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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K Confect released a batch of its new ‘SNOW SAND’ chocolate sandwich cookies for the winter season on Wednesday (January 20) made with ingredients from Hokkaido and within just 30-minutes the online stock sold out. The company has now been launching a new limited batch every day since January 21st. All orders come with an original polar bear postcard.
Front and back of polar bear postcard
The SNOW SAND sandwich cookie brings some warm and cosy love this cold winter season with its delicious combination of butter made in Hokkaido, wheat flour, and sugar. The cookie packaging comes in two designs based on two works of art by Japanese painter Otani Kazuyoshi.
Japan declared a state of emergency on January 5, 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and so those unable to make it to the company’s pop-up shops at Daimaru Sapporo and Daimaru Tokyo, which will open on January 27, can order the cookies online too.
Information
SNOW SAND Raw Chocolate Sandwich Cookie
Online Orders: From January 20, 2021Buy Here: https://www.snowsand.jp/
Daimaru Pop-Up Shop Orders: January 27, 2021 to February 14, 2021
Daimaru Official Website: https://www.daimaru-matsuzakaya.jp/valentine/
Daimaru Pop-Up Shops
Daimaru Tokyo: Available on Floor 1F’s sweets sectionDaimaru Sapporo: Available on Floor 1F’s Valentine’s section
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
*Those who spend over ¥3,160 (Tax Included) will receive an original mini tote bag – available while supplies last
TALENT PROFILE
Ema Tanioku
“Emaeri” is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies.
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The St. Regis Osaka, a hotel located in Chuo, Osaka, is seducing couples with the reveal of its luxurious Valentine’s Day dessert line-up which will be sold at the hotel’s Italian restaurant La Veduta from February 1 to 14.
2021 Valentine’s Collection Line-Up
Valrhona Chocolate Bark | Single Bag: ¥1,200 (Before Tax)
A bag of irresistible chocolates made using chocolate by the French premium chocolate brand Valrhona. It’s available in three flavours: Milk (Hazelnut/Miso), Dark (Almond/Soy Sauce), and White (Macadamia/Sake Lees).
Extra Dark Chocolate Gateau Chocolat | ¥2,800 (Before Tax)
A truly full-bodied chocolate experience made with 61% chocolate that can be indulged chilled or warmed up.
Valentine’s Edition Valrhona Guanaja & Jivara Lactee Chocolate Éclairs | ¥750 (Before Tax)
A chocolate cake strip loaded with thick ganache and topped with chocolate-covered hazelnuts to create a bite-sized éclair.
St Regis Signature Brioche | Set of 3: ¥1,000 (Before Tax)
A set of three of St Regis’s signature brioches: the extra dark Valrhona chocolate “Danish,” the Valrhona Guanaja & Jivara Lactee chocolate “Ganache,” and the Valrhona “Passion Fruit Inspiration.”
La Veduta’s Italian Valentine’s Day Menu
Dinner For Two | ¥32,000 (Before Tax)
The menu line-up at La Veduta features a dinner for two which includes an amuse-bouche, marinated Japanese amberjack, heart-shaped ravioli capresi, Tournedos Rossini beef fillet with tai sea bream, a strawberry tiramisu, and tea snacks.
This is a real indulgence for couples looking for a romantic dining experience or treat.
Information
The St. Regis Osaka Valentine’s Day
Running: February 1, 2021 – February 14, 2021
Address: 3-6-12 Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Opening Hours: [Mon] 8:00-14:00 / [Tue-Sun] 8:00-18:00La Veduta
Running: February 10, 2021 – February 14, 2021
Opening Hours: 17:30-21:00 (Last Orders 19:30) *Closures at 20:00 until February 7
Enquiries: 06-6105-5659 (10:00-19:00)
The St. Regis Osaka Official Website: https://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/osaxr-the-st-regis-osaka -
Ginza Cozy Corner released a new parfait and smoothie made with amaou strawberries from Fukuoka Prefecture at its 12 cafes and restaurants on Saturday (January 23).
The amaou strawberry is known for its plump form, rich sweetness, and refreshing flavour. Ginza Cozy Corner has taken this delicious fruit to whip up a parfait topped with strawberry gelato, vanilla ice cream, and fresh cream, as well as a smoothie made from a whole bunch of blended amaou strawberries and milky ice cream.
Left: Fukuoka Amaou Parfait – ¥1,380 (Tax Included) | Right: Fukuoka Amaou COZY Smoothie – ¥1,000 (Tax Included)
The parfait is loaded with four deluxe-size strawberries so you can enjoy their fresh, soft texture together with the ice cream, gelato, and fresh cream combo, while a straw-sip of the ice-mixed smoothie will tickle taste buds sweetly with the sherbet hidden at the bottom.
Information
Ginza Cozy Corner Amaou Parfait & Smoothie
Serving: January 23, 2021 – Early March 2021
Ginza Cozy Corner Official Website: https://www.cozycorner.co.jp/ -
Café Al Bicerin released a special collection of chocolates in Japan for Valentine’s Day on Wednesday (January 20) in collaboration with Hello Kitty.
Café Al Bicerin is a cafe in Torio, Italy, that first opened back in 1763. It has a long history and is a place that was enjoyed by the likes of Friedrich Nietzsche and Ernest Hemingway.
Bicerin × Hello Kitty Love Assortment | ¥2,160 (Tax Included)
Bicerin × Hello Kitty Love Assortment | ¥2,160 (Tax Included)
Valentine’s Baci di Dama (Includes 5) | ¥1,350 (Tax Included)
© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L617585
Information
Bicerin x Hello Kitty Valentine’s Collection
Released: January 20, 2021
Available: Bicerin Japan (Ginza SIX, Takashimaya Shinjuku, Midland Square, Hankyu Umeda, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya)
Official Online Store: https://shop.bicerin.co.jp/
Official Website: http://www.bicerin.co.jp/ -
McDonald’s Japan is teaming up with Nestlé next week to bring back last years’ customer-favourite McFluffy® KitKat® for a limited time starting on January 27.
McFlurry KitKat | ¥290
The delicious dessert combines McDonald’s tasty soft service ice cream with crushed KitKat and finishes it with a drizzle of special sauce made with couverture chocolate. Mix everything together for pure chocolatey heaven goodness.
McFlurry Oreo | ¥290
McDonald’s Japan also serves the McFlurry Oreo, a regular item on the menu, and right now is the only time you can enjoy comparing the tastes and textures between both the Oreo and KitKat McFlurries.
Which one has you drooling more?
Information
McFlurry® KitKat®
Running: January 27, 2021 – Late March 2021Available: McDonald’s Japan (Select branches not participating)
Serving Times: 10:30 until closure
Official Website: http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/*KitKat is a registered trademark of Nestlé Group.
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Japanese sweets and dessert brand KAKERI opened pre-orders for its new luxury chocolate “Nihonshu Gateau Chocolat” on Monday (January 18) which is made in collaboration with Inami Shuzo, a distillery based in Miki, Hyogo, a city known for a type of rice called Yamada Nishiki. Pre-order opened exclusively on Makuake.
Daigin Koshu – Bronze Award winner in the Sake category at IWC2020
Inami Shuzo
The chocolate is infused with Daigin Koshu, a sake made by Inami Shuzo which won a Bronze award at the International Wine Challenge for Japanese Sake in 2020. The chocolate is also best paired with a cup of strong sake too. Online orders are shipped in freezer refrigeration and can be eaten frozen too, giving it an ice cake-like texture. If left to defrost in the fridge, the taste and fragrance of the infused sake increases, so sake-lovers can pick how they best want to enjoy their gateau treat.
What makes this chocolate so special is that it enjoys the combination of ingredients and a workforce all from the city of Miki where the distiller is located. The sake is made with a rice called Yamada Nishiki which is grown in Miki and is famous for being used to make sake. The consumption amount of this rice has decreased as a result of the pandemic and so the chocolate was developed to help spread word of the rice and ensure it doesn’t go to waste.
Information
Nihonshu Gateau Chocolat
Pre-Orders: January 18, 2021
Makuake Online Store: https://www.makuake.com/project/nihonshu-gateau-chocolat -
CHAVATY, a cafe in Harajuku that serves tea lattes made with high quality tea leaves, is getting ready for Valentine’s Day early with the release of some tasty new desserts which they began serving up on Thursday (January 14).
Valentine’s Set | ¥1,100 (Before Tax)
Valentine’s Scone Set (6 Included) | ¥2,480 (Tax Included)
Raspberry Chocolate | ¥970 (Tax Included)The Valentine’s Set comes with a cute scone as well as fondant chocolate made with rich, high-grade chocolate from the French chocolate brand Cacao Barry. It also comes with a tea latte of your choice. There’s also a scone set which comes with two each of three different scones for a total of six including the Berry & Cocoa Pink Chocolate, Orange & Chocolate Chip Double Chocolate, and Dried Fruits & Nuts White Chocolate. CHAVATY has also made their own seasonal homemade spread: the Raspberry Chocolate.
Information
CHAVATY Valentine’s Set
Running: January 14, 2021 – February 14, 2021Address: Minami-Harajuku Bldg. 1F, 4-6-9 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Official Website: https://chavaty.shop-pro.jp/
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Tokyo Banana World recently added its special Dengeki Box (Electric Box) of Pikachu Tokyo Banana confections to its official website which is available to order in Japan until January 30, 2021 at 17:00 (JST).
Tokyo Banana is Tokyo’s official souvenir sweets brand and it launched its new Pokémon Tokyo Banana series of confections in November last year with the first catch being Pikachu. It subsequently added Eevee to the collection in December. The Pikachu confections are also available to buy at Tokyo Station.
Pikachu Tokyo Banana – Dengeki Box | Box of 12 Packs (24 Confections) | ¥3,456 (Tax Included)
The limited-time addition of the Dengeki Box to Tokyo Banana’s official website means that anyone in Japan can get a taste of the electrifyingly delicious sweet fluffy custard-filled sponge cakes without having to travel to Tokyo.
Waiting inside the Dengeki Box are 12 packages each with two cakes in and each in one of six different Pikachu designs to greet hungry Trainers, all of which are positively kawaii. The box itself also features these adorable illustrations.
Left: Front of Box | Right: Back of Box
The box even has a handle attached to it so you can reuse it after to store all your bits and bobs.
©2021 Pokémon. ©1995-2021 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
Pikachu Tokyo Banana – Online Orders
Running: January 12, 2021 – January 30, 2021
*Available while supplies last*Shipping not available to select islands in Japan
Tokyo Banana Group Official Online Shop
https://www.paqtomog.com/shop/c/cpk-bana/ -
Asakusa-based ‘aromatic raw chocolate’ brand MAISON CACAO created a new gin-flavoured white chocolate for Dean & DeLuca which was released in Japan on January 15, 2021.
The “Aroma Raw Chocolate (Gin)” keeps the original flavour of the white chocolate and infuses with a craft gin known as “COMMON” by Toranomon Joryusho.
Aroma Raw Chocolate GIN FOR DEAN & DELUCA | ¥2,592 (Tax Included)
One bite into a piece of this artisanal chocolate fills the mouth with a tang of subtly fruity chocolate. Then comes the refreshing taste of the gin which complements the sweetness and adds sophistication to the chocolate in an exquisite balance of flavours.
COMMON gin is fruity and clear
COMMON craft gin has a ‘botanical’ flavour. Its base is a shochu made on the islands of Hachijō-jima and Nii-jima. It also contains soft water taken from Okutama Sawai.
“It has a faint fruity taste that combines with the flavour of the cacao, and he used really delicious white chocolate,” explains Shingo Ishihara of MAISON CACAO who helped in the chocolate’s development. “I hope people indulge in its enjoyable melt-in-the-mouth texture.”
Information
Aroma Raw Chocolate GIN FOR DEAN & DELUCA
Japanese Name: アロマ生チョコレート GIN FOR DEAN & DELUCA
Released: January 15, 2021
DEAN & DELUCA Official Website: https://www.deandeluca.co.jp/ -
Bandai’s character-inspired Japanese confectionery series Tabemas is releasing two new traditional Japanese wagashi confections inspired by the Peanuts comic series. Snoopy and Charlie Brown will arrive at Lawson convenience stores across Japan on January 19, 2021.
Tabemas Snoopy | ¥264 Each (Before Tax)
The cute confections capture the little details of the iconic characters, from Snoopy’s doggo features and collar to Charlie Brown’s hair and shirt. The Snoopy confection is filled with chocolate bean paste—a nod to his favourite chocolate chip cookies—while Charlie Brown is filled with custard bean paste as a nod to his trademark shirt. The packaging features exclusive art drawn for the Peanuts comic’s 70th anniversary with Snoopy atop his dog house.
© 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
Information
Tabemasu Snoopy / Charlie Brown
Release Date: January 19, 2021Available: At the chilled sweets section of Lawson convenience stores in Japan (Excluding Natural Lawson and Lawson Store 100)
*Available while supplies last
*Stock date may differ from branch to branch
*Select stores not participatingProduct Page: https://www.bandai.co.jp/candy/tabemas/snoopy03/
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Eggs ‘n Things is set to serve up a special limited-time Valentine’s menu in Japan from January 16 to February 28 including the Torokeru Fondant Chocolate Pancakes and Strawberry & Banana Chocolate French Toast.
Valentine’s Menu
Torokeru Fondant Chocolate Pancakes | Eat In ¥1,480 (Before Tax)
Torokeru Fondant Chocolate Pancakes | Takeout ¥1,080 (Before Tax)
Strawberry & Banana Chocolate French Toast | Eat In ¥1,380 (Before Tax)
Strawberry & Banana Chocolate French Toast | Takeout ¥980 (Before Tax)
Valentine’s Drinks
Strawberry White Mocha | Hot or Iced ¥680 (Before Tax)
Hawaiian Cafe Mocha | Hot or Iced ¥580 (Before Tax)
This lovingly-prepared chocolate and fruit-loaded line-up is sure to get the butterflies stirring hungrily for this year Valentine’s.
Information
Eggs ‘n Things Valentine’s Menu
Running: January 16, 2021 – February 28, 2021
Available: Eggs ‘n Things Japan
Branch List: https://www.eggsnthingsjapan.com/store/
Official Website: https://www.eggsnthingsjapan.com/ -
The popular wine bar Dick Bruna TABLE, where customers can enjoy a glass of wine with a meal together with illustrations by Dick Bruna, the creator of Miffy, is now selling a batch of Miffy cookies created by the popular confectionery Theo Blom located in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Miffy Cookies & Chocolate | ¥4,000 (Before Tax)
Miffy Cookies | ¥4,000 (Before Tax)
Utrecht is the birthplace of Miffy author and creator Dick Bruna, and Theo Blom is a place that Bruna himself actually often visited. The confectionery is known for its tins which can be reused after the contents are eaten. The cute Miffy tins are definitely keepers.
Information
Dick Bruna TABLE – Miffy Cookies & Chocolate
Released: Mid December 2020
Location: Dick Bruna TABLE
Address: 3-1-1 Sannomiyacho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
Opening Hours:
[Weekdays] 11:00-15:00 (Last Orders 14:00) / 17:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:00)
[Saturdays] 11:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:00)
[Sundays/Public Holidays] 11:00-21:00 (Last Orders 20:00)
Access: 078-333-3332
Official Website: https://dickbrunatable.com/
