In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Donguriya.
To get there I plodded along from the North Exit of JR Nishi-Ogikubo Station, and after about 3-minutes I saw it!
Various shops lined the street, but nature had almost reclaimed this single building which was wrapped in foliage. There’s no doubt that the people who pass by this way stop to take a look. Its inviting appearance elicits a peek as you’re left wondering what kind of place it is. I feel like a wonderful story is about to unfold!
A sign sits at the front of the cafe with its mascot character waiting to greet you.
He’s cute in a way that I can’t describe♬
Time to head inside.
Most of the interior is made of wood, a perfect accompaniment to the cafe’s name Donguriya (“Acorn Hut”).
All of the signs as well as the menu on the wall are handwritten by the owner himself. It’s heartwarming just to look at♬
Sipping coffee while enjoying the jazz music coming from the record player is nothing short of a luxury!
I ordered pizza toast (drink + pizza toast set is ¥800), a Donguri cookie and coffee (drink + Donguri cookie set is ¥650).
The toast is sliced thickly; the crusts are crunchy and the middle is soft. It was really tasty and had an old-fashioned taste to it.
Donguri’s cookies are made by someone who has been a fan of the cafe since long ago. They have a simple sweetness and go perfectly with the coffee!
Since the cookies are made by a regular who has always loved Donguri they are the perfect cookies for Donguriya! If you pay a visit then you should definitely order one.
The blend coffee is full-bodied and has a rich aroma. There is a slightly bitter aftertaste too. The coffee beans are also roasted in-house! It was really tasty and easy to drink even for someone like me who doesn’t know a lot about coffee.
The owner and his older brother went to numerous cafes with their friends to try various different coffees before coming up with their own blend. It’s the real deal.
It really felt as if I had been sucked into the world of a story with the warm light filtering through the windows and illuminating the tableware and furniture.
Finally, a photo with the owner himself!
He told me wonderful stories about the coffee and food at Donguriya which made me fall in love with the cafe even more.
I want to bring my friends here next time♬
Writer: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Design: Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Information
Donguriya
Address: 3-30-1 Nishiogikita, Suginami Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours: [Mon-Thur] 10:30-22:00 / [Fri-Sun] 10:30-22:30
Access: 3-minutes on foot from JR Nishi-Ogikubo Station
TALENT PROFILE
Ema Tanioku
“Emaeri” is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies.
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
-
In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Cafe Ace in Kanda.
Being a cafe specialising in coffee it’s no surprise they have 40 different varieties of coffee! They even have 15 kinds of tea. Being able to pick out your favourite coffee before the morning rush every morning is really wonderful.
Cafe Ace is one of the places I’ve wanted to cover for a long time in this series. I was excited to get inside!
Its striped roof gives it quite a retro atmosphere. The warm colour scheme of the decor inside is that from old times – it’s very relaxed. It hasn’t changed since it opened way back when. It has continued to maintain its ways in spite of times changing. I think that’s wonderful.
The cafe carries all kinds of magazines that have been published over the years. They range from 3 to 40 years old. The owner showed me his collection as we spoke about the cafe and conveyed his sentiment for Ace. I feel I have learnt much about its history!
The menu plaques attached to the wall are all handwritten by the owner (he even wrote on the camel artwork above!)
Simply amazing. His handwritten work spreads across the entire wall of Ace.
I have come here on my before but I had no idea he had written all of this out so in learning more about it I have come to love Cafe Ace even more.
His love and warmth can be felt throughout the whole room.
And this―this is Cafe Ace’s famous seaweed toast! It’s made with seaweed, butter and soy sauce.
The ingredients are simple but the flavour of the seaweed complements the butter perfectly. It’s super delicious, I want to eat it everyday! And it only costs ¥170.In the morning you can have it with blend coffee for ¥500 (+¥20 for iced coffee). You even get free refills on the blend coffee up until noon!
American doughnuts, too. You can enjoy these at the small price of ¥230. They are sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and serve with a knob of butter in the ring. The heat of the doughnuts helps the butter to melt so you can lather it all over.
Finally, a photo of the owner himself. Even in the photo I feel like his smile gives his customers strength. Seeing his lively energy gave me energy too.
He holds his valuable feelings close, doing what he loves in the place he loves. I want to keep on seeing his radiating smile.
Information
Cafe Ace
Address: 3-10-6 Kanda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Weekdays 7:00-18:00 / Saturday 7:00-14:00
Closed: Sundays & National Holidays
Access: 3-minutes on foot from Kanda Station via the JR Line and Tokyo Metro Ginza LineWriter: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Design: Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
-
Ginza is a district in the heart of Tokyo famed for its extravagant streets lined with upmarket shops, luscious restaurants and fantastic entertainment. But it’s not only worthy of note for its flamboyance – it’s also rooted in rich culture and history.
Today, I visited Ginza West, a café that has been continuously loved in Ginza ever since it opened in 1947.
Before entering I saw lots of delicious confections lined up on display. You can order takeout too. Your mind will wander off as you ponder on which to take away for snack time.
The entire café is clean and tidy throughout and you can feel the decor has grace. It’s different from other cafés in that it has a dignified atmosphere to it. It has an air of tension to it, the kind that makes you straighten up your back. It’s a place that’s nice if someone wants to enjoy a luxurious experience once in a while.
I ordered cake and tea set! The tea cost ¥1,048. A cake set is the price of the drink plus ¥324.
You can actually have them bring you samples of cakes being served on that day. There’s so many cake varieties it’s hard to choose.
The most popular is this one – the Mosaic Cake!
Its appearance is cute. I ended up wanting to take a lot of photos.
The Mosaic Cake is made of cocoa sponge and butter sponge which is arranged to look like a mosaic piece. You can really taste the different flavours of each sponge. It’s only moderately sweet so it’s not too heavy. I wolfed it down!
And then, and then!
I got the white cream soda which I’d been wanting to try. It cost ¥1,188.
When you think of cream soda it’s generally green coloured melon soda with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top. But this one uses no colouring. The soda is clear and also served with vanilla ice cream. Try drinking it yourself after adding a syrup of your choice.
It looks like a very elegant beverage.
In terms of taste, if you eat the vanilla ice cream after drinking some of the soda (which is subtly sweet) it makes for an exquisite balance. It’s a flavour I’ve never had before – it’s a novel sensation.
Delicious.
The chairs in the café have something about them too! They feel extremely comfortable, I felt exhausted. The staff kindly told me the secret behind them.
The back legs of the chairs are a little wider than the ones at the front allowing you to lean back much easier and making it feel much more comfortable. The chair legs are also cut to a certain length to allow easier sitting.
So that’s why. That’s why I felt so relaxed simply sitting on them. I felt I could be sat there no matter the hour.
t’s a kind of consideration you’d only find at a café. Hearing about those chairs made me think that cafes really are such wonderful places. The more you learn about them, the more you come to love their charms.
I wonder where I’ll visit next? Look forward to it!
Information
Ginza West
Address: 7-3-6 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3571-1554
Opening Hours: Weekdays 9:00-22:00 (Stand Open Until 23:00) / Weekends 11:00-20:00
No Fixed Holidays.
Access: 5-minutes on foot from exit C2 of Ginza Station via Tokyo Metro Line / 10-minutes on foot from Yurakucho Station via JR Line
*347m from Ginza Station
Website: http://www.ginza-west.co.jp/
Writer: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Editor: Ai Watanabe
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
TALENT PROFILE
Ema Tanioku
“Emaeri” is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies.
-
Tokyo Stroll: The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone #7 – Garden Café & Bar ‘Urara’ in Daikanyama
The place I am showcasing today is ‘Urara,’ a garden café and bar located in Daikanyama. Their shaved ice is super popular in summer. It’s somewhere I love and often go to in my private time.
It’s an old Japanese-style house so it has a much different atmosphere to that of stylish Daikanyama. The outside of it has a warm and welcoming feel to it that will have you wanting to see what kind of place it is.
Upon entering through the shop sign curtain, you arrive in the courtyard which is surrounded by trees. You can hear the sounds of birds from somewhere, and when the wind blows you also hear the rustling of tree leaves. You completely forget you’re in Tokyo as you feel like you’ve come to a grandma’s house in the countryside. It’s very relaxing.
Hm? What’s this odd looking thing?
These unique ornaments were scattered all around the courtyard ready to greet us!
This sign makes for a great photo spot. It says ‘Urara’ just like the name of the café. Its nostalgic design is so cute!
When you really look, it says tissue paper on it! There’s lots to be discovered on the posters and signs that make up the interior, it’s a lot of fun!
I ordered the Uji adzuki bean shaved ice topped with condensed milk! It cost ¥600 for the shaved ice and ¥100 for the topping. The matcha used is from Uji in Kyoto. Such a big portion of shaved ice is enough to cool you down by just looking at it.
Let’s eat!
Where have I tasted this before…
The matcha seeped all the way to the middle of the shaved ice. The refreshing sweetness was so tasty. The adzuki beans are from Tokachi in Hokkaido. They were a perfect combination with the condensed milk. The ice used is natural ice from Nikko. It’s fluffy, tastes great, and doesn’t give you brain freeze!
Natural ice is different from regular ice. It’s frozen slowly so the crystals have high density, and it takes longer for it to melt. The cool part was how it didn’t crumple instantly when I poured the syrup on it!
This is blueberry syrup (¥600). The blueberries used are from Nagano. They make it from jam in the café. Isn’t the colour just beautiful?
It has that sour flavour that blueberries have and a refreshing, lip-smacking sweetness.
I normally don’t drink alcohol, but since Urara is a café and a bar I will show you a mojito (¥600). The mint is so refreshing!
On a hot summer’s day it seems like there are people who order both shaved ice and beer together. They’re seasonal items so will satisfy and cool you down.
I also got to meet Tama-chan, the cat who comes to play at Urara. One time when I came before Tama was out walking so I didn’t get to meet him.
Lastly, I snapped a photo with Arai who’s in charge of promoting Urara!
We’re roughly the same height and have a similar interest in clothes so I grew an affinity with her.
Coffee shops and cafés in old style Japanese houses tell you something about the people associated with them.
Urara feels natural thanks to SELIN & Co., an apparel maker who make things that feel one with nature. The staff at Urara all love living things, so the big hearted atmosphere there was really wonderful.
If I was to set up a shop I wonder what it would be like…
I think I’d want to put out something warm like Urara.
■Information
Urara
Address: 20-10 Sarugakucho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:30am-7:00pm / Weekends & Holidays 11:30am-7:30pm
*Closed during rainy weather.
Access: 4-minutes on foot from Daikanyama Station via the Tokyu Tokoyo Line
Website: http://www.hrm.co.jp/news/2016/04/garden-cafe-bar-urara
Photographer：Haruka Yamamoto
Editor：Ai Watanabe
Design：Yuko Abe（ASOBISYSTEM)
Translater：Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
TALENT PROFILE
Ema Tanioku
“Emaeri” is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies.
RELATED ENTRIES
-
Moomin Cafe branches around Japan, which are themed on the Swedish fairy-tale Moomin books, released their Christmas menu on November 20.
Moomin Cafe Winter Season Menu | ¥4,800 (Before Tax) *Photo is a portion for 2
The seasonal menu is a very special set containing a burger, chicken, salmon milk soup, raspberry juice (which is adored by the Moomin family), and more, so you can eat heartily like the Moomins this winter.
Souvenir Cup (2 Designs)
Visitors can also order a dessert and choose from two different mugs. Takeout is available at each of the cafes so you enjoy a Moomin Christmas at home.
Table reservations are available via the Moomin Cafe website so customers can ensure they can get booked in during the busy holiday season.
If you’re in Japan for Christmas then don’t miss out on a visit to the Moomin cafe.
©Moomin Characters TM
Information
Moomin Cafe Christmas Menu
Serving: November 20, 2020 – December 25, 2020
Takeout: November 20, 2020 – December 23, 2020
Branch List: https://benelic.com/moomin_cafe/
Official Website: https://moomincafe.jp/ -
Japanese company LEGS has announced the opening of two limited-time cafes themed on the video game KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory which will run from December 11, 2020 to January 31, 2021.
KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory is a rhythm action game developed by Square Enix. Released on November 11 in Japan and November 13 everyone else, it is the latest instalment to Square Enix and Disney’s video game series Kingdom Hearts.
The cafe menu features a line-up of dishes, drinks, and desserts inspired by characters and worlds found throughout the internationally-beloved video game series. The items all adhere to Disney’s nutrient guidelines and so are low in salt and sugar, offering fans a healthier option. The cafe will also sell a range of original merchandise.
The Menu
Food (Excerpt)
<Sora> Power of Waking Tomato Pasta | ¥1,599
A red tomato pasta inspired by Sora that comes with a potato salad shaped like King Mickey.
<Riku> Daybreak Chicken Burger | ¥1,599A black chicken burger based on Riku becoming enveloped by the Power of Darkness. This dish also comes with a potato salad shaped like King Mickey.
<King Mickey> King’s Tuna Sandwich | ¥1,399, with plate +¥2,000A tuna sandwich branded with a King Mickey symbol that comes with a side of fruit.
<Neverland> Island Seafood Curry | ¥1,699A squid and shrimp seafood curry inspired by Peter Pan’s Neverland which you can travel to in Kingdom Hearts.
Drinks (Excerpt)
<Sora, Riku & Kairi> Fate’s Pineapple Herb Soda | ¥899, with acrylic coaster +¥1,000A pineapple herb soda based on the Paopu Fruit from the series.
<Roxas, Xion, Axel> Sea Salt Ice Cream & Milk | ¥1,199, with acrylic coaster +¥1,000Based on the sea salt ice cream that Roxas, Xion, and Axel all eat together. It’s served with hot milk that can be poured over the ice cream for a tasty treat.
<Hundred Acre Wood> Honey Latte | ¥799, with mug +¥1,650A latte sweetened with Winnie the Pooh’s favourite thing in the world: honey.
Merchandise (Excerpt)
Folder ¥500 / Acrylic Magnet ¥700
Tote Bags (3 Designs) | ¥3,500 Each (Timeless River/Keyblade A/Keyblade B)Bonus Items
Customers who book a table in advance (¥650 before tax) and order from the menu will receive one of two folders, and if they order a drink, one of four coasters. Available while supplies last.
© Disney. © Disney/Pixar.
*All prices listed are pre-tax
Information
KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory Cafe
・Tokyo (Shibuya): SHIBUYA BOX cafe&space
Running: December 11, 2020 – January 31, 2021
Address: LOFT (Floor 2F), 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo・Osaka (Umeda): UMEDA BOX cafe&space
Running: December 11, 2020 – January 31, 2021
Address: Umeda LOFT (Floor 1F), 16-7 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, OsakaKINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory Cafe Official Website: https://khmom.ohmycafe.jp/
-
Sanrio’s popular characters Kiki & Lala, also known as the Little Twin Stars, are getting their own themed cafe which will open for a limited time at the Fruits Parlor & Bakery Season & Co. in LINKS UMEDA in Osaka From December 3, 2020 to January 24, 2021.
The cafe will serve up a variety of menu items inspired by the Little Twin Stars as well as sell related merchandise. There will also be a photo spot for taking cute pictures, and a special dessert assortment made in collaboration with the popular artist Dream Ami which includes a parfait made up of their favourite sweet treats.
Cafe Menu (Prices Listed Before Tax)
Menu ①: December 3, 2020 – December 25, 2020
Little Twin Stars Shortcake (X’mas Ver.) | ¥1,900
Kiki’s Shooting Star Sweets Parfait | ¥1,600Menu ②: December 26, 2020 – January 24, 2021
Little Twin Stars Tart | ¥1,700
Lala’s Shooting Stat Sweets Parfait | ¥1,700Drinks Menu (Excerpt) (Available Throughout Collaboration)
Little Twin Stars Strawberry Tea Latte | ¥1,000
Dream Ami’s Special Collaborative Menu (Available Throughout Collaboration)
Dream Ami×Little Twin Stars Star Sweets 2020 2,100円
Customers who spend more than ¥1,000 (before tax) on merchandise at the cafe will also receive a free A4 folder. These are available while supplies last.
Dream Ami’s collaborative dessert looks both cute and delicious and definitely worthy of being on a Little Twin Stars menu!
Information
Little Twin Stars Collaborative Cafe
Running: December 3, 2020 – January 24, 2021
Location: Fruits Parlor & Bakery Season & Co.
Address: LINKS UMEDA (Floor 1F), 1-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Opening Hours: 9:30-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
TEL: 06-6743-4212Official Website: https://season-co.shop
-
Four branches of the Snoopy-themed PEANUTS Cafe, as well as its online shop, launched a collaboration with the Japanese zipper bag brand Pake® on Friday (November 27) to release a collection of leopard print zipper bags.
PEANUTS Cafe Nagoya Gets New Interior Design Artwork
As part of the collaboration, PEANUTS Cafe Nagoya has put up a colourful piece of framed artwork on the first floor. At first glance, it looks like simple leopard print, but if you look closely, you can see Snoopy floating around in that colourful world.
PEANUTS Cafe x Pake Zipper Bag “The Clandestine” | ¥1,100 (Before Tax)
PEANUTS Cafe and Pake’s collaborative zipper bags come in blue and pink, both with leopard print backgrounds visible thanks to the clear bag allowing you to also see the items you put inside.
Snoopy art from an old-time Peanuts comic
The artwork used on the zipper bag is taken from a Peppermint Patty story published in January 1975 over several days. It’s the scene when Patty’s dad is late arriving home and can’t sleep so is invited to Snoopy’s room. She jumps onto his waterbed and he goes flying up and down.
© 2020 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
Information
PEANUTS Cafe x Pake
Participating Branches: PEANUTS Cafe Nakameguro / PEANUTS DINER Yokohama / PEANUTS Cafe Kobe / PEANUTS Cafe Snoopy Museum / PEANUTS Cafe Nagoya
PEANUTS Cafe Online Shop: https://www.peanutscafe.jp/online/ -
Two branches of Animate Cafe, Animate Cafe Ikebukuro 3 and Animated Cafe Nagoya 2, are set to collaborate with Attack on Titan from November 25 in promotion of the anime’s upcoming final season which will begin airing on December 7. This marks Animate Cafe’s fourth collaboration with the anime.
Menu
Animate Cafe held a poll amongst customers who dined at the previous Attack on Titan collaboration cafes to find out what the most popular dishes were. These have been chosen to go on the menu for this collaboration.
5 Years Colossal Hamburger & Mother’s Handmade Stew | ¥1,000
Eren Meringue & Bertholdt Tart | ¥750
Hange’s Experiment Drink | ¥600
Eren’s Death Wish Drink | ¥600New additions to the menu include Hange’s Experiment Drink and Eren’s Death Wish Drink.
The Final Season Special Rose Cake | ¥750
Gorgeous Champagne Jelly | ¥600Original merchandise
Big Acrylic Stands (4 Designs) | ¥1,600
Trading Pins (A Group: 6 Designs/B Group: 7 Designs/C Group: 4 Designs) | ¥400 Each
Print Cookies | ¥1,000 Each (Comes with 1 illustration card)
©️Hajime Isayama・Kodansha / Attack on Titan The Final Season Production Committee
Information
Animate Cafe x Attack on Titan The Final Season
Running: November 25, 2020 – December 14, 2020Locations: Animate Cafe Ikebukuro 3 / Animated Cafe Nagoya
*On November 25, November 27, and weekends, customers must sign up to dine at the cafes – those who sign up will be selected randomly. On all other days, it’s free-entry where you don’t have to book, but keep in mind that the cafe may still be busy on these days.
Official Website: https://cafe.animate.co.jp/event/shingeki2011/ -
Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is a featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON from the members of the all-female band SILEN SIREN (aka Sai Sai) who visit various hot spots in Japan and experience different things, the Sai Sai way.
In Episode #10, SILENT SIREN drummer Hinanchu wanted to go and stay at a hotel in Tokyo, so she decided to take a trip to sequence MIYASHITA PARK, a new hotel inside Shibuya’s new landmark shopping complex MIYASHITA PARK which itself opened in August 2020.
The newly-reborn MIYASHITA PARK is a four-storey shopping complex with stores located on the first three floors and the top floor being home to the park. The park houses a range of exercise and sports sites like a skate park and bouldering wall as well as the green area and even a Starbucks. This park is so spacious that it’s easy to forget it’s right next to busy Shibuya Station. It has been open for three months now and is already adored by the community.
sequence MIYASHITA PARK is an 18-storey hotel that stands on the north side of MIYASHITA PARK. It can even be accessed from the complex’s fourth floor park which leads visitors to the lobby lounge. The park side of the hotel is also home to a cafe called VALLEY PARK STAND.
VALLEY PARK STAND can be used by non-guests at the hotel too and is open from morning to night time. The windows tower from the floor to the ceiling, allowing plenty of natural light into the cafe. There’s plenty of seating areas with table seats, sofas, and benches.
MIYA PITA CHICKEN SHAWARMA ¥900 | FRENCH FRIES & COCKTAIL COMBO ¥800 (Tax Included)
VALLEY PARK STAND is a cafe themed on a fictitious valley park, acting as one big park situated in the middle of bustling Shibuya. Adventuring through the valley park is best done with one of the cafe’s signature “MIYA PITA” pita sandwiches in hand.
The cafe offers a selection of coffees, pastries, and pitas for lunch and breakfast. In the evenings, customers can switch to the bar to enjoy something alcoholic. Their original craft cocktails are very popular and are made by a bartender who honed their craft while working in New York.
Hinanchu ordered the “Park & Pomegranate Bellini.” Normally hotel cocktails are small, but the ones served at VALLEY PARK STAND are much more generous.
The cafe even sell their own merchandise, from mugs to tumblers and even picnic blankets so you can have a picnic in MIYASHITA PARK if the weather calls for it!
For more information about VALLEY PARK STAND, check out our full breakdown here.
VALLEY PARK STAND
Address: sequence MIYASHITA PARK 4F, 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 7:30-23:00 (Last Orders 22:30)
TEL: 03-6712-5442Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleyparkstand/
The hotel check-in lounge can be found on fourth floor, the same as VALLEY PARK STAND. Check-in uses a new unmanned self-service system so all you need to do is follow the instructions.
Guest rooms are simple but the furniture and fixtures are of high quality. Hinanchu stayed in the 4-person “BUNK BED 4” room. Prices vary depending on the season, but it can cost less than ¥5,000 for one person to stay in a 4-person room which is a bargain!
The wide windows in guest rooms look out across MIYASHITA PARK. Depending on the hotel room you’re in, you’ll also be able to see landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. The windows also read “Hi, TOKYO!” on them which makes for the perfect photo opportunity.
All rooms are also fitted with reading material by young authors. If you scan the QR code next to their piece, you can learn more about them and even make a donation.
Check-in is at 17:00 and check-out is 14:00 so guests can enjoy their stay leading into the early afternoon of the next day. The MIYASHITA PARK shops open at 11:00, so after checking-out, guests can go straight to shopping or lunch.
So, how did you find MIYASHITA PARK, Hinanchu?
“I’ve always lived in Tokyo, so I never imagined I’d stay in Shibuya, but you can really feel like a queen staying here! Despite it being smack bang in the middle of Tokyo, it’s right next to the park which feels good. I definitely recommend it to those who live in rural areas that want to come and play in Tokyo since places like Shibuya and Harajuku are close by. The hotel is littered with art and stylish design, so it’s not simply a stay but a creative experience too which I think will be popular with foreigners. I want to come here again on my own for a relaxing time!”
On the fifth floor of the hotel is the restaurant and bar Dōngxī Restaurant & Sakaba which offers both breakfast, and dinner. The new entertainment restaurant and bar SOAK is also opening on November 13.
If you’re thinking of staying in Tokyo or Shibuya, be sure to look up sequence MIYASHITA PARK.
Photo: Kayo Sekiguchi
Text: Sayoko IshiiTranslation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
SILENT SIREN
SILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka. In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there since making their major debut. In April this year, they launched their own YouTube channel called “Sai Sai Channel.” They released their 7th album mix10th on September 2, 2020. The band celebrated their 10th anniversary with a special live performance at Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara on September 20, 2020. For the latest information on SILENT SIREN, visit their official website here: http://silent-siren.com/
Information
sequence MIYASHITA PARK
Address: 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, TokyoTEL: 03-5468-6131
Official Website: https://www.sequencehotels.com/miyashita-park
-
PARCO Pte Ltd, the Singaporean division of Japanese department store chain PARCO, opened the new Jurassic World Café at ION Sky on the 56th floor of the ION Orchard shopping centre in Singapore on November 6, 2020. The café comes as the first Jurassic World Café to open in South East Asia and serves an original line-up of food and drink, an exhibit of everybody’s favourite Velociraptor Blue from Jurassic World, a selection of exclusive merchandise, and more.
Jurassic World Café Singapore
The Jurassic World film series is hugely popular in Singapore, and so it’s only fitting that the country gets its own themed cafe. The menu is diverse, consisting of a special selection created by PARCO’s own The Guest Cafe & Diner as well as local food like Nasi Lemak, unique picks like the Brachiosaurus Mint Pandan beverage, and much more. There will even be a merchandise shop for fans to pick up a souvenir on their way home.
PARCO Singapore has collaborated with The Guest Cafe & Diner, a cafe which collaborates with franchises and of which there are five branches in Japan, on five separate occasions up and down South East Asia, including the Minions Cafe which opened for a limited time in Singapore in 2017. PARCO Singapore is continuing to expand its reach outside of Singapore with other collaborative cafes and exhibitions.
The Menu
Danger lurks at every corner in Jurassic World, and that fact is captured in the menu line-up.
Cafe Bonus Items
There will also be special gifts given to customers.
To see the full line-up, be sure to check out the official website below and pay a visit to Jurassic World Café Singapore.
Information
Jurassic World Café Singapore – A concept by PARCO
Location: ION Sky, ION Orchard Floor 56F, MRT Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Running: November 6, 2020 – January 3, 2021 (Closed November 13)
Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00
Official Website: www.jurassicworldcafe.sg -
The chilly winter season is on the horizon, but Kirby Café Tokyo and Kirby Café Hakata will keep customers warm with their new winter menu which will be served from November 11, 2020 to February 28, 2021.
Kirby Café Winter Menu
Food
Winter Kirby Burger & Clam Chowder Pasta | ¥2,680 (Before Tax) *Comes with souvenir plate
Mogu Mogu Kirby’s Poka Poka Pie Stew | ¥2,680 (Before Tax) *Comes with souvenir cup
Kirby is staying warm and cosy with his scarf on the burger and clam chowder pasta dish. For the stew, Kirby’s entire face is made from pie.
Kirby’s Hot Crumble Bowl | ¥1,980 (Before Tax)
This hot crumble is served in a cute Kirby bento box which you can take away with you.ス
Desserts & Drinks
Ice Dragon☆Pastel Cream Anmitsu | ¥880 (Before Tax)
Kirby Café’s Authentic Oven Baked Pizza ~Berries and White Chocolate~ | ¥1,480 (Before Tax)
The Ice Dragon☆Pastel Cream Anmitsu is a Japanese-style dessert while the pizza is a dessert pizza perfect for wintertime.
Kirby Fighters 2 Menu
Wrestler Kirby Burger | ¥1,580 (Before Tax)
King Dedede & Meta Knight’s Tag Dessert | ¥1,480 (Before Tax)
The cafe is also serving up a meal and dessert in collaboration with the new Nintendo Switch title Kirby Fighters 2.
Kirby Café Original Merchandise
Postcards | ¥150 Each (Before Tax)
Winter Blanket | ¥2,700 (Before Tax)
A selection of exclusive and seasonal Kirby Café merchandise.
Information
Kirby Café Winter
Running: November 11, 2020 – February 28, 2021
KIRBY CAFÉ TOKYO
Grand Opening: December 12, 2019
Address: Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi Floor 4F (1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo)
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:00)
*No fixed holidays except where Tokyo Solamachi is closed
Reservations & Website: https://kirbycafe.jp/tokyo/
Kirby Café HAKATA
Grand Opening: March 12, 2020
Address: Canal City Hakata North Bldg. B1F, 1-2-1 Sumiyoshi, Hakata, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture
Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:00)
Reservations & Website: https://kirbycafe.jp/hakata/
-
A special exhibition centred on the popular manga series The Promised Neverland will take place at Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View in Tokyo from December 11, 2020.
The Promised Neverland is a manga series written by Kaiu Shirai and illustrated by Posuka Demizu. The series was published in Weekly Shonen Jump and concluded with its final volume on June 15, 2020. A live-action film will be released in December while the anime adaptation’s second season will air next year.
The exhibition will explore and celebrate the world of The Promised Neverland in detail, with displays, illustrations, early conceptions, and much more. A special 19-page manga episode written by Kaiu Shirai and illustrated by Posuka Demizu will also be shown.
Fans at the exhibition can also dine at CAFE GRACE FIELD, the series-themed cafe opening up temporarily at Cafe THE SUN. Let’s take a closer look and see what fans can expect to see at the cafe.
CAFE GRACE FIELD Collaboration Cafe
Illustrative photo showcasing the cafe
The Promised Neverland is set inside Grace Field House, an orphanage in a forest that houses children with no relatives. It’s here that we meet the main characters: Emma, Norman, Ray, and Mom. CAFE GRACE FIELD is inspired by Grace Field House and the children who live in it, with food based on the characters and certain episodes in the series, a cafe latte you can order and get a free coaster with, and many other dishes, drinks, and desserts exclusive to the exhibition.
The Menu
Isabella’s Burger | ¥1,480 (Tax Included)
A hearty hamburger inspired by Isabella, the Mom of Grace Field House, filled with a fat patty, tomatoes, and lettuce. It’s served with chips which are topped with a key that opens all doors in the house.
Emma’s Omelette Rice | ¥1,380 (Tax Included)
A serving of omurice (rice-filled omelette) which features Emma’s trademark lock of hair that sticks up and orange edible flowers scattered over the tomato sauce, all to capture Emma’s smiley personality.
Norman’s Farm Green Curry | ¥1,580 (Tax Included)
A spicy green curry based on Norman standing in the fields of the forest. The plate includes the pen Norman finds which belongs to William Minevra, as well as the name Minevra written in Morse code around the outside of the dish.
Ray’s Final Book Sandwich | ¥1,550 (Tax Included)
This dish is inspired by the scene when Ray gives Emma the last book he reads before escaping the house. The sandwich itself is made to look like the book and is filled with egg salad, crunchy fried fish, and tomatoes.
Full Score Parfait | ¥1,450 (Tax Included)
An assortment of ingredients based on the three main characters in the series who receive a full score: Emma (orange jelly), Norman (panna cotta), and Ray (chocolate pudding and cake). A parfait that’s not overly sweet and displays each of the three characters’ I.D. Numbers which are used for identification in the series.
Little Bunny Shortcake | ¥1,350 (Tax Included)
A mixed berry shortcake with Conny’s precious Little Bunny on top. The bunny is made from milk pudding and sat on a bed of yogurt cream-filled fluffy sponge.
The House’s Lantern Drink | ¥1,050 (Tax Included)
A lantern-style dessert drink with everyone from Grace Field House, topped with chocolate whip, frozen yogurt, and two pieces of orange inspired by Emma’s hair.
The Promised Pendant Drink | ¥1,050 (Tax Included)
A refreshing combination of ginger ale, Calpis, and Blue Curaçao topped off with apple flavoured ice. The blue and green gradation of the beverage is based on the pendant given to Emma by Mujika, a key item of the story.
Emma’s Cafe Latte, Norman’s Cafe Latte, Ray’s Cafe Latte | ¥850 Each (Tax Included)
Three cafe lattes with Emma, Norman, and Ray print on them. Every cup ordered gets you an original coaster. There are three coaster designs, each given randomly for every drink order.
Twitter Campaign – Christmas Edition Cafe Latte
Running: December 11, 2020 – December 25, 2020
From December 11-25, fans who answer the official Twitter quiz correctly have the chance to order the Christmas Edition Cafe Latte. Every cup ordered gets you a special coaster.
©Kaiu Shirai・Posuka Demizu /Shueisha
Information
THE PROMISED NEVERLAND SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Running: December 11, 2020 – January 11, 2021
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Last Entries 21:30)
Location: Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View Sky Gallery
Address: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower Floor 52F, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Exhibition Website: https://yakuneba-ten.jp/
*Information about this event is subject to change without notice. Please visit the exhibition’s portal site or Roppongo Hills Mori Tower’s official website for the latest updates, cautions, and measures against COVID-19.
-
Japanese company LEGS is set to open a Marvel themed cafe for a limited time in the Omotesando and Harajuku area of Tokyo from October 30, 2020. The cafe’s concept is centred on themes such as power, courage, talent, justice, and camaraderie, and will serve up a special menu inspired by the heroes of the Marvel universe.
The cafe will be decorated in all things Marvel, with Spiderman, Iron Man, and Captain America statues stood proud and ready to welcome customers. There will also be a photo spot in celebration of the upcoming film Black Widow which will be released in Japan first on April 29, 2021 and subsequently the US on May 7, 2021.
The menu line-up will be inspired by Marvel’s roster of characters such as Spiderman, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow, and more.
The Menu
<Marvel> Paprikash | ¥1,599 (Before Tax)
A paprikash inspired by the one that Marvel demigod Vision makes in Captain America: Civil War. This one’s sure to have you feeling assembled and ready.
<Captain America> American Tomato Pasta | ¥1,7900 (Before Tax)
A Japanese-style napolitan pasta with a tomato sauce that packs a punch to charge up your power.
<Iron Man> Evening Doughnut-Style Bagel Sandwich | ¥1,799 (Before Tax)
A bagel sandwich inspired by the doughnut eaten by Tony Stark under the sunset.
The Drinks
<Captain America> Ramune Soda | ¥1,099 (+¥700 for coaster) (Before Tax)
A bubbly ramune soda for when you’re in need of a power kick, topped with a cherry.
<Marvel> Cafe Latte | ¥899 (+¥1,500 for mug) (Before Tax)
A cafe latte which comes with an original mug.
All customers who book in a table advance (¥650 per person before tax) and order from the themed menu will receive one of the above-pictured face mask cases from seven different designs.
Exclusive Merchandise
The cafe will also sell a range of original merchandise in several different designs such as the cafe logo, items based on the menu art, art from the Marvel movies, and more.
<Cafe Logo Series> Acrylic Keyring (6 Designs) | ¥750 (Before Tax)
<Menu Art Series> A4 Folder | ¥400, Bandana Handkerchief | ¥800 (Before Tax) *Available early November
<Movie Series> Avengers: Infinity War Postcards (8 Designs) | ¥250 (Before Tax)
Ⓒ 2020 MARVEL
Information
Marvel Cafe Produced by OH MY CAFE
Location: TOKYO BOX cafe&space Omotesando
Address: 6-3-7 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Running: October 30, 2020 – November 29, 2020
Official Website: https://heroes.ohmycafe.jp/
-
Q-pot CAFE. in Omotesando, Tokyo, has revealed its upcoming Q-pot CAFE. “KUMA”STMAS MENU which is set to be served from November 1 to December 25.
Happy Merry “KUMA”STMAS！
“KUMA”STMAS is a portmanteau of the Japanese word for bear (kuma) and Christmas. The cafe’s cute menu is here to bring warmth and cosiness this holiday season.
Merry “KUMA”STMAS Plate w/ Drink – ¥2,060 (Tax Included)
A sweet assortment cute enough to tug your heartstrings.
Q-pot CAFE.’s pastry chefs take their time to delicately handmake the adorable bear’s baby face oat milk cookie. The cookie is sat on top of a fluffy duvet of whipped cream, berry jam with fresh berries, and a chocolate génoise cake. It’s a sweet and tangy combination of raspberry and strawberry.
The cookie-topped cake is also served with a rich pistachio cream Christmas tree.
Merry “KUMA”STMAS Bitter Caramel Milk Tea – ¥750 (Tax Included)
A warm and cosy beverage to heal your heart, mind, and soul. This baby bear looks sweet but has delightfully rich notes thanks to the caramel. The tea is one of the cafe’s originals, the “Sweet Weekend,” which has a refreshing after taste and goes perfectly with the caramel cream.
Merry “KUMA”STMAS Afternoon Tea Set | ¥2,400 per person (Tax Included) *Photo shows a set for two
If you love teddy bears, then this afternoon tea set is a dream come true.
Top Plate
The top plate is a delicate assortment of sweet and crunchy oat milk cookies, a glass dessert of fromage blanc and fresh orange jelly, velvet cupcakes topped with pistachio cream made to look like a Christmas tree, and creamy macarons.
Bottom Plate
The bottom plate is the savoury selection and comes with croissants stuffed with roast beef topped with honey mustard sauce, a rich potato potage, and skewers piercing olives, mini tomatoes, and pickles.
Special Novelty <Teddy Bear Message Card>
Customers who book a table in advance to the cafe will receive a free teddy bear message card. These are limited in stock, so if you’re in Tokyo don’t miss out.
Information
Q-pot CAFE. “KUMA”STMAS
Location: Q-pot CAFE. Omotesando
Running: November 1, 2020 – December 25, 2020
Opening Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Last Orders 18:30)
Online Bookings: Tabelog
TEL :03-6447-1218
Bookable Slots: 11:00/12:30/14:00/15:30/17:00
-
BOTANIST’s flagship shop BOTANIST Tokyo will be serving up a special Northern European-themed holiday season menu at its second floor BOTANIST Cafe from October 31, 2020. The line-up is made with the wish in mind that everyone can live with hope in mind as we draw closer to the end of 2020 and ready for the start of the New Year.
Holiday Menu
All food on the seasonal holiday menu is vegan and promised to be filling, delicious, and healthy.
White Mushroom & Meatball Pasta | ¥1,250 (Tax Included)
A vegan pasta with must-have meatballs covered in a lip-smacking tomato sauce. The pasta is made from rice flour.
Shiitake Patty & Shimeji Sauce Hamburger | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)
A vegan burger with a patty made from shiitake mushrooms and doused in an aromatic shimeji mushroom sauce. It’s served with hot hasselback potatoes which are seen in the cuisine of North Europe as well as cauliflower.
Five Mushroom Soy Potage | ¥510 (Tax Included)
A rich potage made from five varieties of mushroom including shiitake, eryngii, shimeji, and hen-of-the-wood. It has a full-bodied flavour and is nothing short of delicious.
Vegan Doughnut Holiday Cake | ¥600 (Tax Included)
A Christmas cake where you can pick two vegan doughnuts from a selection of flavours. It’s filled with soy cream which goes perfectly with the chewy rice flour doughnuts.
Christmas Set To Go
Christmas Set To Go: ¥2,200 (Tax Included) / Uber Eats: ¥2,600 (Tax Included)A Christmas set that can be ordered to go or via Uber Eats. Perfect for get-togethers with friends and families.
BOTANIST Botanical Winter Coffret
BOTANIST Botanical Winter Coffret (Premium Hair Care Set) | ¥8,690 (Tax Included)At BOTANIST Tokyo’s first floor shop, they have announced the release of a new hair care collection called BOTANIST Botanical Winter Coffret which will hit shelves on October 31, 2020.
BOTANIST Tokyo’s vegan winter menu will arrive on October 31, 2020 which is the final day of their vegan autumn menu. Check out their autumn food line-up here.
Information
BOTANIST Tokyo
Address: 6-29-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo (1st Floor – Shop / 2nd Floor – Cafe)
TEL: 1st Floor: 03-5766-3777 / 2nd Floor: 03-5766-3778
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00Official Website: https://shop.botanistofficial.com/
