Cinnamoroll’s Sky Drink Stand is finally open in Harajuku where Sanrio’s adorable white puppy will be catering drinks to your taste until August 25.

The drink stand is located along Harajuku’s famous Takeshita Street.

When you step inside you are taken soaring up into the clouds with its fluffy decor and decorations.

Cinnamoroll can be found all around the cafe looking adorable♡

To get a drink you first need to purchase a ticket from the ticket machine. Once you’ve got that, it’s time to head on over to the row of Cinnamoroll plushies.

There are 27 drinks in total to choose from. You will converse with Cinnamoroll and answers his questions which will change the colour, flavour and toppings of your drink. Your specially made and unique drink will arrive bottled with a handwritten name label on the front.

As you answer the questions you will be able to see Cinnamoroll making your drink on the tablet.

After a short time your drink will arrive!

Here is my cute and sparkly drink. I wrote “MOSHI MOSHI” in Japanese (もしもし) for the name tag. Mine was a delicious fizzy summery drink with blue jelly.

If you go with friends then you can have fun comparing your different drinks too!

You can get some even cuter photos at the shop’s many photo spots.

And if you want to order your drink in advance then you can use the Cinnamoroll Talk app which is compatible with Google Assistant. After you say, in Japanese, “OK Google, Cinnamoroll ni Osora Dorinku Onegai” (OK Google, please give me a Cinnamoroll Sky Drink), the order window will pop up. After you’ve talked with Cinnamoroll on the app you will receive an order number to collect your drink. There are also secret sentences hidden around the store for talking with Cinnamoroll, so if you find them you can have a longer chat with him!

Make your own unique summertime beverage with Cinnamoroll at the Sky Drink Stand♡

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

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)

GLOBAL PRODUCE, a Japanese event organiser, is set to sponsor Harajuku Summer Festival 2019 which will be held at Togo Shrine in Harajuku, Tokyo on August 23. Bringing together professional event producers, the festival will combine elements of traditional Japanese culture with the latest trends.

Food trucks and stalls will open in the dozens, including appearances from the shaved ice shop Kooriya bebe which makes its fluffy shaved ice from the natural spring waters of Mount Fuji―perfect for the hot weather―as well as Ichika, a cafe known for its tapioca Japanese tea lattes made with high quality tea leaves from Kagoshima. Current popular restaurants will also serve up delicious summertime food. There will even be the Harajuku Bon Odori 2019 dance event, and the marchers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will also be present.

Tokyo Bijin Project will make their first ever live appearance, a group of shining Japanese women with “wisdom, dignity and compassion” who are set to speak out for other strong women. They will talk leadership, interpretation, attending to people, the spread of Japanese culture, and more.

If you are in Japan for the summer then make sure you attend all of the different summer festivals you can.

Hey, readers. It’s Midori again, from MMN’s editorial team.

Summertime in Harajuku means the cafes and ice cream shops start serving up some seriously kawaii and tasty ice creams. It’s always nice to grab a cone to enjoy while walking around shopping, but relaxing in a cafe to enjoy it is fun too♡

If the latter sounds like your kind of thing, then I’ve got a new recommendation for you. I visited STRAWBERRY MANIA recently, cafe located along Takeshita Street in Harajuku that specialises in strawberry desserts.

You’ll find it right above the 7-Eleven on Takeshita Street. Look for the strawberries!

There’s also a sign outside showing a few of the desserts. Go up the staircase right next to it and you’ll come to the cafe entrance.

No matter where you turn while you’re here, your eyes will be met with strawberries. It looks so cute♡

The shopfront showcase is shelved with lots of succulent strawberry treats. The chef whips up other desserts to order besides these too. Everything’s almost too cute to eat!

For the strawberry soft serve ice cream you can pick between three flavours: milk, strawberry or mixed. I couldn’t pick between them so I went for mixed.

The combination of the bright red strawberry ice cream and pure white milk ice cream makes for a beautiful colour contrast.

It’s also topped with a huge fresh strawberry.

I took no time at all in taking a spoonful. The strawberry ice cream has a really rich flavour. It’s sweet but has that sour kick too, like you’re eating a real strawberry. The milk ice cream has a milder sweetness and a real milky taste, the kind you’d imagine if it was sold at a farm with cows.

Everything is packed snug into the cone right down to the bottom, making it a filling treat. It can be ordered for takeout if you like, and if you do that you can get your ice cream straight away so you don’t have to wait for seats.

They serve other things besides soft serve too, like shaved ice and parfaits. There’s so much to choose from, I think you’ll be spoiled for choice! Be sure to visit if you’re in Harajuku.

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!

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

MAISON ABLE Cafe Ron Ron is a popular conveyor-belt dessert cafe in Harajuku. We visited the cafe last year when it had just dropped, so be sure to check out our cover story if you want more information.

The cafe has just announced a night party that is exclusive to those in their 20’s. Titled “Cafe Ron Ron 20ty’s Night Party -PINK FRIDAY- supported by MAISON ABLE,” the event began yesterday and will run every night up to September 27.

Customers can enjoy all-you-can-eat unlimited snacks for just ¥500 with no time restrictions. For an additional fee, you can also pick from the food menu which features 5 dishes and order from the drinks menu which includes alcohol.

Everything on the food and drinks menu is ¥500 too, making it a delicious bargain!

Desserts are served at varying time slots from 19:00. Depending on what time you arrive or decide to start eating the menu will change which is all part of the fun!

The cafe has also teamed up with the fashion rental shop airCloset next door so customers can enjoy dining at Cafe Ron Ron while wearing a yukata.

You can even continue wearing the kimono after you’ve eaten so you can stroll the streets of Harajuku, go to nearby festivals and more for an exciting day out in Japan’s youth and culture hub. The yukata can be rented by people of all ages – full details on the websites below.

The real summer is here now, and what better way to cool yourself off during your shopping spree in Harajuku and Omotesando than with a cool and refreshing takeout dessert from Q-pot CAFE?

Melty Mousse (Peach x Apricot Seed) – ¥500 (Tax Included)

Q-pot CAFE’s Melty Mousses are encased in an adorable jar. This one is a heavenly mix of fruity peach mousse and a smooth apricot kernel milk mousse. Laced in the peach mousse is a divine blend of raspberries and lychees. The subtle sweetness of the peach coupled with the sourness of the raspberries and refreshing taste of the lychees make this dessert a perfect summer pickup. Also hidden within the delicious mix are pieces of fresh and juicy peach.

Melty Mousse (Mint x Chocolate) – ¥500 (Tax Included)

This summer sees the return of Q-pot CAFE’s popular mint chocolate mousse. Chocolate and mint are always an exquisite combination, and this mousse mix proves it, fusing rich chocolate with a cool mint kick. The cute melty-looking mint chocolate at the top also gives it an appetising appearance.

Cat Ice Creams – ¥600 Each (Tax Included)

Also returning once more this summer are Q-pot CAFE’s adorable cat ice creams, a mix of ice cream and various toppings. Choose from strawberry, vanilla or chocolate.

All of these desserts will be available to buy from August 5. They are all super cheap and are perfect for getting for takeout and walking around Harajuku and Omotesando. Be sure to stop by if you’re planning a shopping trip there this summer break.

Laforest Harajuku is getting a revamp towards the end of August with new stores as well as renewals of current stores. The revamp aims to “promote Harajuku’s uniqueness and creativity.”

August 24th – RENEWAL OPEN

<Floor 1F> Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL Concept Store

Vivienne Westwood is fusing the Japanese branches of its prêt-à-porter Red Label and Anglomania collections to serve up the all-new Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL branding. Japan will get its very first Red Label concept shop at Laforet Harajuku on August 24 which will act as the flagship store where they will sew to perfection a very special capsule collection that will offer a unique and exciting clothing consumption experience.

August 23rd – NEW OPEN

<Floor 4F> Charles Chaton

After the success of its first ever pop-up shop in March 2019, girly brand Charles Chaton is setting up a permanent store in Laforet. The brand’s concept is “Girl, Forever!” which caters to girl culture and offers up items which it hopes that will catch the attention of girls in 50 years to come. The store’s slogan at Laforet Harajuku is “My Sweet Home” with which it will sell cute, comfortable and casual everyday clothing.

August 23rd – NEW OPEN

<Floor 2F> starblinc

starblinc are set to showcase “cute pop age of the 1960’s” with bright colours and flashy silhouettes, combining nostalgia and futurism to create an entirely new style. Look forward to diving into the unique future retro world of starblinc on August 23.

There are plenty more shops opening at Laforet Harajuku in addition to these ones, so if you’re in Tokyo this summer, get ready to stock up your wardrobe.

For the whole month of August, the BOTANIST Tokyo tea stand in Harajuku is serving two different tapioca bubble tea beverages. Just 100 of each will be sold each day.

The two delicious drink flavours include “Butterfly Pea Soy Milk Tea” and “Matcha Milk Tea.” Both beverages are made with high quality tapioca pearls from bubble tea store Bull Pulu who serve up Taiwanese pop culture with their tasty menu.

Vegans shopping in Tokyo’s Harajuku and Omotesando areas will be excited to try the vegan-friendly Butterfly Pea Soy Milk Tea. Both of the drinks are also sold in eco cups and come with paper straws.

Tapioca Butterfly Pea Soy Milk Tea – ¥600 (Tax Included)

The vegan-friendly option is a combination of bright and colourful butterfly pea tea and soy milk. It’s laced with a tropical coconut syrup for enhanced flavour.

Tapioca Matcha Milk Tea – ¥600 (Tax Included)

The matcha milk tea is a combination of rich and smooth matcha foam and milk. It’s mixed with a fragrant hazelnut syrup.

Both drinks are takeout only and are available to buy on the first floor. If you fancy a little refreshing drink while strolling through Harajuku then be sure to visit BOTANIST Tokyo.