Kyoto Brighton Hotel is now selling reservations for its new “Haru no Asobi Plan” (Springtime Fun Plan) which is taking place between March and May this year and offers guests the opportunity to enjoy Kyoto in the spring and its cherry blossoms.

Spring in Kyoto is the most popular season for tourists and travellers who flock from not only across Japan but from around the world. The Haru no Asobi Plan is made up of 5 exciting plans to see the ancient capital’s breathtaking cherry blossoms, vibrant green maples, and other offerings.

“Asakatsu” – An early morning temple visit and stroll

Get away from the crowded streets and enjoy the rare opportunity to experience incredible early morning sights you don’t normally get to see. Spend a quiet morning in a gorgeous environment in this plan. Several temples and gardens are in place for the experience: Kōdaiji Temple, Bishamon-do Temple, Taizō-in, Haradanien, and Tenryū-ji.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple special night viewing

One of the must-visit spots when travelling to Kyoto is Kiyomizu-dera, officially a World Heritage Site. This plan rents out the temple for you to experience it at nighttime. The main building is currently undergoing large-scale renovation to secure the roof as well as the inner construction of the temple. Seeing the temple is truly a sight to behold.

You are guaranteed a view of the famous “Stage of Kiyomizu,” an enormous veranda attached to the main hall. The surrounding trees will be lit with enchanting lights, and you’ll be able to gaze at the distant city nightscape. Experience Kyoto like never before as the warm lights illuminate the Niōmon (Deva Gate), 3-storey pagoda, and purified water which runs from the Otowa Waterfall.

Discover the world of Kyoto embroidery

The traditional practice of Kyounui, or Kyoto-style embroidery, has continued since the Heian Period and is even garnering attention overseas. It’s a delicate and refined style of embroidery unique to Kyoto.

After your embroidery session which will take place in a Kyoto town house nearby the cherry blossom-filled Hirano Shrine, you’ll look at kimono and yukata so beautiful they’ll look like they should be in an art museum, before heading to eat together with the creator.

See the green maple trees of Hōgon-in on a private train

Board the private 1-2 carriage Randen train on the Keifuku Electric Railroad, which runs from Shijō-Ōmiya to Arashiyama. This cute retro train will take you Arashiyama where the green maples are breathtakingly beautiful.

You’ll also get to stroll through the quaint gardens of Hōgon-in Temple, view artwork painted by Noriko Tamura, and more.

Sky Bus

Enjoy a panoramic view on a private ride of the Sky Bus, a double-decker bus which is gaining huge popularity right now. You will ride through the city of Kyoto and see the rows of pink cherry blossoms. In April, they will also do an evening tour of the cherry blossoms so you can see them at night, and in May they’ll do a green maple tree tour.

Discover the beauty of Kyoto in this very special hotel plan at Kyoto Brighton Hotel.

Kyo Yasaka Pudding is a shop with a new vision. Located in Kyoto’s tourist hot spot of Higashiyama ward, it’s home to a team of people who love and are well-versed when it comes to food. Their incredible purin, or Japanese custard puddings, are made carefully one by one to make people happy. These puddings are tried and tested: much trial and error was done to ensure the ingredients, flavours, technique, and appearance were perfect.

On January 24, they’re set to release a new product to the menu: the Kyo Yasaka Hot Pudding Latte.

This hot beverage combines a pudding latte, made from incredible Kyoto milk, with super rich caramel cream. It’s then topped with a mix of tempting decorations. The caramel and cream are of a high quality, with the caramel cream itself having a unique and irresistible bitter bite you won’t find anywhere else.

This is the perfect accompaniment to a winter walk through Kyoto while sightseeing.

If you love delicious Japanese desserts and are keen to discover more, you’ve visited the right website. Today with the help of Instagrammer Yukko, we’ll be looking at matcha desserts you can purchase from Japanese convenience stores. 

Matcha Purin Cake Sandwich: ¥324/ Family Mart

Matcha Purin Cake Sandwich: ¥324

This is a fluffy sandwich with a hearty filling of sweet matcha purin, matcha cream, whipped cream and red bean paste. The fluffy cake and light cream create a wonderful balance of textures and enjoy a moderate sweetness. This dessert is sure to leave your stomach fully satisfied.

Dorayaki Pancakes Stuffed with Matcha Cream: ¥300/ 7-Eleven

Dorayaki Pancakes Stuffed with Matcha Cream: ¥300

The delicious aroma of the matcha will entice you before you have even tried it. The refined, rich matcha flavour will spread throughout your mouth and melt beautifully. 

Uji Matcha and Shiratama White Dumpling Parfait:¥300/ 7-Eleven

Uji Matcha and Shiratama White Dumpling Parfait:¥300

This is a luxurious parfait containing Shiratama dango, warabi mochi, matcha whipped cream, dorayaki pancake pieces, plain whipped cream, matcha mousse and matcha starch cakes. Enjoy a variety of textures – perfect for the matchaholic!

Matcha & Sweet Red Beans & Whipped Cream Doyayaki: ¥140/ 7-Eleven

Matcha & Sweet Red Beans & Whipped Cream Doyayaki: ¥140

Sweet red bean paste, matcha sauce, whipped cream and chewy warabi mochi are stuffed between two matcha dorayaki. The matcha sauce is rich and plentiful, creating the perfect matcha-tastic treat.

 If you’re on a matcha hunt, how about starting at the convenience store? There are just so many matcha desserts to discover. Mogu Mogu Yukko’s Instagram is full of delicious desserts that you can buy from Japanese convenience stores and supermarkets. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, make sure to check it out.

 Original Article Contents and Photos By: Mogu Mogu Yukko

*Convenience stores are always updating their products and therefore the desserts mentioned in this article may stop selling at any time. Please check the convenience store’s social media or official website for the most up-to-date information. 

Have you ever wondered what the thrill of bungee jumping would be like, but are too afraid of heights to even consider putting it on your bucket list? Have no fear, because Kyoto Tower is bringing a new VR bungee jumping experience to the top of the building which will be available to experience from February 1 for a limited time.

This VR experience was first brought to the tower in the fall of 2018, and this year it is making its grand return. After the event originally ended, there was huge demand for it to be held again.

Those brave enough to have a go at this VR bungee jump (or bungy, depending where you are from), will go above and beyond the 100 meter observation deck to the highest accessible point of Kyoto Towerーup 120.9 metersーwhich is normally closed off to the public, to the special VR deck which has been prepared.

The experience will offer you not only the thrill of jumping from Kyoto’s tallest structure, but the chance to gaze upon a panoramic view of the beautiful city too.

With a history of 120 years in managing a number of old hotels and restaurants, the Ryumeikan Group will open a new café that sells Japanese desserts, pastries, tea and coffee called CHAYA 1899 TOKYO. The new café is set to open on February 21, 2020 and will embrace the delicious flavours of matcha, hōjicha and Japanese black tea. 

The café will open on floor 1 of the boutique hotel Hotel 1899 Tokyo. The café interior is wood-themed with touches of black for a casual fusion of tradition and modernity. With a space of 120 square metres, the relaxing environment is spacious enough to seat 38.

The original restaurant opened for business in December 2018. Now, CHAYA 1899 TOKYO specialises in Japanese beverages and intends to live its days as the tea shop that customers can visit as they please for a break from everyday life.

One of the most appealing aspects of the new restaurant has to be the menu. There are 10 different drinks available. Each drink is carefully made with high-quality tea leaves that were carefully selected from all over Japan. The tea varieties include matcha, hōjicha, Japanese black tea made from Japanese tea leaves. 

Rich Matcha Latte: ¥600 (After Tax)

Each cup of tea is carefully made, one by one, by the café’s Japanese tea specialist. The rich matcha tea is made using traditional tools such as a bamboo whisk. From this, soy milk or milk is added to make the rich matcha latte. From three to six grams, you can choose the strength of your tea by the gram to create a more personalised matcha latte. 

 Other drinks on the menu include the Hōjicha Latte and the brand new inventions the ‘Matcha Soda and ‘Japanese Black Tea Soda’, which will tempt you their exquisite aromas. 

The café even has a counter especially for the tea making and pouring procedures. The water for each drink is boiled in a traditional kettle by the tea specialist, who carefully regulates the water temperature and controls the brewing time according to the tea leaf. 

Matcha Pan:  ¥600 (After Tax)

As expected, the café also sells delicious sweet treats full of matcha goodness to go with your tea. The fresh green Matcha Pan are full of matcha goodness. They are made from 100% Japanese wheat, Hokkaido butter and milk. The mixture is left to rise at a low temperature over a long period of time. Afterwards, matcha from Shizuoka is added to the mix and then baked into muffins. This original and rare bread was developed with Baba FLAT – a café which sells very popular pastries and coffee in Takadanobaba, Tokyo. 

Craving more matcha? Enjoy both matcha and hōjicha at the same time in the form of a healthy snack: the Omatcha Brownie. The brownies are made from gluten-free rice flour and enjoy a moist texture and rich flavour.

Uji matcha, a high-quality and rich matcha used in tea ceremonies, is also used to make rich matcha ice cream (Koicha Gelato) and matcha cakes called “Sakecha Cakes” which combine tea and Japanese sake or brandy with cakes. The varieties of cake include matcha and Japanese sake, hōjicha and Japanese sake and black tea and brandy.

If you’re looking for a unique tea experience, look no further than CHAYA 1899 TOKYO.

We’ve previously covered the best spots to try delicious matcha desserts in Kyoto. Now, with the help of expert dessert Instagrammer Kei, we are going to introduce you to some of the most delicious spots to try matcha desserts in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

If you want to discover more delicious cafés, desserts and drinks in Hokkaido, make sure to check out Kei’s Instagram (@607keih).

KotoniSand, Nishi Ward

Macchan French Toast: ¥1200

 From dinners to desserts, this café serves up lots of meals based on their delicious thick-sliced bread. Bread flavours include plain, matcha and even coffee. You can order to go or enjoy the eat-in-limited menu. This fluffy french toast is soaked in matcha liqueur and is full of flavour even before trying it with the toppings. Take a bite of it with the red bean paste for a flavour adventure. A limited number of these are sold per day so if you want to try it, make sure to get there early. 

▼KotoniSand

Address: 1-1-1 Yamanote 5 Jō, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Opening Hours: 11:00-18:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Official Website: https://kotonisand.business.site

Ame no hi to yuki no hi, Minami Ward

Gelato Futatsu: ¥450

Located before Jozankei’s onsen hotspot is a café called Ame no hi yuki no hi. It serves delicious pizzas and a variety of gelato flavours depending on the season. Their matcha ice cream is delicious. They even allow you to order two or three flavours at once so you can enjoy a mix and match of combinations. 

▼Ame no hi to yuki no hi

Address: 2-4-1, Jozankeionsennishi, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 

Opening Hours: 10:00-17:30
Closed: Thursdays
Official Website: https://www.amenohitoyukinohi.com

KANON pancakes, Shiroishi Ward

Matcha Tiramisu Pancake: ¥1500

This is a famous pancake shop in Kikusui. Tuck into a stack of fluffy pancakes inside the relaxing and soothing restaurant. The Matcha Tiramisu Pancakes are soaked with liqueur, creating a texture that is softer and moister than their standard pancakes. In addition to the matcha liqueur, the pancake is also dusted with matcha powder for a richer matcha flavour. Finally, they are drizzled with delicious brown sugar syrup and topped with walnuts.

▼KANON pancakes

Address: 5-5-18 Kikusui 3 Jo, Shiroishi Ward, Sapporo,

Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last Orders: 16:00)
No Regular Holidays
Official Website: https://kanon-pancakes.com

Any cafe, Kita Ward

Matcha Kintoki: ¥1350

This shop uses gluten-free ingredients in their food. This pancake dish is made using unpolished rice powder, three pieces of Turkish delight, red bean paste, rice flour dumplings, and cream made from Hokkaido-produced mascarpone and fresh cream. The cream is full of the bitter and delicious flavour of matcha, making the pancake sweet and very delicious. 

▼Any cafe

Address: 3-2-24 Kita 18 Jonishi, Kita Ward

Opening Hours: 11:00-18:30 (Last Orders: 18:00)
Closed: Tuesdays

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/any_cafe_sapporo/

If you are looking for delicious matcha desserts in Sapporo, let this article help you decide where to go. When your food cravings kick in, make sure to visit Kei‘s Instagram which is full of the most delicious meals, drinks and desserts in Hokkaido. 

Original Article Contents and Photos by: Kei (@607keih )

 When you think of Kyoto, matcha immediately comes to mind. Today with the help of the Kansai region’s expert dessert Instagrammer Tiara, we’ll be introducing you to the top matcha dessert shops of the Kansai region. 

Kawatomo, Fushimi 

Matcha Ganache Cake

JTRRD cafe KYOTO, Nakagyō 

Uji Matcha Smoothie (Kyoto-Limited)

Pink, red, orange, yellow, purple, green – this Uji matcha smoothie is a rainbow of colours. There are four different designs and you can choose from three varieties of fruit to decorate the inside of your cup. Each smoothie is made of fruit and vegetables, making this a healthy way to indulge in matcha. It is so beautiful you won’t want to drink it.

Winter is here, which means that the season of strawberries has finally fallen upon Japan. Today we are joined by Instagrammer Tiara, who enjoys posting their adventures around Japan’s Kansai region to try out all of the sweets and desserts. We are taking a look at must-visit locations in Kyoto for a taste of their tempting strawberry delights.

LITT UP.KYOTO in Gion-Shijō

At LITT UP.KYOTO, their “ichigoame” lets you enjoy strawberries in their original cute form.

They are coated in sweet strawberry candy and served on sticks in cups reminiscent of something from a Japanese festival. Part of their allure is how perfect they are as a tasty treat for walking around with. There’s even popping candy attached to the strawberries for an even sweeter textural treat.

▼LITT UP.KYOTO Gion

Address: 533 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/litt_up_kyoto/

Kissa Zou in Imadegawa

The “Kisetsu no Babaroa” (Seasonal Baravois) at Kissa Zou has an springy texture and sits in a sweet and sour strawberry sauce.

I recommend ordering one of the separate elephant cookies to place on top too to make this an even cuter dessert.

▼Kissa Zou

Address: 440-3 Santeicho, Kamigyo, Kyoto

Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00 (Last Orders 17:00)

No Fixed Holidays

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissa_zou/

Chounohane in Fushimi

At Chounohane they are serving strawberry barquettes as well as mini versions of them. The dessert itself is of course beautiful, but is made even more so by the antique plate♡

▼Chounohane

Address: 791 Nishishujakucho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Opening Hours: [Tues/Sat/Sun] Shop & Cafe 11:00-17:00 / [Fri] Shop Only 11:00-17:00

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chounohane/

Utanekodo in Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae

Utanekodo was renovated from a 100+ year old building and has its own cat cafe. The cafe space is located on the first floor.

Their “Nyanko Strawberry Milk” speaks for itself, topped with adorable kitty ice cream and delicious with its subtly sweet taste.

▼Utanekodo

Address: 155-4 Tachibanayanagicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Opening Hours: 13:00-20:00 (Last Orders 19:00)

No Fixed Holidays

Official Website: http://utanekodo.com/

MASHOLA in Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae

Finally we have the “Strawberry Tiramisu Cube Cake” served at MASHOLA, a Korean-style cafe. This cake is made with refreshing homemade tiramisu cream, delightful sponge, and is packed full of sweet and sour strawberries which complement the entire thing.

▼MASHOLA

Address: 1-A MOVIX, 406 Sakuranocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00

Official Website: https://mashola.business.site/

All of these cafes are wonderful, so if you’re in Kyoto for the strawberry season, be sure to visit as many as you can.

Tiara has plenty of other recommendations over on their Instagram page, so if you’re a sweet tooth looking for something sweet to indulge in around the Kansai area, be sure to give them a follow.

Text & Photos: ＠happy_pinkrose_tiara

Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

Garrett Popcorn has announced that it will release its popular limited-edition Matcha Truffle Caramel Crisp flavoured popcorn, as well as New Year’s popcorn tins with a Year of the Rat design for 2020, from December 26, 2019 in limited quantities.

Matcha Truffle Caramel Crisp / Available: December 26, 2019 – January 9, 2020 *While supplies last

The popular Matcha Truffle Caramel Crisp returns again this year, taking Garrett Popcorn’s classic Caramel Crisp™, coating it in white chocolate, and sprinkling over delicious matcha powder to create the ultimate luxury popcorn.

Garrett 2020 ETO Tins / Available: December 26, 2019 – January 9, 2020 *While supplies last

To get popcorn munchers in the festive mood, Garrett Popcorn has also designed these New Year’s tins featuring the classic Japanese celebratory colours vermilion and light emerald green. The design is also decorated with plum blossoms and a rat to symbolise the 2020 Year of the Rat from the Chinese zodiac.

Black Truffle / Available: December 27, 2019 – January 5, 2020 *While supplies last (At Garrett Popcorn Shops® in Harajuku/Tokyo Station/Shisui Premium Outlets/Nagoya)

The company has also developed a special new recipe to chime in the New Year: “Black Truffle,” a seriously luxurious indulgence. It will be sold for 10 days only when the New year rolls around.

Enjoy a Happy New Year with a bowl of these delicious popcorn flavours from Garrett Popcorn.

Kiyomizu Cheese Kobo opened in Kiyomizu Gojozaka, Kyoto in July this year as the first place in Kyoto to specialise in “bottled cheesecakes.” This month, they are releasing four new products to continue the cheese craze right to the end of 2019.

The first is a revamp of their number one most popular soft serve cheese ice cream: the “Chocolate Mont Blanc Cheese Soft.” The soft serve ice cream is a mix of refreshingly sweet milk and rich cheese topped with a full-bodied mont blanc-style chocolate—a welcome addition during the winter months when you want to stay in and indulge in some chocolate. The ice cream is finished with crushed chocolate pieces and a crowning raspberry to create a chocolate cake in a cone. You’re sure to become a frequent customer after a bite of this.

And for the Christmas season only, between December 18th-25th the shop is also selling another special soft serve that’s made to look like a Christmas tree. The cheese soft serve is covered with a sprinkling of Uji matcha powder and adorned with chocolate pearls and stars.

Kiyomizu Cheese Kobo is also releasing hot versions of its “Kiyomizu Cheese Drink” and “Matcha Cheese Tea,” the iced versions of which were greatly enjoyed in summer. The Matcha Cheese Tea can also now be ordered with tapioca topping, creating a delicious combination between the expertly crafted rich matcha cheese tea and the chewy and sugary tapioca pearls.

Also released this month is the “Homemade Matcha Tiramisu” when is served in a traditional masu box and served only on the second floor eat-in section. This irresistible delight is made with flavourful mascarpone cheese and bitter Uji matcha from Kyoto to create a dessert that’s perfect during a trip or day out in Kyoto. Because of the hard labour that goes into creating this dessert, only 5-10 are served per day, so be sure to arrive early to not miss the opportunity.

Starbucks Coffee Japan is celebrating Christmas 2019 with two new delicious beverages: the Matcha White Chocolate Frappuccino🄬 and Hot Matcha White Chocolate, both of which will be available to order between December 19 and 25 for this year only.

Both versions of this delightful holiday season drink are the perfect accompaniment to the winter days, combining richly fragrant matcha with smooth white chocolate. The Frappuccino🄬 enjoys the addition of maple syrup for a distinct sweetness which mixes gorgeously with the matcha and milkiness of the white chocolate.

The hot version is made with foamed milk which too is soaked in the full-bodied kick of the matcha. The fluffy texture of the foamed milk together with the sweet taste and velvety white chocolate is a combination sure to get you addicted.

If you’re in Japan for Christmas this year, be sure to stop by Starbucks for a cup of Matcha White Chocolate.

PRESS BUTTER SAND released two new sandwich biscuit products on December 13. PRESS BUTTER SAND Kyoto Station will release the Tsutsumi Uji Matcha and PRESS BUTTER SAND Hakata Station the Tsutsumi Amaou Strawberry. Both are limited in stock.

Both boxes of these delicious treats contain five of the store’s famous “PRESS BUTTER SAND” sandwich biscuits, and they come gift-wrapped in an original furoshikiーa type of Japanese wrapping cloth. The appearance of both products in their packaging maintain an artisanal aesthetic and capture the vibe of their respective cities.

The furoshiki were designed by Yumiko Kakizaki (BAKE Inc.), the creative director at PRESS BUTTER SAND, and several creators active around Kyoto and Fukuoka. Each design was made to represent the characteristics of Kyoto and Hakata.

Also available is the Tsutsumi Black, a set each of 5 original and black flavoured butter biscuit sandwiches.

PRESS BUTTER SAND boasts over 2.5 million sales a year on average. If you’ve get to try their scrumptious biscuit sandwiches then don’t pass up the opportunity to try these new flavours.