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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Starbucks Coffee Japan is set to launch the Starbucks holiday season on November 1 with a selection of special drinks and products. The theme this year is “a Special Holiday with Starbucks Classics.”
The coffee chain revealed three seasonal drinks for the holiday season this week including the Starbucks® Christmas Blend, Gingerbread Latte, and Macadamia Toffee Latte. Now they’re showcasing the “Berry x Berry No-Bake Cheesecake Frappuccino®” and “Berry x Berry White Mocha” which will also be added to the seasonal menu.
Berry x Berry No-Bake Cheesecake Frappuccino® | Tall ¥590 (Before Tax)
Berry x Berry White Mocha | Short ¥450 | Tall ¥490 | Grande ¥530 | Venti® ¥570 (Before Tax)
Opening up the first holiday season door at Starbucks is the Berry x Berry No-Bake Cheesecake Frappuccino®, a sweet and sour combination of no-bake cheesecake and a tangy sauce made from strawberries, cranberries, and raspberries. The drink is inspired by the Cranberry Bliss Bars sold at Starbucks, indulging your mouth with a mouth-watering mixed berry fusion to bring a smile to your face at the first taste.
If you’re looking for a hot beverage during the autumn and winter season, then the Berry x Berry White Mocha has you covered. This too contains the mixed berry sauce and is also laced with a white chocolate sauce. To finish, a shot of espresso and steamed pink for a rich kick to the sweetness. The espresso adds a deep flavour akin to caramel.
Starbucks Japan have also posted a special advent calendar on their official Instagram page which will run from November 1 up to Christmas Day where they will post various clips and videos. One video will be in collaboration with Japanese singer-songwriter Dai Hirai who is set to produce a new song for the event and perform it live online.
Information
Berry x Berry No-Bake Cheesecake Frappuccino®
Berry x Berry White Mocha
Running: November 1, 2020 – November 24, 2020Available: Starbucks in Japan
Starbucks Japan Official Website: https://www.starbucks.co.jp/ -
Mister Donut Japan is teaming up with Pokémon this November as it launches “misdo Pokémon,” a campaign that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the company and includes the release of limited-edition doughnuts, original merchandise, and more.
This marks the third year of misdo Pokémon, and this year, they’re upping the Pika-fun.
This year sees the return of the popular Pikachu and Poké Ball doughnuts , both of which have been made even more breathtaking and delicious, including turning the Poké Ball delight into a fully spherical shape like the real thing.The company will roll out even more Pokémon doughnuts throughout the campaign. Stay tuned for updates.
©2020 Pokémon.
©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.Information
misdo Pokémon
Release Date: Rolling out early November 2020
Mister Donut Japan Official Website: https://www.misterdonut.jp
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Starbucks Coffee Japan is set to launch the Starbucks holiday season on November 1 with a selection of special drinks and products. The theme this year is “a Special Holiday with Starbucks Classics.”
With less than two months to go before Christmas, the coffee chain is set to release a variety of seasonal beverages including the Starbucks® Christmas Blend, Gingerbread Latte, and Macadamia Toffee Latte. It will also release the first range of holiday season merchandise on November 6.
Hot and cosy drinks for the holiday season
Macadamia Toffee Latte: Short ¥440 | Tall ¥480 | Grande ¥520 | Venti ® ¥560
Gingerbread Latte: Short ¥420 | Tall ¥460 | Grande ¥500 | Venti ® ¥540
Winter White Chocolate: Short ¥400 | Tall ¥440 | Grande ¥480 | Venti ® ¥520
The spicy Gingerbread Latte is a must-have on the menu during the holiday season at Starbucks, one that latte lovers look forward to every year. And this year, coffee consumers in Japan have two new drinks to look forward to: the Macadamia Toffee Latte which is a crunchy combination of macadamia nuts and sweet toffee, and the snowy powdered sugar-topped Winter White Chocolate.
Starbucks® Christmas Blend and Cranberry Bliss Bar Pairing
From Left: Starbucks® Christmas Blend Espresso Roast | Starbucks® Christmas Blend | Starbucks® Christmas Blonde Roast – ¥1,520 Each (Before Tax)
A cup of Starbucks’s Christmas Blend fills you with that cosy nostalgic feeling of the season. This year’s recipe at Starbucks Japan is inspired by the one first sold in 1984 which has a rich, deep blend. It’s a coffee combination of dark roast Sumatran, Papua New Guinean, Columbian, and Guatemalan coffee beans. There’s also some aged Sumatra coffee in there to elevate the flavour.
Each cup is a complex mix that brings to mind herbs and spices, and hidden within all that a subtle sweetness.
Cranberry Bliss Bar | ¥270 (Before Tax)
Starbucks Japan is bringing back its signature Cranberry Bliss Bar dessert for the holiday season and pairing it with the Christmas Blend. The cake has orange in it which brings a tangy but fresh kick that matches heavenly with the spicy notes.
The First Merchandise Batch
The first batch of holiday season merchandise to drop at Starbucks Japan incorporates Christmas motifs like ribbons, candy canes, and reds and white colouring. The line-up includes a stainless steel bottle with a gingham checked pattern and gold dots to a stainless TOGO cup with a classic design reminiscent of a candy cane, notebooks, and more.
The holiday season is shaping up to be another cosy welcoming again this year at Starbucks Japan.
Information
Starbucks Japan Holiday Season 2020
Running: November 1, 2020 – December 25, 2020
Merchandise Batch 1: November 6, 2020 – December 25, 2020
Starbucks Japan Official Website: https://www.starbucks.co.jp/
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Q-pot CAFE. in Omotesando, Tokyo, has revealed its upcoming Q-pot CAFE. “KUMA”STMAS MENU which is set to be served from November 1 to December 25.
Happy Merry “KUMA”STMAS！
“KUMA”STMAS is a portmanteau of the Japanese word for bear (kuma) and Christmas. The cafe’s cute menu is here to bring warmth and cosiness this holiday season.
Merry “KUMA”STMAS Plate w/ Drink – ¥2,060 (Tax Included)
A sweet assortment cute enough to tug your heartstrings.
Q-pot CAFE.’s pastry chefs take their time to delicately handmake the adorable bear’s baby face oat milk cookie. The cookie is sat on top of a fluffy duvet of whipped cream, berry jam with fresh berries, and a chocolate génoise cake. It’s a sweet and tangy combination of raspberry and strawberry.
The cookie-topped cake is also served with a rich pistachio cream Christmas tree.
Merry “KUMA”STMAS Bitter Caramel Milk Tea – ¥750 (Tax Included)
A warm and cosy beverage to heal your heart, mind, and soul. This baby bear looks sweet but has delightfully rich notes thanks to the caramel. The tea is one of the cafe’s originals, the “Sweet Weekend,” which has a refreshing after taste and goes perfectly with the caramel cream.
Merry “KUMA”STMAS Afternoon Tea Set | ¥2,400 per person (Tax Included) *Photo shows a set for two
If you love teddy bears, then this afternoon tea set is a dream come true.
Top Plate
The top plate is a delicate assortment of sweet and crunchy oat milk cookies, a glass dessert of fromage blanc and fresh orange jelly, velvet cupcakes topped with pistachio cream made to look like a Christmas tree, and creamy macarons.
Bottom Plate
The bottom plate is the savoury selection and comes with croissants stuffed with roast beef topped with honey mustard sauce, a rich potato potage, and skewers piercing olives, mini tomatoes, and pickles.
Special Novelty <Teddy Bear Message Card>
Customers who book a table in advance to the cafe will receive a free teddy bear message card. These are limited in stock, so if you’re in Tokyo don’t miss out.
Information
Q-pot CAFE. “KUMA”STMAS
Location: Q-pot CAFE. Omotesando
Running: November 1, 2020 – December 25, 2020
Opening Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Last Orders 18:30)
Online Bookings: Tabelog
TEL :03-6447-1218
Bookable Slots: 11:00/12:30/14:00/15:30/17:00
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Tokyo’s two cafes Pokémon Cafe and Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Cafe have announced that they will open online orders for their new ‘Pokémon Cafe Christmas Home Party Set 2020’ on November 17, 2020.
Pokémon Cafe Christmas Home Party Set 2020
The party set comes with a Pikachu-shaped Christmas cake, Christmas tree stand, a set of four wooden chopstick rests shaped like Pikachu’s tail, and a set of four paper Pikachu glasses. If you’ve ever dreamed of a Pokémon Christmas, then who better to spend it with than Pikachu?
Kawaii Pikachu Cake
Pokémon Cafe Christmas Home Party Set 2020 | ¥8,800 (Tax Included)
The cake is a mousse cake made with cream from Hokkaido and sweet white chocolate. Shaped like Pikachu, the cake is made from chocolate and plain sponge which hide secret chocolate chips for added texture and sweetness.
Christmas Merchandise
Decorate for Christmas this year with Pokémon Cafe’s original Christmas tree stand, Pikachu tail chopstick rests, Pokémon Christmas Wonderland wreath, and paper Pikachu cups.
© 2020 Pokémon.©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Pokémon, ポケットモンスター, and ポケモン are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc.
Information
Pokémon Cafe Christmas Home Party Set 2020
Order Window: November 17, 2020 at 14:00 (JST) to December 11, 2020 at 18:00 (JST)
Available: Via Pokémon Cafe’s official website from November 10, 2020 at 14:00Pick-Up Window
・Pokémon Cafe (Nihombashi, Tokyo)
Pick Up: December 22, 2020 – December 25, 2020
Address: Address: Nihombashi Takashimaya SC East Bldg. 5F, 2-1-2 Nihombashi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours: 10:30-22:00
Official Website: https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/・Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café
Pick Up: December 23, 2020 – December 25, 2020
Address: Sunshine City Alpa Floor 2F, 3-1-2 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
Official Website: https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/pikachu_sweets/ -
BOTANIST’s flagship shop BOTANIST Tokyo will be serving up a special Northern European-themed holiday season menu at its second floor BOTANIST Cafe from October 31, 2020. The line-up is made with the wish in mind that everyone can live with hope in mind as we draw closer to the end of 2020 and ready for the start of the New Year.
Holiday Menu
All food on the seasonal holiday menu is vegan and promised to be filling, delicious, and healthy.
White Mushroom & Meatball Pasta | ¥1,250 (Tax Included)
A vegan pasta with must-have meatballs covered in a lip-smacking tomato sauce. The pasta is made from rice flour.
Shiitake Patty & Shimeji Sauce Hamburger | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)
A vegan burger with a patty made from shiitake mushrooms and doused in an aromatic shimeji mushroom sauce. It’s served with hot hasselback potatoes which are seen in the cuisine of North Europe as well as cauliflower.
Five Mushroom Soy Potage | ¥510 (Tax Included)
A rich potage made from five varieties of mushroom including shiitake, eryngii, shimeji, and hen-of-the-wood. It has a full-bodied flavour and is nothing short of delicious.
Vegan Doughnut Holiday Cake | ¥600 (Tax Included)
A Christmas cake where you can pick two vegan doughnuts from a selection of flavours. It’s filled with soy cream which goes perfectly with the chewy rice flour doughnuts.
Christmas Set To Go
Christmas Set To Go: ¥2,200 (Tax Included) / Uber Eats: ¥2,600 (Tax Included)A Christmas set that can be ordered to go or via Uber Eats. Perfect for get-togethers with friends and families.
BOTANIST Botanical Winter Coffret
BOTANIST Botanical Winter Coffret (Premium Hair Care Set) | ¥8,690 (Tax Included)At BOTANIST Tokyo’s first floor shop, they have announced the release of a new hair care collection called BOTANIST Botanical Winter Coffret which will hit shelves on October 31, 2020.
BOTANIST Tokyo’s vegan winter menu will arrive on October 31, 2020 which is the final day of their vegan autumn menu. Check out their autumn food line-up here.
Information
BOTANIST Tokyo
Address: 6-29-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo (1st Floor – Shop / 2nd Floor – Cafe)
TEL: 1st Floor: 03-5766-3777 / 2nd Floor: 03-5766-3778
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00Official Website: https://shop.botanistofficial.com/
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Ginza Cozy Corner released a new collection of Halloween confections on October 19.
JOYJOY Halloween Party (9 Included) | ¥2,400 (Before Tax) | Available: October 19, 2020 – October 31, 2020
The tasty line-up features a collection of playful ghouls and ghosts partying at a haunted house. Bites include an eyeball tart, orange-flavoured Jack-o’-lantern roll cake, and lots more. Plus, the box they come in can be cut out and used as a photo prop for snapping cute Halloween pictures.
Imp’s Trickster Mont Blanc | ¥580 (Before Tax) | Serving: October 19, 2020 – October 31, 2020
There’s also a colourful mont blanc layered with four different creams: strawberry, lemon, melon, and blueberry, and inside—a mouth-watering tangy orange sauce surprise.
Information
Ginza Cozy Corner Official Website: https://www.cozycorner.co.jp/
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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.
I have the perfect Halloween recipe for you this time. If we’re talking Halloween, then who else but Jack Skellington is the man for the job? Here’s my recipe to make Jack Skellington Stained Glass Cookies.
Ingredients
70g unsalted butter
50g icing sugar (or high quality white sugar if you don’t have)
A pinch of salt
30g egg
110g weak flour
10g black cocoa
1 white chocolate pen
Hard candy of your choice crushed into small pieces*To crush the candy, you can put into a zip lock bag and use a rolling pin
1
Place all ingredients except the egg into a food processor and blitz. After, place the egg into the blitzed mix and blitz once again. Once combined, wrap with cling film and place into the refrigerator for 1+ hours until set.2
Use a rolling pin to roll out circles of equal thickness for Jack’s head. Use a cutter to cut out the eyes, and place into the refrigerator one more to set.3
Bake in the oven at 180°C for 10 minutes and take out again.
4
Place your crushed candy into the eye holes and bake for a further 5 minutes.
*The candy will melt into place and even out, so feel free to pile on the pieces*Be careful not to overcook the candy as it will turn brown
5
Allow to cool. Be very careful handling and placing down the cookies as the eyes will be delicate. Decorate Jack’s nose and mouth with the chocolate pen and he’s ready for your Halloween party!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!
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 → @kaopan72
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Asakusa welcomed the newest and third branch of matcha dessert specialist shop Kaminari Issa on October 2, 2020, which opened its doors along Dempoin Street. The shop is just a 3-minute walk from Asakusa Station and 2-minutes from Kaminarimon.
Signature delights on Kaminari Issa’s menu include the Okoicha Warabi Latte and Okoicha Gelato. Everything on the menu is made with rich, high quality matcha, from the matcha tea lattes to the matcha beer, parfaits, ice cream, dacquoise, and more. If you love matcha, and you’re in Tokyo, this place is a must-visit.
There are plenty of items to get your hands on in this newest store, which also has its own eat-in space, tea leaf display, and more.
They even sell kits so you can make your own Okoicha Warabi Latte and Wakocha Brown Sugar Warabi Latte at home.
Information
Kaminari Issa Dempoin-dori
Address: 2-2-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (until 17:00 on Mondays)
TEL: 03-5830-6948
Access: 3-minutes on foot from Asakusa Station
Official Website: https://www.kaminari-issa.com/ -
Sanrio is once again collaborating with the EGG & SPUMA cafe located on the 8th floor of Shinjuku Lumine EST to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Ichigo Shimbun, a monthly magazine published by Sanrio which includes information about the latest character merchandise, the Sanrio Character Awards, and more. The limited-time cafe will run from November 1, 2020 to late January 2021.
Sanrio fans can expect a very special menu line-up of food, drinks, and desserts based on their favourite characters from the Sanrio roster.
There will in fact be two different menus served on separate occasions. The first menu will welcome a soufflé omelette topped with a potato salad Pochacco while the second will see an adorably pink My Melody cream stew.
There will also be an incredibly cute two-tiered afternoon tea set with desserts and savoury items.
For drinks, there is a Hello Kitty strawberry milk, Cinnamoroll milk, and milk caramel pudding Pompompurin.
© 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L613344
And everyone who orders from the collaborative menu will receive one of eight possible coasters as thanks for visiting.
Information
Ichigo Shimbun 45th Anniversary CAFE
Location: EGG & SPUMA, Shinjuku Lumine EST Floor 8F, 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
Running: November 1, 2020 – Late January 2021Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Last Orders)
TEL: 03-6273-0255
Official Website: http://salt-group.jp/shop/egg-spuma/ -
GRAPESTONE is releasing a new sweets collection at Disney SWEETS COLLECTION by Tokyo Banana, which is located in Tokyo Station, in collaboration with the Disney classic Fantasia. The confections will be released in limited quantities from October 30, 2020.
© Disney Disney SWEETS COLLECTION by Tokyo Banana JR Tokyo Station
Disney SWEETS COLLECTION by Tokyo Banana opened on the JR Line side of Tokyo Station in November of last year. The shop is a joint-collaboration with Tokyo Banana—the official souvenir sweet of Tokyo—and Disney. The shop sold over 100,000 products in the first week of its opening, and caught the attention of Disney fans on social media who described the shop and the packaging of their sweets as cute.
Disney Fantasia Chocolate Sandwich (Contains 28) | ¥3,024 (Tax Included)
The cute packaging features Mickey Mouse as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in the 1940 animated film Fantasia. The light and crunchy cat tongue cookies at filled with chocolate banana milk shake flavoured cream
The confections serve as the perfect gift or souvenir from Japan to yourself or any fan of Disney.
© Disney
Information
Disney Fantasia Chocolate Sandwich
Running: October 30, 2020 – Mid December 2020Available: Disney SWEETS COLLECTION by Tokyo Banana JR Tokyo Station
Purchasing: 70 available per day, max 2 per person
Official Website: https://www.tokyobanana.jp/disney/index.html -
Japanese confectionery company KANRO has once again joined pika-paws with Pikachu for the third time to feature the beloved Pokémon on the lemon flavour their Puré gummies. They will be released in Japan from October 27, 2020 in limited quantities.
Pikachu Puré Gummies – Third Collaboration
Following the success of the first two collaborations in June and July this year, with buyers expressing how cute they are in Japanese social media, KANRO is at it again, this time with their lemon flavour. There will be eight different Pikachu packet designs for this third collaboration, each with an attractive neon sign logo. The combination of gelatine and pectin is what gives Puré gummies their chewy texture.
Puré Gummy Lemon Pokémon (56g) | ¥130 (Tax Included)
In a packet of these gummies you’ll find two shapes: the classic Puré heart shape and Pikachu shape, so you’ll always be in for a surprise each time you reach into the bag.
Puré Gummy Pikachu Video
KANRO has released yet another promotional video for this third collaboration. The video for the first collaboration garnered 1 million views in just three days. Check out the adorable video below.
Pika Puré Merchandise Campaign
KANRO is also holding a campaign on their official Twitter page from October 28-30 where you can win a free Pika Puré eco bag.
Additionally, 210 random people who buy Puré gummy products in Japan from October 27 to December 20 will be chosen to win additional merchandise. 10 people will get a big cushion and 200 a big blanket. To enter, purchase select Puré products in Japan and send your receipt to the company via the LINE messaging app.
©2020 Pokémon ©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Pokémon, ポケットモンスター, and ポケモン are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc..Information
Puré Gummy Lemon Pokémon (56g)
Release Date: October 27, 2020
Pika Puré Gummy Special Site: https://www.kanro.jp/pure/pure_pika/
