For six days only, The most mouthwatering ice cream flavours from all over Japan are heading to Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza AKAPLA for the regional ice cream fair Aipaku Hokkaido in Sapporo 2019. The ice cream fair will start on August 15 and end on August 20, 2019.
The concept of Aipaku® is to make everyone’s childhood dream into a reality; a paradise park where visitors are surrounded by the most delicious ice cream flavours that are found countrywide. The Japan Ice Mania Association carefully selected heart-melting ice cream flavours from all over Japan to sell at this event. The event has been running since 2015 and has so far welcomed approximately 2 million satisfied ice cream lovers, making it the largest ice cream event in Japan. Visitors can tuck in to their ice creams straight away or buy cooler bags and dry ice at the venue to take it back home as a souvenir.
This time, Aipaku Hokkaido in Sapporo 2019 is completely changing its lineup. Compared to when it was last run in 2017, this year will see many ice creams and ice cream brands that are new to Hokkaido making their debut. If you are an ice cream lover, this is a paradise world you just cannot miss out on.
Kikyou Shingen Soft/KIKYOUYA (￥500)
Since being launched in 2015, this ice cream has become the star of the show at Aipaku. This ice cream is otherwise only available in Yamanashi prefecture. The beautiful scent of the soft serve ice cream’s kinako roasted soy bean will be the first thing to reach your nose. This ice cream is made with the original, rich-flavored brown sugar syrup of Yamanashi prefecture.
Manhattan Roll Ice Cream/ Manhattan Roll ￥850
Roll Ice Cream is currently a big hit in Japan, so naturally it has infiltrated into this ice cream fair. This ice cream is not made using eggs like conventional ice creams. It is made with a unique combination ratio of milk, fresh cream and syrup. The result is a smooth ice cream which is rich but not overpoweringly sweet.
Double Ruby Fantasy/ MAISON GIVRÉE/￥600
This is an Aipaku-limited ice cream. Its rise to fame occurred as a result of the World Championship of Pastry Ice Cream and Chocolate which took place in Milan in 2015. This Aipaku-limited soft serve ice cream was created by Team Japan’s captain and world champion pâtissier Hiroyuki Emori. It is covered in sugar-coated ruby chocolate and decorated luxuriously with almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios. The pink colour is enough to melt your heart.
Aipaku Original Häagen-Dazs Sundae/ Aipaku Official ￥800
This is an original sundae flavour that can only be obtained from Aipaku. The ice cream is made using Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream with a generous layer of luxurious whipped cream. This is drizzled with a rich caramel sauce. Crispy feuillantine, which is made by smashing baked crêpe batter, accents the flavour and adds texture. Chunky slices of banana and salty vanilla-roasted peanuts are placed on top. This is a special sundae that ice cream-lovers will not be able to resist.
These are just a few of the vast range of ice creams you could be trying. There are just so many that you will be frozen for choice. The venue is also easy to access from Sapporo station. This is a wonderful way to leave the house and enjoy a Japanese summer whilst staying refreshed.
*Prices after tax stated above
* The ice creams at the event may differ to the images above.
Information
Ice Cream Fair Aipaku Hokkaido in Sapporo 2019
Running: August 15 ー 20, 2019
Opening Times: 11:00 ー 20:00
Venue: AKPLA, (Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza)
Kita 2 Jonishi, 4/ Kita 3 Jonishi 4, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Free entry.
Takeaway: If you wish to purchase ice creams to take away, please consider purchasing a cooler bag and dry ice (保冷バッグ＋ドライアイス) at the venue.
Aipaku Official Website: http://www.i-89.jp
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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.
Instagrammer Kei @607keih) uses his account to introduce the world to delicious desserts and meals. Today, he will be introducing you to the delicious strawberry-flavoured desserts that Hokkaido’s capital Sapporo has to offer.
holidays pancake/ Susukino
Strawberry Pancake with Raspberry Sauce: ￥1200
holidays pancake is only open on Sundays. It is located inside a beer bar called es CRAFT. I ordered the strawberry pancake with raspberry sauce. The plate was stacked with three pancakes which were deliciously covered in fresh cream, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, strawberries and raspberry sauce. The pancakes were soft and spongy. The flavour of the ricotta cheese really came through. Overall, this pancake is a very unique pancake to Hokkaido.
The sweetness of the raspberry sauce and sourness of the lemon juice balanced out for a slightly sour tinge. The fresh cream and vanilla ice cream toppings can be obtained for free by simply following the café on Instagram. The variety of toppings add a whole new range of flavours and colours for you to mix and match, so there is no getting bored. You can reserve your spot simply by sending them a direct message on Instagram, or by referring to their story! These pancakes are a rare find in Hokkaido, so you must try them.
▼holidays pancake
Address: 1st floor N-place Building, 3-2-1, 4 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
Access: 3-minute walk from Susuki Station/Hosui-Susukino Station
Opening Hours: 11:00 ー 16:00（Last orders: 5:30）
Closed: Mondays ー Saturdays
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyujitsulab/
BerryBerryCrazy/ Susukino
Berry Berry Crazy is located on the 2nd floor of the building between 5-chome and 6 chome of Tanuki-Koji. The desserts here are made using strawberries sourced from Urakawa Sugano Orchard in Hokkaido. The species of strawberry used in the desserts is completely dependent on what is received upon the delivery of the ingredients that are received on the day. The parfait I ordered was made using a species of strawberry called Kaorino.
The parfait contained fresh strawberries and strawberry compote, whipped cream, strawberry granita, pie crust, chiffon cake, and milk ice cream. You can tell that this parfait is full of strawberry goodness just by looking at it. Not only are the strawberries delicious, but the strawberry granita and strawberry compote were also to die for. This combined with the delicious whipped cream enhances the rich flavour even more.
▼Berry Berry Crazy
Address: 2nd floor, 5-20-2, Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
Access: Approx. 5-minute walk from Odori Subway Station/Susuki Station
Opening Hours: 18:00 ー 24:00 (Last orders: 23:30)
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berryberrycrazy/
Café Blue/ Chuo Ward
Condensed Milk Strawberry Pancake: ￥1380 ※ Can change pancakes to wafflesA mountain of whipped cream sits on the pancakes served at this popular café. The condensed milk strawberry pancake intrigued me for quite while so I decided to order it.
The plate is stacked with three pancakes, fresh cream and condensed milk. This is then drizzled with strawberry sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream. The pancakes were fluffy and the cream balanced the overall flavour, making it moderately sweet. The sweetness of the condensed milk and the sourness of the strawberry sauce were so delicious that there was no way I could get bored.
▼ Café Blue
Address: 16-9-12, Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
Access: 5-minute walk from Ropeway iriguchi Station
Opening Hours: 9:00 ー 19:00, (last orders: 18:00)
Breakfast: 9:00 ー 11:00, lunch/dinner: 10:00 ー 19:00, desserts: 10:00 ー 19:00,
Open all year round.
Official Website: https://cafeblue.exblog.jp/
SHIRAYUKI/Tanuki-Koji
Fruit Squash: ￥500 each
Shirayuki is located in Tanuki-Koji. The fruit squash here comes in four flavours and each contains popping boba. Today I ordered the Strawberry Squash. Strawberry sauce is drizzled into a cup of carbonated water. Popping boba is then added. The drink is topped with strawberries.
The bubbles of the carbonated water makes it the perfect way to cool down in the summer. This drink is only available until August 15, so if you want to try it, get there soon.
▼SHIRAYUKI
Address: Shirayuki Sapporo Aiseikan Building, 5 Chome, Minami 1-jo nishi 5, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
Access: Approx. 5-min walk from Odori Subway Station
Opening Hours: 12:30 ー 19:00
No regular holidays
Official Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/shirayuki.hokkaido
So how about it? Kei’s Instagram account is full of desserts and meals that you absolutely must try. If you are going to visit Hokkaido, make sure to check out Kei’s Instagram so you know exactly which restaurant or café you want to visit!
Original article information and photographer: Kei (@607keih)
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Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan’s islands and a popular tourist location with both locals and overseas visitors, enjoyed for its winter sports like skiing, hot springs and more. It is also enjoyed for its cool climate, being the coldest region in Japan. It’s home to many tourist spots and seafood restaurants, but today we’re covering its countless cute cafes.
Kei, a Japanese Instagrammer, posts his visits to the many cafes of Sapporo―the capital of Hokkaido―on his Instagram page（
607keih）. Today he will introduce us to 6 must-visit cafes in Hokkaido with the cutest pancakes.
Fafi Tamago no Pancake g-plus (Susukino, Sapporo)
This popular little cafe in the district of Susukino showcases its assortment of pancakes in a glass display. The cafe now sells affordable pancake and purin sets. I ordered the “Fruits and Milky & Chocolate Purin” set (¥980).
The fluffy pancake is made with Fafi’s famous eggs which have a rich flavour and big yolks. The milky cream is sweet and silky smooth. Inside the pancake is delicious pineapple and strawberries which add a deliciously fruity accent.Their pancakes are noticeably smaller at g-plus but since it comes with a purin in the set you’re sure to be nice and full after. The set is perfect to share too.
▼Fafi Tamago no Pancake g-plus (Japanese: ファフィたまごのパンケーキ g-plus)
Address: 9-1019 Minami 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 11:30-19:00 (Last Orders 18:00)
Closed: Thursdays & Fridays
Official Website: https://g-plus.owst.jp/
Café ZIKKA (Kiyota, Sapporo)
Café ZIKKA serves a variety of pastries and desserts. Their elusive strawberry pancakes are a limited-time-only offer. These fat and fluffy pancakes have a distinctly different taste to other places. Heaping with strawberries, the fruit and pancakes marry in the most sumptuous of flavours when eaten with the yogurt ice cream centre. The strawberries also come in a variety of forms including whole, compote and sauce, making for a variety of succulent textures.
The fresh cream isn’t overly-sweet making for a lighter pancake. It’s also topped with crushed almond for added texture. The size of the pancakes aren’t huge but since it’s served with two and many toppings you’ll absolutely be satisfied afterwards.▼Café ZIKKA
Address: 11-12 Hiraokakoenhigashi, Kiyota Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 11:00-20:00 (10:00-19:00 in January and February)
Closed: Wednesdays (Open on national holidays)
Official Website: http://yoshidacoffee.com/index.html
Kaze o Kanjite (Motomachi, Sapporo)
This cafe is just a 5-minute walk from Motomachi Station via the Tōhō Line. Simply exit from Exit 1 of the station, make a right and you’ll arrive right there.
This cafe’s aim is to bring it lots of students to eat their pancakes which are both cheap and delicious. I ordered the berry sauce pancakes.
The cafe’s homemade strawberry jam contains pieces of fresh strawberry which alone already make the pancakes tantalising enough. They are served with a side of fresh fruits like extra strawberries as well as orange slices. The pancakes served here are so good that I personally count them as the best in Sapporo. That, and the prices are amazing for the huge portions you get. I want more people to get to know about this place, and not just students.▼Kaze o Kanjite (Japanese: 風をかんじて)
Address: Kita House 1F, 17-2-3 Kita 24 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last Orders 17:00)
Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays
Website: https://tabelog.com/hokkaido/A0101/A010202/1058705/
ROJIURA CAFÉ (Susukino, Sapporo)
ROJIURA CAFÉ is another cafe located in Susukino round on the backstreet of Round One. They serve pancakes and parfaits right into the early hours of the morning.
Their caramel sauce has salt in it to add a mouthwatering salty flavour that draws out the sweetness of the fresh cream. The nuts only add to this delectable delight of a pancake.
Fine and fluffy pancakes fit for the gods. Whether it’s a dessert like pancakes or parfaits or even meals, ROJIURA CAFÉ’s doors are open to you from the evening until the deepest hours of the night.▼ROJIURA CAFÉ
Address: TAKARA6.3, 3 Chome Minami 6 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours:
[Mon-Thurs] 18:00-03:00 (Last Orders 02:00)
[Fri-Sat] 18:00-04:00 (Last Orders 03:00)
[Sun & Holidays] 18:00-01:00 (Last Orders 00:00)
No Fixed Holidays
Official Website: http://sapporo-rojiuracafe.com/
OJ Coffee (Kotoni, Sapporo)
You’ll find OJ Coffee just a few minutes’ walk from Kotoni Station in Nishi Ward, Sapporo. This cafe serves exquisite coffees and boasts an abundant menu consisting of soba noodles, curries, steaks and more. They also serve pancakes so I decided to give them a go.
Fluffy, moist and glorious. The pancake is topped with custard and served with a side of fresh cream, both of which aren’t overly sweet and go perfectly with the sweet beaten eggs of the pancakes. Decorated the outside of the plate is an assortment of fruits, maple syrup and other tempting treats for a variety of flavours. The coffee flavoured soft serve ice cream is a great palate cleanser too. The ice cream doesn’t have the bitterness that comes with coffee but it’s very coffee flavoured. It’s close to Kotoni Station so if you’re strolling around Nishi Ward looking for a cafe I highly recommend visiting here.
▼OJ Coffee
Address: D Planning Bldg. 1F, Kotoni 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo
Business Hours: 7:30~22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
No Fixed Holidays
Official Website: https://www.oj-coffee.com/
Café Blue (Ishiyama-dori, Sapporo)
Café Blue, built up from a renovated old house, is currently selling a new lemon and yogurt pancake for a limited time.
Their pancakes never fail to be anything less than fluffy. The generously drizzled yogurt sauce is fairly refreshing and sweet while still retaining that yummy yogurt flavour. The lemon curd sauce, too, is refreshing and combines well with the pancakes as lemon always does. The lemon also has honey in it making for a satisfyingly sweet and sour combination.
The ice cream on top is salt flavoured which bring out all the sweet flavours of the dessert. The crunchy almonds are nice and nutty and bring a great texture to the soft and sticky combinations. When I eat pancakes this is the kind of thing I’m looking for!The sauce was refreshing and the pancake overall was delicious and very easy to get down. The yogurt sauce really is amazing!
▼Café Blue
Address: 16-9-12 Minami 19 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 9:00-19:00 (Last Orders 18:00)
No Fixed Holidays
Website: https://tabelog.com/hokkaido/A0101/A010104/1036972/
Did you enjoy Kei’s picks? Be sure to check out their Instagram page for more recommended desserts and foods to try in Sapporo. There’s a wealth of choices on there that will make for great reference when travelling to Hokkaido.
Photo & Text: Kei (@607keih)
Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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Häagen-Dazs Japan will release their mini cup Yuzu orange Blancmange ice cream countrywide on 23rd July. This will be available for a limited period only.
This cooling ice cream is made with milky blancmange. You will be hit by the sudden sourness of the yuzu orange which accents the flavour perfectly. Blancmange is a chilled French dessert which is perfect for the summer. It is made by boiling milk and adding milk, sugar, whipping cream, vanilla and gelatin. This is then cooled to solidify.
This ice cream is made using rich-flavoured milk and the juice of Japanese yuzu oranges. This is then combined with Häagen-Dazs ice cream. Yuzu oil is also added to the ice cream so that you immediately taste the deeply-flavoured and aromatic yuzu orange with your first mouthful. The refreshing fruitiness will instantly spread all over your mouth, simultaneously harmonising with the milky flavour.
Even the sauce for the ice cream is made using the skin of Japanese yuzu oranges so that ice cream-lovers can fully enjoy the true flavour of yuzu oranges. The rich milky flavour is accented with the refreshing sourness of the yuzu orange.
This summer, treat yourself to a mild and milky yet fruity and flavourful ice cream.
Information
Häagen-Dazs Mini Cup Yuzu Blanc Manger (limited time ice cream)
Release: July 23, 2019
Price: ￥319 (RRP)
Available at: Supermarkets, convenience stores and department stores countrywide.
Special Edition Website: https://www.haagen-dazs.co.jp/yuzu_blancmanger/
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Whether you’re exploring Japan with your adult pals or on a family holiday with young kids, Pokémon fans from all generations cannot deny that treating yourself to Pokémon ice cream is the golden razz you need in this heat.
From August 1 to 30, 2019, Baskin-Robbins will run a collaboration scheme with Pokémon to celebrate the release of the new Pokémon movie Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution. This involves the release of BR’s first ever Pokémon-themed ice creams.
Pikachu Thunderbolt: Fruit Mix (price for single scoop, regular size: ￥390 after tax) *prices may vary,
Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution was released earlier this summer and there is no better opportunity to maximise your Pokémon experience than to indulge in the luxurious taste of Baskin-Robbins ice cream that has been combined with your favourite Pokémon with a beauty that no Pokémon fusion generator is possible of producing!
Pokémon Double Cup
Pikachu has arrived at Baskin Robins in the form of a sorbet, which is appropriately coloured yellow. The fruity sorbet flavours include pineapple, yellow peach, banana, apple and orange. This is decorated with bright red studs of delicious popping candy which look like Pikachu’s cheeks. This is the first ever Pikachu sorbet to ever be sold at Baskin-Robbins.
BR also introduced a promotion scheme where those who purchase a Small Double-size ice cream (￥490 after tax) can upgrade it to a Regular Double size for just an extra ￥100. Your ice cream will be served in a Pokémon-themed cup and you can even pick your favourite cup design out of the three available to maximise your ice cream experience.
Customers who order the Double Cup will receive a Pikachu spoon for each cup ordered. There are three different Pokémon spoon designs. Which one will you get? Hurry over to your nearest Baskin-Robbins to collect them all!
Pokémon Variety Pack
Small 6 pack: ￥1,550 Small 12 pack : ￥2,990 Regular six pack: ￥2,130 Regular 12 pack: ￥4,140 *All prices tax included and are subject to change.
Want them all? The variety pack is perfect for those of you who want a selection to eat while on the go. The Pokémon-themed box is filled with rainbows of colours and all your favourite Pokémon, however, it is only available for a limited time. When you and your friends need a break from catching Pokémon, this is the perfect way to get refreshed.
Finally, don’t miss out on BR’s legendary Pikachu and Eevee ice cream cakes. The Pikachu Cake features BR’s popular “Popping Shower” ice cream, which is a fusion of white chocolate and popping candy. This is wrapped in yellow strawberry-flavoured whipped cream. Pikachu’s rounded chocolate eyes and red cheeks are enough to charm you.
Pokémon Ice Cream Cake (Pikachu/ Eevee): ￥3,300 after tax *prices may vary, a variety of sizes are available
The Eevee Cake will stare at you with cute chocolate eyes. Eevee is wrapped in milk chocolate whipped cream and is wearing a caramel ribbon. Complete your cakes by placing the ears on by yourself.
Maximise your Pokémon experience by watching the new Pokémon movie and indulging in Baskin-Robbin’s legendary Pokémon ice creams.
©Nintendo・Creatures・GAME FREAK・TV Tokyo・ShoPro・JR Kikaku ©Pokémon ©2019 ピカチュウプロジェクト
Information
Baskin-Robbins Pokémon-themed Ice Creams
Avaialble: August 1 ー 30, 2019
Official Website: https://www.31ice.co.jp/contents/topics/190731_01.html
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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/ -
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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Disney Christmas 2019 at Tokyo DisneySea: Spend This Year’s Holiday Season With That Special Someone♡
Tokyo Disney Resort has announced this year’s Disney Christmas which will take place at Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea® from November 8 to December 25. This is the Tokyo DisneySea® event line-up. For the Tokyo Disneyland® schedule, click here.
‘Tis the season to be jolly this year at Tokyo DisneySea, where the Christmas spirit is set to fall and settle like December snow across the park with a fantastic line-up of festive entertainment programs, magical decorations and more. Guests are invited to join the Disney cast in welcoming a very merry Christmas at this year for Disney Christmas 2019.
It’s Christmas Time!
The “It’s Christmas Time!” show returns again this year to Mediterranean Harbor to wrap guests in the Christmas spirit, featuring Mickey Mouse and friends along with singers and dancers who will perform to classic Christmas tunes.Colour Of Christmas
This magical performance takes place at nighttime on the water at Mediterranean Harbor, featuring a huge 15-meter tall shimmering Christmas tree. Held annually, this will mark the show’s eighth and final run. Disney characters including Mickey will also be present for the performance.
The whole of Mediterranean Harbor will be wrapped in the Christmas spirit, with the huge tree in the centre and little trees all around, and onlookers all with their own wishes for the holiday season. Snow will also fall during the performance to create a romantic atmosphere.
Special Christmas Merchandise
Pouch – ¥2,000 (Tax Included)
Around 65 very special pieces of merchandise will be available for guests to pick up, many themed on the It’s Christmas Time! show. The pouch features the cute scene of Mickey and Minnie line dancing which you will see in the show. The available plush toys also have a Christmas-y gold bell on them. All of these items will be available from November 1.
There will also be adorable Duffy and Friends merchandise to pick up. Some of these items are themed on Cape Cod Village in winter, an area in the park which serves as a greeting spot for Duffy and his friends. These Christmas items will be available from November 6.
Christmas Food & Drink
A festive feast of 15 drinks and dishes will be served for Disney Christmas, from seafood pasta to roast beef sandwiches and more. There will also be a reindeer-inspired dessert as well as alcoholic cocktails and much, much more.
Enjoy a very merry Christmas this year at Tokyo DisneySea.♡
Information
Disney Christmas
Running: November 8, 2019 – December 25, 2019
Tokyo Disney Resort Official Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/index.html
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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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Travel Japan: Turtle Rock, Oshinkoshin Waterfall & Other Must-Visit Sites in Hokkaido’s Shiretoko Peninsula
Shiretoko Peninsula was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and is the northernmost location in Japan to have been so. Even in a place such as Hokkaido, which strikes all with its marvellous natural landscape, Shiretoko is said to be home to many secluded locations. Many of these have not been touched by the hands of man―they have been left as they are―and so one can discover sights, animals and much more that they cannot anywhere else.
We are joined by Mirina, an Instagrammer who posts her experiences travelling to Hokkaido’s many sightseeing spots located in pockets of nature. She has provided us with photos of her trip to the Shiretoko Peninsula and its must-see spots.
The Shiretoko Five Lakes
The Shiretoko Five Lakes are situated inside an old-growth forest from which you can admire the grand Shiretoko mountain range in the back. Many wild animals live here such as the brown bear and black woodpecker. The view is one would expect from a World Heritage Site, with gorgeous scenery to soak up in every direction.
▶︎The Shiretoko Five Lakes
Address: Onnebetsumura, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido
Shiretoko Shari Machi Sightseeing Website: https://www.goko.go.jp/multilingual_eng/index.html
Turtle Rock (Cape Chashikotsu)
Cape Chashikotsu, located on the Utoronishi side, can be seen from Shari and looks just like a giant turtle which is where it gets its nickname “Turtle Rock” from.
▶︎Turtle Rock (Cape Chashikotsu)
Address: Utoronishi, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido
Oshinkoshin Waterfall
Oshinkoshin Waterfall is listed as one of Shiretoko’s “8 Sights.” This towering waterfall rolls down the rocks and splits into two separate waterfalls halfway down which has given it the nickname “Two Beautiful Falls.” The are stairs that enable you to walk beside the waterfall halfway up, letting you get nice and close to the water. There is also an observation deck atop the waterfall from which you can see many sights such as the Sea of Okhotsk and Shiretoko mountain range. The waterfall is also listed as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls.
▶︎Oshinkoshin Waterfall
Address: Utoronishi, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido
Shiretoko Shari Machi Sightseeing Website: https://www.goko.go.jp/multilingual_eng/index.html
The Road To Heaven
This long stretch of road spans 18km and has been dubbed the “Road To Heaven” as when observed from uphill looks like it disappears into the clouds. Situated on one side of the farmlands, one can enjoy a quiet and breathtaking view of the road. It’s also a popular road with bikers and travellers riding bicycles. It’s also a must-see from the observation deck close by.
▶︎The Road To Heaven (Japanese Name: 天に続く道)
Address: Minehama, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido
Shiretoko Shari Machi Sightseeing Website: https://www.goko.go.jp/multilingual_eng/index.html
Did you enjoy this list? There are countless places to visit in Japan, and some of the best are the quiet, secluded ones. If you get the opportunity to visit Hokkaido, put the Shiretoko Peninsula on your list of must-visit places.
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Spicy as Hell and Tasty as Well 2019 will be holding round 2 on August 16, 2019 at Okubo Park, Kabukicho in Shinjuku. This will be the event’s biggest gekikara gourmet saiten (super spicy festival) Japan has ever seen.
Food services that represent the spicy foods of the world have all joined forces at Kabukicho in Shinjuku; Asia’s largest entertainment district to tinge it with a luminescent spicy red colour. So far, around 0.7 million people with a burning passion for spice have made their way to the spice central to test their tolerance to the range of gourmet spicy dishes. From beginner to mania, the event caters to all levels of spice-lovers. From a tiny touch of spice to spicy as hell, there is a wide range of spice levels to choose from. The dishes served and participating shops are changed each week, so you can enjoy a new spicy experience each week.
At the 1st Round, spice fans had their fill of Ciao em Cafe’s Bún bò Huế. This café, which originates from the outskirts of Tokyo in Hana-Koganei, took part in the event for the first time. One of their signature dishes is the Vietnamese soup, which captured the hearts of many women for its perfectly balanced sweet yet spicy flavour. Despite being Menya Mazeharu’s first time serving at the event, their queues stretched out into the sunset from morning to evening each day .
Round 2 will see Cheese to Gibier Curry Naru Ichizoku and Tokyo spice curry Aka to Kuro spicing up the event for the first time. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Awajishima Curry made with the world’s most sense-scorching spices including ghost pepper, trinidad scorpion pepper, and the carolina reaper. Tokyo spice curry serves up red curry dishes made with ingredients traditionally used in natural Chinese food therapy. Their black curries are Kashmiri curries that will leave you feeling satisfied.
These are just a selection of the vast number of noteworthy spicy dishes. You are bound to find the perfect curry to spice up your life at this event, so please check it out.
Information
Spicy as Hell and Tasty as Well 2019 (激辛グルメ祭り2019)
Venue: Okubo Park, Kabukicho, Shinjuku
Address: 2-43, Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Access: 3-min walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station or an 8-min walk from Shinjuku station (JR/ Odakyu/ Keio lines)
Entry: Free to enter, pay for your food and drinks.
Schedule:
2nd round: Aug 16 ー 21
3rd round: Aug 23 ー 28
4th round: Aug 30 ー Sept 4
5th round: Sept 6 ー 11
6th round: Sept 13 ー 18
* Closed on Aug 15, 22, 29 and Sept 5, 12 to change the shops.
* Open on rainy days (closed during stormy weather).
* Spicy as Hell and Tasty as Well is open for a total of 38 days this year, the longest it has ever run in history.
Website: https://www.gekikara-gourmet.com/
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It’s been a while since our last date with Yutaro. He’s been very busy with film shoots. He had some spare time today so we paid a visit to Nihonbashi for our next date. “ECO EDO Nihonbashi: Enjoy Cool Edo With All Five Senses” is an event held every year in the Nihonbashi area which takes the Edo period cultural idea of “coolness”―an in, to enjoy being cool during the summer－and puts a modern spin on it. There are many exciting things to look forward to, including the art aquarium which proves massively popular every year.
We gave ourselves more time to arrive at the meeting place to be in the safe side, but it seems Yutaro-kun was already there waiting for us!
Nihonbashi Information Center | IPPIN CAFÉ “Sparkling Herb Tea” – ¥518 (Tax Included)
“Here, you must be boiling.” Yutaro-kun kindly offers a cup of IPPIN CAFE’s limited-edition sparkling herb tea. It’s a delicious mix of fizzy soda and lemon, a perfect refreshment for the summer. Since he ordered takeout the drink came with a goldfish straw. Goldfish are a staple sight during Japanese summer festivals so it’s very fitting for the occasion!
With our drinks in hand, it’s time to head to Nihonbashi for our Edo summer date!
Wind-Chime Forest Path
Lining the path between Fukutoku Shrine and Fukutoku Garden is the Wind-Chime Forest Path where around 200 Edo-style wind chimes dangled. This year, during the evenings, the path is illuminated with beautiful lighting.
When the breeze rolls past the wind chimes ring one by one－a cool and refreshing sound.
“I hear each one of these Edo wind chimes are individually handmade by craftsmen.”
When you hear the sound of the wind chimes it makes you feel cool like a gentle breeze of the wind.
After strolling along the Wind-Chime Forest Path we make our way towards this year’s ECO EDO Art Aquarium event.
The moment we step instead Yutaro is already dazzled by all the goldfish: “Wow! I knew about this place from what I’d seen online, but this my first time here! This art aquarium really is something!”
The full title of the event is “ECO EDO Nihonbashi ART AQUARIUM 2019 ~Edo, Coolness of Kingyo~ & Night Aquarium.” Goldfish were a huge part of the common culture in Nihonbashi during the Edo period. This event recreates that and brings that “coolness” aspect while combining it with contemporary art by having people observe the fish in lots of different artistic environments.
Super Oiran
“This is the biggest fish tank, apparently it has 3,000 fish swimming inside!”
“Seeing the light reflect on the water from the illuminations lets you see the fish in a different light, doesn’t it?”
Looks like Yutaro-kun is having a lot of fun taking photos.
He’s equally interested in just about every fish tank!
These other fish tanks have a different aesthetic to them. Their Japanese-style designs make for great photos.
Kaleidorium 3D
“This one’s beautiful, it’s like a kaleidoscope.”
It really does look like one. When you take a peek instead you can glimpse all kinds of colourful fish gently swimming around.
Ceiling Kingyo
“There’re goldfish swimming on the ceiling too. So cool! This aquarium is incredible. It brings together the great culture of Edo and contemporary art.”
The Art Aquarium bustles every single year with visitors, but this year will mark its last run. It’s being held at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall, so if you have the chance to go then please do.
We of course checked out some local Nihonbashi treats too! We stopped by morozoff for some cheesecake after the aquarium.
morozoff Kamadashi Cheesecake (Goldfish) – ¥270 Each (Tax Included)
These cute cheesecakes with their goldfish designs are available for a limited time only. They’re filled with sweet red bean paste. They perfect with iced tea.
“Got some! Let’s eat them while we head back.”
Goldfish Lantern Walkway
Our first date in Nihonbashi was so much fun. While on the date Yutaro-kun spoke about the new live-action film he’s in, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.
“It’s a romance film with mind games to try and make the other person confess their love. I play the character Tsubasa. His number one highlight scene is the kabedon scene. That was my first day shooting, so I was super nervous, but I got along well with the other actors, and the atmosphere on set was harmonious, so I was able to relax for the shoots. Tsubasa is a genuine guy who will believe things that have been said to him in earnest. You’ve definitely gotta check out all his scenes throughout the film!”
“A lot of the cast are the same age as me, so we were all energetic together in the waiting room. There’s a scene at the end where all the cast get together. It took 3 days to shoot so we ended up getting along really well.”
“This film has made me realise that love comes in many shapes, and that mind games happen in a variety of ways between guys and girls. There’s cute scenes that express that small bit of pride that teenagers have, the embarassment they feel, when they get butterflies, scenes that will warm your heart. The film has various elements to it so I thoroughly enjoyed watching it myself. I hope that couples in love in their teens and twenties watch it, and I also hope that married couples watch it and crack up laughing too.”
“In the film it’s summer break, and they go and see fireworks and stuff. It’s definitely one to watch durnig the summer. You’re gonna come watch it too, right? Shall we go?”
An offer we cannot refuse! We’ll definitely go and see it with you, Yutaro-kun!
Model: Yutaro
Writer: Yuki Yokoo
Photographer: Kayo Sekiguchi
Information
ECO EDO Nihonbashi 2019 ~Enjoy Cool Edo With All Five Senses~
Running: July 5, 2019 – September 23, 2019
Location: Nihonbashi Area
TEL: 03-3242-0010 (Nihonbashi Information Center)
Event Page: https://www.nihonbashi-tokyo.jp/en/ecoedo2019/
ECO EDO Nihonbashi ART AQUARIUM 2019 ~Edo, Coolness of Kingyo~ & Night Aquarium
Running: July 5, 2019 – September 23, 2019
Location: Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall Floor 5F (Entrance at 4F), COREDO Muromachi 1, 2-2-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Art Aquarium 11:00-19:00 / Night Aquarium From 19:00
[Sun-Fri] 11:00-22:00 (Last Entries 22:00) [Sat & days prior to public hoiday] 11:00-23:30 (Last Entries 23:00)
Access: Directly connected to Exit A6 of Mitsukoshimae Station, accessible on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Hanzomon Line / Directly connected to Shin-Nihombashi Station / 8-minutes on foot from East Exit of Kanda Station JR 8-minutes on foot from Nihonbashi Exit of Tokyo Station
TEL: 03-3270-2590
Event Page: https://www.nihonbashi-tokyo.jp/en/ecoedo2019/contents/005.html
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Film
Release Date: September 6, 2019
Adapted from the manga of the same name by Aka Akasaka (Shueisha/Weekly Young Jump)
Cast: Sho Hirano (King & Prince), Kanna Hashimoto, Hayato Sano, Natsumi Ikema, Nana Asakawa, Mayu Hotta, YUTARO, Takashima Masahiro, Jiro Sato
Official Website: https://kaguyasama-movie.com/
TALENT PROFILE
Yutaro
Yutaro was born in Hiroshima on June 3rd 1998. His modeling career has earned him lots of attention as a fashion icon of the new generation. The famous model also works as a “charisma” shop assistant. Yutaro has gained his reputation as a “mysterious and handsome guy” from his appearance on Japanese variety shows. His debut was made on the show “Gyoretsu no Dekiru Horitsu Sodanjo” and has since then appeared on numerous different TV shows. He challenged himself to appear on stage for the very first time in March this year and is gaining popularity by the day for his diverse work.
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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.
Information
GLOBAL PRODUCE presents Harajuku Summer Festival 2019 at Togo Shrine
Date: August 23, 2019
Time: 19:00-21:00 (Reception open from 18:30)
Location: Togo Shrine (1-5-3 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Togo Shrine Official Website: http://www.togojinja.jp/
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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/
