Are you planning to shop for souvenirs in Kyoto this August? Daimaru Kyoto has the perfect lineup for the summer season, from cool and refreshing wagashi confections to sweets made with matcha grown in Kyoto and more―all packaged in gorgeous in packaging exclusive to the Kyoto branch of Daimaru. Here’s our top picks for summer 2019!
Ryo no Seifuu (Contains 8) @ Sasaya Iori, Floor B1F Wagashi Marketplace – ¥2,160 (Tax Included) *Available until Mid-August
Inspired by cool springs, this tasty Japanese-style confection comes in 4 different refreshing and fruity flavours.
Kuzu Nagashi (Contains 3) @ Oimatsu, Floor B1F Wagashi Marketplace – ¥1,339 (Tax Included) *Available until Mid-August
Indulge in two different flavours of arrowroot: one made with brown sugar from the island of Hateruma and another with sweet apricot juice. The brown sugar arrowroot is also mixed with honey and the apricot with apricot honey.
Kakitsubata (Contains 6) @ Shogoin Yatsuhashi Sohoten, Floor B1F Wagashi Marketplace – ¥540 (Tax Included)
Yatsuhashi is a classic Japanese confection and is a famous souvenir sweet in Kyoto. These uncooked yatsuhashi have a faint cinnamon aroma and are formed in a way similar to dango.
Salted Lemon Pound Cake (1 Cake) @ Adachi Otoemon, Floor B1F Wagashi Marketplace – ¥2,160 (Tax Included)
Laced with tangy lemon skin, this refreshing pound cake is topped with rock salt which elevates the flavours to delicious new heights.
Raw Uji Matcha Chocolate (Contains 8) @ ATELIER de GODIVA [Kyoto Branch Only], Floor B1F Wagashi Marketplace – ¥2,916 (Tax Included) *Available until Mid-August
Luxurious, rich and melt-in-your-moth raw chocolate made lavishly with bitter Uji matcha.
Kyo Chafure (Contains 5) @ Kyoto Tsuruya, Floor B1F Wagashi Marketplace – ¥810 (Tax Included)
These soft doughy sablés made with rich Uji matcha.
Koto no Natsu @ Nomura Kyotsukidani, Floor B1F Tsukudani Marketplace – ¥1,080 (Tax Included)
If you’re looking for something a little more savoury then you’ll absolutely want to check out the popular chirimen sansho, dried whitebait seasoned with pepper. It comes packaged in beautiful summery Kyoto packaging.
Did you enjoy this list? Be sure to pick up as many tasty edible Kyoto souvenirs while exploring the ancient city.
Information
Daimaru Kyoto
Address: 79 Tachiuri Nishimachi, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Business Hours: 10:00-20:00
Official Website: https://www.daimaru.co.jp/kyoto/
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The Toei Kyoto Studio Park―a theme park in Kyoto modelled after the Edo period of Japan―is set to hold an exhibition from next month titled “A Bizarrely Great Adventure Through the Body” in which you can travel through a giant model of a body to learn all about faeces.
The event is themed on the best-selling children’s book series Grossology by Sylvia Branzei which gives humorous but straightforward descriptions of bodily functions and various medical conditions.
Stinky Poop (Unchi Kusai), the ninja mascot of the event, will join visitors on their adventure as they experience the gross potential of the human body: burps, farts, bodily odours, and more.
A total of fifteen attractions will make up the event where kids and adults can discover the “secrets” of the human body.
Sneeze Shutter
At the Sneeze Shutter you will learn why we sneeze by firing balls―the “foreign substance” entering the nose―into the giant nostrils which will cause it to become itchy. If you can get five balls into the nose it will let out a sneeze and blown out the balls.
The Kidney Game
At the Kidney Game you will help deliver urea, sugar, and other materials necessary for the kidney to the blood vessels to understand how the kidney functions.
Poop Fortune Telling
Sit on a real toilet and a poo character will appear on the monitor to tell you your fortune that day.
Poo Exhibition
Learn all about poo at the display board which features lots of interesting information.
Burp Kid
Why do we burp when we drink fizzy beverages? Burp Kid will explain it to you.
Take a photo with the giant poo
At the end of your trip to the event, take a commemorative photo next to the giant poo pile and butthole.
This is just a snippet of what there is to see at Kyoto’s bizarre poo exhibition. Visit to learn all about something we all do but don’t talk about!
Information
A Bizarrely Great Adventure Through the Body (Japanese: からだのふしぎ大冒険)
Running: September 14, 2019 – December 15, 2019
Price: General (13+ Years) ¥800 / Children (3-12 Years) ¥600
*A separate fee will be charged for entry to Toei Kyoto Studio Park
*Children aged 2-years and below are permitted free entry
Event Page (Japanese): http://www.toei-eigamura.com/event/detail/240
Tickets
Set tickets for the event and entry to Toei Kyoto Studio Park are now on sale at FamilyMart.
Adults: Park Entry ¥2,100 + Event Entry ¥800
Junior High School Students: Park Entry ¥2,000 + Event Entry ¥800
Children (3-12 Years): Park Entry ¥1,600 + Event Entry ¥600
*By buying this set you get ¥100 off what you would pay for purchasing them separately. The first 2,000 people to buy a children’s ticket set will receive a plush toy
Buy: https://www.funity.jp/eigamura-event/
Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Address: 10 Uzumasa Higashihachiokachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Homepage: http://www.toei-eigamura.com
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The ancient city of Kyoto enjoys waves of tourists and sightseers from around the world throughout the year. It is particularly hot during the summertime because it’s situated in a valley. If you’ve never walked around Kyoto’s towns at night then we invite you to add it onto your list of sightseeing experiences.
We have compiled a list of 5 must-visit locations to best enjoy Kyoto’s nightscape. We are joined by Taka, a Japanese Instagrammer who conveys the beauty of Kyoto through his picturesque photographs which has has provided us today.
Kyoto Station & Kyoto Tower
The modern architecture of Kyoto Station is a juxtaposition against the traditional image of Kyoto. There are lots of great places inside the station where you can get up high and gaze down at Kyoto’s streets, but the absolutely unmissable nighttime spot are the mirrored windows. When evening sets in, you can see Kyoto Tower―which is opposite the station―reflected on the outside. Of course, you can enjoy the tower during the day too, but at night they light it up, making for a truly magical sight.
▼Kyoto Station
Address: Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Station Building Official Website: https://www.kyoto-station-building.co.jp/
▼Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:00-21:00 (Last Entries 20:40)
*Opening hours subject to change without notice
Official Website: https://www.keihanhotels-resorts.co.jp/kyoto-tower/
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine is an easy sightseeing spot to reach being just a 5-minute stroll from Gion-Shijo Station. The shrine is a power spot said to provide good luck when it comes to marriage ties. It bustles with visits from people from around the world and is in fact open 24-hours a day.
Paying a visit at night provides you with an entirely different look at Yasaka Shrine. Why not dine out along Shijō Street and take a walk to the shrine when the sky turns dark?
▼Yasaka Shrine
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Official Website: http://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/
Kyoto Minamiza Theatre
Minamiza is the oldest theatre in Japan and is officially registered as a Japanese Tangible Cultural Property. Like Yasaka Shrine, the closest station to the theatre is Gion-Shijo Station. Leave through Exit 6 and it’s right outside.
Minamiza has a long history spanning back to 1610 when it was founded. In May this year, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu performed a special concert there entitled Kyary Kabuki Kabuki which made use of projection mapping, fusing history and tradition with the latest cutting-edge technology to provide a concert like no other. The theatre is becoming a new sightseeing spot as it is lit up at nighttime. All of the lights are turned on until 10pm after which just the roof lights are kept on.
▼Kyoto Minamiza Theatre
Address: 198 Nakanocho, Higashiyama, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Official Website: https://www.shochiku.co.jp/play/theater/minamiza/
Ninenzaka
Ninenzaka is a long winding road that leads up to Kiyomizu-dera temple and is also a very famous tourist spot. It is registered under the Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Historic Buildings. In the daytime, the street bustles with locals and tourists dipping in and out of the souvenir shops, but the dark evenings of Ninenzaka are another kind of wonderful. The number of tourists drops significantly at night meaning you can have the street all to yourself and take plenty of photos, warm lanterns lighting your way.
▼Ninenzaka
Address: 2 Kiyomizu, Masuyacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Official Website: http://www.2nenzaka.ne.jp/
Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera is a 25-minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojō Station which is reached via the Keihan Main Line. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Buddhist temple is a very popular tourist destination. What we want those of you to see when visiting in the evening is the beautiful sunset which can be seen from the temple, colouring the streets of Kyoto a gorgeous orange.
▼Kiyomizu-dera
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/access.php
Official Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/
Taka has visited so many incredible locations in Kyoto, so if you’re planning a trip there and need some recommendations be sure to follow him on Instagram.
Photos: Taka
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The ancient city of Kyoto enjoys flurries of tourists and sightseers from around the world throughout the year. It is particularly hot during the summertime because it’s located in a valley.
Shojuin is a Buddhist Temple located in a summer retreat that was erected nearly 800 years ago. Hidden at the temple is the 11-faced Buddha statue of Kannon Bosatsu which is open to the public only once every 50 years.
The temple has a long history, and today it is used as a site for yoga, copying the sutras, and other activities when booked in advance. It’s enjoyed by people of all ages.
Today, we are joined by Macchan, an Instagrammer who tours the many sightseeing spots of Kyoto. They have provided photographs of the must-see parts of this ancient temple.
Shojuin is famous for its beautiful heart-shaped window located in the reception hall as well as its 160 pieces of ceiling art. The decorative window has been around for nearly 1,400 years and has survived disasters. It stands as a symbol of happiness.
From outside the heart window visitors can enjoy the different flowers through the four seasons. Right now during summer the view is a green spectacle. At nighttime the outdoor garden is lit up beautifully as shown in the photo.
Shojuin is famous for its summer Wind Chime Festival which is currently running until September 18.
2,000 colourful wind chimes gently sway around the temple with the summer breeze. The chimes are there for their sound and appearance and to elicit that sense of refreshing coolness.
Even the wind chimes are illuminated in the evenings. They are lit up on weekends only (except August 1 to 18) from 18:00-20:00.
The hypnotic ring of the wind chimes sounds they are calling the wind. If you’re travelling to Kyoto this hot summer, why not plan a trip to Shojuin?
Macchan has lots of other photos on their Instagram where you can feel the vibe of Kyoto. Use it as reference when you’re planning your Kyoto sightseeing.
Information
Shojuin
Address: Kawakami-149 Okuyamada, Ujitawara, Tsuzuk District, Kyoto
Access:
①Reachable by Keihan Uji Bus (Numbers 180, 182 or 184) from Uji Station and Shin-Tanabe Station. Get off at Ichumae Bus Stop (維中前)
②10 minutes by the Okayamada Community Bus or taxi
Official Website: http://shoujuin.boo.jp/
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Eggs ’n Things, Shijo Street, Kyoto will be selling luxurious Uji matcha pancakes from August 1, 2019.
Eggs ‘n Things Shijo Street first launched their delicious uji matcha pancakes back in February 2017. The pancakes quickly became a big hit among the locals as well as the tourists, appealing to visitors who wanted to discover more about Kyoto. This summer, Eggs ‘n Things is packing their Kyoto-limited pancakes with even more Kyoto goodness.
These pancakes are luxuriously covered with rich matcha custard cream and garnished with rice flour dumplings, adzuki bean paste, chestnuts and a mini monaka wafer cake. Matcha is even kneaded into the pancake dough, maximising its mellow flavour. If you visit Kyoto, be sure to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of matcha ordering these matcha pancakes at Eggs ‘n Things Shijo Street, Kyoto.
Information
Kyoto-limited Uji Matcha Pancakes
Price: ￥1,580 (before tax)
Limited sale period start date: August 1, 2019
Restaurant: Eggs ’n Things Shijo Street, Kyoto
Eggs ’n Things Shijo Street, Kyoto
Address: 47-4, Motoakuojicho, Higashinoroindori Shijo Sagaru, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 9:00 ー 22:00 (last orders: 21:00)
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Japan is a haven for bubble tea and tapioca-based beverages. Here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON we have covered many shops selling these tasty drinks in Harajuku―the town which started the tapioca boom in Japan―but today we will be heading to the ancient city of Kyoto.
We are joined by Kyoto café life tiara who posts photos of the best drinks and desserts they have tried around the Kansai region of Japan. They have provided us with photos of two must-try bubble teas and two must-try desserts in Kyoto.
ROCCA & FRIENDS PAPIER KYOTO in Shijo
ROCCA & FRIENDS PAPIER KYOTO is just a 5-minute walk from Shijo Station. The cafe is made from a traditional townhouse along an old-fashioned Kyoto-esque street.
It takes a little while for your drink to arrive placing your order, but that’s because each beverage is carefully handmade from fresh. I ordered the mango smoothie soda and the strawberry smooth soda. Both are fruity and super refreshing and full of chewy tapioca pearls.
▼ROCCA & FRIENDS PAPIER KYOTO
Address: 735-2 Shinkamanzacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Mondays
Official Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/rocca.papier/
&Hana in Shijo
&Hana is located at the back of Kyoto Daimaru. The cheese rose tapioca milk tea I bought is a cute pink colour. It’s a mix of rose which is good for skin and relaxation, sweet brown sugar tapioca, and sour cheese.
Draped at the back of the cafe are bunches of dried flowers which provide an Instagrammable background for your drinks.
▼&hana
Address: 619 Nishiuoyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00-22:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00-22:0
No Fixed Holidays
Official Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/and_hana_/
KISSHOKARYO KYOTO in Gion
This honey and tea parfait is special because they only serve 20 of them a day. Tapioca pearls go well not just in drinks but in desserts like this one too♡
The fluffy shaved ice is a perfect match with the homemade Earl Grey tea syrup. The rest of the parfait is made up of milk tea flavoured jelly, tapioca pearls, tea ganache, and other delightful surprises.
I enjoyed mine with lots of syrup and roasted soybean flour!
▼KISSHOKARYO KYOTO Gion Honten
Address: 306 Ishibashicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Last Orders 18:30)
No Fixed Holidays
Official Website: https://kisshokaryo.jp/
MASHOLA in Kawaramachi
MASHOLA is a South Korean-style cafe which of course sells tapioca pearl drinks, but also this delicious capo egg brulee tart as well. As soon as you put the order in their fire up the tarts fresh along with hot tapioca pearls for a heavenly melt-in-the-mouth experience.
They also sell bottled strawberry milk packed full of fresh strawberries, and for an extra ¥80 you can top if off with tapioca.
▼MASHOLA
Address: 406 Sakuranocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00
No Fixed Holidays
Official Website: https://mashola.business.site/
Did you enjoy this list? Kyoto café life tiara has lots of other tempting recommendations of drinks and desserts on their Instagram page too, so if you’re looking for something to try while in the Kansai region of Japan be sure to give them a follow.
Text & Photos: ＠happy_pinkrose_tiara
Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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Kyo Yakasa Pudding opened its doors to the world back in April, and since then they have whipped up many different kinds of Japanese custard pudding, known as purin. Earlier this month they released their all new “Yasaka Cider,” a jelly-like drink which became a hit on Japanese Instagram (search with #京八坂プリン).
The shop’s most popular product since launching is the Kyo Yasaka Pudding―named just like the shop. It has a honey and lemon flavoured jelly which is full of agar and mango jelly balls, giving it a cute appearance and very refreshing flavour and completely new kind of texture.
Now, the shop has released its new Yasaka Cider. The word “Cider” in Japanese doesn’t actually refer to the alcoholic drink, but instead is usually a carbonated mixture of lemon and/or lime.
Available this summer only, the Yasaka Cider is the perfect accompaniment for cooling yourself down while strolling the streets of Kyoto, filled with Kyo Yasaka Pudding jelly, agar balls, mango jelly balls, and an in-house made lemon slice and honey mix. The beverage is made fresh to order and comes in a cute bag which you can carry around easily with you.
There are lots of great photo opportunities for Instagram in the store too! If you’re in or travelling to Kyoto this summer then be sure to stop.
Information
Kyo Yakasa Pudding
Address: 87-4 Hoshinocho, Higashiyama, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00-17:30
No Fixed Holidays
Website: http://www.kyo-yasaka-pudding.co.jp
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Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Japan (KKDJ) is carving its jack-o-lanterns out early this year in time for Halloween as it reveals its new series of holiday-themed doughnuts titled “MONSTER HARVEST in Monster DINER.”
This pumpkin, chestnut and apple flavoured selection will be available at most Krispy Kreme branches across Japan from September 11 to October 31.
Pumpkin Custard Jack
Price: ¥230
The jack-o-lantern is the centrepiece of Halloween, and now you can much on one in doughnut form! Its face is coated in dark chocolate and filled with a velvety pumpkin custard cream. It also contains some pumpkin seeds for a crunch.
Black Cat Chestnut
Price: ¥250
The black cat’s dark chocolate covered face includes crunchy cracker ears, giant white chocolate button eyes, and caramel chocolate nose and whiskers. Inside it’s filled with a rich chestnut cream made from domestic chestnuts. The bottom part of the face is also sprinkled with tasty poppy seeds.
Apple Caramel Monster
Price: ¥230
This cute apple monster is a new addition to the KKDJ Halloween range. It’s made from a juicy, sweet and sour apple nappage made from the juice of apples grown in Aomori Prefecture. The single eyeball is made from a mix of white and dark chocolate and is what makes this doughnut so cute. The single pumpkin seed at the top completes the monster’s apple disguise.
Halloween Sprinkle
Price: ¥190
Covered in rainbow sprinkles, this custard pudding (purin) flavoured doughnut is subtly sweet and satisfyingly crunchy.
Halloween Dozen (Box of 12)
Price: ¥2,000
If you’re having a Halloween party with family or friends then this box of dozen doughnuts is the perfect treat, containing all of the above doughnuts as well as some of KKDJ’s classic doughnuts. You save ¥440 by picking up this box.
Don’t miss this year’s seasonal delights from Krispy Kreme.
Information
MONSTER HARVEST in Monster DINER
Running: September 11, 2019 – October 31, 2019
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Japan Website: https://krispykreme.jp/ -
Konkaikōmyō-ji, also known as Kurodani Temple, is set to open its doors to the public from November 4 for its autumn illuminations.
Kurodani Temple has a long history, best known as serving as the Kyoto Shugoshoku―the office of the Tokugawa shogunate―during the Bakumatsu period. It has relations to the Shinseigumi, a military force which was active during this time which was dedicated to suppressing anti-shogunate activities. It is also the first place that Hōnen, the founder of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism, spread his teachings.
For the special opening, you will be able to see the famous chicken painting Tori-zu Oshiebari Byobu by Itō Jakuchū as well as treasures associated with Hōnen and more.
The number of tigers on the famous tiger doors of the temple changes as you slide them.
From the temple grounds you can enjoy a breathtaking scene of the gardens where the autumnal colours of the trees reflect from the surface of the pond.
Kurodani Temple is also home to the Gokōshiyui Amidabutu Statue, which became the talk of the town in the media when it was dubbed the “Afro Buddha,” and looks deep in contemplation.
There will also be performances three times a day in the evening using traditional Japanese instruments like the koto and shinobue.
If you pay for the premium entry plan you can enter 30 minutes earlier and will be guided by one of the official gardeners or expert of the gardens.
Information
Autumnal Light-Up
Running: November 4, 2019 – December 8, 2019
Time: 17:30-21:00 (Last Entries 20:30)
Price: Adults ¥800 / Children ¥400 / Infants – Free
*Groups of over 20 people – ¥700
Music Performances: Everyday at 18:00/18:45/19:30
Premium Plan
Running: Fridays & Weekends
Time: From 17:00
Price: Adults ¥1,200 / Children ¥600
Kurodani Temple
Address: 121 Kurodanicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Event Page: https://www.kurodani.jp/lightup_aut/
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Japan is a haven for bubble tea and tapioca-based beverages. Here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON we have covered many stores selling these tasty drinks in Harajuku―the town which started the tapioca boom in Japan―but today we will be heading southwest of Tokyo to Aichi Prefecture, located in central Honshu Island, to look at 4 must-drink tapioca drinks.
We are joined by meme whose Instagram page is packed full of drinks and desserts from cafes across Japan.
The Flower Table in Sakae
Located inside the MITSUKOSHI shopping complex in Nagoya’s retail and entertainment district Sakae is The Flower Table. I absolutely recommend this store for those who aren’t good with sweet drinks as you can choose between having sugar or no sugar.
Your taste buds are hit by the flavour of the milk tea on the first sip which has a bite to it. The tea leaves used by the shop in this drink are from Kusumi Tea, a Paris-based premium tea brand.
If you’re someone who likes chai then this taste is sure to tempt your palate. Not only does the milk tea taste exquisite, the tapioca pearls are sweet and satisfyingly chewy too. And let’s not forget to mention their adorable takeout cup designs!
▼The Flower Table
Address: MITSUKOSHI Nagoya Sakae Store Floor 3F, 3-5-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:30 (Food Last Orders 19:30)
*Food not served until 11am, only drinks between 10-11am
*Afternoon tea sets, parfaits and other teatime menu options served from 2pmOfficial Website: https://theflowertable.owst.jp/en/
BON CAFÉ in Sakae
BON CAFÉ can also be found in Sakae. I had heard lots of praise about this place before my first visit so I was eager to get in there. I ordered two drinks: the mango cream cheese tea (with cream and tapioca pearls) and the brown sugar milk tea (with tapioca pearls). It’s hard to tell by the photos but both drinks are packed with tapioca pearls aplenty.
I’d heard before that the mango cream cheese tea was like a “dessert that you can drink,” and I can confirm that it’s true. It’s topped with fresh cream and pearls so it’s just as satisfying as a mango parfait.
▼BON CAFÉ
Address: Apa Hotel Nagoya Nishiki Floor 2F, Nishiki 3-15-30, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:00)
No Fixed Holidays
Official Website: https://bon-cafe.jp/tapioca/
Peripatos in Kita-Okazaki
Drinks at Peripatos are takeout-only. Their bottle designs are cute and simple with just a kitty illustration on them. The three drinks in the photo are Very Berry, Tropical, and Hazelnut & Caramel Sauce with coffee jelly.
The tropical drink has pieces of fresh mango in it while the Very Berry has fresh strawberry and chewy strawberry flavoured tapioca pearls in it. My friend ordered the Hazelnut & Caramel one which has coffee flavoured jelly in it instead of tapioca pearls. You sip it while crushing the jelly.
The shop interior is really cute too!
▼Peripatos
Address: 4-4 Ida Nishimachi, Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture
Opening Hours: [Mon-Tues & Fri-Sat] 11:00-21:30 / [Thurs & Sun] 11:00-18:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Official Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/c.peripatos/
Watashi to Cafe in Kariya
At Watashi to Cafe I ordered the strawberry milk tapioca drink. The pearls in this drink are strawberry flavoured too, and there’s a lot of them making is super tasty. The glasses they come in are cute too.
They also sell beautiful herbarium-like drinks. These don’t have tapioca pearls in them but I recommend these too!
▼Watashi to Cafe
Address: 2-20 Minamisakuramachi, Kariya, Aichi Prefecture
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:00-15:00 / Dinner 15:00-Midnight
Closed: Tuesdays
Official Website: https://watashitocafe.gorp.jp/
Did you enjoy this list? meme has lots of other tempting recommendations of drinks and desserts on their Instagram page too, so if you’re looking for something to try while in the Tokai region of Japan be sure to give them a follow.
Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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Häagen-Dazs just released their new Purple Sweet Potato Tartelettes and Rich Pumpkin mini ice cream cups in Japan. They will be available for a limited time only.
Purple Sweet Potato Tartelette
Concealed inside a crispy coating laced with purple sweet potato powder is a rich custard ice cream seeping in a subtly sweet purple sweet potato sauce. A tried and tested treat for autumntime, these crispy ice cream sandwiches not only taste like the sweet purple root vegetable, but they also take on their vibrant colour too.
Through much trial and error, Häagen-Dazs have been able to create the perfect harmony of flavours between the sweet potato and ice cream. The custard ice cream brings the richness of the egg and lifts the notes of the sweet potato to even greater heavenly heights.
Rich Pumpkin Mini Cup Ice Cream
The new pumpkin ice cream is drizzled in a pumpkin sauce packed full of plump pumpkin perfection. And by cooking fresh pumpkin, the flavour is condensed and made even richer, filling your mouth with the gentle sweetness of pumpkin.
Both the ice cream and the sauce are made with Ebisu pumpkins from Hokkaido. And like the tartelettes, these mini ice cream cups retain that bright original flavour of the squash plant.
Taste the flavours of all with these two new delicious desserts from Häagen-Dazs.
Information
Häagen-Dazs Crispy Sandwich Murasaki Imo (Purple Sweet Potato) Tartelette (Limited Edition)
Release Date: August 20, 2019
Price: ¥319 (Tax Included)
Available: At supermarkets, convenience stores and department stores in Japan
Product Page: https://www.haagen-dazs.co.jp/murasaki_imo_tart/
Häagen-Dazs Mini Cup Rich Pumpkin (Limited Edition)
Release Date: August 20, 2019
Price: ¥319 (Tax Included)
Available: At supermarkets, convenience stores and department stores in Japan
Product Page: https://www.haagen-dazs.co.jp/rich_pumpkin/
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Hokkaido is a popular tourist destination for Japanese people as well as foreigners. During the winter, it is the perfect place to go skiing and during the summer, you will not suffer under sweltering heat like the rest of Japan. Hokkaido not only flourishes with wonderful tourist locations and delicious gourmet seafood, but also beautiful and stylish cafés.
In this feature, we are joined by Instagrammer Kei whose page is centred around cafes in Sapporo, Hokkaido. They have provided us with photos of desserts made with peaches which can be enjoyed right now before summertime ends.
Initial Sapporo in Susukino
Parfait Pêche – ¥1,700
Sapporo cafe Initial was ahead of the parfait game before the boom in Japan. Right now they are selling two new parfaits: one made with melon and the other with peach. They are being served until the end of August.
The parfait is topped with sweet sliced peaches underneath which sits refreshing milk flavoured soft serve ice cream for a heavenly combination. The yogurt mousse elevates the sweetness of the peaches and goes well with the sprinkle of black pepper. There’s even Parmesan cheese which tastes gorgeous with everything. No matter where you stick your spoon in this parfait your taste buds will be treated with delight.
▼Initial
Address: DRESS 2F, 5-Chome-36 Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: [Weekdays] 17:00-Midnight / [Weekends & Public Holidays] 14:00-Midnight (Last Orders 23:30)
No Fixed Holidays
Access: 5-minutes on foot from Susukino Station and Ōdōri Station
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/INITIAL.sapporo/Gohanya Cafe Miyabi in Kita 24 Jo
Whole Peach & Royal Milk Tea – ¥1,380The seasonal parfait at Gohanya Cafe Miyabi right now is the Whole Peach & Royal Milk Tea. It’s served with an entire plump peach on top which is best enjoyed by cutting and eating bit by bit until it drops into the glass. The peaches they use are refreshing and really delicious♡
Tea is the main component of this parfait and that too was super refreshing. It also includes a framboise sorbet which add satisfying sour notes, and the cookies and other hidden treats add a multitude of tasty textures.
▼Gohanya Cafe Miyabi
Address: E-COUR24 1F, 3-Chome-1-1 Kita 24 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:00-15:00 / Cafe Time 15:00-17:30 / Dinner 17:30-21:00 (Last Orders 20:00)
Closed: Thursdays
Access: 150 meters from Kita-Nijūyo-Jō Station
Official Website: https://miyabi-sapporo.shopinfo.jp/TSURU CAFE in Miyanomori
Flavour Soft Peach – ¥830TSURU CAFE is a stylish and popular little cafe that is selling its new Flavour Soft Peach for a limited time. The syrup is this parfait is in fact made from red shiso leaf. Inside you will find a tower of peach compote, soft serve ice cream, meringue, and the syrup.
The milky ice cream is a a magical mix together with the peach compote. The crunchy meringue is simply melt-in-your-mouth too♡
The syrup has that distinct red shiso fragrance but it tastes sweet and so makes an amazing flavour. The shiso will no longer be served once sales of this dessert finish, so you’ll want to get in there ASAP!
▼TSURU CAFE
Address: 5-Chome-2-8 Miyanomori 2 Jo, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: [Mon-Sat] 10:00-20:00 / [Sun & Holidays] 10:00-19:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Access: 500 meters from Nishi-Nijūhatchōme Station
Official Blog: http://tsurucafe.jugem.jp/KAJITSU_CLUB in Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Peach & Hokkaido Soft Cream – ¥600KAJITSU_CLUB is located in the Beats Eats are on the basement floor of PARCO. You can order the ice cream of this peachy parfait as vanilla, yogurt or mixed. I went with mixed.
The fresh peaches are so good! The soft serve ice cream is nice and sweet and there’s also a sour yogurt flavour. The flavours might be simple but the quality is high.
▼KAJITSU_CLUB
Address: PARCO B2F, 3-Chome-3 Minami 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
No Fixed Holidays
Access: Directly connected to the Ōdōri Station subway
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kajitsu_club/SHIRAYUKI in Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Momomo – ¥600Available this August only, SHIRAYUKI’s new bottled drink is made of half frozen peach smoothie and half jelly and Hokkaido milk. This combination is match made in heaven! They come with a bag if you want to order for takeout too.
SHIRAYUKI
Address: Sapporo Aiseikan Bldg., 5-Chome Minami 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: 12:30-19:00
No Fixed Holidays
Access: 5-minutes on foot from Ōdōri Station
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirayuki.hokkaido/Pâtisserie LEEMO in Shinkotonicho
Whole Peach Parfait – ¥1,350 (*Only 20 available per day)
Pâtisserie LEEMO is known for its cute cakes and baked sweets, but right now they are selling this Whole Peach Parfait until the end of August.
You only need to feast your eyes on this dessert to know how refreshing the flavour is going to be. It even contains a jelly made from rosé wine, but the alcohol taste isn’t strong so can be enjoyed by anyone.
Depending on the stock of the bakery’s peaches sales of this dessert may end earlier. You can also make a reservation for one which I recommend, so don’t miss out!
▼Pâtisserie LEEMO
Address: 6-Chome-2-21 Shinkotoni 2 Jo, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Parfait served at 12:00-18:00)
No Fixed Holidays
Access: Approximately 1km from Shinkawa Station
Official Website: http://patisserieleemo.jp/Cake and bake HACHI CAFE in Hachiken
Whole Peach – ¥720This luxurious-looking dessert is a whole peach filled with framboise jelly and custard making for an irresistible sour and sweet combination. The tart underneath is incredible too! Due to limited stock and the time it takes for the peaches to ripen there are days when the dessert isn’t serve. You can check the cafe’s official Instagram to find out if it’s on the menu that day or not.
▼Cake and bake HACHI CAFE
Address: Hachiken 3 Johigashi, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: 11:00-17:00
Closed: Wednesdays & Thursdays
Access: 550m from Hachiken Station
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hachicafe8/Did you enjoy this list? Make sure to wolf down all of the tempting peach desserts you can in Japan before summer ends.
Kei’s Instagram page is a wealth of recommendations for meals and desserts in Hokkaido, so be sure to check out their page if you’re planning to travel there.
Photo & Text: Kei (@607keih)
Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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For this year’s Halloween season, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo has announced that it will serve up its Halloween Sweets Selection again this year at the hotel’s pastry boutique ORIGAMI located on floor B2F. The confectionery chefs have spun some spooky fun into this collection of 10 cute treats.
Frankenstein – ¥1,760 / Phantom – ¥1,760 / Cyclops – ¥1,760
The Phantom is a popular confection every year at the hotel, but this year he’s had two new freaky friends carved out for him: Frankenstein’s monster and a Cyclops. These white chocolate monsters are filled with chocolate-covered almonds, macadamia nuts and other hidden delights.
Witch Hat – ¥715
Dressed in a milk chocolate mousse is ganache and a rich and bitter crème brûlée made with bitter orange. It also contains a mandarin orange liqueur for deeper flavours. The mix of orange notes is refreshing on the palate.
Cross – ¥715
The orange and black Cross is a mousse cake made from pumpkin puree beneath which lies a cinnamon flavoured crème brûlée and coffee flavoured ganache. The bitter coffee elevates the exquisite sweetness of the pumpkin for a delicious combination.
Evil Eye – ¥715
Enter at your own risk with the grotesque-looking (but delicious tasting) Evil Eye mousse cake. It’s made with fragrant biscuit and caramel as well as blonde chocolate from France and inside is a smooth pear jelly.
There are lots of other Halloween treats besides these coming to the hotel too, so if you’re in Tokyo this October then be sure to stop by for a Happy Halloween.
*All listed prices include tax
Information
Halloween Sweets Selection
Running: October 1, 2019 – October 31, 2019
Location: ORIGAMI, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu Floor B2F
Full Sweets Line-Up: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/capitol-h/restaurant/boutique/plan/50306/index.html
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
Address: 2-10-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com/global/capitol-h/
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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.
Information
Kiyomizu Cheese Kobo (清水チーズ工房)
Address: 569-10, Shiraitocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 11:00 ー 17:30
No fixed closed days.
Official Website: http://kiyomizu-cheese.com/
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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.
Information
STRAWBERRY MANIA Harajuku
Address: ITO Bldg. 2F, 1-6-12 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Last Orders 19:30)
Official Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/strawberrymania_harajuku15/
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With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s easy recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.
Today, I will show you the perfect recipe for making chocolate Minnie Mouse cakes using the Mickey Mouse Tezukuri Okazu Maker kit which you can buy on Belle Maison.
1. Ingredients
About 3-4 prep bowls
1 large egg
40g sugar
Oil or 10g melted unsalted butter
15ml milk
50g weak flour (sifted)
10g cocoa
5g baking powder
2.
①Crack the egg into a mixing bowl, add the sugar and whisk well.
②Add a drizzle of oil or melted butter and milk and whisk again.
③Add the sifted flour and stir in gently with a rubber spatula.
3.
Oil the silicone cake moulds and spoon in your mix.
4.
Steam on a high heat for about 10 minutes.
5.
Now it’s time to make Minnie’s ribbon. I got this ribbon mould from Daiso. Place it onto some baking paper and outline the shape with a pen. Fill the outline with red-coloured chocolate and leave to set in the fridge. Once it has completely set, add the polkadots.
6.
Once the cake has finished steaming, stick her onto a lollipop stick so it the cake be eaten like a lollipop, and fix the ribbon onto the top of Minnie’s head.
And she’s finished! It looks cute when you put a Mickey and Minnie one together side by side. You can make a lot of cute recipes using the Okazu Maker, so get your hands on one and try making your own!
Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!
©️Disney
Profile
Kaori Kubota (@kaopan27)
I live in Hokkaido and I love to make character themed foods, desserts and pastries♡I want to see my family smile, so I enjoy putting in a bit of effort to make character foods and changing food into something cute♡
You can see more of my character foods and character bento boxes on my Instagram page→@kaopan27
Information
Silicone Tezukuri Okazu Maker (Mickey Mouse)
Price: ¥990 (Tax Included)
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Kyoto―also known as the “old capital” and said to be the birthplace of Japanese culture. In its 1,200 year history, this ancient city has given rise to much of what can be considered quintessential Japanese culture. Fireworks are a monumental feat of summer in Japan with countless festivals up and down the country dedicated to them, and Kyoto is no exception.
If you’re in Kyoto this summer then you mustn’t miss these 4 fireworks festivals.
Kameoka Peace Festival Hozugawa River Fireworks Festival – A Magnificent Arsenal of 8,000 Beauties
This long-running event is held every year to pray for world peace. Its spectacular display features a lineup of fireworks specially selected by the Japan Fireworks Artist Association which aims to evolve the tradition of firework culture. Expect to see the night sky illuminated with a rainbow of colours from the festival’s launch of 8,000 fireworks, including the Starmine which shoots a cloud of bright stars into the overhead abyss, as well as some original fireworks crafted for the festival such as the “Kamemaru Hanabi.”
▼Kameoka Heiwasai Hozugawa Fireworks Festival (Kameoka Peace Festival Hozugawa River Fireworks Festival)
Date: August 11, 2019
Time: From 19:30
Location: Hozubashi Bridge
Official Website: http://kameoka-hanabi.jp/Kyoto Nantan City Fireworks Festival – The Spectacular Starmine
Held by the riverbed of the Katsura River, the fireworks festival in Nantan makes use of the opposite shore from the viewing point which makes the fireworks look like they are raining down from the sky like a waterfall. The finale of this festival welcomes the behemoth of all Starmine fireworks which rips across the night sky in a blazing spread. The festival is also held as part of the Bon Festival and so lanterns are let loose down the Ōi River, creating a sight of subtle grace and beauty.
▼Kyoto Nantan City Fireworks Festival
Date: August 14, 2019
Time: From 19:30
Location: Katsura River
Official Website: http://www.yagi-hanabi.com/Miyazu Toronagashi Fireworks Festival – Floating Lanterns & Fireworks For 400 Years
Held in the city of Miyazu, this festival combines fireworks with floating lanterns and shoryobune―boats adorned with tanzaku paper slips that are sent out to light the way for the deceased as part of the Bon Festival. Floating lanterns on the water (known as toronagashi in Japanese) in Miyazu began 400 years ago. This year, it was counted as one of Japan’s three biggest toronagashi events.
Together with the boat, around 10,000 lanterns are sent into Miyazu Bay, creating a beautiful and majestic atmosphere. Close to 3,000 fireworks are set to illuminate the sky above, leading to an indescribable beauty as the fireworks and lights give off their own light.
▼Miyazu Toronagashi Fireworks Festival
Date: August 14, 2019
Time: From 19:30
Location: Shimasaki Park
Official Website: https://www.kyo.or.jp/miyazu/hanabi/Ine Fireworks – Fireworks Galore Envelop Ine Bay
Around 1,200 fireworks climb up and over Ine Bay, lighting the calm water surface and the funaya boat houses of Ine with their brilliance. The boat houses themselves are also strung and lined with hanging lanterns.
▼Ine Fireworks
Date: August 24, 2019
Time: 20:15
Location: Ine, Kyoto
Official Website: http://www.ine-kankou.jp/inehanabi/Did you enjoy our pick? It isn’t summer in Japan without fireworks. If you’re travelling to Kyoto to catch some sun this year, finish the day off with one of its many fireworks festival―from traditional Kyoto-esque events to large-scale ones with 8,000 fireworks ready to be deployed.
