XFLAG STORE + HANEDA is a small branch of XFLAG STORE and is located in Terminal 1 of Haneda Airport. On August 13th, they released three energising bubble tea flavours served in a bottle that you can take on board with you when travelling along domestic air routes. The three bubble tea flavours are; MILK TEA, HOJICHA (a type of green tea) and MATCHA.
These bubble tea flavours are limited to XFLAG STORE + HANEDA and were created with the intention of providing a splash of energizing fun to tiresome travels.
As long as you screw the lid on properly, you can store your delicious drink in your bag and even carry it onto your flight so you can enjoy it whilst soaring through the clouds. This is the first time a shop at Haneda airport has ever sold a bubble tea drink with the intention of flight passengers taking it on board with them.
*Drinks and liquids are usually permitted on domestic flights in Japan. Please check the specific rules of your flight by referring to the official website of your airline.
To commemorate the release of the new bubble teas, XFLAG STORE + HANEDA has launched an Instagram campaign with the chance to win an Amazon gift card worth ￥10,000 (approx. 80GBP/95USD).
To take part in the Instagram campaign for the chance to win a ￥10,000 Amazon gift card, be sure to take a photo with your XFLAG STORE + HANEDA bubble tea drink and then post the picture on Instagram with the following three hashtags:
#旅タピ #タピオカ #空の上で飲めるタピオカドリンク
Four winners will be selected.
Get your summer holidays off to a soaring start with a beautiful bottle of bubble tea.
Information
MILK, HOJICHA, MATCHA Bubble Teas
Price: ￥650 (before tax)
Release Date: August 13, 2019
Available at: XFLAG STORE + HANEDA
Address: Haneda Airport Terminal 1 South Wing, floor 3 (3-3-2 Haneda Airport, Ota Ward, Tokyo)
*Bubble teas sold may differ in appearance to the images in this article.
* The MILK Bubble Tea (cup) is also available at XFLAG STORE SHINSAIBASHI. Both the HOJICHA and MATCHA Bubble Tea flavours are limited to XFLAG STORE + HANEDA.
XFLAG STORE Portal Website: https://xfl.ag/soratapi
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
-
For the whole month of August, the BOTANIST Tokyo tea stand in Harajuku is serving two different tapioca bubble tea beverages. Just 100 of each will be sold each day.
The two delicious drink flavours include “Butterfly Pea Soy Milk Tea” and “Matcha Milk Tea.” Both beverages are made with high quality tapioca pearls from bubble tea store Bull Pulu who serve up Taiwanese pop culture with their tasty menu.
Vegans shopping in Tokyo’s Harajuku and Omotesando areas will be excited to try the vegan-friendly Butterfly Pea Soy Milk Tea. Both of the drinks are also sold in eco cups and come with paper straws.
Tapioca Butterfly Pea Soy Milk Tea – ¥600 (Tax Included)
The vegan-friendly option is a combination of bright and colourful butterfly pea tea and soy milk. It’s laced with a tropical coconut syrup for enhanced flavour.
Tapioca Matcha Milk Tea – ¥600 (Tax Included)
The matcha milk tea is a combination of rich and smooth matcha foam and milk. It’s mixed with a fragrant hazelnut syrup.
Both drinks are takeout only and are available to buy on the first floor. If you fancy a little refreshing drink while strolling through Harajuku then be sure to visit BOTANIST Tokyo.
Information
BOTANIST Tokyo
Address: 6-29-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo (Shop – Floor 1F / Cafe – Floor 2F)
Business Hours: 11:00-20:00
Official Website: https://botanistofficial.com/shop/ -
Hey, everyone. Midori here again from the MMN Editorial Team.
The bubble tea boom in Japan is still rife. Harajuku in particular has become a war zone with new bubble tea shops opening all the time. Si an ju is one of them and it has become popular for its delicious drink selection so I went to try it out myself!
Si an ju is located just in front of Harajuku Station. Bubble tea shops in Harajuku tend to open along Cat Street or in Ura-Harajuku. Surprisingly there was even one in front of the station so it’s safe to say bubble tea life is making progress.
To get there, exit from Harajuku Station’s Takeshita Exit, cross at the traffic lights. Turn left and you’ll be able to see the outdoor shop sign.
Also beyond that is Cafe Yolum, a South Korean cafe.
Related Article: Cafe Yolum: The Popular & Pretty Pink South Korean Cafe in Harajuku
At the storefront is a huge and airy bubble tea monument. Now I’m getting excited!
There are several tables inside for customers to sit down, relax and enjoy their beverages, but not many.
The menu is fairly big and they even have options without tapioca balls. The Blue Lagoon drink sounds interesting, it has a mysterious colour.
On my visit thought I ordered the shop’s recommended Brown Sugar Bubble Milk.
The sauce in the cup is a brown sugar sauce which together with the decorative seahorse makes it look like a coral reef. Very beautiful!
The sauce is collected at the bottom and sinking around the sides so be sure to give the drink a good mix before drinking. Compared to other bubble teas the tapioca look pretty big. They might be almost as big as the thickness of the straw.
Time to drink!
It’s pretty sweet-tasting. It’s sweet even for me who orders their bubble tea with the maximum sugar option. But it’s not an overpowering sweetness – the brown sugar has a refreshing sweet flavour. The tapioca balls are large and so are filling
The brown sugar sauce will fall and mix into the drink as you sip so it’s best to take a photo right away.
I visited the shop at the same time as they opened so I was able to buy my drink without waiting, but if you go on the weekend in the afternoon the lines can get pretty long, so it might be an idea to go earlier.
A lot of bubble tea shops open at 11:00am but Sin an ju opens at 10:00am so I recommend going there if you’re in Harajuku early in the morning when no others are open!
I also highly recommend it for people who like chewy tapioca balls. Be sure to pay them a visit.
Information
Sin an ju
Address: 1-19-14 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5843-0229
Official Website: https://sin-an-ju.com/
-
Hello, everybody! It’s Midori from MMN’s editorial team.
Harajuku is a bubble tea battleground! A new bubble tea shop opens every month, and all of them enjoy huge lines of customers. I’ve tried most of the bubble tea in Harajuku, and so I’ve compiled the perfect list for those of you who don’t want to take a gamble and choose the wrong place, or those of you not planning to do a bubble tea crawl to taste test.
Gong cha – The standard bubble tea shop
Gong cha has multiple stores here and there, but the one in Harajuku is extremely busy on weekends, so much so that it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it’s the one people line up for the most.In spite of the many subtle customisations you can have with your drink, whether it’s the ice and sweetness levels or the toppings, the staff here are extremely skilled in what they do. This might explain the long lines of people.
You can’t go wrong with this place, so I recommend it to newcomers of bubble tea.
■Information
Gong cha Harajuku Omotesando
Address: Harajuku Bell Pier 1F, 6-6-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6427-7543
Access: 3-minutes on foot from Exit 7 of Tokyo Metro Meiji-Jingumae Station
Seats: None
Business Hours:
[Mon-Thur] 11:00-21:30
[Fri] 11:00-22:00
[Wknds & Hols] 10:00-22:00THE ALLEY – Where they have chic cups!
Chic cup server THE ALLEY is close to Gong cha. Its location can be difficult for people to explain, and yet this place too is bustling on weekends!
In addition to the standard bubble tea options, this shop also sells unique drinks, like its “Bonsai Tapioca.” Personally, I prefer ordering this drink “mild hot” rather than the normal cool or hot. I’ve burnt myself drinking hot tapioca through a straw before, so mild hot is great for me.
The tapioca balls are relatively small so I think those people who’ve never had tapioca before will find it delicious. I recommend it on a chilly day!
Review: Trying the New Cheese Tea at The Alley in Omotesando
■Information
The Alley
Address: 6-6-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00
No Fixed Holidays.
TEL: 03-6712-5185
Website: http://www.the-alley.jp/KOI Thé – For those of you who want to try something a little different
KOI Thé serves golden tapioca balls instead of black!The shop has a simple interior design and enjoys more male and adult and adult customers compared to other places. When compared to Gong cha and THE ALLEY it may seem as if not many people line up for this one, but their flavours are great, and the small golden tapioca balls can be sipped smoothly.
I recommend going to KOI Thé if you’re a little embarrassed about going into an overly ‘kawaii’ looking shop or if you don’t want to line up for long.
Visiting Harajuku’s Newest Tapioca Drink Store KOI Thé
■Information
KOI Thé
Address: 4-27-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00
No Fixed Holidays.
TEL: 03-6434-5753
Website: https://koithe.jp/NONARA PEARL – Their pink kitty is so cute!
NONARA PEARL is located on the second floor of Laforet Harajuku. As of now this is the only branch, so if you’re looking to try Harajuku-exclusive bubble tea then look no further. Since it’s located indoors, you don’t have to worry about the heat, cold or rain when lining up. It’s nice to have a leisurely chat with friends when lining up.
The shop also has this big piece of wall art which is perfect for an Instagram steal. In any case, I recommend visiting if you want to drink some Harajuku-style cute bubble tea.■Information
NONARA PEARL
Address: Laforet Harajuku 2F, 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6432-9627
Access:
1-minute (54m) on foot from Exit 5 of Meiji-Jingumae Station via the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
4-minutes (310m) on foot from the Omotesando Exit of Harajuku Station via the JR Yamanote Line
9-minutes (700m) on foot from Exit A1 of Omotesando Station via the Tokyo Metro Ginza LineFORTUNER tea box – A little-known good place where you can drink cheese tea!
FORTUNER tea box sells cheese tea topped with cheese foam that’s like a bubbly cheese cake. Though their beverages are rich and delicious the shop is a little far from the station. But that means you don’t have to line up to get your drink.Their bubble tea is addictive, so I recommend it to anyone who has already tried regular bubble tea and those who don’t want to stand in line.
Drink Tea in Style With FORTUNER tea-box’s Cheese Tea Tapioca in Harajuku
The building it’s in also has a shop that sells really cute bottled drinks. Check it out via the link below.
Anyone Can Become an Instagrammer With Drinks Sold at Harajuku’s Popular ‘cafe no.’
■Information
FORTUNE tea-boxAddress: 3-27-15 Jingumae, Shibuya, TokyoOpening Hours: 11:30am-11:00pm (No Fixed Holidays)TEL: 03-5755-5708
Website: http://fortuner.co.jp/index.html
Si an ju – Seahorse tapioca!
Si an ju opened just recently, you’ll know it by their seahorse logo!Their brown sugar tapioca has a coral-like design as pictured above. The tapioca here is chewy and very filling. It’s also conveniently close to Harajuku Station.
Their large-grained tapioca are freshly-made and you don’t have to line up as much as Gong cha or THE ALLEY. I recommend this shop to those who want to try out the newest tapioca in Harajuku.
Food Review: Seahorse Bubble Tea at Sin an ju in Front of Harajuku Station
■Information
Sin an juAddress: 1-19-14 Jingumae, Shibuya, TokyoTEL: 03-5843-0229Official Website: https://sin-an-ju.
Chakasho – Famous flavours on Takeshita Street
The last entry to this list is Chakasho which also just opened recently!It being along Takeshita Street means you can also get some shopping in too. Their drinks may be less “Instagrammable” than other shops, but their tapioca are chewy and large-grained, and the drinks are rich but easy to drink, delicious, and very satisfying.
If you’ve made the effort to go to Harajuku and want some extraordinarily tasty tapioca then I recommend Chakasho. They have lots of staff working there so the lines move quickly.
Harajuku’s New Bubble Tea Shop Chakasho―Review
■Information
Chakasho – Harajuku Takeshita Street
Address: 175 Honkan Bldg. Floor B1F, 1-7-3 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Website: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/
Many shops are crowded on the weekends, some where you can be waiting over half an hour! But all of the drinks sold at these shops are tasty so you’ll soon come to realise why the lines are so long. Since you’ve made the effort to visit Harajuku, why not try lining up at one of them?
The shops are very busy at noon on weekends so I recommend heading to a shop around opening time to avoid that.
I hope this article is helpful to both those making their bubble tea debut as well as local bubble tea masters!
RELATED ENTRIES
-
The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022.
[Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project
■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku
・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023
・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas
■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition Event
Over 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter!
・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki)
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate)■Snow Miku Photo Spot
Snow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths.
・On Display: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki)
JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)
■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi App
A number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!
・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka Information Center,
Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village
(Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower,
Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video
The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!
・On Air: December 1, 2022~
・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu)
■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc.
A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!
・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities
■Snow Miku Filters Using AR
When each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.
・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
Information
Hirosaki x Hakodate x Snow Miku Tourism Campaign
Beginning December 2022
Details: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=hirohako
-
Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store, Doraemon’s official shop, has announced a limited edition black tea flavored with the character’s favorite food: dorayaki! The tea and four special themed plates will be available starting November 11, 2022. The tea itself is provided by the tea specialty shop LUPICIA.
Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store Black Tea (Dorayaki Flavor)
Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store is now offering this special tea in an adorable themed tin.
The flavor of the tea is inspired by Doraemon’s favorite food, dorayaki, a sweet Japanese pastry filled with red bean paste. The gorgeous blue and red toppings blended into the tea leaves were inspired by Doraemon himself, and fans will want to enjoy a cup as they lose themselves in the classic manga or anime series.
Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store Tasty Plate (4 varieties)
These 14cm square plates are perfect for snacks with tea. Dishwasher-safe, fans can pick from four designs, each showing Doraemon enjoying some tasty treats.
©Fujiko-Pro
Information
Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store
Venue: Diver City Tokyo Plaza 2F (1-1-10 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
Hours: 11:00-20:00 (Weekdays) / 10:00-21:00 (Weekends/Holidays)
*Hours are subject to change.
Online Store: https://mirai-dora-world-online.com/
Official Site: https://mirai.dora-world.com/ -
Since its start in 2007, the Snoopy tea brand SNOOTEA has remained popular with Peanuts fans and tea fans alike. Typically, the brand has sold black tea in cute tins featuring Snoopy and his friends.
Starting November 7, fans can purchase a special Chocola tea made by tea blender Shuntarou Kumazaki. Blended to suit Japanese water and inspired by the world of Peanuts, it promises to be the perfect flavor for the holidays.
Made with cacao nibs, the flavor of standard black tea is punctuated with a chocolate aroma. The tea leaves themselves come from India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya, and are blended together in a balanced way to create an appealing taste that will have tea lovers coming back again and again. This blend is also perfect for making milk tea, and fans can even add whipped cream and marshmallows. This tea also goes well with strawberries, oranges, bananas, and other fruits, as well as nuts!
Snoopy and his friends dressed in winter attire will appear on each tin, adding to the festive holiday spirit. On the online store, customers can also find Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Apple Tea, and other varieties.
© 2022 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
Information
SNOOTEA Chocola Tea
Release Date: November 7, 2022
Price: ¥999 (Tax Included)
Details/Purchase: https://feuillesbleues.com/onlineshop/snootea
-
Taisho Pharmaceuticals has announced a new flavor of Vicks Medicated Drops available only in Japan! The Matcha flavor will be available starting October 1, 2022.
VICKS Medicated Drops are lozenges perfect to relieve sore throats, and in an attempt to make a product for everyone’s taste, 14 flavors have been developed so far–five fruit types, three refreshing types, and six sugarless types.
Matcha has become a more popular flavor among both young and old people in recent years, and this Japan-only flavor is sure to be a hit. The active ingredient, CPC, disinfects and sterilizes the mouth, so the next time you feel a cold coming on, try one of these lozenges out.
Information
VICKS Medicated Drops (Matcha)
Release Date: October 1, 2022
Brand Site: https://brand.taisho.co.jp/vicks/
-
Kimikura, a specialty tea shop in Shizuoka Prefecture, is collaborating with Laid-Back Camp Season 2! Fans will be able to purchase Kimikura’s popular green tea in limited edition packaging showing Rin Shima enjoying a piping hot cup. This limited edition item will be available at the Kimikura online store and Kimikura’s physical shops starting July 8, 2022.
The high-quality Kakegawa tea is made from leaves picked after 88 nights and has a lovely mellow fragrance and a full-bodied flavor.
This is the third collaboration with Laid-Back Camp, and fans of the series or Rin won’t want to miss it.
Why not rewatch Laid-Back Camp with a nice cup of this tasty tea?
Information
Kimikura’s Retreat
Release Date: July 8, 2022
Green Tea (Produced in Shizuoka Prefecture)
Available in limited quantities
Where to Buy: Kimikura Online Shop (https://kimikura.online/item/7078)
Kimikura Main Store, Kimikura Shizuoka Gofukucho Shop, KIMURACAFE -
Mizu to Takumi, a company associated with the Toyama West Tourism Promotion Association, has teamed up with SKYTREK to offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit the area via private jet. Reservations for the incredible experience began on June 17, 2022.
Offering an entirely new tourism experience in Toyama Prefecture, visitors can see the area’s natural wonders from miles above the Earth. The program also aims to share local culture and more about traditional craftsmanship and cuisine.
Toyama Prefecture boasts dramatic topography, from the massive peaks of the Northern Alps and the Tateyama Mountains to the deep waters of Toyama Bay. To better allow visitors to see the sights, these private jet tours will be chartered on special courses different from standard airlines.
After the flights, guests will be welcomed to explore Takaoka’s deep history and culture. Kane no Sanzun, a restored and preserved inn, will welcome visitors, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating time.
Visitors can also book optional excursions to further explore the area, such as a Zen meditation experience at a famous temple in Takaoka, a traditional crafting workshop, and a tour and tasting of the only whiskey distillery in the Hokuriku region.
Come enjoy a trip to Toyama with a whole new perspective!
Information
Travel to Toyama by Private Jet
Available: June 17 – October 26, 2022
Travel Period: June 22 – October 31, 2022
Details: https://www.skytrek.co.jp/tours/toyama-private-jet-plan
-
Airbnb boasts one of the largest travel communities in the world, filled with users offering up lodging and those eager to visit somewhere new. The Japanese subsidiary of the company has revealed the top spots added to Japanese users ‘Favorites (Wish Lists)’ from May 1 to May 17, 2022. Where will travelers in the country be headed this summer?
Golden Week is long gone and users are starting to think about where to visit during the hottest part of the year. This national ‘Wish List’ might make it easier to pick a spot, with many locations highlighting lesser-known areas!
Gujo Hachiman Villa, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Gifu)
This completely private rental villa was made for sauna enthusiasts. One lucky pair per day can book this suite along the Yoshida River flowing through Gujo Hachiman, known as the “City of Water and Dance.” Currently booked through the end of August, reservations for September and beyond will be available in early June. Book a stay to enjoy the gorgeous autumn foliage!
A House Surrounded by Lush Greenery in the Countryside (Tottori)
Hosted by a family of musicians and architects, this guesthouse invites guests to enjoy gorgeous Nordic-inspired interiors and the serene quiet of the countryside. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect spot.
Hoshina Satomachi, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Nagano)
There’s nothing like spending the summer in a traditional Japanese home. Enjoy a barbeque on the terrace and relax on the massive lawn. This is the perfect spot for families with children or pets!
Coastal Cabin (Chiba)
You can’t have summer without a pool. This luxurious coastal retreat boasts a 15-meter pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, bonfire space, and a barbeque. Relax by the pool while listening to your favorite songs or soak in the outdoor bath as you watch the waves crash along the shore.
An Elegant and Peaceful Log Cabin (Nagano)
Located at 1,300 meters above sea level on the Iizuna plateau, this log cabin is situated in the midst of a dense forest. A perfect space for couples, families, or small groups of friends, guests are welcome to enjoy hiking through this gorgeous landscape in the center of Japan!
-
JR Tokai Tours has released a new travel plan for fans of Laid-Back Camp Season 2, which aired from January to March 2021. The tour will take place in the Izu area, which was heavily featured in episodes 10, 11, and 12. Guests can enjoy a travel plan with single lodging and original goods starting May 23 until June 29, 2022.
Original Stickers
The slice-of-life series Laid-Back Camp is currently serialized in COMIC FUZ.
Set in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Laid-Back Camp is a relaxing series following a group of high school girls going camping and enjoying their daily lives. The series is based on the author Afro’s personal experiences and interviews, and since serialization in 2015, the series has attracted fans from around the world. The original comic has sold over 7 million copies. In 2018, the first anime series premiered, inspiring a spin-off Room Camp in 2020 and a second season in 2021.
Four years after it was announced in 2018, a Laid-Back Camp animated film will arrive in theaters this summer.Information
Laid-Back Camp Season 2 Model Trip Plan
Release Date: May 16, 2022
Trip Dates: May 23 – June 29, 2022 *Some dates are excluded.
Shop: https://www.jrtours.co.jp/plan/shizuoka/yurucamp/Official Site: https://www.jrtours.co.jp/
-
Located in Uji, Kyoto, matcha shop Itohkyuemon was founded in the late Edo period. Three cozy locations have just launched a Hydrangea Parfait, perfect for spring.
Hydrangea Parfait
Hydrangea Coaster
The shop’s main location is headquartered in Uji, which is also home to Mimuroto Temple, known for its hydrangeas. The flowery location attracts thousands of tourists during the rainy season.
The Hydrangea Parfait has been offered since 2013, now celebrating its 10th year. The popular seasonal treat features matcha hydrangea mashed sweet potatoes, hydrangea-colored jelly, leaf-shaped matcha cookies, and blueberries. Those ordering a parfait will also receive a hydrangea coaster as a gift, so why not enjoy the rainy season with something sweet to lift your spirits?
Information
Itohkyuemon Hydrangea Parfait
Release Date: May 13, 2022
Participating Locations: Uji store, JR Uji Stationfront store, Shijo-dori store
Details: https://www.itohkyuemon.co.jp/site/ajisai/
-
Nara-based tea ceremony brand Saron is serving up a tasty treat perfect for the warm weather! White shaved ice with dark matcha topping is now available until mid-September, and guests are invited to adjust the taste by altering the amount of tea added.
Lately, Nara has been experiencing a major shaved ice boom. Inspired by Himuro Shrine, known for housing a guardian deity of ice, the city introduces plenty of created recipes for the summer treats each year. The tea ceremony brand Saron was founded by Nakagawa Masashichi Shouten, in business since the Edo period–so it’s safe to say that the company knows what they’re talking about!
Guests can enjoy shaved ice made from pure Yamato ice, which is frozen for 72 hours, gently shaved, and topped with Nara’s Kasiya sweet bean paste, shiratama, agar, and condensed milk that has been boiled for four hours.
To finish off this luxurious dish, guests can add koicha, a thick matcha tea with concentrated flavor and incredible sweetness and depth. Polished twice as much as typical matcha, this is a taste you’ll never forget.
Why not come enjoy this traditional Japanese sweet this summer?
Information
Saron – White Shaved Ice with Dark Matcha Topping
Available: May 11 – mid-September
Where to Buy: Saron Nara (31-1 Ganriincho, Nara)
Official Site: https://salon-tea.jp/
-
The EMOCAL project aims to support small-town areas of Japan. As a new initiative in the project, specific soundscapes only found in certain areas of the country have been combined with music to create some unique tracks. A selection of musical artists have collaborated with the project to bring these songs to life!
EMOCAL was created by ZOWA’s original label, CatchyStuck. The project supports local regions and communities by using ASMR soundscape videos recorded in each region to convey their particular charms to all of Japan. The sounds recorded in each place are considered to be very valuable and are intended to serve two purposes: to bring tourism back after the pandemic and to provide fans of ASMR a way to experience these areas from afar.
Check out each of these unique ambient tracks created by four up-and-coming musicians! Each song is available on viviON’s ASMR platform ZOWA and on Spotify.Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture / Ikkyuu x Hige Driver, I Love Ikkyuu
Beard Driver created this ambient track with sounds recorded inside of Ikkyuu, a ramen shop.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20019
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1RP4RcpJwMrFzoYQbnfDYm?si=f1f1e816adb14db0
Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture / Miyuki no Hama x Powerless, Seiren
Powerless created this track, inspired by the sounds of waves crashing at Miyuki no Hama, a seaside recreation area 20 minutes from Odawara Station.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20016
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5DkQ9FeM7jQBacUf7Nbuxc?si=c7d771e73ddd44b6Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture / Wasabi Field x baker, On the silent hill
Utogi in Shizuoka city is surrounded by incredible nature. Known as the birthplace of wasabi cultivation, baker used sounds recorded in the area to create this ambient track.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20017
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0oIU4x7MjVKmpouRwEPaXZ?si=04dcb805cea540b7Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture / Cape Tara x SeA0, Akushu
Cape Tara is a popular spot featuring an 800-meter-long sandbar at low tide. The sounds captured here were used by artist SeA0, and this track is sure to make you miss the water.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20018
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1Utz5j0oB4GmSDOMVdUcXU?si=eafa1949b3ea44d0 -
The pandemic has caused problems for people all over the world. Mental health has taken a beating over the last few years, and in order to help people take back control of their mental wellness, The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Kyoto will begin offering immersive meditation rooms for guests only! These rooms will allow guests to enjoy a soothing private space and will be available starting April 1, 2022.
Blank meditation
tea mediation
The Medicha meditation rooms consist of two spaces: ‘blank,’ where guests are surrounded by mist, and ‘tea,’ where guests will immerse themselves in beautiful water patterns. An original program shown on in-room televisions at the hotel will also instruct guests in the art of meditation.
In ‘Blank Meditation,’ guests will stand in a cool mist and immerse themselves in layers of diverse sounds and shifting colors of light. This will help quiet the mind and create a ‘blank slate’ mentally.
The ‘Tea Meditation’ room invites visitors to spend time with themselves while getting lost in shimmering water patterns in a dimly lit space as they carefully brew their own tea. Two types of tea are on offer, each with distinct aromas and flavors.
Information
Meditation Room by Medicha
The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Kyoto
Address: 420 Funayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Details: https://www.the-royalpark.jp/ic/kyoto/facilities/meditation/
Official Site: https://www.the-royalpark.jp/ic/kyoto/
