Once thing I do at least once a week without fail is treat myself out to some delicious food or dessert. It’s very important time well spend in order to live a happy life.

Today, I went out for breakfast. I got up a little earlier than usual and headed to my favourite cafe, Bread, Espresso & which is located in Omotesando.

It’s really easy to get to: it’s just a 5-minute walk from the A2 exit of Omotesando Station. Mornings are quiet in Omotesando, you don’t see many people walking around, so it feels like a completely different place compared to its busy streets during the day.

When you enter the cafe, the smell of freshly-baked bread is the first thing to hit your senses. I sat down on one of the comfy sofa-seats and ordered myself the French toast breakfast set.

There’s plenty of space between tables, so it’s an environment that’s easy to kick back and relax in.

Inside and outside the cafe are cute signs with that day’s recommended menu items written on them. Next time I visit I think I’ll try one of the lunchtime desserts. That’s what I daydreamed about while waiting for my French toast to arrive.

French Toast Set w/Drink – ¥800

The French toast has a subtly sweet scent. It’s made with one of the cafe’s popular foods: the butter-loaded bread known as “Muu.”

The toast’s crusts were nice and crunchy while the middle part was fluffy. The soft bread just melts in your mouth when taking a bite, and your taste buds are treated to the sweet flavour of the egg.

The toast is delicious as it is, and you can totally leave it at that and enjoy your morning breakfast. But if you want to take it to the next level then you can drizzle the accompanying honey over the toast, giving the sweetness an even richer flavour.

I’m usually not good with the characteristic sweet taste that honey has, or the bitterness layered into the overall flavour, but this honey was on the milder side so I really enjoyed it.

After my food, I enjoyed the cappuccino the barista beautifully made for me which comes as part of the set.

My 1-hour morning was spent even more relaxed than usual here. It’s much different from lunchtime which is a much busier and hurried time, so I could sink in my chair and really enjoy my drink too.

Waking up early and enjoying a relaxing breakfast. That’s all I did, but it helped ease my busy mind and soul. I’m a simple person, and I think I’ll be able to face my week and work hard at it after this.

Today’s Presents

Futsu Furu Fig Sandwich – ¥420

Futsu Uni Fruits – ¥400

I wanted to share the happiness between friends and family on this fine day where I got to eat a delicious breakfast. These sandwiches are packed full of fruits―seasonal fruits which are best enjoyed right now. If you’re wondering what other sandwiches they sell then be sure to visit.

Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

From September 21 to October 11, three KIDDYLAND stores will be holding a fair dedicated to the anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, which has become a big hit overseas. 

The series, which was created by Fuse, aired two seasons from October 2018 to March 2019. It has been confirmed that a sequel will be made in the year 2020. Following the anime’s successful reception, a novel version of the anime series which goes by the same name was produced by GOT A CHANCE novel. More than 14 million copies have been sold so far.

The story follows an extraordinary event which happened to a normal man. The main character Satoru Mikami died to random knife attack and was reincarnated as a monster called a slime. The series became massively popular once the adorable figure of the main character as a slime was revealed.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Sanrio Slime: Slime Keyring (5 designs): ￥1,200 each (before tax)

All your favourite characters have been reincarnated in a cute Sanrio-style! Head to the KIDDYLAND fair to get your hands on a KIDDYLAND-limited Slime Keyring. A large variety of new goods are being sold here ahead of any other shop and online service.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Sanrio Slime: Cuddly Characters Badge (5 designs): ￥680 each (before tax)

Come explore all your favourite characters in their adorable Sanrio form!

©川上泰樹・伏瀬・講談社/転スラ製作委員会

Japan is famous for its animal cafés. If you are looking for something less conventional, then mipig cafe ー a heavenly cafe where you can play endlessly with adorable micro pigs ー might be just what you are looking for. mipig will be opening its second cafe in Harajuku in November 2019.

With the concept of “becoming a home for micro pigs”, mipig cafe opened their first cafe in Meguro on March 1st, 2019. After just half a year, over 30,000 people visited the cafe and reservations were full every day.

Check out our previous report on the Meguro mipig cafe here: P→★ (TEMPURA KIDZ) Animal Café Diary #5: Visiting Japan’s First Micro Pig Cafe ‘mipig cafe’

The concept for the Harajuku branch is “entering the world of a micro pig picture book” and therefore, the cafe decoration is based on the famous story “The Three Little Pigs”. This is the perfect environment to play with the adorable little pigs and create some loving memories together.

The second room of the ASOBISYSTEM-produced home sharing facility MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS has finally opened. Named “ORIGAMI,” the room is available via Airbnb, and is a joint-effort between ASOBISYSTEM, which promotes Harajuku culture to the rest of the world, and Rokuyon, which manages unique accommodations in Shibuya.

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS SAKURA 

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is an accommodation service that offers concept rooms brimming with originality which you won’t find at any other hotel, hostel or home sharing facilities. The first room, SAKURA, opened in December last year, proving popular with travellers around the world with its cherry blossom theme.

Joining as the second room in the series is ‘ORIGAMI,’ a room based entirely on the Japanese art of paper folding which covers the entire room at every turn.

Living Room

The cosy living room is decked out with benches and stools, furnished in the style of a Japanese tea house. Dangling overhead are lights which brighten the room with their warm colour. The light shades are in fact traditional Japanese umbrellas which help bring that quaint Japanese atmosphere alongside the colourful folding fans, matcha-making tea set, and more.

Bedroom

The picturesque room is floored with tatami where you can sit and relax on a zaisu―a traditional chair with no legs used for sitting on tatami mats. The paper lanterns and sliding doors elevate an exciting air in the room. The stairs leading upstairs are made up of chests of drawers which you can use to store your luggage.

Both the upstairs and downstairs are fitted with mattresses spreading 2.6 meters wide which can accommodate up to 6 people in total. The mattresses are by Nishikawa which offer dreamy comfort and a high quality sleep. The mattresses can also be switched out for a different type depending on what kind of feel you are looking for.

Powder Room

The Powder Room is equipped with amenities including cotton swabs, cotton pads, and hairbands. Seat yourself comfortably at the wide table and get ready for your day or night out.

Shower Room

The Shower Room also has everything you need including shampoo, conditioner, and body soap. As well as a shower, there is also a Japanese-style Washlet toilet.

Everything Else & The Amenities

ORIGAMI has all of the living essentials. If you’re looking to cook while staying here, the kitchen has a microwave, refrigerator, plates, pans and more. There is even a washing machine.

Guests can also rent a kimono haori. Be sure to take lots of pictures!

4F Entrance – Staircase

The ORIGAMI room begins from the staircase leading from the third floor to the fourth floor. The door is actually made of tatami mats.

Building Entrance

Our building is very easy to spot at the ground floor entrance with the giant neon sign that reads “MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON” in Japanese as well as the MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS logo on the wall.

Rooftop

Guests are free to use the rooftop which offers a panoramic view of Harajuku.

Like SAKURA, ORIGAMI is available to book on Airbnb only. Whether you’re coming from overseas and in need of a room, are doing a staycation, or just want a place to get together with the girls, then book now with MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS.

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.

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.

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.

The real heat of summer has finally hit us. As a result, it is getting harder to resist those delicious ice creams in the convenience store that are so easy to get hold of. Convenience stores are constantly refreshing their frozen dessert flavours and it is just too hard to decide which one to go for.

Wondering what tastes good? Don’t break a sweat. Dessert-eating professional Yukko is here to help. Check out her Instagram which has plenty of information on the most irresistible frozen desserts at convenience stores.

CREAM CHEESE MACARON ICE 

Seven Eleven sells a macaron ice cream sandwich series which is massively popular every year. You just have to head there now to try the Kiri® cream cheese filling macarons which are collaboration-limited!

Just by looking at the refreshing colour of the macaron is enough to splash life back into your parched body. Sinking your teeth into the crispy macaron sure is fun.

The luxurious ice cream filling is made using 100% Kiri® cream cheese. The ice cream covers a juicy core of passion orange sauce that is thick like treacle. Its sharp, citrusy flavour is bound to instantly revitalise you. The rich cream cheese makes for the perfect balance. 

▼ CREAM CHEESE MACARON ICE 
Price: ￥257 (after tax)
Available at: Most Seven Elevens countrywide (excluding Okinawa)

Strawberries & Condensed Milk Shaved Ice

 This is part of Seven Eleven’s flavoured ice series. 

When you open it, you will be instantly hit by the revitilizing red colour of the strawberries. The strawberry sauce is sweet yet sour and the ice is crunchy. Allow it a bit of time to melt first and the texture will turn syrupy.

The sweet and sour strawberry sauce is a perfect match with the condensed milk flavoured ice, which is both slightly sweet and refreshing. This is a flavour that adults will love just as much as children.

▼ Strawberries & Condensed Milk Shaved Ice
Price: ￥149 (after tax)
Available at: Convenience Store: Most Seven Elevens countrywide.

White Peach Shaved Ice with Peach Pieces

This is yet another dessert from Seven Eleven’s ice Series, and this one is bursting with peachy goodness! Despite being just ￥300, it is full of flavour.

Open the lid and you will discover that it is full of delicious fruity pieces of white peach. 

Starting from the top, there are large pieces of peach followed by white peach jelly, white peach shaved ice and then white peach sauce. The peach will immediately melt in your mouth the moment you take a bite. Its juiciness will spread all over your tongue and you will be enlightened with the true refreshing taste of summer. 

White Peach Shaved Ice with Peach Pieces
Price: ￥300 (after tax)
Available at: Seven Eleven

Essel Super Cup Mango 

Having heard all the stories about just how delicious this ice cream is, I just had to try it for myself.

There are four layers to this ice cream. The moment you open the lid, the tropical fruity mango sauce layer will be enough to revitalize you. Once you make it through the mango sauce which is enriched with mango fruit pieces, you will make it to the layer of tofu ice cream. Dig a little deeper and you will arrive at a layer of passion fruit sauce.

If you reach the very bottom, you will hit the mango-flavoured ice cream. If you wait a little while for the ice cream to melt before digging your spoon in, you will be able to truly appreciate the rich-flavoured mango. This ice cream even has a special ingredient; mango pulp. This mango pulp enhances the flavour in an extraordinary way. The discovery of this new flavour will fascinate you to no end. The passion fruit sauce at the bottom has an element of crunchiness to it that resembles sorbet. The mango and mango pulp is an exquisite accent to the flavour, making it deliciously moreish as well as refreshing. 

▼Essel Super Cup Mango 
Price: ￥238 (after tax)
Available at: Convenience stores and supermarkets across the country.

All these convenience store ice creams are just too delicious to miss out on. There are many frozen desserts that will always be available, however, those listed above won’t always be around, so try them while you can!

Mogu Mogu Yukko introduces lots of desserts and sweets that are easily found in convenience stores and supermarkets on her Instagram so please check out her other posts.

Writer and Photographer: Mogu Mogu Yukko