For this year’s Halloween season, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo has announced that it will serve up its Halloween Sweets Selection again this year at the hotel’s pastry boutique ORIGAMI located on floor B2F. The confectionery chefs have spun some spooky fun into this collection of 10 cute treats.

Frankenstein – ¥1,760 / Phantom – ¥1,760 / Cyclops – ¥1,760

The Phantom is a popular confection every year at the hotel, but this year he’s had two new freaky friends carved out for him: Frankenstein’s monster and a Cyclops. These white chocolate monsters are filled with chocolate-covered almonds, macadamia nuts and other hidden delights.

Witch Hat – ¥715

Dressed in a milk chocolate mousse is ganache and a rich and bitter crème brûlée made with bitter orange. It also contains a mandarin orange liqueur for deeper flavours. The mix of orange notes is refreshing on the palate.

Cross – ¥715

The orange and black Cross is a mousse cake made from pumpkin puree beneath which lies a cinnamon flavoured crème brûlée and coffee flavoured ganache. The bitter coffee elevates the exquisite sweetness of the pumpkin for a delicious combination.

Evil Eye – ¥715

Enter at your own risk with the grotesque-looking (but delicious tasting) Evil Eye mousse cake. It’s made with fragrant biscuit and caramel as well as blonde chocolate from France and inside is a smooth pear jelly.

There are lots of other Halloween treats besides these coming to the hotel too, so if you’re in Tokyo this October then be sure to stop by for a Happy Halloween.

*All listed prices include tax

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.

Welcome to Episode 4 of Kawaii Fashion Snap where we get to know all about the kawaii girls of the world and their fashion. Each girl in this series has incorporated Japanese-like fashion into their wardrobe and turned it into something of their own.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at outfits that make use of the colour pink♡

molly

Currently residing in Tokyo, Molly leaves a huge impression with her T-shirt that reads “ANTI WAR” in both English and Japanese. Her stylish use of cute pastel colours throughout accentuates this fashionable look, and her pink and purple hair combined with the thick sole trainers is a match made in heaven.

Molly is a big fan of the Japanese idol group CY8ER and has even gotten a photo with the group―as well as several chekki photos with Rinahamu, one of the members. Be sure to check out her Instagram ＠pink_morii

pinkmilkteahime

The Pinkmilkteahime has us wanting to dye our own hair blue because hers looks so cute. This co-ord may look simple at first with the single big pink t-shirt, but in fact the rest of her outfit and all of her accessories are uniformly blue, which makes her hair look even more beautiful. Even the blue and pink artwork in the background is in tune with her look.

On her Instagram, she posts not only more beautiful looks, but pictures of her latest purchases too―from snacks to stationery. Follow her on Instagram ＠pinkmilkteahime

brodie

Brodie’s baby pink jumper skirt co-ord is kawaii supreme. She is serving us regalia princess with her frilly blouse and jumper skirt which has sweet patterns on it. And if you look closely, her white phone case has a cute flower pattern design♡

If you’re look for some girly styles then we highly recommend following Brodie @vanillabwunny

Mimi Usagi

Everything about the composition of this shot of Mimi Usagi can be described as cute. She has a cute character t-shirt on, and everything from her innerwear to her skirt is perfectly pink.

Her pink cheek makeup adds a glimmering allure and helps flaunt her clearly innate kawaii. We want to try shooting a look like she has in this photo too! Be sure to follow her ＠usagimimichu

Alexandra Bozheskova

Alexandra has gone for a sexy style here: her simple pink one piece is stunning and laces together flatteringly with those glittery shoes. And all of the items and accessories she has with her are pink, from the chekki camera in her hand to her shoulder bag♡

Alexandra’s Instagram feed is a treasure trove of exquisite and artistic looks. If fantasy takes your fancy, then make sure you follow her ＠sasha786x

If you’d like to feature in the next Kawaii Fashion Snap or know somebody that would, then follow us on Instagram and post at us with the hashtag #moshimoshiphoto. We hope you look forward to the next entry!

With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s easy recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.

Today, I will show you the perfect recipe for making chocolate Minnie Mouse cakes using the Mickey Mouse Tezukuri Okazu Maker kit which you can buy on Belle Maison.

1. Ingredients

About 3-4 prep bowls

1 large egg

40g sugar

Oil or 10g melted unsalted butter

15ml milk

50g weak flour (sifted)

10g cocoa

5g baking powder

2.

①Crack the egg into a mixing bowl, add the sugar and whisk well.

②Add a drizzle of oil or melted butter and milk and whisk again.

③Add the sifted flour and stir in gently with a rubber spatula.

3.

Oil the silicone cake moulds and spoon in your mix.

4.

Steam on a high heat for about 10 minutes.

5.

Now it’s time to make Minnie’s ribbon. I got this ribbon mould from Daiso. Place it onto some baking paper and outline the shape with a pen. Fill the outline with red-coloured chocolate and leave to set in the fridge. Once it has completely set, add the polkadots.

6.

Once the cake has finished steaming, stick her onto a lollipop stick so it the cake be eaten like a lollipop, and fix the ribbon onto the top of Minnie’s head.

And she’s finished! It looks cute when you put a Mickey and Minnie one together side by side. You can make a lot of cute recipes using the Okazu Maker, so get your hands on one and try making your own!

Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!

©️Disney

Kyoto-based Uji tea store Itohkyuemon released its new Matcha Parfait Bars at its new branch in Gion Shijo on August 7.

The bars proved so popular that all 1,500 in stock sold out on the first day. The store is currently being piled with orders for future sales. There are five flavours to enjoy: the classic matcha parfait flavour as well as cherry blossom, tropical, mont blanc, and strawberry.

Matcha Parfait Bar – Matcha

The matcha flavoured bar retains the original rich flavour of the Uji matcha, which has been passed down since the Muromachi period, and combines it with a delicious assortment of parfait toppings including raw matcha chocolate, mini daifuku, coarse sweet red bean paste, and more.

Matcha Parfait Bar – Sakura (Cherry Blossom)

For another traditional Japanese twist there is the springtime sakura parfait bar which is made with cherry blossom pink rice flour dumplings and ice cream. It’s also topped with cherry blossom cream and salted cherry blossom petals for a cute finish.

Matcha Parfait Bar – Tropical

Tropical flavours like pineapple and mango blend together in this bar which is drizzled in a sweet, sour and refreshing tropical sauce. Topped with fresh tropical fruits, this is the ultimate summertime luxury.

Matcha Parfait Bar – Mont Blanc

This bar incorporates a sense of autumn with its mix of candied chestnut, astringent chestnut skin, and melt-in-the-mouth mont blanc cream.

Matcha Parfait Bar – Strawberry

Strawberry lovers will delight in the handmade strawberry sauce and strawberry meringue of this bar. The meringue elevates the sumptuous flavours of the parfait even more, including the fresh strawberry, raspberry and blueberry toppings which provide a sweet and sour kick.

Which of these Matcha Parfait Bars do you want to try the most?

For six days only, The most mouthwatering ice cream flavours from all over Japan are heading to Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza AKAPLA for the regional ice cream fair Aipaku Hokkaido in Sapporo 2019. The ice cream fair will start on August 15 and end on August 20, 2019. 

The concept of Aipaku® is to make everyone’s childhood dream into a reality; a paradise park where visitors are surrounded by the most delicious ice cream flavours that are found countrywide.  The Japan Ice Mania Association carefully selected heart-melting ice cream flavours from all over Japan to sell at this event. The event has been running since 2015 and has so far welcomed approximately 2 million satisfied ice cream lovers, making it the largest ice cream event in Japan. Visitors can tuck in to their ice creams straight away or buy cooler bags and dry ice at the venue to take it back home as a souvenir.

This time, Aipaku Hokkaido in Sapporo 2019 is completely changing its lineup. Compared to when it was last run in 2017, this year will see many ice creams and ice cream brands that are new to Hokkaido making their debut. If you are an ice cream lover, this is a paradise world you just cannot miss out on. 

Kikyou Shingen Soft/KIKYOUYA (￥500)

Since being launched in 2015, this ice cream has become the star of the show at Aipaku. This ice cream is otherwise only available in Yamanashi prefecture. The beautiful scent of the soft serve ice cream’s kinako roasted soy bean will be the first thing to reach your nose. This ice cream is made with the original, rich-flavored brown sugar syrup of Yamanashi prefecture. 

Manhattan Roll Ice Cream/ Manhattan Roll ￥850

Roll Ice Cream is currently a big hit in Japan, so naturally it has infiltrated into this ice cream fair. This ice cream is not made using eggs like conventional ice creams. It is made with a unique combination ratio of milk, fresh cream and syrup. The result is a smooth ice cream which is rich but not overpoweringly sweet. 

Double Ruby Fantasy/ MAISON GIVRÉE/￥600

This is an Aipaku-limited ice cream. Its rise to fame occurred as a result of the World Championship of Pastry Ice Cream and Chocolate which took place in Milan in 2015. This Aipaku-limited soft serve ice cream was created by Team Japan’s captain and world champion pâtissier Hiroyuki Emori. It is covered in sugar-coated ruby chocolate and decorated luxuriously with almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios. The pink colour is enough to melt your heart. 

Aipaku Original Häagen-Dazs Sundae/ Aipaku Official ￥800

This is an original sundae flavour that can only be obtained from Aipaku. The ice cream is made using Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream with a generous layer of luxurious whipped cream. This is drizzled with a rich caramel sauce. Crispy feuillantine, which is made by smashing baked crêpe batter, accents the flavour and adds texture. Chunky slices of banana and salty vanilla-roasted peanuts are placed on top. This is a special sundae that ice cream-lovers will not be able to resist. 

These are just a few of the vast range of ice creams you could be trying. There are just so many that you will be frozen for choice. The venue is also easy to access from Sapporo station. This is a wonderful way to leave the house and enjoy a Japanese summer whilst staying refreshed. 

*Prices after tax stated above

* The ice creams at the event may differ to the images above.

Character-inspired Japanese confectionery series Tabemas has unveiled its new Snoopy, Joe Cool and Charlie Brown wagashi confections that will go on sale at Lawson convenience stores across Japan on August 20.

The characters are made from a type of dough called “nerikiri” which is used in making traditional Japanese wagashi sweets. Each of their charm points have been recreated, including Snoopy’s collar, Joe Cool’s shades and folded arm pose, and Charlie Brown’s instantly-recognisable outfit.

Their cute designs make it hard to decide where to start eating from, with Snoopy’s beady eyes, Joe Cool’s composed manner, and Charlie Brown’s smiley face.

Each character is filled with different flavoured bean pastes, maintaining that traditional wagashi touch. Snoopy is chocolate flavoured, Joe Cool is salted vanilla, and Charlie Brown is custard. The three of them line up perfectly for a cute Instagrammable photo. They are limited in stock so if you’re in Japan this summer be sure to stop by a Lawson store.

©️2019 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

Are you planning to shop for souvenirs in Kyoto this August? Daimaru Kyoto has the perfect lineup for the summer season, from cool and refreshing wagashi confections to sweets made with matcha grown in Kyoto and more―all packaged in gorgeous in packaging exclusive to the Kyoto branch of Daimaru. Here’s our top picks for summer 2019!

Ryo no Seifuu (Contains 8) @ Sasaya Iori, Floor B1F Wagashi Marketplace – ¥2,160 (Tax Included) *Available until Mid-August

Inspired by cool springs, this tasty Japanese-style confection comes in 4 different refreshing and fruity flavours.

Kuzu Nagashi (Contains 3) @ Oimatsu, Floor B1F Wagashi Marketplace – ¥1,339 (Tax Included) *Available until Mid-August

Indulge in two different flavours of arrowroot: one made with brown sugar from the island of Hateruma and another with sweet apricot juice. The brown sugar arrowroot is also mixed with honey and the apricot with apricot honey.

Kakitsubata (Contains 6) @ Shogoin Yatsuhashi Sohoten, Floor B1F Wagashi Marketplace – ¥540 (Tax Included)

Yatsuhashi is a classic Japanese confection and is a famous souvenir sweet in Kyoto. These uncooked yatsuhashi have a faint cinnamon aroma and are formed in a way similar to dango.

Salted Lemon Pound Cake (1 Cake) @ Adachi Otoemon, Floor B1F Wagashi Marketplace – ¥2,160 (Tax Included)

Laced with tangy lemon skin, this refreshing pound cake is topped with rock salt which elevates the flavours to delicious new heights.

Raw Uji Matcha Chocolate (Contains 8) @ ATELIER de GODIVA [Kyoto Branch Only], Floor B1F Wagashi Marketplace – ¥2,916 (Tax Included) *Available until Mid-August

Luxurious, rich and melt-in-your-moth raw chocolate made lavishly with bitter Uji matcha.

Kyo Chafure (Contains 5) @ Kyoto Tsuruya, Floor B1F Wagashi Marketplace – ¥810 (Tax Included)

These soft doughy sablés made with rich Uji matcha.

Koto no Natsu @ Nomura Kyotsukidani, Floor B1F Tsukudani Marketplace – ¥1,080 (Tax Included)

If you’re looking for something a little more savoury then you’ll absolutely want to check out the popular chirimen sansho, dried whitebait seasoned with pepper. It comes packaged in beautiful summery Kyoto packaging.

Did you enjoy this list? Be sure to pick up as many tasty edible Kyoto souvenirs while exploring the ancient city.

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.

Get ready to dine on desserts in style as Shiseido Parlour announces its second-ever Midsummer Parfait Fair at its Salon de Cafe in Ginza which will be held from August 1 to 25.

Four incredible summery parfaits make the fair’s lineup, each centred around local and seasonal fruits. This year sees the return of the popular mango, fig and strawberry flavours, and for the first time ever, a melon flavour made with melons from the city of Furano in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Prefecture Furano Melon Parfait – ¥1,980 (Tax Included)

Made with sweet and fragrant Furano melons grown in Hokkaido’s city of Furano, this angelic delight of a parfait is made with classic silky vanilla ice cream, refreshing hibiscus jelly, and for added accent, a squeeze of cranberry sauce. The fresh melon piece toppings are packed full of mouth-watering melon juice. The melon is served in several different ways for textural enjoyment including skinless slices, a slice with the skin on, and melon balls.

Wakayama Prefecture Kinokawa Fig Parfait – ¥2,160 (Tax Included)

The seasonal figs in this parfait have been grown and nurtured laboriously. The figs are plucked in Wakayama prefecture and are served fresh on your dessert. Tucked under the hearty serving of figs is a red wine-laced compote, sauce and sherbet while placed gracefully on top is a baked tuile. There is also a fig and apple jelly for that cheek-sucking sweet kick.

Okinawa Prefecture Apple Mango Parfait – ¥2,580 (Tax Included)

If you love mangoes, then you’re in for a treat with this parfait which is prepared with mangoes from Okinawa which have been cut up into different shapes and sizes. The dessert contains a midsummer medley of ingredients including a tropical homemade mango sherbet, an exotic sauce, milk flavoured ice cream, and cranberry sauce. Savour the succulent taste, smooth texture and sweet aroma of the elusive Keats mango, the richest and most delicious of all mangoes, and one which has only a limited production in Okinawa from mid-August onward.

Nagano Prefecture Hatake Kobo Koihime Strawberry Parfait – ¥1,890 (Tax Included)

Finally, this tempting parfait is made with strawberries from Hatake Kobo in Nagano. Because of the regional climate of Nagano, these gorgeous strawberries are delicious from summer through fall. They are served with classic vanilla ice cream for the absolute perfect pairing.

Which of these do you want to try the most?♡

A brand new Basque Cheesecake shop called Hakone Cheese Terrace opened on July 26th. The carefully balanced rich flavour and smooth texture of these cheesecakes makes them the perfect Hakone souvenir! Basque cheesecake is a type of burnt cheesecake that originated from Basque, Spain.

Hakone is home to a large number of Japan’s popular tourist spots as well as relaxing hot springs and beautiful nature. Located just 1.5 hours from Tokyo, Hakone has an extraordinary atmosphere which will heal both your body and mind. Hakone Cheese Terrace opened to enhance the appeal of the nature surrounding Hakone resorts and to contribute to the fascinating culture of the area. 

The basque cheesecake comes in a mini cup so customers can enjoy this delicious treat while on the go exploring the local area. This is also the perfect souvenir size.

The cheesecakes at Hakone Cheese Terrace are made mostly from locally sourced ingredients. For a creamy, fresh taste, milk sourced from the south of Hakone is combined with high-quality cream cheese. An original recipe blend is used for a rich flavour and smooth texture.

The cheesecakes are baked fresh at the shop so you can enjoy your cheesecake at its most delicious stage. Rock salt, black pepper and soy sauce are available as toppings for customers to discover a new flavour.

Come enjoy the flavours of Hakone to your heart’s content at Hakone Cheese Terrace.