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.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup is set to take place in Japan from September 20 to November 2. Many stadiums are hosting the games across Japan this year, one of which is Kobe Misaki Stadium. It is predicted that there will be many people visiting the city of Kobe for the World Cup.

The competing teams at Kobe Misaki Stadium, also known as Noevir Stadium Kobe, are as follows: England vs USA on September 30, Ireland vs Russia on October 3, and South Africa vs Canada on October 8. An estimated 120,000 spectators will be present across the four matches, around 30,000 of which arriving from overseas.

 

In response to the many fans set to appear in Japan’s sixth-largest city, venues are shops across Kobe are set to serve up a classic plate of Japanese omotenashi―or “hospitality―with a line-up of events and tours. Let’s take a look at just some of the exciting things the city has planned for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

 

1. Meriken Park Fanzone in Kobe

Rugby fans can enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of the World Cup at one of the many Fanzones set to open across Japan for the games. Entry to all of the Fanzones is free. In Kobe, look forward to live screenings of the matches, food stalls serving local food, promotional booths and more. The fun doesn’t have to end at the matches: fans can continue to enjoy the excitement before and after too at a Fanzone.

 

2. Hospitable Events

The Kobe Tourism Bureau has teamed up with local business around the city to prepare what they are calling “Hospitable Events For Fans.” Taking place from late September to early October, these events will offer exclusive and unique Kobe experiences. There are 6 in total, but we will take a look at just 2.

MUSIC&DANCE@KOBE PORTOPIA Night 2019

From big disco hits to rock tunes, EDM beats and groove, enjoy a feel-good late-night dance and music party at the fancy Kobe Portopia Hotel. Soak up the warm summer evening while freestyle boogieing.

YORU-BAR ~Night Food Festival~

People of all ages are invited to the popular YORU-BAR at Sannomiya Center Gai which will run from late September to early October. They will serve up a tasty selection of Japanese seafood to Kobe cuisine.

 

3. KOBE Experience Guided Tour

Aimed at foreign tourists attending the Rugby World Cup in Kobe, the Experience Guided Tour is comprised of 25 unique programs for people to experience Japanese culture, Kobe’s local food culture, and more. The tours will not only be limited to Kobe either―some will also spread to neighbouring cities. Let’s take a look at some of them.

*All programs available in English only

Premium Kobe beef at the almost 150-year-old restaurant Oi Nikuten

Kobe beef is one of the three top brands of high-quality Japanese Wagyu beef. It’s the most well-known and popular type of Wagyu in Japan. With this program, you will learn various ways to enjoy Kobe beef at Oi Nikuten, a long-standing restaurant that first opened back in 1871.

 

▼Bookings

https://www.viator.com/tours/Kobe/Various-ways-to-enjoy-Kobe-beef-Long-established-store/d27432-165105P24

Experience Zen Meditation at Tenjoji Temple in Kobe City

Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture with Zen meditation session at Tenjoji Temple. Learn all about the rich history of the temple with an incredible guided walk before sinking deep into meditation.

 

▼Bookings

https://www.govoyagin.com/ja/activities/japan-kobe-experience-zen-meditation-tenjo-ji-kobe-city/11290

 

There is lots to be discovered in Kobe, and the doors to its culture are open and ready to embrace all for the Rugby World Cup. Look forward to everything here and much, much more when the matches begin on September 20.

Adventure World has announced that it has adopted SmaLingual to the park, a multilingual app designed for foreign tourists and travellers in Japan to help them get around.

 

SmaLingual is a simultaneous multilingual interpretation service which uses a multilingual speech translation engine. Available in 10 languages including English and Brazilian Portuguese on both phones and browsers, the service translates and interprets both text and speech simultaneously, enabling people to have conversations with each other in different languages. The app’s functions also have a language level over TOEIC800, ensuring that you convey the right information correctly.

Using this app means you will be able to read and understand descriptions and explanations written around the park, cautious on interacting with the animals, and so on.

 

Now guests can enjoy Adventure World with friends and family to the fullest without making a mistake.

TripAdvisor® has just released its list of the top 20 castles in Japan from 2019 as reviewed by travellers and tourists.

Himeiji Castle

This is the 7th time the website has run this list. Coming in at No. 1 for the fourth year in a row is none other than Himeiji Castle, located in the city of Himeiji in Hyogo Prefecture.

Matsumoro Castle

Kumamoto Castle

Moving up from 4th place to 2nd place this year is Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture, and from not ranking at all last year to 3rd place this year Kumamoto Castle. These top three castles comes as a package as they are considered Japan’s three premier castles.

 

Kumamoto Castle is set to re-open this autumn after reconstruction work is complete. The castle suffered damages after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Although time is required for the full restoration, you can still see the majestic tower keep surrounded by paling. Japanese users on TripAdvisor have commended it as a symbol of restoration and their joy with the repairs being done.

Hirosaki Castle

For the first time in four years, Hirosaki Castle ranks on the list in 12th place. Situated in central Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture, the castle is a known living symbol of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Construction work has been taking place since 2015 to repair the base of the castle structure on the east side due to deterioration. In summer 2015, the castle tower was moved 70 meters without taking the castle apart to allow for work to be carried out. A moving castle is certainly a rare sight to see in Japan－and something you only imagine from a Studio Ghibli movie!

 

The castle has been praised on TripAdvisor for how beautiful its surrounding nature is, from the cherry blossoms in spring to the red and yellow leaves in autumn. The castle can be enjoyed throughout all the seasons.

Tsuyama Castle

Making the list for the first time ever is Tsuyama Castle which can be found in the beautiful Kakuzan Park in Okayama. When you ascend the magnificent stone steps of the castle and turn around you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Tsuyama. In spring, the castle’s white watchtowers look picturesque next to the pink cherry blossom trees.

 

From castles that have been maintained since they were first built to others that have been rebuilt from their former forms, there are countless sites to behold while in Japan. Be sure to use the Top 20 list as reference when travelling there!

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）

Situated on the northern shore of Kyushu is Fukuoka Prefecture, a hot spot for tourists and travellers both Japanese and foreign, particularly those visiting from parts of Asia such as China, Taiwan and South Korea.

 

When it comes to delicious Japanese food, Fukuoka is high on the list, home to a bounty of incredible restaurants. It’s the same with shopping too―there are countless stores to rummage through with shelves lined with innumerable things you’ll want to buy.

 

But your Fukuoka experience will not be complete without a trip to one of the prefecture’s breathtaking tourist spots. Today, we are visiting Kasuga Shrine (not to be confused with Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara), and we are joined by Japanese Instagram user Rie, who posts about her trips around Kyushu, and who has provided us with her experience visiting the shrine along with photos. You’ll find out how to get there and the must-see aspects.

Kasuga Shrine is located in the city of Kasuga, Fukuoka. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Fukuoka city. But if you’re looking to catch the public transport, you’ll want to hop on the JR Line to Kasuga Station, or you can board the Nishitetsu Bus and get off at Kasuga (春日). The shrine is about a 7-minute walk from either of these stops.

 

The shrine has a long history. Its origins are said to lie in Emperor Tenji enshrining the male deity Ame-no-Koyane-no-mikoto there.

 

In the shrine grounds there is a camphor tree called “Kasuga no Mori” (The Grove of Kasuga) which is registered as a natural monument. The shrine is also home to a festival called “Kasuga no Muko Oshi” which has also been designated as an significant intangible folk cultural asset.

But what’s been catching people’s attention recently is the flower-filled chōzuya. A chōzuya, also known as a temizuya, is a water basin placed at shrines and temples in Japan which visitors use to cleanse themselves before entering the shrine or temple.

 

It’s more common in May and June to see hydrangeas placed in the basins, but at Kasuga Shrine they flutter in transvaal daisies♡

The flowers were placed in there on August 19 and will remain there until September 1. During the same period, there are lots of beautiful wind chimes being strung up around the shrine ground. Their tranquil sound as the breeze blows, together with the watery flowers, are enough to make you feel cool this summer.

If you’re looking to find more beautiful places to visit around Kyushu, Rie has plenty of recommendations on her Instagam page so be sure to give her a follow.

 

Photos by Rie

Tokyu Land Corporation has announced that Shibuya’s all-new tourist information center will be named “shibuya-san.” Located on the first floor of Shibuya FUKURAS, the tourist information and are center is set to open its doors to the public this December.

 

Tourist Information: Where you can become a Shibuya local

The tourist information section of the center is staffed by people from countries around the world, from Europe to Asia, most of which are non-Japanese students studying abroad. They are able to offer detailed tourist and sightseeing information for Shibuya from the perspective of a “foreigner in Japan.”

 

The center also does away with the ordinary set-up of most tourist information centers in which you speak to someone over the counter. Instead, tourists entering shibuya-san will be greeted directly by staff and talk to them side by side.

 

They also offer English guide books with a map produced by Time Out Tokyo. Time Out is a city guide service published in 108 countries around the world in 39 languages.

 

Art Center: Where art brings Shibuya and the world together

shibuya-san will be the first tourist information center in Japan to have its own art gallery. Being located right in front of Shibuya Station means that people visiting from around the world will be exposed to Shibuya’s culture through art. Focused on “Travel, City & People,” the art gallery will offer not only exhibitions and performances, but also events in which tourists can participate, as well as opportunities to talk directly with artists.

 

Open Late: Shibuya’s nightlife propelled with the center’s night hours

Almost all tourist information centers close in the late afternoon/early evening, but not shibuya-san. Shibuya’s nightlife is a huge part of the city’s culture, and so to make it more accessible to tourists, shibuya-san will be open until 11:00pm, offering helpful information and suggestions for getting around and enjoying yourself after-hours.

 

shibuya-san even has its own drinks counter where alcohol is served in the evenings. Events will be held there periodically where you can meet and talk with people.

 

Limousine Buses: Haneda Airport and Narita Airport

The bus terminal in front of the tourist center offers regular buses and will soon offer airport limousine buses from Haneda and Narita Airport. They will serve to create a new doorstep to Shibuya at Shibuya Station’s west exit for tourists visiting Shibuya. They will begin running in early December.

 

Whether you’re visiting Shibuya for the first time or are a returning guest, find out all there is to know about the area when shibuya-san opens this December.

With the increase in number of collaborations between contemporary digital art and traditional and historical Kyoto sites, teamLab is getting in on the action with its new digital art exhibition “Digitized Forest at the World Heritage Site of Shimogamo Shrine.”

 

We are joined by Instagrammer Macchan who recently attended the exhibition and who has provided photos for us.

 

Shimogamo Shrine is a shrine located between the Kamo River and Mount Kōya. It was registered it as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The shrine is associated good luck in marriage and welcomes sightseers from Japan and around the world. It can be reached by the 205 Bus from Kyoto Station and getting off at either Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社) or Tadasu Forest (糺ノ森前). It’s also about a 20-minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station.

 

This marks the third run of teamLab’s “Digitized Forest” exhibition at Shimogamo Shrine, and this year’s exhibition has been made even bigger. It is running until September 2, 2019.

Floating by the Rōmon Gate of the shrine are spheres of light which change colour and emit various musical tones unique to the colour when touched by a person. They also react to the other spheres around them, changing to the same colour and letting out the same tone, creating a chain reaction.

Egg-shaped orbs of light can be found dotted around the Tadasu Forest by the shrine which illuminate the trees. Like the light spheres, when the eggs are pushed they change colour and play a musical noise specific to that colour, the sound and tone spreading through the forest.

These objects of light can also be found at Mitarashi Pond where they float on the water. The orbs shine brightly and then fade slowly as if breathing. If pushed by people or blown by the wind they will change colour and emit sound.

 

The best part about teamLab’s art exhibitions is how visitors become part of the exhibition itself by interacting with the installations, offering a much more engaging experience than simply looking. Visit Shimogamo Shrine before the exhibition ends to see digital art meet a traditional Japanese shrine at night.

 

 

If you’re looking for more sightseeing recommendations for Kyoto then be sure to follow Macchan on Instagram!

 

Photos by まっちゃん

Both Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum and Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks have been nominated for “Best Attraction” in the 2019 Travel & Tourism Awards, which are held in London every year as part of World Travel Market London (WTM).

This year marks the 40th run of WTM London, which brings together over 50,000 travel and tourism professionals from 186 countries to spread the latest tourism trends and must-visit locations around the world. The Travel & Tourism Awards is a universally recognised stamp of approval, held in front of over 500 seniors in the travel industry.

Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum, and Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks have been recognised and nominated for their renovation efforts which have increased tourism. They are up against six other facilities in the same category, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter by Warner Bros Studios.

 

With only one entry from Japan, which location will take home the award? Japan will be watching intently for the reveal on November 5.

In response to the rapidly increasing number of foreign tourists to Japan in recent years, Keio Corporation has designed an original Keio Line goshuin stamp book which will be released at the “Central Honshu Information Plaza in Keio Shinjuku” at Shinjuku Station on September 1.

 

A Goshuincho is a book for collecting goshuin, which are stamps or seals given at shrines and temples across Japan. Every shrine and temple has its own unique goshuin which are stamped alongside calligraphy handwritten by the staff there and then who write the date and the name of the temple or shrine.

 

When purchasing Keio’s book, you are given a pamphlet―available in English only―featuring lots of different sites you can receive goshuin up and down the train line.

Sites include the Buddhist temple Yakuou-in (Hachioji, Tokyo), Takahata Fudoson Kongo-ji Temple (Hino, Tokyo), Ōkunitama Shrine (Chofu, Tokyo), Jindaiji Temple (Chofu, Tokyo), and Ohmiya-Hachimangu (Suginami, Tokyo). The pamphlet also explains how to obtain a stamp as well as the correct way to worship at these locations. It also details information about train ticket discounts on the Keio Line for foreign travellers which were introduced in February this year.

The book will also be available to purchase at Keio Rail-Land from October 14.

Konkaikōmyō-ji, also known as Kurodani Temple, is set to open its doors to the public from November 4 for its autumn illuminations.

Kurodani Temple has a long history, best known as serving as the Kyoto Shugoshoku―the office of the Tokugawa shogunate―during the Bakumatsu period. It has relations to the Shinseigumi, a military force which was active during this time which was dedicated to suppressing anti-shogunate activities. It is also the first place that Hōnen, the founder of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism, spread his teachings.

 

For the special opening, you will be able to see the famous chicken painting Tori-zu Oshiebari Byobu by Itō Jakuchū as well as treasures associated with Hōnen and more.

The number of tigers on the famous tiger doors of the temple changes as you slide them.

From the temple grounds you can enjoy a breathtaking scene of the gardens where the autumnal colours of the trees reflect from the surface of the pond.

Kurodani Temple is also home to the Gokōshiyui Amidabutu Statue, which became the talk of the town in the media when it was dubbed the “Afro Buddha,” and looks deep in contemplation.

There will also be performances three times a day in the evening using traditional Japanese instruments like the koto and shinobue.

If you pay for the premium entry plan you can enter 30 minutes earlier and will be guided by one of the official gardeners or expert of the gardens.

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.

 

In this feature, we are joined by Instagrammer Kei whose page is centred around cafes in Sapporo, Hokkaido. They have provided us with photos of desserts made with peaches which can be enjoyed right now before summertime ends.

 

Initial Sapporo in Susukino

Parfait Pêche – ¥1,700

Sapporo cafe Initial was ahead of the parfait game before the boom in Japan. Right now they are selling two new parfaits: one made with melon and the other with peach. They are being served until the end of August.

The parfait is topped with sweet sliced peaches underneath which sits refreshing milk flavoured soft serve ice cream for a heavenly combination. The yogurt mousse elevates the sweetness of the peaches and goes well with the sprinkle of black pepper. There’s even Parmesan cheese which tastes gorgeous with everything. No matter where you stick your spoon in this parfait your taste buds will be treated with delight.

 

▼Initial

Address: DRESS 2F, 5-Chome-36 Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: [Weekdays] 17:00-Midnight / [Weekends & Public Holidays] 14:00-Midnight (Last Orders 23:30)
No Fixed Holidays
Access: 5-minutes on foot from Susukino Station and Ōdōri Station
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/INITIAL.sapporo/

 

Gohanya Cafe Miyabi in Kita 24 Jo

Whole Peach & Royal Milk Tea – ¥1,380

The seasonal parfait at Gohanya Cafe Miyabi right now is the Whole Peach & Royal Milk Tea. It’s served with an entire plump peach on top which is best enjoyed by cutting and eating bit by bit until it drops into the glass. The peaches they use are refreshing and really delicious♡

Tea is the main component of this parfait and that too was super refreshing. It also includes a framboise sorbet which add satisfying sour notes, and the cookies and other hidden treats add a multitude of tasty textures.

 

▼Gohanya Cafe Miyabi

Address: E-COUR24 1F, 3-Chome-1-1 Kita 24 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:00-15:00 / Cafe Time 15:00-17:30 / Dinner 17:30-21:00 (Last Orders 20:00)
Closed: Thursdays
Access: 150 meters from Kita-Nijūyo-Jō Station
Official Website: https://miyabi-sapporo.shopinfo.jp/

 

TSURU CAFE in Miyanomori

Flavour Soft Peach – ¥830

TSURU CAFE is a stylish and popular little cafe that is selling its new Flavour Soft Peach for a limited time. The syrup is this parfait is in fact made from red shiso leaf. Inside you will find a tower of peach compote, soft serve ice cream, meringue, and the syrup.

 

The milky ice cream is a a magical mix together with the peach compote. The crunchy meringue is simply melt-in-your-mouth too♡

 

The syrup has that distinct red shiso fragrance but it tastes sweet and so makes an amazing flavour. The shiso will no longer be served once sales of this dessert finish, so you’ll want to get in there ASAP!

 

▼TSURU CAFE

Address: 5-Chome-2-8 Miyanomori 2 Jo, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: [Mon-Sat] 10:00-20:00 / [Sun & Holidays] 10:00-19:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Access: 500 meters from Nishi-Nijūhatchōme Station
Official Blog: http://tsurucafe.jugem.jp/

 

KAJITSU_CLUB in Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Peach & Hokkaido Soft Cream – ¥600

KAJITSU_CLUB is located in the Beats Eats are on the basement floor of PARCO. You can order the ice cream of this peachy parfait as vanilla, yogurt or mixed. I went with mixed.

 

The fresh peaches are so good! The soft serve ice cream is nice and sweet and there’s also a sour yogurt flavour. The flavours might be simple but the quality is high.

 

▼KAJITSU_CLUB

Address: PARCO B2F, 3-Chome-3 Minami 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
No Fixed Holidays
Access: Directly connected to the Ōdōri Station subway
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kajitsu_club/

 

SHIRAYUKI in Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Momomo – ¥600

Available this August only, SHIRAYUKI’s new bottled drink is made of half frozen peach smoothie and half jelly and Hokkaido milk. This combination is match made in heaven! They come with a bag if you want to order for takeout too.

 

SHIRAYUKI

Address: Sapporo Aiseikan Bldg., 5-Chome Minami 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: 12:30-19:00
No Fixed Holidays
Access: 5-minutes on foot from Ōdōri Station
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirayuki.hokkaido/

 

Pâtisserie LEEMO in Shinkotonicho

Whole Peach Parfait – ¥1,350 (*Only 20 available per day)

Pâtisserie LEEMO is known for its cute cakes and baked sweets, but right now they are selling this Whole Peach Parfait until the end of August.

You only need to feast your eyes on this dessert to know how refreshing the flavour is going to be. It even contains a jelly made from rosé wine, but the alcohol taste isn’t strong so can be enjoyed by anyone.

 

Depending on the stock of the bakery’s peaches sales of this dessert may end earlier. You can also make a reservation for one which I recommend, so don’t miss out!

 

▼Pâtisserie LEEMO

Address: 6-Chome-2-21 Shinkotoni 2 Jo, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Parfait served at 12:00-18:00)
No Fixed Holidays
Access: Approximately 1km from Shinkawa Station
Official Website: http://patisserieleemo.jp/

 

Cake and bake HACHI CAFE in Hachiken

Whole Peach – ¥720

This luxurious-looking dessert is a whole peach filled with framboise jelly and custard making for an irresistible sour and sweet combination. The tart underneath is incredible too! Due to limited stock and the time it takes for the peaches to ripen there are days when the dessert isn’t serve. You can check the cafe’s official Instagram to find out if it’s on the menu that day or not.

 

▼Cake and bake HACHI CAFE

Address: Hachiken 3 Johigashi, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: 11:00-17:00
Closed: Wednesdays & Thursdays
Access: 550m from Hachiken Station
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hachicafe8/

 

 

Did you enjoy this list? Make sure to wolf down all of the tempting peach desserts you can in Japan before summer ends.

 

Kei’s Instagram page is a wealth of recommendations for meals and desserts in Hokkaido, so be sure to check out their page if you’re planning to travel there.

 

Photo & Text: Kei (@607keih)

Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga