Buena Àrte Hostel is a revolutionary new hostel set to open in the Ryōgoku area of Tokyo on September 14, 2019.

In response to the increase in the number of foreigners staying in Tokyo, and especially in anticipation of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics－when numbers are expected to skyrocket－Japan’s capital is well underway in developing more accessible accommodation options for foreign travellers, from hotels to hostels.

 

Hostels in particular are a huge focus for the city, and so more and more of them are opening. Catered to younger people and travellers, hostels are a much cheaper accommodation option when compared to hotels, and thus are likely to increase the number of days in which people will stay.

 

However, what is considered much more valuable for foreign travellers is the level of comfort, cleanliness, and safety. Buena Àrte Hostel is all of these and more, meaning even somebody travelling on their own can feel safe and secure. With over 200 pieces of art adorning its walls, it is the world’s first art-centred capsule hotel, focusing on “fun, comfort, and encounters.”

The hostel has collaborated with globally-active artists and up-and-coming illustrators to bring their art to the walls of the communal spaces, restaurant, and even bedrooms. A lot of the pieces you can buy too.

 

Found in over 160 of the bedrooms are illustrations drawn by artists who want to convey the fun and excitement of travel. These illustrations are exclusive as they were drawn for the hostel and so there is only one of each in the world. There are around 60 rooms without illustrations yet, so the hostel is asking for submissions. If your illustration is picked, the hostel will offer you a free night with breakfast and dinner as thanks. You can find more details on the official website.

Buena Àrte Hostel has its own cafe and restaurant on the first floor, the Buena Cafe & Dining Bar, where guests including foreign tourists can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine. The “Washoku Plate” is a meal set aimed at those arriving from overseas so they can enjoy a filling portion of Japanese-style cuisine. It includes everything from sukiyaki to tempura, kushikutsu, and more. It also includes Japanese sake. The bar sells other drinks too including wine, whisky and highball.

The closest station to Buena Àrte Hostel is Ryōgoku Station. Ryōgoku is a district of Tokyo filled with Japanese tradition. It is home to Ryōgoku Kokugikan, which is considered the holy ground of sumo wrestling, as well as the Sumida Hokusai Museum which houses works by the famous ukiyo-e painter Hokusai, the Japanese Sword Museum, the traditional Japanese garden Former Yasuda Garden, the Edo-Tokyo Museum－the list goes on. And all of these places and more are within 10-minutes’ walking distance from Buena Àrte Hostel.

 

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The TOKYO GAME SHOW is in a league of its own. It is a mecca for gamers who cannot get enough of Japanese games and entertainment. This is where Japan’s major game publishers from all kinds of platforms unite to put on an enormous exhibition. 

This includes the opportunity to explore games that are yet to be released as well as hear new announcements about the direction developers are steering the future of gaming. There’s no lagging behind. This is a major event for the gaming industry, raking in leagues of heroes every year. 

On August 28, a total of 2,417 game booths were announced, which is the largest number the event has ever seen in its history. This event is home to games on a range of platforms including for console, smartphone and PC. The enormous variety of genres includes the most cutting-edge and latest trends including Esports, VR and much more.

 

For those of you who love cosplay, this event is your chance to finally meet your fantasy. The outside area of Hall 9 will have a Cosplaying Area Stage where two events will take place: a cosplay fashion show and a gathering. 

On Saturday 14th, Hall 1 event stage will hold the Cosplay Collection Night@2019 event where participants and event staff will take over the stage in game character cosplay. Spectating is free, so feel free to watch as each cosplayer dominates the entire stage, showing off their excellent craftsmanship and skills as they walk the runway and strike a pose definitely worth saving in your highlights! 

 

On Sunday 15th at 2:30 pm, cosplayers will take to the stage in units of two or more to put on a dance or combat show that you just cannot critically miss out on. 

 

Schedule:

September 14 (Sat)  From 12:00 ー Cosplay Runway  From 15:30 ー Cosplay Runway

September 15 (Sun) From 13:30 ー Cosplay Runway From 14:30 ー Cosplay Dance and Combat Shows From 15:30 ー Cosplay Runway

The Gathering is where cosplayers can interact with one another and have photos taken ー the perfect opportunity to send those friend requests. On September 14, a gathering dedicated to the Final Fantasy Tales Series will take place on the Cosplay Area Stage. On September 15, there will be gatherings for the Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors series.

 

Schedule:

September 14  13:00-13:30 Final Fantasy Series Gathering  14:00-15:00 Final Fantasy Tales Series Gathering 

September 15 12:30-13:00 Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors Series Gathering

More information on the exhibitions, booths and events will be announced on the morning of September 12 so please check it out. 

 

There is no better way to multi kill your time than to spend the entire day at TOKYO GAME SHOW 2019 ー get your tickets and GLHF!

Tokyo DisneySea® is releasing delightful collection of Autumn-themed Duffy and Friends merchandise, food and drinks from August 28. 

 

Special Merchandise

To celebrate the onset of autumn, the collection is themed around the woods in autumn where Duffy and Friends come out to play dressed up as different autumn animal friends. Duffy can be seen disguised as a squirrel and Gelatoni has become an owl!

Autumn Plush Toy Costumes: ￥4,800 each *plush toys (small) sold separately 

StellaLou and Shellie May have also come to play in their own cute autumn costumes. There is a total of 40 items in the autumn collection.

Plush Toy Strap: ￥1,700 each

Plush Toy: ￥2,900 each

You can also purchase a strap to attach your toy to your arm and carry around the park. When you get back home, you can use your new toy as a curtain tie. 

Rice Paddle: ￥1,000 

Bowl and Chopsticks Set: ￥3,000 

Multipurpose Cloth: ￥3,800 

With this autumn collection of Duffy-themed goods, your family dinner will become even more fun. The cute Duffy rice paddle is the perfect size to fill your plate quickly with a hearty serving of rice. There is also a bowl and chopsticks set and a multipurpose cloth. The cloth can be used as a tablecloth or even be draped on your sofa or bed. 

Chestnut Paste Filling Marshmallows: ￥600

After decorating your table with the Duffy and Friends Multipurpose Cloth and tableware, these Chestnut Paste Filling Marshmallows are the perfect way to add the finishing touch to your autumn-themed dinner party. 

 

Special Food and Drinks

There are four new Duffy and Friends-themed menu items that all come with a free souvenir cup. The cup is decorated with a special Duffy and Friends autumn adventure design. 

Milk Chocolate Mousse and Vanilla Pudding (comes with a souvenir cup): ￥900

This dessert served in a cup consists of rich chocolate which is accented with a sweet and tangy mixed berry sauce. The cup features an image of Duffy and Friends playing in the woods among the beautiful autumn leaves. 

Sweet Potato Mont Blanc with Souvenir Plate: ￥900

This purple sweet potato dessert has a sweet and mild flavour. The souvenir plate will definitely increase your satisfaction level. 

Souvenir Lunch Bag: Cape Cod Cook-Off First Prize Set (￥1,200)

Iced Caramel Milk Tea (Comes with Souvenir Travel Mug): ￥1,400

You can choose to enhance your meal with other merchandise or even drinks and food from the menu such as the lunch bag or sweet Iced Caramel Milk Tea. The Iced Caramel Milk Tea comes with a souvenir travel mug.

*The contents of the autumn-themed merchandise collection and food and drinks menu is subject to change at any time without prior notice. These can be sold out at any time. 

*Images displayed may differ to the actual merchandise, food and drinks.

©Disney

Get ready for some spooky fun as Tokyo Disney Resort® transforms for the 52-day-long horrifically exciting Disney Halloween from September 10 to October 31. Head to DisneySea to be captivated by the new harbor show Festival of Mystique, or get spooked out of your skin at the Spooky “Boo!” Parade at Disneyland. Today, we will be revealing the spooky looks of both parks.

Tokyo DisneySea Festival of Mystique Costumes

Working with the main theme of a medieval European halloween, inspiration has been taken from the living creatures and waves at the port town Porto Paradiso. 

Mickey Mouse’s costume inspiration comes from the the bones and scaly body of a sea creature. He will also be seen wearing a broach decorated with beautiful jewels. 

Minnie Mouse’s costume resembles that of a medieval princess. You will see her in a fancy hat that bears beautiful pearls. Her costume is covered in scales on the chest and on the back which really suits her.

Tokyo Disneyland’s Spooky Boo! Parade Costumes

Disney friends have joined forces with a group of spooky spirits. You just can’t miss out on this rare chance to see your favourite Disney characters disguised as ghosts and skeletons. The strange and unusual atmosphere is sure to send a chilling shiver down your spine. 

Mickey and Minnie will be completely refreshing their colourful look. Mickey’s necktie and Minnie’s skirt are very mysterious and particularly intriguing.  Please come check them out!

 

Enjoy the beautiful costumes and the fun range of events this Halloween at Tokyo Disney Resort.

 

©️Disney

Hey, MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON readers! I’m Banako of MOSHI MOSHI FRIENDS.

 

It’s safe to say that most long-standing, older cafés in Japan serve cream soda. It’s a drink that bellows with nostalgia, topped cutely with a dollop of ice cream and sparkling bright with vivid colour like some rare jewel.

 

It’s a rather simple drink, but the number of people intrigued by its unique appearance are evidently on the rise. And I’m one of those people! I’ve had times where if it’s available on the menu I want to order it－and further still I’ve gone out of my way to a café solely because I’ve wanted some cream soda.

 

Depending on the vibe and atmosphere of a café, the appearance of the cream soda will be different, which also means a different flavour. This is all part of the enjoyment of cream soda: it’s fun to compare the different tastes.

 

I have made a long list of my most recommended cream sodas in Tokyo, all of which I have actually tried!

 

To make it easier to picture each drink I have also given a rating out of 5☆ stars for the strength of the fizziness, the sweetness of the soda, and sweetness of the ice cream. Use this as reference when picking your drink of choice. Enjoy this specially curated selection of drinks in cafés that you’re going to want to snap lots of pictures of♡

 

①CAMPUS TOY cafe&bar

CAMPUS TOY is located in the Jinbocho district of Tokyo. This exciting little place has gone for an American pop vibe. They sell toys too.

 

The extra goodies they put in the cream soda here is influenced by the US too. The owner is a really interesting person, so much so that you end up losing track of the time as you get lost in conversation with them.

Fizziness：★★★★☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

CAMPUS TOY cafe&bar

Address: 2-10 Kanda-Jinbocho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: [Mon-Fri] 18:00-22:00

Closed: Weekends & Public Holidays

Access: 2-minutes on foot from Jinbocho Station’s A2 Exit

TEL: 03-3261-7383

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campustoy_matz/?hl=ja

 

 

②Café Negura

This little-known-good-spot can be found in Shimokitazawa. The café interior has relaxed and retro décor. Their cream soda is served with two stacks of ice cream and a crown of whipped cream topped off with a cherry. What a cute-looking drink!

Fizziness：★★★☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★☆☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★★☆

 

▶︎ Café Negura

Address: PACKAGE ONE Floor 1F (North Side), 2-26-13 Kitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:30 ー 20:00

Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays

Access:152m walk from Shimokitazawa Station

Twitter：https://twitter.com/neguracafe_mi

 

 

③Sepia

Another retro-style café, except this one is specifically influenced by the Showa period . Situated in Shibamata, everything about this café, from the outside to the interior, breathes retro-Showa. On the second floor is the Candy Candy Museum.

 

Their cream soda is the quintessential classic cream soda…but with a twist. It has mikan in it, a type of orange, which is very rare with cream sodas. That gives off a retro-ness too. Another cute beverage!

Fizziness：★★★☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

▶︎ Sepia

Address: 7-4-11 Shibamata, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:30 (Last Orders 18:00

Closed: Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Access: 2-minutes on foot from Shibamata Station (Accessed via the Keisei Line)

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sepiamama?igshid=1urnwdix23qbx

 

 

④ALL C’S CAFE

ALL C’S CAFE is in Koenji, the retro hub of Tokyo. Decorations of cute bears are what this café is all about. There are enormous life-sized bears everywhere, so you can get ready to snap some seriously kawaii pictures.

 

The café itself, as well as the adorable smiley bear on your cream soda, is sure to elicit some high-pitched “Aww’s.”

Fizziness：★★★☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★★☆

 

▶︎ALL C’S CAFE

Address: Miyake Bldg. 2F, 3-25-24 Koenji, Suginami Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 12:00-22:00

Closed: No Fixed Holidays (except Obon and New Year’s Holidays)

Access: 5-minutes on foot from the north exit of Koenji Station (Accessed via the JR Chuo Line)

Website: http://www.allcscafe.com

 

 

⑤Café Hosekibako

Hosekibako, which means ‘jewelry box’ in Japanese, is right next to Chitose-Karasuyama Station. Retro vibes waft their way throughout this cozy little hideaway with the littering of Showa manga and other miscellaneous odds and ends.

 

This café too has the signature classic cream soda. It has a transparent appearance in its truly beautiful colour.

Fizziness：★★★☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★★★☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

 

▶︎ Café Hosekibako

Address: Koyama Mansion 102, 4-18-18 Minamikarasuyama, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 12:00-18:30 (Last Orders 18:00)

Closed: Wednesdays

Access: 5-minutes on foot from the east exit of Chitose-Karasuyama Station (Accessed via the Keio Line)

Website: https://housekibako.wixsite.com/2009

 

 

⑥THE GREAT BURGER STAND

This hamburger shop sells an American-style cream soda, topped with swirly ice cream rather than cream soda’s classic dollop. That, together with the huge glass it’s served in, is enough to get you excited before you even take a sip. The café can be found in Shibuya Stream, meaning you can stop by for a breather after shopping.

Fizziness：★★★★☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★★☆

 

▶︎THE GREAT BURGER STAND

Address: Shibuya Stream 1F, 3-21-3 Shibuya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo

Access: 1-minute on foot from Shibuya Station via the JR Yamanote Line 

Opening Hours: 11:00 ー 23:00 (Last orders:  22:30)

Closed when Shibuya Stream is closed.

Access: Approx. 1-minute walk from Shibuya Station (JR Yamanote Line)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_great_burger/

 

 

⑦Coffee Shop Galant

Right beside Ueno Station you’ll find Galant, a coffee shop also with an air of retro-Showa to it during the bubble economy period. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time when you see the dazzling décor and the staff uniforms. Peeking through the see-through liquid is a cute red cherry♡

Fizziness：★★★★☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

 

▶︎ Coffee Shop Galant

Address: 6-14-4 Ueno, Taito Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 8:00-23:00

No Fixed Holidays

Access: Directly behind the toy store Yamashiroya (山城屋), just a two minute walk from JR Ueno Station. Also 1-minute on foot from exit 5b of Ueno Station (accessed via the Tokyo Metro Line and Hibiya Line)

Tabelog: https://www.google.co.jp/amp/s/s.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131101/13039759/top_amp/

 

⑧bio ojiyan cafe Harajuku

Ojiya, also known as zosui, is a type of Japanese rice-based vegetable soup. In my opinion, the ojiya served here is the tastiest in the world! Their cream soda comes in a large round cup and is a nice refreshment after a spot of ojiya.

Fizziness：★★★★☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★★☆

 

▶︎bio ojiyan café

Location: 4-26-28 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00

No Fixed Holidays

Access: 10-minutes on foot from JR Harajuku Station / 3-minutes on foot from the Jingumae Crossing ticket gate elevator exit of Meiji-Jingumae Station (Accessed via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)

Website: http://mfs11.com/brand/bio-ojiyan-cafe-harajuku/

 

⑨PEPPERS DRIVE IN

The main dish at this Kanagawa-based restaurant is curry. Every single thing about PEPPERS DRIVE IN is influenced by retro US elements, from the car park to the nooks and crannies inside and even the trays. You can take some really cute photos literally anywhere in the restaurant. The cream soda portion stays true to the American taste too with a generous serving.

Fizziness：★★★☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

▶︎PEPPERS DRIVE IN 

Address: 1129-1 Kidokoro, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa

Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30-15:00 (Last Orders 14:45) / Dinner 18:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)

Closed: Wednesdays (Except on public holidays, in which case closed the following day)

Access: 6-minutes by taxi from south exit of Isehara Station (Accessed via the Odakyu Odawara Line) / 16-minutes by taxi from the north exit of Hiratsuka Station (Accessed via the JR Tokaido Main Line)

Official Website: http://www.peppers.co.jp

 

 

⑩BRIDGE

I reviewed the melon bread pancakes at this Ginza-based café earlier this year. It’s located inside a long-standing department store meaning the cream soda here has been around for a long time too, offering a more traditional taste. They are served on coasters which you can take home with you. It’s a great place to stop off for a break when strolling around Ginza.

Fizziness：★★☆☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★★★★☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

 

▶︎BRIDGE

Address: NISHIGINZA Floor B1F, 4-1 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo

Business Hours: [Monday-Saturday] 11:00-20:30 (Last Orders 20:00) / [Sunday & Holidays] 11:00-20:00 (Last Orders 19:30)

Closed: When NISHIGINZA Department Store is closed.

Website: http://www.nishiginza.co.jp/page/shopguide/detail/?id=33

 

 

⑪HIROMAN’S COFFEE

Another snug hideout, situated in the backstreets and surrounded by trees, is HIROMAN’S COFFEE. This cute café has lots of antique picture frames, rabbit ornaments, and other tidbits. Their melon soda arrives in a cute round and plump glass. They plenty of other Instagrammable drinks too including one topped with cotton candy. This one is one to keep coming back to!

Fizziness：★★★★☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

 

▶︎ HIROMAN’S COFFEE

Address: 3-18-12 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Last Orders 18:30)

No Fixed Holidays

Access: 10-minutes on foot from Meiji-Jingumae Station

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hiromans_coffee?igshid=oumb3g7aergo

 

 

⑫ blikje button

⑫blikje button

blikje button in Shimokitazawa, which offers both a café and dining experience, has a vintage vibe to it with decorations that have a handcrafted feel to them.  The glasses the cream sodas come in match that aesthetic. The stroking colours of the sodas are something beautiful to behold!

Fizziness：★★★★☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

▶︎blikje button

Address: Shimokitazawa Central Bldg. 2F, 2-14-7 Kitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 12:00-23:00 (Lunch 12:00-16:00/Café 12:00-18:00/Dinner 17:00-23:00) *Food last orders 22:00, drink last orders 22:30

No Fixed Holidays

Access: 2-minutes on foot from Shimokita Station via the Odakyu Line / 2-minutes on foot from the south-west exit of Shimokitazawa Station via the Keio Inokashira Line

Website: http://www.blikje-button.com/

 

 

⑬CAROLINE DINER

CAROLINE DINER is a famous café in Harajuku inspired by American diners. The cream sodas sold here are striking and nothing short of Instagram-worthy! They go perfectly with the stylish interior of the café that you’ll no doubt find yourself taking photos.

Fizziness：★★★☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★★★☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

▶︎CAROLINE

Address: 2-14-11 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 12:00-18:30 (Last Orders 18:00)

Closed: Thursdays

Access: 10-minutes on foot from Meiji-Jingumae Station / 10-minutes on foot from Kita-Sando Station / 10-minutes on foot from Setagaya Station

Website: http://caroline1.theshop.jp/

 

And that’s all from me Banako and my must-try recommendations for Tokyo cream soda. Do you have a favourite from this list?

 

Tokyo’s summer is nowhere near over yet. How about treating to yourself to a nice refreshing cream soda to cool yourself down from the scorching heat?

In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Hatoya which is located in Asakusa Shin-Nakamise Arcade.

 

The streets of Tokyo’s historical district of Asakusa are packed to end with cafés. You can be spoiled for choice, but Hatoya stood out to me in particular as it’s an especially old café. Business there began back in 1927 but the actual building was built back in the Taisho period, meaning its history spans more than 90 years ago!

 

The outside appearance of the shop is smart and chic so it’s very easy to spot. I couldn’t tell by looking from the outside, but the inside is full of old decorations and odds and ends which make you feel the history of the café.

One reason why I wanted to visit this place so much is because I was drawn to their logo. It’s really retro-kawaii so I just couldn’t resist!

You should take some photos too if you visit.

It was time to head inside. It’s really comfy and cozy in there; the atmosphere was nice and relaxed.

Framed on the wall is a map of the Asakusa area during the Taisho era. Hatoya became famous back then because people could buy coffee for a mere 5 sen (a single sen is one-hundredth of a yen).

 

When business first began at Hatoya, because the café was opposite the stage door of a theatre, all of the famous actors and actresses would pop in. Some include famous Japanese comedian Roppa Furukawa and film actor Kiyoshi Atsumi who played Tora-san in the film series Otoko wa Tsurai yo.

I ordered the café’s popular hotcakes which cost ¥600. They have been making these same hotcakes since before the war.

They were nice and fluffy and had a deliciously gorgeous brown colour. The flavour was out of this world when the butter melted from the heat of the hotcakes and mixed together with the syrup.

 

The portion might look like a lot but they are fluffy and have a light flavour so can be finished with no problem.

And is the café’s signature milkshake (¥500).

 

It’s so refreshing that you can knock it back all in one go. It has a simple flavour but it tasted so good!

I also ordered the ¥600 cream soda, my favourite beverage.

I’ve been to many cafés, and have covered many in this series, but this is the first I have dined at with such a deep history. I found myself enthralled by the stories of the owner who has continued to treasure the café and maintained it all the same since it opened. I feel like I have learned about a world I never knew about. The next time I go to Hatoya with a friend I’ll be sure to let them in on its history. I encourage you to visit too!

 

Writer/Model: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Design: Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)

Kiyomizu Cheese Kobo opened at Kiyomizu Gojozaka at the foot of the famous Kiyomizudera Temple as Kyoto’s first ever cheesecake shop to sell its delicious cheesecakes in a cute jar. On August 13, they released a mouthwateringly rich Matcha Cheese Tea which will enlighten you with a new way to enjoy matcha.

The Matcha Cheese Tea harnesses Kyoto’s unbeatable Uji matcha which is full of rich and fresh flavour. A light cloud of fluffy cheese foam floats on top of the drink, adding a salty accent to the overall flavour. A traditional tea combined with a sweet and salty cheese flavour ー this brand new flavour discovery will leave you feeling refreshed and enlightened. The recipe for the cheese foam consists of cream cheese carefully selected by the cheesecake shop’s specialists. This is then blended with a small amount of salt to accent the flavour. 

 

If you mix the matcha milk tea with the cheese foam, the rich matcha mixes with the saltiness of the cream cheese, creating a sweet salty flavour that you will not be able to get enough of. As the flavour is not too overpowering, you can enjoy this drink endlessly and will feel refreshed even on a hot summer’s day. 

Matcha Cheese Tea: ￥460

Kiyomizu Cheese Kobo recommends three different ways to drink the Matcha Cheese Tea to enjoy three different levels of flavour combinations. 

① First off, drink just the matcha milk tea so you can experience the true authentic flavour of Kyoto’s famous rich Uji matcha tea. 

② Next, move your straw so that you taste just the cheese foam on its own. The fluffy foam will gently slide over your tongue and spread a mild and sweet flavour all over your mouth. 

③ Finally, it’s time to mix everything. The saltiness of the cheese foam and the sweetness of the matcha milk will create a new salty sweet flavour that you will want to try again and again.

 

Whether you are a Japanese local or a foreigner, this drink is a fun new way to enjoy matcha. If you are new to matcha, this is a good way to try the flavour without being too overwhelmed. 

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.

Tokyo Station is a hive of thriving shops and restaurants. If you are wondering where to start, exit the ticket barriers and head to GRANSTA Marunouchi to discover a new world of bento lunches, souvenir gifts and much more. Still stuck on where to go? Lucky for you, GRANSTA Marunouchi shoppers have voted for their favourite bento meals, sweet souvenirs and general souvenirs. We have summarised the top three winners of each category.

 

A total of 69 shops have risen to the challenge, submitting a total of 73 of their top items. This year, a total of 4,500 voters took part in the survey, which is 2,000 more than last year. There were 10 winners in each of the three categories of Bento Meals, Sweet Souvenirs, and General Souvenirs. Today, we are presenting you with the top three of each category. (The prices below are the prices after tax has been applied)

 

▶︎Bento Meals Category

1st place: Asakusa Imahan Sukiyaki (Tokyo-limited)

Asakusa Imahan was founded in the 28th year of the Meiji era (1895) and still serves delicious traditional Japanese food. The Sukiyaki Bento is filled with a range of nutritious vegetables and luxurious Japanese Black wagyu beef, which is a shop specialty. Enjoy the wonderful sukiyaki flavouring of the vegetables and meat. 

Price: ￥1,450 Shop: Asakusa Imahan (浅草今半)

 

2nd place: Salted Salmon Roe and Salmon Belly Bento 

*Limit of 150 sold per day.

Price: ￥1,280 Shop: Ekibenya Matsuri (駅弁屋 祭 )

Salmon belly flavoured with natural fat is fried and topped with salmon roe coated in a soy sauce dressing. This exquisite bento is full of flavours that go well together.

 

3rd place: Shoro Sando

*Limit of 200 sold per day 

Price: ￥648 Shop: Tsukiji Shoro (つきぢ松露 )

The faintly sweet flavour of the tamagoyaki seasoned and flavoured egg is the perfect match with the mayonaise.

 

▶︎ Sweet Souvenirs Top 3 

1st place: Maple Pie Sandwich Biscuit (Tokyo Station-limited)

Price: ￥1,944 (box of 8) Shop: The Maple Mania  

Maple cream is combined with maple sugar and sandwiched between two delicious and crispy pie crusts. The box takes on the appearance of a red brick, making it the perfect Tokyo Station souvenir. 

 

2nd place: Tokyo chocolate Sablé (Tokyo Station-limited)

Price: ￥1,080 (box of 12) Shop: Marché du Chocolat 

The packaging features a beautiful illustration of Tokyo Station. There are two chocolate sablé flavours: raspberry and hazelnut.

 

3rd place: My Captain Cheese Set (Tokyo Station-limited)

Price: ￥1,080 (box of 8 packets)  Shop: MY CAPTAIN CHEESE TOKYO 

Although having just opened in April 2019, this shop quickly made the rankings. From the outer packaging to the flavour, the efforts put into the making of this souvenir are clear. This brand new sweet cheese-flavoured treat is a new GRANSTA-limited souvenir.

 

▶︎ General Souvenirs

1st place: Karuizawa Royal Blend

Limit of 30 made per day 

Price: ￥1,122 (whole loaf)/ ￥ 561 (half loaf) Shop: BOULANGERIE ASANOYA 

The recipe used to bake this bread was deeply loved by the Kazoku; the rich and noble family class that existed during the Showa Era of Japan. This thick and fluffy loaf is made with lots of fresh cream for a rich flavour.

 

2nd place: Suica Penguin Mamegui Wrapping Cloth and Suica Baumkuchen cake (Tokyo Station-limited)

Prices: Mamegui Wrapping Cloth: ￥648/ Baumkuchen: ￥ 540  Shop: Mamegui (まめぐい)

The Suica penguin, who is the mascot on the Suica smart travel card, is printed on this round Baumkuchen cake. Wrap it in the hankerchief-sized tenugui cloth and it will be the perfect petit present for your friend.  

 

3rd place: Lemon and Shiikuwasha Lemon Vinegar (Tokyo Station-limited)

Price: ￥1,728 (250ml) Shop: Nomusu Ekisupuresu Tokyo (飲む酢エキスプレ・ス・東京)

This dessert vinegar has a refreshing lemon flavour. The slight bitterness of the Shiikuwasha vinegar makes it a wonderful dessert flavour. 

 

If you are overwhelmed by the vast selection of bento lunches or souvenirs, referring to these rankings is a safe option. Have fun shopping at Tokyo Station!

For the first time ever, Afternoon Tea LIVING is collaborating with everyone’s favourite childhood picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. 

As a result of the collaboration, Afternoon Tea LIVING will be selling baby apparel which is themed around the storybook The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Your child will love to explore the range of cute and colourful designs and textures. These items are a wonderful way to introduce words and letters your child. These goods are only available at Afternoon Tea LIVING stores. 

From the left, clockwise: Small Square Cloths (Set of 3): ￥1,080, Arm Pillow: ￥3,456, Socks: ￥1,296, Slippers: ￥4,320, Belt Cover: ￥1,620, Hand Rattle (set of 2): ￥1,620 Sweat Bib (set of 2):￥1,620, Food Bib: ￥1,620, Nappy Carry Case: ￥3,456, Parent and Child Notebook Case: ￥3,240 (prices after tax)

 

Your baby will have endless fun searching for different images on the designs and experiencing the interesting textures. This is a great way to interact and bond with your child, introducing them  to different pictures such as “insect” and “apple”. The designs are even more special as they are made using the soft colours of Afternoon Tea LIVING. 

 

This baby apparel is only available for a limited period so please check it out. 

ONAKA PECO PECO by Rurubu Kitchen is a cafe located in Tsukiji, a district in Chuo, Tokyo. They serve rice balls filled with locally sourced ingredients from various locations in Japan. In the evenings, the rice balls can be enjoyed with delicious sake.

 

If you visit the cafe right now you’ll be able to try sesame tofu (goma tofu) made by the long-running restaurant Kadohama. Sesame tofu is a meibutsu―or “local speciality”―of Mount Koyo.

 

While it is possible to buy sesame tofu on Kadohama’s online store, the only places you can eat them out at is at their restaurant on top of Mount Koya or at select branches of department stores such as Mitsukoshi or Isetan. We visited ONAKA PECO PECO by Rurubu Kitchen for a taste of this exquisite collaboration.

Mount Koya is located in the Ito district of northern Wakayama Prefecture and is home to the town of Koya. The region is encased an abundant mountainous landscape. The Japanese Buddhist monk Kūkai opened the sacred mountain around 1,200 years ago. In 2004, Mount Koya which was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004 under the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” category. It has since become a popular tourist destination with Japanese and foreign travellers alike.

 

Here is the heavenly menu lineup at ONAKA PECO PECO which is packed full of Kadohama’s sesame tofu.

There are five items which are made with the sesame tofu: an onigiri rice ball, crab soup, cold tofu, pork shabu shabu, and a drink.

Time to tuck in and try this famous food which has been enjoyed for many years!

White Vegetables & Steamed Pork Shabu w/ Koji Sesame Tofu Sauce – ¥800

This dish is garnished with a generous serving of fresh white vegetables and succulent meat. It includes lotus root, enoki mushrooms, cauliflower, and pork. It also comes with a white sauce made with sesame tofu, shio koji, and sesame oil. The sauce has a mild flavour in which you can get the full glorious taste of the tofu. It’s smooth and refreshing so is a perfect pick for the hot summer.

Sesame Tofu & Plum Cheese-Loaded Rice Ball – ¥250

This rice ball is a flavourful combination of a sesame tofu and plum paste and lots of cheese.

This fat rice ball is wrapped in paper like a hamburger. The rich taste of the tofu and cheese reduces the sourness of the plum, giving it a gentler flavour.

Sesame Tofu & Egg Crab Soup – ¥400

The soup is an amazing combination with the rice ball. It has a miso soup base filled with green onion, enoki mushrooms, and crab. The elastic-y tofu is cut into big satisfying chunks. Its rich, creamy flavour combined with the crab is to die for.

Sesame Tofu & Sweet Sake Jelly Drink – ¥350

The cute white-coloured beverage is a healthy mix of sesame tofu paste and sweet sake. It retains the pulpy texture of the tofu and the aftertaste is super refreshing.

You can order the drink for takeout so you can take a stroll around the streets of Tsukiji.

Kadohama Sesame Tofu – Eat In: ¥300 / Takeout: From ¥240

If you’re looking to enjoy the sesame tofu on its own then you’ve got to try it with either the wasabi and soy sauce or brown sugar. You can also order this to take away too. Each box contains one piece of tofu.

The cafe is also selling exclusive merchandise as part of the collaboration. The collection includes a t-shirt, sacoche bag, and cap. Each item has a simple design making them easy to incorporate into looks.

Easy access to Kadohama’s sesame tofu―which is made using traditional cooking methods that have been passed down generations at Mount Koya―can only be enjoyed at ONAKA PECO PECO by Rurubu Kitchen. If you’re in Tokyo this summer, then take a trip to Tsukiji district to try this healthy and nutrient-packed tofu.

 

Model: Ririka Satsuki

Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MMN Editorial Team)

Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

Tokyo singer and lolita fashion model Luna Haruna finished her premium solo summer concert at SHIBUYA TAKE OFF7 on August 4. The concert title Lupa and Aries no gastronomie was named after her single Lupa to Aries which was released earlier this year in June and is so far only available on streaming services. Haruna performed once in the afternoon and once in the evening with a live band. She performed a total of 28 songs, including some brand new hits.

 She launched into her concert with her hit songs Stertear, Kimi Iro Signal, Stella Breeze and Overfly. She then performed her two new fairytale-themed songs Lupa to Aries and Kaiten Mokuba live for the first time. 

Afterwards, she turned to her fans and said:

“I challenged myself to something completely new this time. I want to show you all a side of me you have never seen before.”

What the fans heard next was an unexpected surprise. 

She announced that she will be performing at Mt.RAINIER HALL SHIBUYA PLEASURE PLEASURE, Tokyo on November 16. The venue, packed with fans, could not contain their excitement, responding to the glorious news with cheers of joy that echoed throughout the entire room. 

Her recent release Kaiten Mokuba follows the same fairytale theme as Lupa to Aries. The beautiful harmonies created by the strings pierce through the strong and pressing beat of the song. This gothic fairytale song is appropriately titled Kaiten Mokuba (Carousel) to further emphasise the distorted feeling of being spun around in endless circles. Luna is an artist who represents the lolita scene for lolita fans worldwide. This fairytale video is where her true self comes alive. Her new, mysterious visuals are a fusion of lolita fashion and Alice in Wonderland themes. 

 

Luna Haruna Music Video: Kaiten Mokuba 

The head-spinning music video shows Luna in different lolita fashion outfits. Each outfit explores the depths of a different character from Alice in Wonderland. Watch Luna spin her way through five Alice in Wonderland-themed lolita dresses including the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and of course, Alice.  

Luna will also be singing the theme song for the upcoming anime film Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend Fine, which will premiere on October 26. This isn’t the first time Luna has been involved in the Saekano anime series. She performed the theme songs Kimi Iro Signal and Stella Breeze, which were the TV anime’s first and second anime openings respectively. 

 

The anime film opening will be written by Miku Sawai, who wrote the lyrics for the TV anime’s first and second ending theme songs Colourful and Sakura Iro Diary respectively. Miku Sawai and Luna Haruna have become massive sensations in the news for their anime hits. Just what kind of chemical reaction will unfold when these two heroines collaborate on the anime film’s opening theme song? Please keep your eyes peeled for future updates. 

 

Photos: ©美澄