The all-new “HARAJUKU AR BOX -table projection mapping cafe-” will open in Harajuku, Tokyo on December 21, 2019. This permanent cafe incorporates “interactive tabletop projection mapping” technology developed by Sony. The cafe runs in a “pair seating” system and so tables must be occupied by two people. 

The first collaboration to hit the cafe for its grand opening is with Korilakkuma. The collaboration is titled “Korilakkuma Cafe: Inside The Mirror.” Customers will be able to enjoy their meals while playing together with the characters as they walk around their plates and tables through projection mapping technology.

 

The theme of the cafe is “Korilakkuma inside a mirror,” which sees Korilakkuma meeting another Korilakkuma inside the mirror in a world of cats and cosmetics.

 

Customers will be able to get their hands on a range of exclusive merchandise with original art illustrated for the cafe, as well as enjoy themed meals which come in the form of courses made to share between two people. They are free to choose an appetizer, main dish and dessert. *Course menu only – items not available to order separately

 

Menu item names are translated from Japanese.

 

Appetizers: Soup and Salad

Welcome to the World Inside the Mirror! Soup & Salad

There are two soups to choose from: clam chowder and minestrone. As a pair you can also order one of each.

 

Main Dishes

Omurice – Let’s Draw Together

Chicken and Mushroom Cream Pasta Made Delicious With Magic!

Friendly Twin Korilakkuma Burger (Available December 21 – January 19 only)

There are five main dishes in total to choose from including those above.

 

Desserts

Spell-Cast Pancakes

Crème Brûlée & Magic Mirror (Available December 21 – January 19 only)

Heart-Filled Fondant Chocolate (Available January 20 to February 16 only)

There are five desserts in total to choose from including those above.

 

Drinks

Korilakkuma Cafe au Lait – ¥890 (Served Hot Only)

Korilakkuma Cocoa – ¥890 (Served Hot Only)

Twin Korilakkuma Strawberry Milk – ¥990

When you order a drink, you’ll get an original coaster too.

 

Merchandise

Pin Badge (6 Designs) – ¥400

Folder Set – ¥500

Sliding Mirror (Pink or Purple) – ¥1,200 Each

 

There are lots of other exclusive pieces of merchandise to get your hands on too. Every customer will also receive one of two dolomite crystals.

 

*All listed prices include tax. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

©2019 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

LEGS is opening a Kirby-themed pop-up shop named ‘PLAYFUL KIRBY’ for a limited time in Laforet Harajuku, a landmark of Tokyo’s fashion hub Harajuku.

The shop has invited popular Japanese illustrator Shogo Sekine on board, who is known for its distinct typography work which mixes fashion with messages written in English, to create an original line of Kirby apparel and miscellaneous fashion items.

PLAYFUL KIRBY is also teaming up with Converse. Kirby has inhaled a few too many Converse Stars and has turned into a truly fashionable pink blob. The line-up is unisex so can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. It will include items also available to purchase at Converse Stars branches as well as Laforet Harajuku exclusives.

 

Witness Nintendo’s Dream Land hero in an all-new light as he becomes a fashion icon at Laforet Harajuku this month from December 16 to 26.

 

©Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only

The Harajuku, Yokohama and Umeda branches of the Pompompurin Cafeーthe cafe chain centred on Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurinーis serving up two cute Christmas menu items this year from December 1 to 25.

*Food names below are translated from Japanese

Hurry Up Santa – Pompompurin Cheese Keema Curry – ¥1,290 (Before Tax)

This rich and spicy keema curry is made with Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and natural cheese. The colourful stars are made from carrot and paprika, while the spiralled Christmas cheese is a combination of spinach and mashed potato. Purin is made of rice and is waiting in anticipation for Santa to deliver his present. You’ll see he’s holding a stocking which is a made from bread and walleye pollack mayo. A hearty dish that is both delicious and adorable

Snowman Pompompurin – Snow Covered Chocolate Tart ¥1,190 (Before Tax)

Pompompurin has turned into a vanilla ice cream snowman and is standing next to a pistachio cream Christmas tree. They are both atop a rich chocolate tart. This cute dessert is like a Christmas garden straight out of a children’s picture book.

If you decide you want to spend your Christmas with Pompompurin this year, then you’ll receive a free lunch mat when you order food and a free coaster when you get a drink. These are both limited in quantity, so don’t miss out!

 

©1996, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S603310

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is a hotel accommodation service run by MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON located in Harajuku and bookable via Airbnb. Our hotel isn’t just popular for sleep, however: it has become a hot spot with stylish girls who get together and use it as a party space. 

 

Today we’ll be looking at the different ways you can have fun when staying at our pink paradise room SAKURA. 

 

Girls’ Night In Edition: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/262308

Birthday Party Edition: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/264752

 

【8】Extend your adventures to the rooftop 

The rooftop of MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS can be used freely by our guests. There are tables and chairs and even a hammock so make yourself comfortable. We particularly recommend spending a morning here. Enjoy bathing in the morning light on our spacious rooftop right below the clouds and make some good memories eating breakfast with your friends. 

*Please note that the rooftop is not accessible when booked.

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is located near a number of breakfast foodie favorites including Bread, Espresso & and whyte which have made their fame on Instagram. How about a baked good and a drink to enjoy on the rooftop with your friends?

 

【9】Barbeque it up on the rooftop with zero preparation

There is still more to your rooftop adventures. There is a barbeque course which you can enjoy without having to prepare anything at all. The barbeque course includes meat, fish, vegetables, dessert and even more luxurious dishes. The course even comes with a selection of drinks so you can spend less time preparing and more time enjoying.

This course is available to book for groups of six people or more. You can even invite your friends who are not staying at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS so feel free to invite many people. Find out more about what’s on the menu here. 

 

【10】Feast out with your foodie friends near MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS: Recommendations from locals

Where do the locals and people working in Harajuku choose to eat out? As our office is located in Harajuku, we have plenty of knowledge to share with you:

 

Okonomiyaki at Sakura Tei

Just a five-minute walk from MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS lies the Okonomiyaki restaurant Sakura Tei. From the beautiful interior decoration and wonderful atmosphere to the delicious food, this restaurant should be on your food adventure list. As many foreigners eat here, the staff can even speak in multiple foreign languages. Make use of Sakura Tei’s simple guide on how to make okonomiyaki and put your skills to the test. 

 

KAWAII MONSTER CAFE TOKYO

KAWAII MONSTER CAFE TOKYO is one of the landmarks of Harajuku. Welcome to the vivid world of bright pop colours where you will be staring in awe at everything from the decorations to the food and drinks. Some of the crazy meals to satisfy your kawaii cravings include rainbow pastas and cakes. Don’t leave without getting your hands on some KAWAII MONSTER CAFE-limited merchandise! Your meal will also be interrupted by the Monster Girls who will put on an incredibly fun performance for you. 

 

Gonpachi Nori-Temaki

Seaweed from the well-established shop Maruyama Nori and only the freshest and luxurious fish is used to make these temaki sushi. The seafood used in these temaki sushi rolls is of a quality that you won’t find at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant so if you are looking for a new experience of sushi, make sure to stop by.

 

cafe Hohokam

If your burger cravings get to you then cafe Hohokam is for you. The interior is spacious and there is even terrace seating, creating a refreshing atmosphere. From mozzarella to barbeque to cheese, the menu is full of different flavours and is filling enough to leave any foodie fully satisfied.

 

Harajuku Ice Cream Shops

Harajuku is a kawaii ice cream shop hot spot. The shops serve up a range of toppings and will fill your cone with heaps of colours and fun flavours. A trip to an ice cream shop in Harajuku is an adventure in itself. When you’re done with dinner and the sweet cravings kick in, let the kawaii ice cream shops of Harajuku be your saviour. 

 

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is located at the heart of Harajuku and is surrounded by great places to shop, eat, sightsee and much more. Enjoy a stay at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS and embark on a wild Harajuku adventure.

2019 is the year of BABYMETAL, with their latest album METAL GALAXY having dropped in October and making them the highest Japanese group/artist to place on the Billboard Top 200 in the US in 56 years. As they continue knee-deep in their ongoing world tour, you might be wondering what else they have in the pipeline.

 

Well, we can confirm that for you right here and now: they have teamed up with internationally-lauded Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto on his revolutionary Ground Y collection which boasts a genderless and ageless style.

Pre-sales of the collection will take place at the new Shibuya PARCO which is set to open on November 22. This will be followed by sales at GINZA SIX, Laforet Harajuku, and the online store THE SHOP YOHJI YAMAMOTO.

The collection will bring together the unique world of BABYMETALーa band which has won love the world over and has featured as guest acts on many tours of international artistsーand Yohji Yamamoto, a rebel and innovator in the fashion industry whose DNA is woven into the Ground Y line. The inspiration for this jet black collaborative collection is “galaxy,” an homage to BABYMETAL’s latest record METAL GALAXY.

There are numerous items in the collection, including a jumbo cut and sewn embroidered with both the BMD FOX APPAREL logoーBABYMETAL’s official apparel brandーand the Ground Y logo. There’s also a big hoodie featuring a 360° print and BABYMETAL’s logo, a draped silk satin long shirt, and more.

 

MASATOSHI YAMASHIRO snapped the photos in this photoshoot, a Tokyo-based photographer who started his career in LA and New York and works with fashion magazines, advertisements, and more.

Laforet Harajuku is set to hold LAFORET CHRISTMAS 2019 from November 15 to December 25. Stores throughout the shopping centre will sell various holiday season fashion items that make perfect Christmas gifts, and up on the second floor at GOOD MEAL MARKET, you can look forward to the Laforet Christmas Menu.

All customers who spend over ¥3,000 (tax included) from November 15 onward will receive an original mirror, and those who spend over ¥5,000 (tax included) from December 14 onward will receive an original handkerchief. Both of these items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until December 1 at Dinalog in Laforet Museum Harajuku.

 

Additionally, the main Christmas visual for this year’s event was designed by Japanese art director YUNI YOSHIDA.

 

A two-day market will take place on Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15 in Laforet Museum Harajuku titled Laforet Market vol.9 “Christmas.”

 

CHRISTMAS GIFT

If you’re searching for the perfect surprise gift to friends, family, a special someone or yourself, you’re bound to find a fitting match for them during the event as stores in Laforet Harajuku display their Christmas goods in their windows.

 

Kailijumei/5F

Kailijumei 2019 Christmas Coffret – ¥5,500 (Tax Included)

 

Charles Chaton/4F

Flower Frill Cushion – ¥5,500 (Tax Included)

 

JUEMI Syncretic/1F

e.m.OrganicCollegeStarRing – ¥24,200 (Tax Included)

 

Les Merveilleuses LADURÉE/1F

Limited Edition Rose Ladurée – ¥13,200 (Tax Included)

 

 

CHRISTMAS FOOD “Laforet Christmas Menu”

“Pink” is the themed of the Christmas menus being whipped up at Laforet’s restaurants.

 

Chipoon /2F

Tomato Soy Milk Cream Noodles – ¥935 (Tax Included)

This vegan noodle dish combines the full-bodied taste of soy milk with refreshing tomatoes to create a tempting mild flavour.

 

machi machi /2F

Strawberry Cheese Tea (Taro Topping) – ¥858 (Tax Included)

A fusion of Jasmine green tea and fresh strawberries to create a unique and delicious beverage.

 

 

Cafe de paris /B1F

Kumono Smoothe – ¥605 (Tax Included) / Whipped Cream Topping +¥110 (Tax Included)

Cafe de paris opened on November 1 and will be selling their exclusive cute drinks.

 

Laforet Market vol.9 “Christmas”

The Laforet Market is an opportunity for 40 shops to come together to sell fashion, food and miscellaneous Christmas goods. There will be workshops carried out be creators and artists, performances, and more.

 

If you’ll be in Harajuku the holiday season then don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Laforet Harajuku this Christmas.

In South Korea, which has been dubbed “a cafe battleground,” one particular cafe called Cafe de paris has stood out from the rest for their visually impacting fruity desserts. This immensely popular chain is now heading to Laforet Harajuku with a new branch opening on November 1.

Cafe de paris first appeared in Japan back in February this year, with its eye-popping “Bon Bon” parfait series attraction a great deal of attention for its Instagram-worthy appearance. In just six months, it exceeded 100,000 customer visits. The cafe, however, was only open for a limited time. But that’s about to change, as Laforet Harajuku welcomes the country’s first permanent branch.

 

The cafe interior takes on a light blue and white colour scheme, with table and counter seats lining the room and gorgeous chandeliers adorned overhead.

Kumo Smoothie – ¥594 (Tax Included)

To commemorate its opening, the new shop has developed a new item exclusive to the Laforet Harajuku branch: the “Kumo Smoothie.” Inspired by fluffy clouds, this fruit-packed smoothie comes in a pink strawberry milk flavour and blue sky-coloured soda flavour.

And of course, Cafe de paris’s famous fruit-topped Bon Bon parfaits will be sold too, with the upper part of the parfait towering 20m high. There are 5 seasonal fruits to choose from, such as strawberry, mango and grape.

 

Cafe de paris has plenty of cute must-buy goodies for customers to enjoy, so if you’re in Japan, why not take the opportunity to try out something popular in South Korea  too while strolling around Harajuku?

If you’ve not yet been to the Pompompurin Cafe, or this is your first time hearing about itーthemed entirely on Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurinーthen their two new menu items, available this autumn for the entire month of November, is sure to pull you in.

 

As the leaves turn red and gold and people order pumpkin spiced lattes for takeout, the Harajuku, Yokohama and Umeda branches of the Pompompurin Cafe want to get in on the autumnal action too. So they have created a special chicken stew and fruit gratin, served as colourful as the season itself is and perfect during any time of the day when your belly is calling for nutrition.

Chicken Brown Stew: Strolling Along While Looking at the Autumn Colours – ¥1,290 (Before Tax)

This chicken stew features Pompompurin and his best friend and hamster Muffin. The dish depicts a scene of both of them strolling and getting along while looking at the autumn leaves. Purin is made from rice and sits inside the rich stew while a mashed potato Muffin perches on top of him wearing his hat.  They are surrounded by carrots and other veggies made to look like the vibrant leaves of Japan’s maple and ginkgo trees.

Fruit Gratin: Hot Spring Warm-Up – ¥1,090 (Before Tax)

If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth but also want to warm up then look no further than at Pompompurin and Muffin relaxing together in the hot spring that is this fruit gratin dessert. Purin is made from pumpkin flavoured ice cream while Muffin is of the vanilla kind. They are warming themselves up in a fruit-packed custard cream sauce. The fruit is drizzled in sauce and cooked to make the fruit even sweeter and intensify its flavour. Did you see the cute towels on their heads too? Many people do this in Japan when getting into the hot spring (or “onsen”), and you might have seen it if you watch anime too.

 

The fall fun doesn’t stop there however, as all people who dine at the cafe will receive the lunch mat pictured below, and everyone who orders a drink will get a coaster. Available while supplies last.

Lunch Mat (3 Designs)

Coaster (1 Design)

 

Stay warm while its cold at the Pompompurin Cafe this autumn.

 

©1996, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S602780

Since opening in Harajuku last year, MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON’s ultra-kawaii hotel MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS has been the talk of the town. We are here to announce a new BBQ plan for guests which is held on the hotel rooftop and which you can attend empty-handed.

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is only an 8-minute walk from Harajuku Station. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot our neon sign pictured above. It’s on the roof of this building you can look forward to getting your teeth into a delicious BBQ and chugging down drinks.

The rooftop design takes on a pop appearance, mixing blue with yellow. This cute design alone is enough to get you excited for what’s to come. And since there are no tall buildings around us, you get a great view of Harajuku from below.

The BBQ plan comes equipped with everything you need: a fire, plates, cups, ingredients, and alcohol. We have a great option of drinks, including beer, wine, whisky, and soft drinks. There’s also a beer server so you can enjoy your beer nice and frosty. If we don’t have a drink you’d like, you can bring your own too. There’s a FamilyMart and other shops nearby, so head there to stock up.

BBQ Set – ¥6,000 Per Person (Before Tax)　*Photo is a select portion example for 5 people

For grub, our lineup includes meat, fish, egetables, fried onigiri, and sweets. There’s Japanese beef too, as well as Japanese chicken, pork, lamb, sausage, and more. We prepare the most delicious ingredients for the current season. There’s a lot of different meats to choose from, so rest assured you won’t go hungry.

All the food is seasoned for you, so you can drop it all on straight away and get straight to eating.

Make a toast with your drinks and tuck in! The wagyu beef is nice and plump once it comes off the fire. One bite of the soft meat will treat your taste buds to a luxurious sweetness and the meat’s delightful juices.

The chicken is seasoned sweet and spicy. It has a crunchy exterior and soft inside. The lamb is seasoned well too and has that distinct deep flavour lamb has.

Our fish and vegetables are all in season too. The fish pictured above is salmon cooked in foil and seared skipback tuna. The salmon is seasoned with butter and soy sauce. All of the delicious flavour of the skipback tuna is intensified while prepared on the fire, and the inside is sumptuously tender. It’s seasoned with citrus soy sauce.

This here is giant okra which I tried for the first time. Giant okra is in season right now too. It’s a lot more elastic than your regular size okra and has a juiciness when you bite into it.

I was so full already… until dessert arrived! These is a dessert sweet potato roasted on the fire.

I topped it with vanilla ice cream and tea flavoured ice cream before sprinkling on cornflakes to finish.

 

The mix of the hot potato and cold ice cream is a match made in heaven inside your mouth. The roasted sweet potato has a subtle sweetness which mixes perfectly with the creamy ice cream. I originally thought I was full but there’s always room for dessert.

There are parasols too in case it rains. You can even rent out tents from the hotel if you like.

If you’re looking to stay in Harajuku, come and see us at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS and enjoy a BBQ with a rooftop view of Harajuku.

 

Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is a hotel accommodation service run by MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON located in Harajuku and bookable via Airbnb. Our hotel isn’t just popular for sleep, however: it has become a hot spot with stylish girls who get together and use it as a party space.

 

This is the Birthday Edition of our Top 10 list of things you can do at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS. Enjoy a very special birthday in Harajuku you’ll never forget!

 

Girls’ Night In Edition: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/262308

 

⑤Get your hair and eyelashes done at Harajuku’s popular salon L by HOME for your special day

L by Home is a popular salon in Harajuku that’s just a 2-minute walk from MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS. The salon offers a special plan in collaboration with MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS.

If you book a room at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS you can receive a special price at L by HOME. Celebrate your special hair by getting a cute hair arrangement and eyelash extensions. The extensions come in different colours depending on which room you book at the hotel, be it SAKURA or ORIGAMI. You will receive a message about it after booking on Airbnb.

▶︎Hair Arrangement

Price: ¥3,000 per 30 minutes

*Shampoo is available at an extra cost

 

▶︎Eyelashes

Price: ¥10,000 per hour

Service: The base colour is brown and you can pick an additional colour of your choice

SAKURA Colours (brown×cotton, aqua, pink, magenta)

ORIGAMI Colours (brown×burg, lite brown, purple, gold)

 

▶︎L by HOME

Address: 2F, 3-27-15 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

TEL: 03-5411-0366

Opening Hours: Hair Salon 11:00-21:00 (10:00-19:00 on Sundays & holidays) / Eyelash Lason 11:00-20:00 (10:00-19:00 on weekends & holidays)

URL：http://l.home-harajuku.com/

 

 

⑥Adorn your hotel room with cute decorations

Guests are free to use rooms as they please, so be sure to decorate it for the big day with cute decorations, so long as you use tape that doesn’t damage the walls or furniture. There are lots of shops in the Harajuku and Omotesando area that sell birthday goods: FLYING TIGER COPENHAGEN, ASOKO, AWESOME STORE, and DAISO to name a few.

 

 

⑦Experience a kawaii birthday like no other at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS

Enjoy an unforgettable birthday in one of our special rooms, like SAKURA which is completely pink throughout. There are a limited number of beds in the rooms but there is no limit to how many people stay in a single room, so invite all your friends over for a huge party! And if you tell us in advance that you’re bringing a cake in, you can borrow a cake stand from us so you can make the cake even cuter. The stand is 18cm in diameter so it should hold a whole cake, but be sure to check the size of yours in advance.

There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy your birthday party even more if you spend it in our pink haven. There is a kitchen with plates, cutlery and everything you need to cook up more snacks and food for your party too.

 

We will continue the Top 10 list in the next article entitled Food Edition. Remember, if you’re looking to stay in Harajuku, be sure to book with MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS for a hotel stay like no other.

 

Models: Aiko / Ringo
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Writer: Sayoko Ishii

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

A new hotel plan has arrived at three branches of Hoshino Resort’s hot spring hotel brand KAI in Tochigi Prefecture where guests can enjoy the luxury of strawberries together with their stay. Tochigi is famous for growing strawberries, and so all three hotels will serve up their own unique succulent strawberry experiences. The branches in question are KAI Kawaji, KAI Kinugawa, and KAI Nikko.

For roughly the past 50 years, Tochigi has enjoyed the largest cultivation of strawberries in the whole of Japan. Hoshino Resorts KAI is taking advantage of this milestone by presenting guests with a strawberry experience they won’t forget, with the delicious fruit comprising the whole of their stay from checking in to checking out. Each hotel branch will have different varieties of strawberries in stock, and guests will discover new ways to enjoy them. They will also be presented a map highlighting different locations to indulge in strawberry desserts, so they can carry on their fruitful after checking out on the road home too.

KAI Kawaji: Strawberry Picking at a Japanese-Style Hot Spring Inn

KAI Kawaji’s “Satoyama Ichigo Taizai” (Satoyama Strawberry Stay) plan offers a one-night stay with a strawberry picking session by the watermill in the hotel grounds. The strawberries there are juicy and sweet and ripen on the stalks. During your stay, you can go and pick them at your leisure. The strawberries grown there are a variety called tochiotome which have a full-bodied aroma are sweet with the perfect amount of sourness. In the evenings, a sunken hearth will be lit at the watermill so you can stay warm in the fresh winter outdoors while you pick your strawberries. Guests can also enjoy a strawberry sweet red-bean soup made with rare white strawberries which came out as a new variety of Tochigi Prefecture strawberry in 2018. They have less sourness and are super sweet with a smooth texture.

 

Running: January 15, 2020 – February 29, 2020 (Check In)

Price: From ¥25,000 (1 room for up to 2 people / Service charge included / Tax not included)

Reservations/Official Website: https://kai-ryokan.jp/kawaji/

KAI Kinugawa: Taste and compare seasonal strawberries

KAI Kinugawa’s “Mingei Ichigo Taizai” (Folk Craft Strawberry Stay) plan will see the appearance of the tochihime strawberry which has been dubbed the “phantom strawberry.” This sweet variety is large and has a soft flesh and is exclusive to Tochigi. Guests will be able to taste and compare this and a handful of other types, as well as tuck into various strawberry confections. They will pick from 300 cute different bowls from the bowl gallery and pile inside them strawberries and assorted confections. In the evenings, strawberries will also be served boiled in white wine. A two-day and one-night experience you’d expect from the place that boasts the biggest strawberry haul in Japan.

 

Running: December 10, 2019 – February 29, 2020 (Check In)

Price: From ¥29,000 (1 room for up to 2 people / Service charge included / Tax not included)

Reservations/Official Website: https://kai-ryokan.jp/kinugawa/

Note: Limited to 5 separate bookings per day

KAI Nikko: Revel in wintertime Okunikko

KAI Nikko is located beside the grand Lake Chūzenji. Their “Zekkei Ichigo Taizai” (Spectacular View Strawberry Stay) plan will see their lobby, which offers a panoramic view of Mount Nantai, turn into a tearoom inspired by the rest stops of Nikkomou, an event that took place during the Edo Period when the Tokugawa Shogunate made their pilgrimage to Nikko. Guests can enjoy the contrast between the setting sun and the snow, as well as the pink-coloured sky when morning breaks. Taking place between sunset and sunrise, guests can tuck into rare white strawberries and warm confections made with yōkan―a Japanese jellied dessert made from red bean paste, agar, and sugar―which is a local specialty of Nikko.

 

Running: December 1, 2019 – February 29, 2020 (Check In)

Price: From ¥28,000 (1 room for up to 2 people / Service charge included / Tax not included)

Reservations/Official Website: https://kai-ryokan.jp/nikko/

Note: Limited to 2 separate bookings per day

 

 

Enjoy you’re a seasonal strawberry fill like never before at Hoshino Resorts KAI.

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is a hotel accommodation service run by MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON located in Harajuku and bookable via Airbnb. Our hotel isn’t just popular for sleep, however: it has become a hot spot with stylish girls who get together and use it as a party space.

 

This is our Top 10 list of things you can do in SAKURAーone of the hotel roomsーso you can discover the best way to enjoy your stay in Harajuku.

 

①Take advantage of the room decor and decorations to snap all the photos you can!

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS opened its first room SAKURA in December last year, and more recently ORIGAMI in August. From the walls to the furnishing, SAKURA is cherry blossom pink throughout, decked out with countless gorgeous Instagram-worthy spots popular with our female guests.

 

You can always get a beautiful photo together with the cherry blossom flower monument in the background, located behind the bed and bloomed right up to the ceiling.

The enormous and comfy pink bed is piled full of lots of fluffy cushions. You can take some pretty romantic pictures too when snuggled on top or in the bed.

Photographer: Kayo Sekiguchi

Don’t forget about the neon sign either, a symbol of the room and the Japanese kanji character for cherry blossom (桜 sakura). Sit on the sofa in front of it and make use of the sign’s lighting to get a more dreamy and fantastical shot.

 

②Popular Harajuku takeout food perfect for a night at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS SAKURA

 

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is located in Tokyo’s fashion and culture hub of Harajuku, and that means it’s within walking distance of some quintessential kawaii and Instagrammable food shops. We’ve picked out three we think are perfect for ordering takeout to enjoy back in your room at SAKURA.

 

GOOD TOWN DOUGHNUTS

Smile Mango ¥420 / Raspberry Pistachio ¥400 / Sea Salt Caramel ¥390 (All Tax Inclusive)

GOOD TOWN DOUGHNUTS is a really popular doughnut shop in Harajuku. Their big size doughnuts not only look cute, they’re the real deal taste-wise, and are also made with natural yeast, wheat flour from Hokkaido, sea salt sourced in Okinawa, sugar from Tanegashima, and organic oils. They are high-quality doughnuts full of flavour and plenty filling.

 

GOOD TOWN DOUGHNUTS

Address: J-cube B1F, 6-12-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)

TEL: 03-5485-8827

Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00

No Fixed Holidays

Official Website: http://good-town.com/

 

 

AND THE FRIET

Box (2 Friet Types) w/ Dip – From ¥800 (Before Tax)

This French fry shop makes their fries from a variety of carefully selected in-season potatoes, including potatoes from Belgium. They are crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the centre. They’re also delicious even when eaten cold, making them a great takeout option. You can pick two types from six varieties for one box, plus a dip of your choice. A perfect party accompaniment.

 

AND THE FRIET Laforet Harajuku

Address: Laforet Harajuku 2F, 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6434-7568

Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00

No Fixed Holidays (Except when Laforet Harajuku is closed)

Official Website: http://andthefriet.com/

 

 

TOAST LUCK

<Macarons> From Left: Soybean Flour / Crunky / Cheese – ¥371 Each (Before Tax)

At TOAST LUCK, you can enjoy a whole range of different South Korean foods, including toast which is their main menu item. They also sell these marble-coloured macarons which are a little bigger than Japanese macarons. There’s lots of flavours to choose from, all of which give you a different take on your regular macaron!

 

TOAST LUCK

Address: 3-27-15 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

TEL: 03-6812-9499

Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00

No Fixed Holidays

Official Website: https://www.toast-luck.com/

 

 

③Line up all your food in your hotel room for a girls’ night in

Gather all of your takeout goodies from around Harajuku for a girls’ night in at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS SAKURA! The room has its own kitchen equipped with utensils, a microwave and refrigerator, so you can even prep your own food too.

The living room is nice and spacious so you can really let your hair down and relax. There’s a limited number of beds but there’s no limit to the amount of people that can stay over, so invite all of your friends along!

 

 

④Watch movies on the projector

The room is equipped with an Android TV mobile projector which has Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and other services on it as well as games. There’s endless amounts of fun to be had, so grab your snacks and put on a movie or compete together in a game. The screen projects onto the white walls, so you can pick the best spot for viewing.

Projecting it on the wall beside the bed means you can relax while watching films or music videos together.

 

The cherry blossom pink MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS SAKURA offers a memorable accommodation experience like no other. We will continue the Top 10 list in the next article entitled Birthday Edition.

 

Remember, if you’re looking to stay in Harajuku, be sure to book with MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS.

 

 

Models: Aiko / Ringo
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Writer: Sayoko Ishii

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga