Disney princesses around the world won’t be able to resist the nine new cupcakes released at Ginza Cozy Corner last week in Japan.

The cupcake collection is being released to celebrate Hinamatsuri, a festival held annually in Japan on March 3, which prays for the well-being and healthy maturity of girls. The line-up can be enjoyed by child and adult Disney fans alike, and includes not only Disney princesses, but other female characters in the Disney cast. This includes Minnie Mouse, Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, and more.

Disney Girl’s Collection (Contains 9) – ¥2,700 (Tax Included)

These cute cupcakes look like they have come straight out of a Disney character toy box. They not only look pretty, but sound delicious too, like the raspberry Minnie cupcake, lemon-flavoured Belle cake, cheesecake Cinderella, and more.

Celebrate Hinamatsuri in Disney-style by picking up a box of these cupcakes at Ginza Cozy Corner.

Tsuke x Koji Haccomachi is a new cafe opening in the Sanjo area of Kyoto on February 22, 2020, that is centred entirely on fermented foods.

The name “Haccomachi” derives from the Japanese word Hakko (Hacco), meaning fermented, and Komachi (Comachi), meaning a beautiful woman. The cafe hopes for people to incorporate fermented foods into their livesーsomething which is rooted in Japanese food cultureーand live comfortably.

The cafe’s logo showcases the making of kōjiーa type of mould used in the fermentation process of certain food products in Japan, like soybeans. The logo hope to pass down this long upheld tradition.

Hakko fermentation is a major part of Japan’s food culture. Since ancient times, the sweetness and umami brought about by the enzymes in the fermentation process have served to accompany many foods in the country, such as miso, soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, and so onーall traditional condiments used in the Japanese kitchen that are still fundamental today.

The menu at Tsuke x Koji Haccomachi features a line-up of fermented foods made in Kyoto, including those from Kyoto-based soybean makers Fujiwara Shokuhin, Sawai Shoyu Honten which has produced the same high quality soy sauce for decades, sake brewery Kitagawa Honke which has been around since the Edo Period, and more.

A Small Look at the Menu

Lunch Menu

Haccomachi Special – Fermented Lunch Plate: ¥1,690

This lunch plate is an assortment of hors d’oeuvre made with fermented condiments, tandoori chicken that has been pickled to elevate the umami, marlin fish, soup, and more.

Dinner Menu

Spare Ribs On The Bone in Miso Yuan Yaki: ¥1,490

This hearty portion of spare ribs are marinated in a miso, mirin, and soy sauce mix. Taste the full umami flavour of the juicy meat.

Namerō Miso Salmon in Yoghurt Sauce: ¥770

The salmon is served namerō style, a type of tataki or pounding method, in miso. The yoghurt has both a refreshing and rich flavour.

Homemade Komekoji Rice Malt Sweet Sake Yoghurt: ¥470

The splitting of the sour yoghurt serves to elevate the sweetness of the sake. This is a drink that even those who don’t like sweet sake are sure to enjoy.

Cafe Menu

Miso Pound Cake w/ Vanilla Ice Cream: ¥550

The miso pound cake is a collaboration with Japanese confectionery company Sarasa, which has 6 branches of cafes and shops in Kyoto. It’s made using komekoji rice malt powder provided by an old-fashioned Japanese shop (菱六もやし). The umami of the miso is intensified, and the cake stays moist thanks to the powder. It’s served with a dollop of refreshing vanilla ice cream.

Blackcurrant & Vanilla Sweet Sake Affogato: ¥550

A unique spin on the affogato dessert which has you pouring hot sweet sake over tangy and refreshing blackcurrant sherbet and rich vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the mix of the hot sake and the cool ice cream.

Discover the Japanese tradition of fermentation at Tsuke x Koji Haccomachi, opening February 22, 2020.

ART LAB KYOTO is the new museum shop set to open at Kyocera Museum of Art on March 21, 2020 in line with the revamp currently undergoing at the museum, with design work being co-created by Japanese architects Jun Aoki and Tezzo Nishizawa.

Kyoto is known as a hub of Japanese culture, managing to maintain traditions while constantly evolving. ART LAB KYOTO will embody everything about this idea when it opens after the museum’s revamp. The spacious shop will not only sell merchandise related to the exhibitions, but books and goods related to art from Kyoto both traditional and contemporary, items in collaboration with external artists, original and exclusive sweets, and more. ART LAB KYOTO will also host events promoting the diversity of art and culture in Kyoto.

Japanese travel website Jalan, which has been running for 30 years, is collaborating with Tokyo station’s shopping centre GRANSTA for their third collaboration fair, which will run from February 15 – March 1, 2020. Travelling in Japan will be even more fun as the travel website’s adorable mascot Nyalan takes to the scene in a variety of delicious foods – just what every cat person kneads!

Even more shops are participating for the third fair, which is now stretching to cover shops at Ecute Tokyo and Ecute Keiyo Street. Everything at the fair cannot be purchased from anywhere else or at any other time. From bento lunches and sweet treats to merchandise, everything is based on Jalan’s adorable cat mascot Nyalan. The fair is full of the essentials to enhance the fun factor in your spring travels around Japan – fur real.

Nyalan Caramel Cream: ¥490 (Fairy Cake Fair) *Only at GRANSTA

Nyalan Paw-Shaped Bento: ¥880 *Only at GRANSTA

Amaou Strawberry Macaron and Nyalan Print Macaron: ¥648 (Pack of 2) *Only at DALLOYAU, GRANSTA

Nyalan Doughnuts: ¥420 Each, Shiretoko Doughnut, available at Ecute Keiyo Street only

If you love cats, spice up your life with Nyalan!

If you’re travelling to Japan and will be getting off at Haneda Airport, you’ll want to head to Shiseido Parlour where they will release two new confections on Saturday February 1. Exclusive to this branch of the confectionery company, the two new items on the menu are the mini matcha cheesecakes and the fromage chocolate.

With the matcha flavour of Shiseido Parlour’s popular cheesecake, you can pick two items from five to include with your cheesecakes, which are packaged individually making them a great gift. The fromage chocolate is a rich and raw cake make with cream cheese and white chocolate. With these two new delights,  you can enjoy the flavours of Ginza when you arrive at or leave the airport.

Matcha Cheesecake: 3 Pack – ¥999 / 6 Pack – ¥1,998

The rich cream cheese is from Denmark and is laced with a matcha paste that’s made from Uji matcha in Kyoto. The biscuit is made from wheat flour, and enjoys a fragrant matcha smell. A harmonious flavour profile between the full-bodied cream cheese and the smell of the matcha.

The cute packaging features Shisei Parlour’s classic cheesecake box with their iconic cow. It’s matcha green and has the exclusive Tokyo Haneda branch written on it.

Fromage Chocolate: Blanc/Matcha – ¥648 Each  (Served in Cup)

Choose between the soft and sour shanty fromage or the rich white chocolate cream cheese fromage.

Inside you’ll be surprised with a serving of crumble for added texture. Enjoy the milkiness of the cream cheese and white chocolate or the matcha, which is made from Yame matcha in Fukuoka.

Fromage Chocolate Blanc Cocotte – ¥2,484 (*Must be refrigerated and eaten on the same day)「

There’s also bigger sizes like this delicious blanc version. Great as a gift or for sharing between friends at a party.

These items are limited in stock, so you’ll want to get your orders in quick.

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Listed prices include tax.

This March, a restaurant in Arashiyama, Kyoto, that goes by the name CROSS Burger&Beer/Coffee, has announced it will release its new “Sakura Burger” (Cherry Blossom Burger) for the spring season.

CROSS Burger&Beer/Coffee is a restaurant known for its burgers made with pitch black buns – a result from combining the mixture with bamboo charcoal – which are served on afternoon tea stands. All of their patties are made with 100% domestic wagyu, specifically hiragyu from the town of Tanba in Kyoto. To ensure the meat maintains its high quality texture, it is minced together with shoulder and shank, which also creates great flavour.

The new cherry blossom burger uses a pink bun like that of the springtime flower. It has a chewy texture, and the surface is charred so that the outside is crispy and the inside soft. It also means that the meat juice permeates the bun better, and without making it go soggy. The patty is uses the same hiragyu meat, which is breaded and deep-fried to create what is known as menchi-katsu in Japanese. By doing this, it locks in the characteristic and unique flavour of the meat, as well its juice.

Drizzled over the patty is a homemade tartar sauce with Kyoto-style chopped vegetables pickled in salt as the base. The restaurant chops up the vegetables randomly to leave texture in the sauce, which has a refreshing taste thanks to them, creating a flavour you’ll enjoy until the last bite. The burger is also stuffed with a sunny-side up egg and purple cabbage, the latter of which has a slightly bitter bite to it, resulting in an amalgamation of mouth-watering flavours.

Order together with a cocktail or soda float to create an Instagrammable photo.

If you’re heading to Japan to visit Kyoto this cherry blossom season, head to Arashiyama to enjoy the sights and a delicious Sakura Burger.

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.

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.

 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

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.