Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo will begin serving its new citrus fruit-packed Yuzu Lemon Afternoon Tea on November 1 at the Le Jardin, the hotel’s lobby lounge which offers a view of the beautiful garden.

You’ll see yuzu and lemons throughout the year, but it is said that winter is the best season to enjoy them. Both lemons and yuzu are said to have a relaxation effect, and so Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo will beckon guests through its cosy doors with the afternoon tea set’s refreshing citrus fragrance, inviting them to an early wonderful winter at the beginning of November.

The set includes an assortment of sweets including a yuzu and lemon flavoured savarin, a lemon cheesecake that squeezes out all the juicy nectar of the citrus fruit, and more. The lemons and yuzu are the citrus kingpins of this afternoon tea.

The seasonal scones are a mix of yuzu and vanilla scones and silky white chocolate scones to relieve some of the sourness. Enjoy together with a mix of dips including salted clotted cream for even more flavour.

On the savoury side of things there is a tempting mix of bites and nibbles, including the use of spicy ginger to warm up your cold body.

Welcome the winter early this year and do it in style with Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s new afternoon tea set.

Kiyotaka Katsume (勝⽬ 清鷹) is the first ever confectioner of the 70-year-old Tokyo Kaikan. This autumn, Tokyo Kaikan is selling Mont Blanc Marron Chantilly dessertsーwhich were invented by Katsumeーfor a limited period only.

Earl Grey Marron Chantilly: ￥908

The Earl Grey Marron Chantilly is only available from October 1 to October 31. The flavour and aroma of earl grey tea leaves has been fully extracted to add to the flavour of the cream.

Premium Marron Chantilly: ￥1,500

The premium Marron Chantilly is only available from September 1 to October 31. Japanese chestnuts sourced from Kasama are shredded with whipped cream for a light and fluffy texture. This is a paradise for anyone who loves chestnuts.

Pumpkin Marron Chantilly￥908

The Halloween-themed desserts at Tokyo Kaikan are a big hit every year. This year, the Pumpkin Marron Chantilly will be taking to the scene to deliver the very best flavours of Halloween. Just looking at this Halloween-coloured dessert is enough to make your mouth water. It is such a shame that it is only selling from October 18 to 31.  

Dig into one of these delicious Marron Chantilly desserts surrounded by the luxurious atmosphere of Tokyo Kaikan. 

Häagen-Dazs Japan has announced that it will release two new flavours from its popular hanamochi ice cream series on September 17: “Soybean Flour Brown Sugar Syrup” and “Zunda.”

Soybean Flour Brown Sugar Syrup Hanamochi

The soybean flour brown sugar syrup hanamochi was released back in 2015 and returned again in 2017. This year, Häagen-Dazs is bringing is back even more delicious than before. They have blended together a variety of soybean flours to elevate the ingredient’s original flavour.

The top of the mochi is sprinkled with a blend of lightly roasted black and yellow soybeans. By roasting them, the original taste and fragrance of the soybean comes through tenfold. Dark roasted soybean has also been combined with milk for a velvety texture, and the entire thing is drizzled in a rich original brown sugar syrup sauce which further enrichens the soybean flavour.

Zunda Hanamochi

Zunda is sweet soybean paste made from mashed edamame beans and a flavour that has been gaining popularity in Japan in recent years. Häagen-Dazs is incorporating the flavour for the first time in their hanamochi series.

The lumpy texture of the crushed edamame goes deliciously well with the chewy mochi, taking the original authentic taste and texture of edamame to a whole new level. Mixing it with soybeans and rich milk turns it into a smooth ice cream in your mouth. The sauce also contains a sprinkle of salt to bring out the flavour of the zunda.

The packaging has also been updated, inspired by their flavours and topped with a golden lid, giving it a modern-Japanese appeal. Don’t miss out on these two new flavours.

Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring resort in Gunma Prefecture that is one of Japan’s three principle hot spring locations. The site opened its new Japanese custard dessert (known as ‘purin’) shop, Kusatsu Onsen Pudding, on August 24, which serves the most incredibly smooth purin you have ever tried, each inspired by the hot springs.

Once you’ve stepped out of the nice warm hot springs of Kusatsu Onsen you can refresh yourself with a delicious purin packed full of love from the shop which has created a flavour you can only try by travelling to Gunma and going there. Each and every dessert is made fresh in the shop to further elevate its exclusivity as a local speciality.

Kusatsu Onsen Pudding also makes sure to use local and regional ingredients where it can to help support manufacturers and producers. Their purin is also made with a special type of milk sourced from in Gunma known as Haruna milk. The milk is made as delicious as can be by ensuring cows are raised on a healthy natural diet of grass on green pastures in Gunma bathed in plenty of sunlight.

Yuhata Purin

The Yuhata purin is inspired by the hot spring areas where mineral deposits are harvested, its jelly taking on a gorgeous emerald green colour. It’s lemon and lime flavoured, the perfect flavour to enjoy when stepping out of the hot water, and one which goes surprisingly well with purin.

Yumomi Purin

The staple purin of the store, this purin is based on yumomi, a method used for cooling the hot water with paddles from which cold water gushes forth. This velvety delight is made with lots of fresh cream and high-quality vanilla beans from Madagascar for added punch.

Furomage

A pun on the word fromage, with furo in Japanese meaning “bath,” the Furomage purin uses a rich cream cheese base which has a seriously smooth texture. It’s topped off with strawberry jelly for the perfect combination, packing a perfect balance between sweet and sour.

Yuhata Soft (Milk/Yuhata/Mixed)

Choose from the Yuhata soft serve ice cream which is ramune flavoured and inspired by the flowing water of the hot springs or the Haruna milk-mixed vanilla flavoured Milk soft serve. If you can’t pick, then choose mixed for a bit of both. A satisfyingly refreshing pick for when you’re done in the hot springs.

The shop has plans to sell purin made using bamboo steamers in the near future, so you’re pudding can be steamed like yourself after a dip in the water! The wooden spoons used to eat the desserts are also made in the image of the paddles used in yumomi too.

Capsule hotel Anshin-Oyado Premiere Kyoto Shijo Karasuma introduced a new plan on September 6 which gives guests the chance to go and see sacred places across Kyoto associated with Japanese swords.

October 4th is known as “Japanese Sword Day” in Japan. In Kyoto alone, the number of people visiting from distant places to see sacred sword places, as well as collect goshuin stamps from shrines and temples, is on the increase－as is the number of people staying at Anshin-Oyado Premiere Kyoto Shijo Karasuma. That’s where this new guest plan comes into play.

The plan will take guests around different parts of Kyoto, so the hotel as prepared three options to cater to all guests’ needs: one that offers a rental bicycle, a ticket to use the subway or bus, or the normal plan. You will receive a map which shows you the most efficient way to get around all the locations. There is also a QR code on the map which not only shows where you can park your bicycle if you go for that option, but also where to collect goshuin stamps.

Moreover, to really slash home those sword memories, guests will be lent a free selfie-stick which also acts as a tripod. There is also a separate powder room for guests wanting to dress up in full sword cosplay gear too which can be used until checkout.

Guests can also rent a portable power bank for their phone so they don’t have to worry about their battery running out when snapping photos amongst other amenities, and have free use of the massage chairs, foot baths, open-air baths, and more to rest up after their long pilgrimage around Kyoto seeing the different swords.

At MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we have introduced a lot of kawaii bubble tea drinks you can in enjoy in Kyoto. However, we have much more to offer you than just bubble tea news! Today we have summarised the top soda drinks you can enjoy in Kyoto which both look and taste amazing. With the help of kyoto cafe life tiara ‘s phenomenal photos, we will be introducing you our top six picks.

SHIN-SETSU /Nakagyō-ku

Blood Orange (left)  Blue Curaçao (right): ￥690

Two of Tokyo Station’s shopping areas, GRANSTA and GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI―which are accessible inside the ticket gates and outside the ticket gates respectively―are set to hold the GRANSTA Christmas Fair from November 5 to December 25.

GRANSTA x Tokyo Staion Hotel

Noel – ¥6,200 (Tax Included) @ Tokyo Station Hotel (*10 servings per day)

This pine tree stump chestnut cake was originally sold to support the reconstruction work of the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building which was held until 2012. Topping the chestnut sweet potato base is a mix of chestnut mousse and coffee cream. This is topped with two types of chestnut pastes in a spiral shape to create the tree rings.

Bûche Chocolat Vanille – ¥5,500 (Tax Included) @ Tokyo Station Hotel (*10 servings per day)

The Bûche Chocolat Vanille is an exquisite yule log made with melt-in-the-mouth chocolate mousse and vanilla cream inside which hides sweet and sour, kirsch-soaked cherries and sauteed pears. The top of the log is temptingly lined with even more cherries to give it both that rich look and even richer taste.

Station Building Fruit Cake – ¥4,320 (Tax Included) @ Colombin (*only 100 available)

Exclusive to GRANSTA comes this special Christmas fruit cake based on the station building. It would make great gift to bring to the Christmas party.

Cupola de Tokyo – ¥3,780 (Tax Included) @ Caffarel (*only 50 available / *design still a WIP so may differ from the photo)

This colourful Christmas cake draws inspiration from the gorgeous interior designs of the north and south domes of the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building.

Suica Penguin Cakes

Suica Penguin Cake – ¥5,400 (Tax Included) @ Dalloyau (*only 100 available)

The main Suica Penguin cake is a combination of chocolate mousse and a cream made from tonka beans. This cute cake is sure to bring joy to any child this Christmas♡

Suica Penguin Chocolate Raspberry – ¥490 (Tax Included) @ Fairycake Fair (*30 servings per day)

There are lots more cakes to look forward to, including ones in very limited quantities. If you’re in Japan this Christmas season, be sure to pay a visit to GRANSTA and GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI in Tokyo Station.

©Chiharu Sakazaki / JR East / DENTSU Suica by JR East Suica

The history of Yamashina dates back over 1,400 years when Kyoto, then known as “Heian-kyō,” was the official capital of Japan. Located in the southeastern part of Kyoto, Yamashina is rich in history, abound with nature, and has maintained a traditional industry that has gone unbroken since ancient times.

This year, with the arrival of Japan’s new emperor and the opening of a brand new era, five of Yamashina’s great temples are set to unveil several cultural assets, which until now have never been shown to the public.

They are as follows.

Anshoji Temple’s Wooden Jūichimen Kannon Statue (Important National Treasure)

Kajū-ji Temple’s Sliding Door Panel Artwork  – “Eight Views of Ōmi” & “Tatsuta River Autumn Leaves” (Important National Treasures)

Zuishinin Temple’s Gold Lacquered Fan Inkstone Case & 4-Panel Folding Screen

Bishamon-do Temple’s Imperial Prince Flag & Tortoise Shell Doors

Honkokuji Temple’s Kyōzō (Important National Treasure)

Get away from the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto and steep yourself in its history with this very special once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If you’re looking for must-buy souvenirs while in Kyoto then look no further. Heso Production are set to begin releasing Doraemon cookies and a cookie tin early this month at that are exclusive to souvenir shops and variety stores in Kyoto.

The cute printed cookies feature not only familiar faces from the Doraemon series, including the adorable cat robot himself, but illustrations of sights that are quintessential to traditional Kyoto culture including the five-story pagoda and the Daimonji bonfire.

Another must-grab is this shiny Doraemon tin. Also exclusive to Kyoto, the tin features a way-too-cute shiny design of Doraemon who is holding some dango.

The tin is filled with lemon flavoured ramune candy, a perfect nibble to have while travelling.

©Fujiko Pro・Shogakukan・TV Asahi・Shinei・ADK

Bubble tea is a national sensation in Japan. Until now, MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON has been introducing quite a lot of bubble tea shops in Harajuku, however today, we are going to introduce you to some special bubble teas that you can only get in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

When it comes to cafés, desserts and drinks in Sapporo, you can always count on Instagrammer Kei to pick out the most unique and cute places.  Check out his Instagram (@607keih) which is home to a precious collection of mouthwatering and delicious pictures.

And with that let’s get started:

Club China/Tanukikoji 

Almond Jelly Coconut Milk and Bubble Tea ￥600 (strawberry sauce topping: +￥50)

(Chinese almond jelly is sometimes made with apricot kernels.)

Club China is a Chinese restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Chinese food in a classy atmosphere. This rare bubble tea is the perfect way to discover authentic Chinese flavours. You can change the sweetness of your drink by adding gomme syrup, brown sugar sauce or strawberry sauce.

▶︎ Club China (クラブチャイナ)

Address: SYOKUSAN 35 Building 3rd Floor

3-chōme-5 Minami 3 Jōnishi, Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Opening Hours

・Lunch: 11:00 ー 15:00（Last orders: 14:30）

・Tea　14:30 ー 17:00

・Dinner: 17:00 ー 22:00（Last orders: 21:00）

Closed: Wednesdays (Open on national holidays)

Website: http://www.clubchina.jp/index.html

Oukacha (Located inside Izakaya Chorotto)/Higashi Ward

Strawberry Milk Cream: ￥580

There is a famous Izakaya (Japanese-style pub) in the Higashi-ku area. However, during the daytime, it is sometimes taken over by a bubble tea shop called Oukacha. The drink to look out for is their homemade brown sugar syrup bubble tea, which you can order with topping of whipped cream. This is the way to treat anyone with a sweet tooth! 

▶︎ Oukacha (Located inside Izakaya Chorotto　桜華茶)

Address: 7-1-24, Kita 15 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido

As the opening and closing days/times are irregular, please check them on the shop’s official Instagram or Twitter. 

o.cha.bar/Tanukikoji

Ritz Cream Cheese Churros: ￥550, Okinawa Brown Sugar Bubble Milk: ￥650

MESSE Building is a mall full of interesting restaurants including a Bikkuri Donkey. Head to the 5th floor to discover a Taiwanese and Korean restaurant called o.cha.bar. This is where you will come across the Okinawa Bubble Milk. This is a bubble tea which is topped with a generous serving of cream made using salt sourced from Okinawa. The tapioca is imported directly from Taiwan and has a very springy texture. Maximise your experience by dipping the churros in the cream cheese. 

▶︎ o.cha.bar（オチャバー）

Address: N.MESSE Building 5th floor, Minami 3-jo Nishi 3, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 

Opening Hours: 11:30 ー 21:00

Closed: No regular holidays 

Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/ochabar1

cafe & kitchen unique/Higashi Ward

Strawberry Milk: ￥480 , Matcha: ￥480, Served in a bottle: +￥80

cafe&kitchen unique is famous for their delicious fluffy pancakes that are made in a deep pot and topped with beautiful toppings. However, their bubble teas which are sold in cute bottles are also something you do not want to miss. The Strawberry Milk contains fruity pieces which perfectly compliment the milk. The Matcha Milk has a gentle sweet flavour that adults would love.  

▶︎ cafe&kitchen unique (cafe&kitchen ユニック)

Address: 3 Chome-2-6 Kita 10 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 

Opening Hours

Lunch : 11:00 ー 14:00

Coffee Time: 14:00 ー 17:00

Dinner: 17:00 ー 22:00

Closed: The 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. 

Official Website: https://cafekitchen-unique.com/

MY TAPIOCA KOUTA/Higashi Ward

Brown Sugar Bubble Tea Latte 

Ramen restaurant Ore no Ramen Kouta also runs the bubble tea shop MY TAPIOCA KOUTA, where it is possible to order just a bubble tea. The brown sugar adds a strong accent to the flavour. The tapioca pearls are large and although this is filling drink, it is also cheap which makes it a good deal. The shop is open late into the night which is perfect for those late night cravings. 

▶︎ MY TAPIOCA KOUTA

Address: 4-5-26, Honcho 1 jo, Higashi Ward, Sapporo

Opening Hours: 11:00 ー 23:30

Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/tapiocamy

Milk san Asabu Branch/Asabu

Strawberry Milk: ￥650, Brown Sugar Milk: ￥570, Tapioca Topping: ￥70 (served in a bottle) 

Milk san serves delicious drinks made using milk which is specially produced by dairy farmers, contributing to the delicious Hokkaido goodness of the drink. The small tapioca pearls and the rich milky flavour are the perfect combination. The brown sugar flavour is only available at the Asabu branch, so we recommend you try it. As these drinks are served in cute bottles, you just have to post a picture on Instagram. 

▶︎ Milk san Asabu

みるくsan麻生店

Address: Karumu Asabu 1st floor, 5-2-8, Kita 39 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo 

Opening Hours: 10:00 ー 19:30

Official Website: https://www.milk-san.com/

Iced Biscuit Shop SHONPY/Susukino

Chocolate Mint Frappé: ￥690, Strawberry Milk Bubble Tea with a Tapioca Float: ￥690 

One by one, this shop makes iced biscuits that are original down to their shape. SHONPY also delivers countrywide. The Strawberry Milk Bubble Tea comes with a tapioca float that is too cute to consume. It is filled with fruit such as strawberries and bananas that are a perfect match with the tapioca. The Chocolate Mint Frappé comes in a very cute bottle. This shop opened in Harajuku too.

▶︎SHONPY

Address: SUSUKINO LAFILER 2nd floor, 4 Chome, Minami 4 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 

Opening Hours: 10:00 ー 21:00

No fixed holidays

Official Website: http://shon-py.jp/

So, how about it? If you ever find yourself in Hokkaido, Kei’s recommended Hokkaido-limited bubble teas are bound to make your trip special. 

Kei’s Instagram is full of delicious desserts and mouthwatering meals. When in doubt of where to eat out, Kei’s Instagram is bound to save your day so please check it out.

Photos & Text: Kei（@607keih）