Cinnamoroll’s Sky Drink Stand is finally open in Harajuku where Sanrio’s adorable white puppy will be catering drinks to your taste until August 25.

The drink stand is located along Harajuku’s famous Takeshita Street.

When you step inside you are taken soaring up into the clouds with its fluffy decor and decorations.

Cinnamoroll can be found all around the cafe looking adorable♡

To get a drink you first need to purchase a ticket from the ticket machine. Once you’ve got that, it’s time to head on over to the row of Cinnamoroll plushies.

There are 27 drinks in total to choose from. You will converse with Cinnamoroll and answers his questions which will change the colour, flavour and toppings of your drink. Your specially made and unique drink will arrive bottled with a handwritten name label on the front.

As you answer the questions you will be able to see Cinnamoroll making your drink on the tablet.

After a short time your drink will arrive!

Here is my cute and sparkly drink. I wrote “MOSHI MOSHI” in Japanese (もしもし) for the name tag. Mine was a delicious fizzy summery drink with blue jelly.

If you go with friends then you can have fun comparing your different drinks too!

You can get some even cuter photos at the shop’s many photo spots.

And if you want to order your drink in advance then you can use the Cinnamoroll Talk app which is compatible with Google Assistant. After you say, in Japanese, “OK Google, Cinnamoroll ni Osora Dorinku Onegai” (OK Google, please give me a Cinnamoroll Sky Drink), the order window will pop up. After you’ve talked with Cinnamoroll on the app you will receive an order number to collect your drink. There are also secret sentences hidden around the store for talking with Cinnamoroll, so if you find them you can have a longer chat with him!

Make your own unique summertime beverage with Cinnamoroll at the Sky Drink Stand♡

GLOBAL PRODUCE, a Japanese event organiser, is set to sponsor Harajuku Summer Festival 2019 which will be held at Togo Shrine in Harajuku, Tokyo on August 23. Bringing together professional event producers, the festival will combine elements of traditional Japanese culture with the latest trends.

Food trucks and stalls will open in the dozens, including appearances from the shaved ice shop Kooriya bebe which makes its fluffy shaved ice from the natural spring waters of Mount Fuji―perfect for the hot weather―as well as Ichika, a cafe known for its tapioca Japanese tea lattes made with high quality tea leaves from Kagoshima. Current popular restaurants will also serve up delicious summertime food. There will even be the Harajuku Bon Odori 2019 dance event, and the marchers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will also be present.

Tokyo Bijin Project will make their first ever live appearance, a group of shining Japanese women with “wisdom, dignity and compassion” who are set to speak out for other strong women. They will talk leadership, interpretation, attending to people, the spread of Japanese culture, and more.

If you are in Japan for the summer then make sure you attend all of the different summer festivals you can.

Hey, readers. It’s Midori again, from MMN’s editorial team.

Summertime in Harajuku means the cafes and ice cream shops start serving up some seriously kawaii and tasty ice creams. It’s always nice to grab a cone to enjoy while walking around shopping, but relaxing in a cafe to enjoy it is fun too♡

If the latter sounds like your kind of thing, then I’ve got a new recommendation for you. I visited STRAWBERRY MANIA recently, cafe located along Takeshita Street in Harajuku that specialises in strawberry desserts.

You’ll find it right above the 7-Eleven on Takeshita Street. Look for the strawberries!

There’s also a sign outside showing a few of the desserts. Go up the staircase right next to it and you’ll come to the cafe entrance.

No matter where you turn while you’re here, your eyes will be met with strawberries. It looks so cute♡

The shopfront showcase is shelved with lots of succulent strawberry treats. The chef whips up other desserts to order besides these too. Everything’s almost too cute to eat!

For the strawberry soft serve ice cream you can pick between three flavours: milk, strawberry or mixed. I couldn’t pick between them so I went for mixed.

The combination of the bright red strawberry ice cream and pure white milk ice cream makes for a beautiful colour contrast.

It’s also topped with a huge fresh strawberry.

I took no time at all in taking a spoonful. The strawberry ice cream has a really rich flavour. It’s sweet but has that sour kick too, like you’re eating a real strawberry. The milk ice cream has a milder sweetness and a real milky taste, the kind you’d imagine if it was sold at a farm with cows.

Everything is packed snug into the cone right down to the bottom, making it a filling treat. It can be ordered for takeout if you like, and if you do that you can get your ice cream straight away so you don’t have to wait for seats.

They serve other things besides soft serve too, like shaved ice and parfaits. There’s so much to choose from, I think you’ll be spoiled for choice! Be sure to visit if you’re in Harajuku.

MAISON ABLE Cafe Ron Ron is a popular conveyor-belt dessert cafe in Harajuku. We visited the cafe last year when it had just dropped, so be sure to check out our cover story if you want more information.

The cafe has just announced a night party that is exclusive to those in their 20’s. Titled “Cafe Ron Ron 20ty’s Night Party -PINK FRIDAY- supported by MAISON ABLE,” the event began yesterday and will run every night up to September 27.

Customers can enjoy all-you-can-eat unlimited snacks for just ¥500 with no time restrictions. For an additional fee, you can also pick from the food menu which features 5 dishes and order from the drinks menu which includes alcohol.

Everything on the food and drinks menu is ¥500 too, making it a delicious bargain!

Desserts are served at varying time slots from 19:00. Depending on what time you arrive or decide to start eating the menu will change which is all part of the fun!

The cafe has also teamed up with the fashion rental shop airCloset next door so customers can enjoy dining at Cafe Ron Ron while wearing a yukata.

You can even continue wearing the kimono after you’ve eaten so you can stroll the streets of Harajuku, go to nearby festivals and more for an exciting day out in Japan’s youth and culture hub. The yukata can be rented by people of all ages – full details on the websites below.

The real summer is here now, and what better way to cool yourself off during your shopping spree in Harajuku and Omotesando than with a cool and refreshing takeout dessert from Q-pot CAFE?

Melty Mousse (Peach x Apricot Seed) – ¥500 (Tax Included)

Q-pot CAFE’s Melty Mousses are encased in an adorable jar. This one is a heavenly mix of fruity peach mousse and a smooth apricot kernel milk mousse. Laced in the peach mousse is a divine blend of raspberries and lychees. The subtle sweetness of the peach coupled with the sourness of the raspberries and refreshing taste of the lychees make this dessert a perfect summer pickup. Also hidden within the delicious mix are pieces of fresh and juicy peach.

Melty Mousse (Mint x Chocolate) – ¥500 (Tax Included)

This summer sees the return of Q-pot CAFE’s popular mint chocolate mousse. Chocolate and mint are always an exquisite combination, and this mousse mix proves it, fusing rich chocolate with a cool mint kick. The cute melty-looking mint chocolate at the top also gives it an appetising appearance.

Cat Ice Creams – ¥600 Each (Tax Included)

Also returning once more this summer are Q-pot CAFE’s adorable cat ice creams, a mix of ice cream and various toppings. Choose from strawberry, vanilla or chocolate.

All of these desserts will be available to buy from August 5. They are all super cheap and are perfect for getting for takeout and walking around Harajuku and Omotesando. Be sure to stop by if you’re planning a shopping trip there this summer break.

Laforest Harajuku is getting a revamp towards the end of August with new stores as well as renewals of current stores. The revamp aims to “promote Harajuku’s uniqueness and creativity.”

August 24th – RENEWAL OPEN

<Floor 1F> Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL Concept Store

Vivienne Westwood is fusing the Japanese branches of its prêt-à-porter Red Label and Anglomania collections to serve up the all-new Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL branding. Japan will get its very first Red Label concept shop at Laforet Harajuku on August 24 which will act as the flagship store where they will sew to perfection a very special capsule collection that will offer a unique and exciting clothing consumption experience.

August 23rd – NEW OPEN

<Floor 4F> Charles Chaton

After the success of its first ever pop-up shop in March 2019, girly brand Charles Chaton is setting up a permanent store in Laforet. The brand’s concept is “Girl, Forever!” which caters to girl culture and offers up items which it hopes that will catch the attention of girls in 50 years to come. The store’s slogan at Laforet Harajuku is “My Sweet Home” with which it will sell cute, comfortable and casual everyday clothing.

August 23rd – NEW OPEN

<Floor 2F> starblinc

starblinc are set to showcase “cute pop age of the 1960’s” with bright colours and flashy silhouettes, combining nostalgia and futurism to create an entirely new style. Look forward to diving into the unique future retro world of starblinc on August 23.

There are plenty more shops opening at Laforet Harajuku in addition to these ones, so if you’re in Tokyo this summer, get ready to stock up your wardrobe.

For the whole month of August, the BOTANIST Tokyo tea stand in Harajuku is serving two different tapioca bubble tea beverages. Just 100 of each will be sold each day.

The two delicious drink flavours include “Butterfly Pea Soy Milk Tea” and “Matcha Milk Tea.” Both beverages are made with high quality tapioca pearls from bubble tea store Bull Pulu who serve up Taiwanese pop culture with their tasty menu.

Vegans shopping in Tokyo’s Harajuku and Omotesando areas will be excited to try the vegan-friendly Butterfly Pea Soy Milk Tea. Both of the drinks are also sold in eco cups and come with paper straws.

Tapioca Butterfly Pea Soy Milk Tea – ¥600 (Tax Included)

The vegan-friendly option is a combination of bright and colourful butterfly pea tea and soy milk. It’s laced with a tropical coconut syrup for enhanced flavour.

Tapioca Matcha Milk Tea – ¥600 (Tax Included)

The matcha milk tea is a combination of rich and smooth matcha foam and milk. It’s mixed with a fragrant hazelnut syrup.

Both drinks are takeout only and are available to buy on the first floor. If you fancy a little refreshing drink while strolling through Harajuku then be sure to visit BOTANIST Tokyo.

Hey. I’m Higashi.

When I was at university I worked a salon model job which started early in the morning. Everyday after my photo shoots at the salon, I enjoyed walking back from Omotesando to Shinjuku. On that route there was a coffee stand called “BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR COFFEE KIOSK.”

The friendly staff working there would call out to me with a smile: “Good morning! Where are you returning from today?” My usual course home would be to go there, order a takeout coffee, and walk back to Shinjuku while cheerfully listening to music.

But one day I became a working adult and full-fledged member of society. My new workplace was faraway from the coffee shop and so I could no longer visit it. But I would casually wonder to myself what the guys and girls who worked there and would always chat to me cheerfully and friendly were up to now.

So, yeah. I went to visit them.

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR COFFEE KIOSK is about a 7-minute walk from Harajuku Station’s Takeshita Exit.

Follow Meiji Dori street.

Make a turn at the corner of The DECK COFFEE and PIE, and you’ll see the sign.

THERE IT IS!

I was greeted by a stylish looking guy who looked great with facial hair. He was so cool!

I took no time at all ordering a coffee.

I found myself remembering how much I loved the gentle atmosphere brought about by the staff here and the smell of the coffee that flows in the air.

Latte art is his forte!

Time to try it.

Oh… this was just pure bliss!!

The coffee had slight acidic notes to it which permeated my body. It was really tasty and warmed by body to the core that day because it was raining!

“Was this shop built in 2010?” I asked him.

“To be precise, a furniture company called Landscape Products was set up here in 1997. It was converted into a corporation in 2000 and made a furniture shop called Playmountain over in Jingumae. The company then moved to Sendagaya in 2002.”

“Oh, so it started as a furniture shop.”

“The company office and the cafe were close to each other. They were in Sendagaya along the road I would take everyday. We’d have lunch and meetings in the cafe and then work at the company office. There used to be a tobacco shop smack in the middle of the road I would come and go along. Lots of people would stand at this postbox just in front of the shop. They used it almost like a resting spot from their busy [working] days. Seeing that, our representative thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be good if there was a coffee shop here?’ A while later the owner of the tobacco shop left that place and we immediately went to rent the building.”

He carried on explaining that they researched opening the shop, but at first it wasn’t a hit with the locals. They continued to explore for a solution and eventually the locals came to love the place. I never knew that this coffee shop was so earnestly in tune with the people of the town.

He continue: “I hope this becomes a place where people can take a bread, whether it’s sitting on the benches outside the shop or putting their coffee on the postbox when they come to make an invoice. Our shop’s name BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR comes from us wanting to become good neighbours with the locals and for us to make a comfortable and relaxing place together.”

If you’re looking for something new in your everyday life then please be sure to pay a visit here.

You’re sure to be warmed by the delicious coffee and the face of the handsome shop owner!

Sanrio and Harajuku’s KAWAII MONSTER CAFÉ have set out on a two-month collaboration which will run until September 1. Sitting at the heart of Harajuku, which is the home of kawaii culture, the KAWAII MONSTER CAFÉ is topping up its kawaii powers with the release of Hello Kitty collaboration meals and merchandise that you cannot obtain from anywhere else.

For the collaboration, Hello Kitty has transformed her look, turning into a kawaii Harajuku girl. 

Once you enter the café, you will immediately notice the giant cake-shaped merry-go-round called the SWEETS GO ROUND. This time, you will notice that Hello Kitty’s head garnishes the top of the cake.

Make your way through the cafe and you will eventually come across the Mel-Tea Hello Kitty Room, which is a special room that must be reserved in order to experience. On pink tatami flooring sits multiple low tea tables, representing the traditional culture of Japan in a colouful pop style. Foreigners would  just love to spend some time in this room. Looking around the room, the macarons and strawberries remain in their usual places. 

You will notice Hello Kitty’s ribbon and even many Hello Kitty stuffed toys also decorating the room. This entire new kawaii world locked in this room was created by Sebastian Masuda. Surrounded by a world of pastel colours and kawaii decorations, you just have to take photos. 

Reservations

If you wish to book the Mel-Tea Hello Kitty Room, please talk to a member of staff. 

Tel: 03−5413−6142

Reservation Times

Weekdays: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00

Sundays/ Weekends: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00

※ Two-hour time slots　※ Number of seats is limited

This is a unique opportunity to taste only the most kawaii of menus as Hello Kitty teams up with the KAWAII MONSTER CAFÉ. Let’s check out the menu!

Colourful Pop Hello Kitty Burger: ￥1,680 (before tax) 

Hello Kitty Harajuku Rainbow Curry: ￥1,580 (before tax)

Harajuku X KAWAII X Hello Kitty SWEETS GO ROUND Cake: ￥1,480 (before tax)

Harajuku KAWAII 原宿 KAWAII Poison Parfait: ￥2,480 (before tax )

There are also many Harajuku-style Hello Kitty goods that you should check out. The biscuits and stickers would make the perfect souvenirs.

Not only has the food been given a Hello Kitty upgrade, but the MONSTER CAFÉ’s iconic Monster Girls have also transformed their look for the Hello Kitty collaboration. If you are a fan of Hello Kitty or kawaii culture, you absolutely must check this out. 

If you ever find yourself in Harajuku, please consider stopping by the KAWAII MONSTER CAFÉ to witness the Hello Kitty collaboration project. 

Hoshino Resorts hot spring ryokan brand KAI is offering guests the opportunity to explore different regional shaved ice desserts that are served with delicious regional syrups and toppings. Shaved ice is a traditional summer dessert that was even mentioned in the famous work The Pillow Book, which was written by Sei Shonagon during her time as Empress Consort Teishi’s court lady during the 990s and early 1000s of the Heian period.

The concept of KAI expresses both originality and the thirst for experimenting to make something new. The event offers a range of original flavours, embracing the Japanese tradition of eating flavoured shaved ice to battle the heat of summer. From wine-flavoured shaved ice in Nagano, to Hydrangea shaved ice at Hakone, this is the perfect opportunity to try a range of shaved ice desserts that are full of vibrant colours. These regional flavours are sure to spark your curiosity for discovery in that region. 

Wine Shaved Ice: Hoshino Resorts KAI Matsumoto (Asama Onsen, Nagano)

The cone-shaped region of Kikyogahara, which is located next to Matsumoto city, is well known for its wine production. This area produces around 50 different kinds of Kikyogahara wine. The flavoured syrup for this shaved ice comes from concord grape wine sourced from Kikyogahara. Each porcelain bowl for the dessert is handmade. Customers can enjoy the smooth, rounded feel of the grape pattern on the bowl as they dig into their dessert. As the alcohol is burned out of the dish, even those who do not like alcohol can enjoy this mature dessert. From the carefully prepared wine syrup to the handmade bowl, you will be able to feel all the hard work put into the making of these luxurious desserts. This is the perfect way to cool off after a hot day.

Hydrangea Shaved Ice: Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone

Due to the altitude differences at Hakone, you can enjoy the beautiful hydrangeas for an even longer time than other areas of Japan. There is a Hydrangea train (Ajisai Densha) that runs up the mountains providing passengers with the beautiful view of blooming flowers, creating the perfect summer memories. Observing the large groups of flowers in full bloom fills you with such a refreshing feeling. Their beautiful colours are expressed in the colour of this hydrangea shaved ice.  

Strawberry Shaved Ice: Hoshino Resorts KAI Nikko (Chuzenji Onsen, Tochigi)

Tochigi prefecture has been Japan’s no.1 producer of strawberries for 50 years straight. This shaved ice is served in a strawberry-shaped bowl and is served with sweet yet slightly sour strawberry syrup and a topping of bittersweet matcha sauce. Here, you can enjoy a cool evening up 1,300 metres high overlooking beautiful scenery from inside the establishment whose spectacular interior that boasts Tochigi’s traditional art of Kanuma Kanoko craft. 

Tomato Flavoured Shaved Ice: Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso (Sonomoto, Oita)

As tomatoes thrive during the summer, this tomato shaved ice is the perfect way to cool down. This shaved ice is sweet and slightly sour and the vibrant red colour is enough to refresh you. Tomatoes are low in calories and contain an abundant range of healthy nutrients. They are also high in vitamin C which is good for your skin and is known for helping prevent illness. Tomatoes are also a good supply of vitamin E, which is good at slowing the effects of aging. Take a seat on the terrace and enjoy your shaved ice as a refreshing breeze rolls by. This is the perfect way to enjoy a cool summer with a healthy and delicious dessert. 

Neputa Shaved Ice: Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru (Owani Onsen, Aomori)

The Neputa Shaved Ice represents the Hirosaki Neputa Festival that takes place in the summer at the old castle town of Hirosaki. To represent Tsugaru Vidro coloured glass, which is an important part of Tsugaru culture, red, blue and green coloured jelly pieces decorate the top of the shaved ice. These colours also represent the vibrant colours of Neputa festival. This Instagram-worthy dessert shows off the best of the fresh colours of Tsugaru. 

The KAWAII MONSTER CAFE in Harajuku is teaming up with Sanrio bring Hello Kitty, Harajuku culture and kawaii culture to the restaurant in a collaborative event that will run from July 12 to September 1. This year marks Hello Kitty’s 45th anniversary and KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s 4th anniversary making this an event not to be missed.

“Harajuku x Kawaii x Hello Kitty” Themed Menu

Eight dishes will make up the colourful menu arriving at the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE on July 12 inspired by Harajuku, kawaii culture and Hello Kitty.

Dishes include the Hello Kitty Burger packed with colourful melted cheese sauce, the Hello Kitty Harajuku Rainbow Curry which imagines Hello Kitty looking up to a rainbow after the rain lets up, and more.

Don’t forget the beautiful desserts either from a vibrant pop cake to a gorgeously layered parfait, all imbued with kawaii♡

During the event, customers who order from the collaborative menu will receive one of these original coasters featuring Hello Kitty and the restaurant’s popular character Mr. Choppy.

Mel-Tea Hello Kitty Room: A Special Reservation-Only Room

Also running at the restaurant during the event will be a special reservation only “room” which can be found at the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s popular Mel-Tea-Room area. This room will see Hello Kitty take on the theme of a Harajuku girl and be decorated in pastel colours, ribbons, strawberry cake and more. You’ll wish this room was your own!

Mel-Tea Hello Kitty Room

Running: July 12, 2019 – September 1, 2019

Reservations: Once reserved please speak to the Mel-Tea Hello Kitty Room staff

Slots: [Weekdays] 11:00/13:00/15:00 [Sundays & Holidays] 11:00/13:00/15:00/17:00/19:00

*2 hours per slot, limited availability

Original merchandise and novelties will also be available to purchase and pick up at the restaurant.

The collaboration is running until the end of Japan’s summer break, so if you’re here this summer then be sure to plan a trip to Harajuku to eat at the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE.

In 2016, fresh fruit juice shop Sour opened in Uraderacho, Kyoto. Now, they will soon open up shop down Cat Street in Harajuku.

Upon your order at Sour, fresh fruit will be squeezed for your drink in a juicer. After adding some sourness to your drink, not only will it taste divine but also look fun.

Like Sour in Kyoto, Sour Harajuku also uses fresh fruit and vinegar cordial. The interior was decorated by the Kyoto clothes shop and gallery VOU/Bou. CRT televisions, fluorescent lamps and other such decorations created by artists from Kyoto also decorate the interior. The colourful fruits of Sour contribute to the pop design atmosphere. 

Drink example: Watermelon Sour/ Lemon Sour: ￥500 (after tax) ー (Appearance changes due to ingredients ) 

Sour offers seasonal menus that makes use of seasonal fruits as well as 20 varieties of vinegar cordial sour drinks. This summer, Sour is selling their standard Lemon Sour, as well as a range of other sour flavours including Watermelon, Passionfruit, Kiwi, Brand Orange, Pineapple, and much more. 

Enjoy a wonderfully refreshing cup of a fruity drink this summer!