious ornaments inside; I couldn't help but reach my hands out to touch everything♪ But, in the end, I didn't know what any of the things I'm holding in the photos were. How on earth do you use this stuff...?!   While pondering that, just simply gazing around the interior of the café filled me with a feeling of excitement.

    >>next page

    I ordered Omurice (¥1,185 w/tax) and a Jumbo Purin (¥625 w/tax) for this visit.   I tucked into my omurice first. But you don't eat omurice with ketchup here. Instead, it comes with a traditional style seasoning. The rice was mixed with beef, burdock, and enoki mushrooms, as well as a salty-sweet seasoning that tasted like shigureni. On top of the rice was an omelette that had fresh cream inside. It was wonderful.   The traditional style rice and the sweet-tasting egg went perfectly together! I cleared my plate very quickly. For dessert, I went with my absolute favourite—custard purin♪   It was served in a cute plate that looked like a goldfish bowl. It looked very photogenic. The purin itself wasn't the soft kind. It was an old-style purin with elasticity and a gentle flavour. The caramel sauce was delicious too with its ever so slightly bitter taste. I could have eaten more than one. I also ordered black tea to go with it.   The menu has plenty of other homemade sweets too! I definitely want to try ordering something else the next time I go. Time passes slowly and restfully at "Nanatsumori," with its retro atmosphere. You can spend a happy time there surrounded by its gorgeous interior that makes it seem as if you've stepped back in time.   It made me think "I want to spend some luxurious time here together with someone special."   The next time you head on out to Kōenji, be sure to visit here.  
    ■Information Nanatsumori Address: 2 Chome-20-20 Kōenjiminami, Suginami, Tokyo Business Hours: 10:30-24:00 (Last orders at 23:30) Holidays: None Access: 3-minutes' walk from Shin-Kōenji Station / 7-minutes' walk from Kōenji Station https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1319/A131904/13000675/
    Writer&Model: Ema Tanioku Profile:Ema and Eri Tanioku are well-known Aomoji-kei twin models that go by their duo name "EmaEri." Their twin-like fashion co-ordination and cute looks have earned them a fast growing fan base. They are officially appointed tourism ambassadors and work both in Japan and overseas to promote Harajuku culture. They work as fashion models in a wide range of areas and have appeared in fashion magazines as well as on TV, in dramas, movies and more. Instagram:@ematanioku   Photograph:Haruka Yamamoto Design:Yuko Abe(ASOBISYSTEM) Editor:Sayuri Mizuno(ASOBISYSTEM) Translation:Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
    Related Article:【Tokyo Stroll】The cafe that you want to visit to see someone #1 The popular cafe in Jinbo-cho called “Sabouru” that has retro interior and nostalgic food   Related Article:【Tokyo Cafe】Yonchome, Kouenji – reasonable prices, comfortable atmosphere and great lunch.

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe Be Held in Omotesando, Tokyo in March and April

    06.March.2023 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT

    To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear!   The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma's favorite pudding.  

    Menu

    Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger

    コリラックマのクリームパスタ

    Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta

    Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger

    Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry 

    Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake

    Congratulatory Flower Parfait

    You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream

    You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats 

    Honey Forest Jelly Soda

    Relaxing Pudding Drink

    Take-Out Drink Bottle

     

    Original Merch

    Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)

    Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)

    Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)

    Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag

    Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster

    Stuffed Animal

       

    In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma's 20th anniversary.

    Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!

      ©2023 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
  • Hyatt Centric Ginza to Display Christmas Tree Made by Social Advocacy Group HERALBONY

    21.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    From December 1 until December 25, guests at Hyatt Centric Ginza will be able to see the first-ever Christmas tree designed by the social advocacy group HERALBONY. The Light-Hearted ART TREE will welcome guests to the 4F library and lounge area, and the tree lighting ceremony will be streamed on Instagram live.   It’s no surprise that the hotel is collaborating with HERALBONY again–from May to November of this year, the HERALBONY ART ROOM was open for guests to enjoy. This is the first time that the unit is designing a Christmas tree, and the piece is inspired by one of their most iconic pieces of art–Yukihito Okabe’s Hoo! Hey! Visitors of all ages can enjoy this beautiful piece, filled with color and sure to bring joy.   Along with the tree, the showcase and lounge will also be decorated in a number of HERALBONY pieces. Come enjoy the Christmas season in this one-of-a-kind space!
  • Kirby Cafe Reveals Exclusive Winter 2022 Menu

    14.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / Uncategorized

    The Kirby Cafe has announced a warm and tasty new winter menu! New items will be available from November 17, 2022 until February 28, 2023, and are sure to warm up fans of the beloved video game series.  

    Menu

    Winter Kirby Burger & Pasta with Powdered Snow Cheese (30th Anniversary Version)

    Winter Waddle Dee Burger & Pasta with Powdered Snow Cheese

    Waddle Dee's Dreamy White Stew

    Chef Kawasaki's Winter Hors d'oeuvres with Roast Beef

    Transform! Carby Cake

    Kirby's Dream Ricotta Pancake

    Whispy Woods Blessed Tart

    Elfilin's Twinkle☆Frozen Drink

    The Winter 2022 menu offers a variety of adorable and tasty menu items featuring Kirby and his friends all dressed up for the colder months. From a burger and pasta set to piping hot stew and fluffy ricotta pancakes, there’s sure to be something for every taste.  The Carby cake, inspired by Kirby’s special transformation in the recent game Kirby and the Forgotten Land, has been reimagined in a winter version. Fans won’t want to miss out!   This winter, come enjoy plenty of Kirby-inspired treats while you can!   ©Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.
  • 13th BT21 Cafe to Open in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo

    29.October.2022 | FASHION / FOOD / SPOT

    The 13th iteration of the BT21 Cafe will open at six venues in five cities around Japan. Fans in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo will want to visit this exclusive event titled ~MAGICAL TIME~. The first cafe opens in Shibuya on November 3. In celebration of BT21’s 5th anniversary, this special cafe is filled with joy and excitement and aims to give fans the best possible experience.  

    Cafe Menu

    Magical Tea Time Set

    Food Plate

    Food Plate (7 varieties)

    Dessert Plate

    Dessert Plate (7 varieties)

     

    Drinks

    Magical Milk Tea

    Black Tea

    Iced Coffee / Hot Coffee

     

    Original Goods

    Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)

    Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, Random)

    Satin Sticker (7 varieties)

    Clear Folder (2 varieties)

    Handkerchief (7 varieties)

    Tote Bag

    Mug

    Masking Tape / Balloon on a Stick

    Dolomite Coaster (2 varieties) / Mirror (2 varieties)

    [Online Store Exclusive] Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)

      The cafe’s new menu includes afternoon tea, perfect for warming the body and soul during the cold winter months. The colorful food items and desserts are sure to be a hit on social media, and fans will enjoy the Magical Milk Tea and other dishes inspired by the popular BT21 characters. In addition to new merchandise and bonuses featuring newly-drawn art, a photo spot will welcome guests to the cafe and invite them to celebrate this five-year milestone.  Why not take a break from everyday life to enjoy a magical time with these cute characters?   ©BT21
  • Q-pot CAFE to Offer Cute Halloween Sweets to Celebrate 10th Anniversary

    05.September.2022 | FOOD

    Q-pot CAFE in Omotesando will be offering up some Halloween treats to celebrate the location’s 10th anniversary! Guests will be able to sample these special sweets from September 3 until October 31, 2022.   Happy Halloween! Afternoon Tea SetThe festive Happy Halloween afternoon tea features pink Jack-o'-lantern macarons and other Halloween-inspired sweets.   Fluffy Floating Ghost Plate (Drink Included)The adorable ghost is made from fluffy milk mousse covered with gyuhi, a typical ingredient in Japanese sweets made from rice flour. Inside is blackcurrant and redcurrant jelly with an incredibly sweet and sour flavor.   Black Devil Tea MochaFeaturing large devil wings, this tasty and eye-catching beverage is a mix of black tea, chocolate, and milk. When the cocoa cream melts, the taste changes to something creamy and cozy, perfect for the autumn months.   Shimmering Blueberry & Grapefruit SodaThis refreshing sweet and sour drink combines blueberries and pink grapefruit along with soda and pearl powder.   Come enjoy Halloween while celebrating the cafe's 10th anniversary!
  • Blue Lock Anime Pop-Up Store and Cafe to Open at Tokyo Solamachi Tree Village

    26.August.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    A pop-up store and cafe inspired by the anime series Blue Lock will open in September! The series is due to begin airing in October 2022.   The limited-time cafe and shop will open at Tokyo Solamachi Tree Village. Guests will be able to enjoy original dishes inspired by characters from the series, and goods featuring new illustrations will be on sale!If you’re a fan of the series, you won’t want to miss taking a trip to Skytree in September!