Kyoto’s famous tea shop Itohkyuemon began serving four new Uji matcha and shaved ice mixed desserts on its menu yesterday (June 29). Itohkyuemon was founded in 1832 in the latter period of Edo. Ujitawara, the place in Kyoto where the shop is located, is famous for the tea served by Itohkyuemon which has been harvested by the Ito family for years.

Uji Matcha Parfait Ice: ¥1,490 (Tax Included) | Serving: Until Late September 2020 | Avaialble: Itohkyuemon JR Uji Station/Itohkyuemon Gionshijo

The Uji Matcha Parfait Ice uses a blend of matcha and milk-infused ice as its base. It’s then topped with sweet treats like rice flour dumplings, red bean paste, ice cream, matcha jelly, and more to turn it into a parfait.

Uji Matcha Daifuku Ice: ¥1,290 (Tax Included) | Serving: Until Late September 2020 | Avaialble: Itohkyuemon JR Uji Station/Itohkyuemon Gionshijo

This Uji Matcha Daifuku Ice is an upgrade of the one Itohkyuemon served last year. It has a creamy custard base with matcha daifuku hidden in the shaved ice.

Fluffy Uji Kindokei Vanilla Ice Cream: ¥990, Matcha Ice Cream ¥1,090 (Tax Included) | Serving: Until Late September 2020 | Avaialble: Itohkyuemon JR Uji Station/Itohkyuemon Gionshijo

Fluffy Uji Kindokei Rice Flour Dumpling: ¥850, Rice Flour Dumpling & Vanilla Ice Cream ¥970, Rice Flour Dumpling Matcha Ice Cream ¥1,090 Serving: Until Late September 2020 | Avaialble: Itohkyuemon Uji Main Branch

These two “Kindokei” (Gold Watch) servings use more ice. At the main branch of Itohkyuemon they’re more crunchy, while at the JR Uji Station and Gionshijo branches they’re more fluffy.

Devoted to selling authentic coffee, McDonald’s Japan’s McCafé by Barista coffee service is all set for the hot summer days ahead with delicious Hokkaido melon drinks. The Hokkaido Melon and Milk Frappé is making a return to the menu along with the brand new Hokkaido Melon Choco Frappé. The drinks will appear on the menu from June 24, 2020 for a limited period.

Enjoy the luscious flavour and fragrance of Hokkaido melons in the form of a refreshing frappé. Although the Hokkaido Melon and Milk Frappé has returned to the McDonald’s menu year after year since 2018, this year marks the debut of the Hokkaido Melon Choco Frappé.

Hokkaido Melon and Milk Frappé M Size: ¥470, L Size: ¥540

Vibrant Hokkaido melon is pureéd into a fruit sauce (2% fruit content). This is mixed with milk to bring out its full-bodied fragrance. The juicy, melt-in-the-mouth sweetness will leave you wanting more. The whipped cream topping is drizzled with more melon sauce. Mix the drink to enjoy the delicious combination of juicy melon and sweet cream.

Hokkaido Melon and Choco Frappé M Size: ¥490, L Size: ¥560

Enjoy a sweet smoothie of rich and juicy melon punctuated with notes of Belgian couverture chocolate sauce (54% Belgian chocolate) and whipped cream. With 2% fruit content Hokkaido melon pureé as the base of the smoothie, milk is added to create a mellow flavour. Crunchy chocolate Oreo® pieces are sprinkled on top along with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, adding a hint of bitter chocolate flavour.

As the weather gets hotter, make sure to cool down with a refreshing cool drink. If you’ve never tried Hokkaido melon, now’s your chance!

This summer, McDonald’s Japan is releasing three beef burgers inspired by flavours of three countries. From Japan is the “Kalbi Mac,” from Canada is the “Mighty Beef Original,” and from the UK is the “Smokey BBQ.”

When you think of McDonald’s, the first thing that’s sure to come to mind are their beef burgers. The fast food chain has added many different burger flavours to its menu, every country around the world has its own popular style of beef burger. That’s where McDonald’s Japan got the idea for this new series of international burgers, each made using recipes from their respective countries.

Mighty Beef Original: ¥490 / Value Set: ¥790 (Serving: June 24, 2020 – Early August 2020)

Released at McDonald’s Canada, this bacon-filled beef burger is lathered in a rich sauce that has a smokey aroma and garlic punch mixed with black pepper. The salty and smokey bacon bits are what made this burger so deliciously irresistible.

Smokey BBQ: ¥490 / Value Set: ¥790 (Serving: June 24, 2020 – Early July 2020)

The smokey flavour is intense with this juicy beef burger which comes from the UK. It’s filled with over 10 spices, including smokey bacon, black pepper, and cinnamon.

Kalbi Mac: ¥420 / Value Set: ¥720 (Serving: June 24, 2020 – Early August 2020)

And from Japan is beef-on-beef Kalbi Mac which is filled with spicy kalbi beef and a juicy beef patty served between a sesame seed bun. The refreshing sweet lemon sauce and crunchy lettuce serve to elevate the tasty flavours of both beefs.

This is just the first three international burgers to be released at McDonald’s Japan. A new set will be released in mid-July.

McDonald’s Japan has joined hands with Pokémon and BorneLund and will begin serving themed Happy Meals at McDonald’s branches across Japan from June 19, 2020 for a limited time.

There are six Pikachu toys to get your Pokémon Trainer hands on, all of which have Pikachu wearing his hat from the hit movie Detective Pikachu. The line-up includes everything a detective needs including a magnifying glass, a periscope which has moving parts which look different as you flip it, a real-working Pikachu compass, and more.

McDonald’s BorneLund collaboration collection also features six toys, including a pencil and stencil kit, a puzzle block set, and more. These items are sure to draw out the imaginations and creativity of kids.

Additionally, for every Pokémon Happy Meal and BorneLund Happy Meal bought on June 20 and 21, customers will receive a maze and sticker book for each the respective series.

McDonald’s Japan is collaborating with the hugely popular Japanese chocolate bar “Black Thunder” to release the “McFlurry® Black Thunder” at all McDonald’s branches across Japan for a limited time from June 10, 2020.

The McFlurry® is known to every McDonald’s customer. Made from delicious soft serve ice cream, it is mixed with various toppings and sauces and then blitzed at high speed to create a smooth, velvety dessert. The dessert has seen many collaborations with other products in Japan in the past, and it’s been 2 years since it has been mixed with Black Thunder.

McFlurry® Black Thunder: ¥290 (Tax Included)

The McFlurry® Black Thunder sees the rich, velvety ice cream combined with crumbly Black Thunder so you get the crunch of the cocoa cookie and biscuit. It’s also drizzled in a chocolate sauce that has been frozen for added crunchiness. You get the bitterness of the cocoa cookie and the sweetness of the chocolate come through.

The dessert will be served in a limited edition Black Thunder cup too. These are available while supplies last.

If you’re in Japan, don’t miss out on the delicious return of the McFlurry® Black Thunder.

Chicago-based gourmet popcorn brand Garrett Popcorn Shops® is releasing its strongest matcha flavour to date alongside a new striped tin in Japan on June 1. Both are limited edition products and will be available while supplies last.

Named “Koi Matcha Kinako Kurumi” (Rich Matcha Soy Flour Walnut), the new matcha flavour is 40% stronger than the Matcha Caramel Crisp™ and blends together soybean flour and walnut for an aromatic crunch combination. The matcha holds a pleasant bitter flavour while the soybean flour is subtly sweet and gives off a rich, delightful smell.

The new tin takes Garret Popcorn’s iconic striped design and throws in multiple colours and patterns for vivid effect. Combined with the new matcha flavour, it makes for the perfect home theatre accompaniment while you watch a movie.

With shops and businesses temporarily closed as a result of lockdown measures in Japan, Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart decided that since people can’t as easily get their hands on authentic matcha right now, they would collaborate with the famous matcha company Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten to stock some authentic matcha treats on its shelves. They were released at FamilyMart branches across Japan on May 19, 2020.

Umami Matcha Parfait

The parfait begins with a soft sponge bottom and is then layered with milk mousse and matcha mousse before being topped with matcha jelly, red bean paste, and other tasty accompaniments.

Umami Matcha Cheesecake Baumkuchen

The matcha baumkuchen is made using authentic Uji matcha and is baked to look like a cheesecake. You get the full rich matcha kick with this one.

Hidetoshi Kanbayashi (Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten) | Comment

“We use a blend of first-grade Uji matcha and top it with jelly and matcha mousse. We have made it in such a way that you can enjoy the full flavour and aroma of the matcha itself. Please enjoy.”

McDonald’s Japan is teaming up with confectionery company Morinaga & Company to release the “McShake® Morinaga Ramune” at all McDonald’s branches in Japan. This is the first time McDonald’s Japan has collaborated with the product.

Morinaga Ramune is a candy soda, and the perfect match to McDonald’s sweet and creamy to cool down during spring and early summer.

The mixed beverage maintains the same refreshing taste as the original McShake® while drawing out the full flavour of the Ramune. It’s available in a small size only while supplies last and is the same light blue colour as Morinaga Ramune. It’s also served in an original cup.

McCafé by Barista branches of McDonald’s in Japan are releasing two new limited edition drinks on May 20: the “Goro Goro Peach Smoothie” and “Fuwa Fuwa Peach Creamy Frappe.”

The “Peach Smoothie” first appeared at McDonald’s Japan in 2015 and has been popular every year since. But these two new drinks are taking the peachness to the next level. Until now, the Peach Smoothie has been made with only white peaches, but the new beverages add yellow peaches to that for double the peach goodness.

Goro Goro Peach Smoothie: Regular ¥440 / Large ¥480

The Goro Goro Peach Smoothie uses the juice of white and yellow peaches to create its smoothie base. It’s also topped with a sauce made from the juice of white peach. The sweetness of this yellow and white peach combination makes for an even deeper level of flavour, and the fresh white pieces on top elevate it even more.

Fuwa Fuwa Peach Creamy Frappe: Regular ¥490 / Large ¥530

The frappe uses the same smoothie base and sauce, but adds whipped cream into the mix, resulting in a deliciously creamy texture and flavour.

And for an extra ¥60, you can add more sauce to your Goro Goro Peach Smoothie if you feel it isn’t peachy enough!

Mister Donut Japan is set to release yet another new limited line of matcha doughnuts in collaboration with Gion Tsujiri and Toshi Yoroizuka at all branches in Japan from May 15, 2020.

Last month, Mister Donut collaborated with Gion Tsujiri and Toshi Yoroizuka to release the “Matcha Itadaki Series.” This time around, they’re joining their sticky baking hands to bring the “Matcha Odoroki Series.” The triple team’s matcha creations are the fitting way to celebrate Mister Donut’s 50th anniversary as Gion Tsujiri brings the best Uji matcha from Kyoto and Uji-born pastry chef Toshihiko Yoroizuka brings his creative ideas.

There are four treats in the line-up: the “Crisp Double Uji Matcha” and “Crisp Uji Match Chocolate” feature cookie and bagel dough bases, creating a crunchy and chewy mix, while the “Pon de Pie Uji Matcha” and “Pon de Pie Chocolate” feature Mister Donut’s classic chewy Pon de Rings combined with a crunchy pie texture.

Crisp Double Uji Matcha – ¥230 (Before Tax)

A chewy and crunchy base laced with Uji matcha and topped with Uji matcha whipped cream and chocolate.

Crisp Uji Match Chocolate – ¥230 (Before Tax)

A chewy and crunchy base laced with Uji matcha and topped with Uji matcha chocolate and chocolate chips.

Pon de Pie Uji Matcha – ¥200 (Before Tax)

Enjoy both a chewy base and crunchy pie mix at the same time, topped with Uji matcha whipped cream.

Pon de Pie Chocolate – ¥200 (Before Tax)

Enjoy both a chewy base and crunchy pie mix at the same time, decorated with chocolate whipped cream.

The Matcha Odoroki Series sees the chefs’ ideas shine through to create desserts that not only taste amazing but look gorgeous too, as well as taking into the account texture.

McDonald’s Japan is introducing some mouth-watering new foods to its menu including two which incorporates chicken tatsuta: the “Chicken Tatsuta Mentai Cheese” which is made with walleye pollack roe, and the bite-sized “Hitokuchi Tatsuta”ーthe latter of which is arriving to the side menu.

It is also introducing the “Rice Chicken Tatsuta” burger following the success of the “Rice Burger” which was released at stores for the first time earlier back in February of this year.

These new menu items will be released on May 13, 2020 at all McDonald’s branches in Japan for a limited time.

Chicken Tatsuta Mentai Cheese

Chicken tatsuta is a popular Japanese dish which combines a soft, soy ginger-soaked chicken patty with spicy sauce and stuffs it inside a bun. McDonald’s new “Chicken Tatsuta Mentai Cheese” adds spicy walleye pollack roe mayo and smooth white cheddar cheese to the equation. It will be available all day round, including for the morning menu.

Hitokuchi Tatsuta

Rice Chicken Tatsuta

The “Rice Chicken Burger” will be available in the evenings only.

Japanese actor Toshiyuki Nishida is appearing in the TV commercials to promote the “Hitokuchi Tatsuta” while comedian Nobuyuki Hanawa and actor Katsumi Takahashi appear in the “Rice Chicken Tatsuta” commercials which feature a re-recording of the song SWEET MEMORIES ~Amai Kioku~ by Seiko Matsuda.

TAKAHASHI KOGEI has launched a new matcha making set called the Ippukubox which comes with everything you need to make authentic Japanese matcha.

For many of us, our time indoors has increased. When taking a break from remote work we head to the kitchen to make ourselves a drink. We’ve all had those moments when we’re torn between making coffee, black tea, herbal tea, and so on. In those undecided moments, why not try making a cup of matcha instead?

The Ippukubox is a 15cm box which comes with all the necessary gear for making mathca: a chawan cup, chasen tea whisk, chashaku teaspoon, and a natsume tea caddy for preserving your matcha.

The inside of the box is lined with Echizen paper from Fukui Prefecture which not only makes it look beautiful, but protects your matcha tools from becoming damaged as a result of rubbing together.

Generally in Japan, when you think about making matcha, the traditional tea ceremony springs to mind which follows strict rules when it comes to making the drink. But the Ippukubox is made for personal use, and so you can add as much or as little matcha or hot water as you like, and practice making it even if you don’t know the proper techniques. You can even add hot milk to make a matcha latte and enjoy a tasty treat with it.

The chawan teacup is Echizen ware from Fukui and was made specially for the Ippukubox. Its cute size makes it fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, but it’s also spacious enough for using the whisk.

The outside design of the box is also made in such a way that it fits seamlessly into modern living and dining spaces. Each wooden box is handcrafted individually and is layered in a matte coating to protect the wood.

*This chawan teacup is different to the one included in the set

The lid of the box can even be used as a tray as pictured above to fit your drink and snack.