Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo to Release Celebratory Year of the Rat Roll Cake for 2020
27.November.2019 | FOOD
As 2020 is the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac, Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo’s gourmet shop Melissa is ensuring their customers thoroughly enjoy their New Year’s celebration by releasing a roll cake dressed in Japan’s traditional celebratory colours and decorated with 2020’s zodiac theme of the Rat. The cake is appropriately named Akemashite omedetou gozaimouse, which is a play on words with the Japanese New Year’s greeting “Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu”. The roll cake will be sold from December 28 2019 to January 7, 2020 and only 10 will be sold per day.
Melissa has been selling Chinese zodiac-themed confections since 2010, basing designs on the animal of the zodiac celebrated in that year. The pâtissiers never fail to produce cute designs full of fun and personality. 2020 will see the release of a strawberry roll cake decorated with the Year of the Rat theme. Pink dough is wrapped around a strawberry and strawberry cream filling. The cake is topped with an adorable chocolate mouse, strawberries, raspberries, red currants, pâte de fruits, and many more delicious toppings. The red strawberries and white cream represent the traditional colours of celebration in Japan.
As the Year of the Rat is the first year of the Chinese zodiac’s 12-year cycle, 2020 is a year to start afresh and look forward to a fruitful year. The pâtissiers are putting their heart and soul into each and every roll cake they produce, making this the perfect way to bring in the New Year.
Information
Akemashite omedetou gozaimouse! Kohaku Roll Cake (Year of the Rat New Year’s Roll Cake)
Price: ¥2,800 (After Tax)
Size: 9cm diameter × 20cm length (approx)
To be sold at: Melissa (Takeout shop, Floor 1)
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 20:30
Availability: December 28, 2019 – January 7, 2020
* Reservations must be made 3 days prior to collection. A limit of 10 roll cakes will be sold per day.
* The image in this article is for reference only and may differ from the actual product.
Melissa, Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo: https://www.rihga.com/tokyo
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Krispy Kreme Celebrates the Year of the Rat With Cute New Year’s Doughnuts
13.November.2019 | FOOD
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Japan is releasing three new end-of-year doughnuts on December 26. They will be available for a limited time only.
2020 is the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac, and so Krispy Kreme has taken that theme to create its own adorable rat doughnut. Lathered in caramel chocolate, this cute doughnut is filled with rock salt caramel cream. Its eyes, tail and large round ears are made of dark chocolate while its nose is made of coffee chocolate.
The second New Year’s doughnut in the series is the Lucky Strawberry Ring (¥230), which gets its deep crimson colour from the sweet and sour nappage made from strawberry puree and milky white chocolate. It’s finished with sprinkles of freeze-dried strawberries and gold leaf for that festive touch.
The Snowman Chocolate (¥230) is a cute snowman shaped doughnuts filled with a rich chocolate cream and covered in a milky snow white chocolate coating. Together with the Lucky Strawberry Ring, you get a festive mix of red and white which are symbolic colours of the New Year in Japan.
The three doughnuts are also available to purchase in a box set called Good Luck Zodiac Dozen which comes with twelve doughnuts including four Original Glazed®, the chain’s most popular doughnut.
Welcome the new year with some delicious and kawaii doughnuts from Krispy Kreme Japan.
Information
New Year’s Doughnuts
Available: December 26, 2019 to Mid-January 2020 (subject to change)
Official Website: https://krispykreme.jp/
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Sleigh Bells Ring at Tokyo Disneyland This Year With Plenty Of Food & Merchandise to Go Around
Jolly faces are all around at Tokyo Disney Resort right now as Disney Christmas kicked off last Friday. It’s set to sleigh its way up to Christmas Day this year.
The editorial team at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON jumped ahead and got a taste of the festive fun at the parks recently, so we’re going to showcase some more of the seasonal food and merry merchandise you can get your hands on this Christmas at Tokyo Disneyland.
Food that makes you want to kick back and enjoy a nice break
Special Set – ¥1,500 @ Grandma Sara’s Kitchen
Grandma Sara’s has created the perfect hot lunch for warming up cold guests this year, adorned with a clam and seafood tomato cream, cheese and white sauce. Dip your bread into the rich sauce and tuck in! For dessert, you get a cranberry cake inspired by the look of a snow-tipped Christmas tree.
Hot drinks of all kinds
‘Tis the season to stay warm, and so Tokyo Disneyland has devised a line-up of tasty drinks to warm the cockles of your heart, with flavours ranging from ruby chocolate to matcha and tapioca cheese teaーa unique flavour that’s all the rage right now.
We actually covered these drinks in detail last Monday, so check out our report here.
Deck the halls with these dessert & souvenir sets
Cranberry & Tea Cake With Souvenir Cup – ¥800 @ Sweetheart Cafe and elsewhere
Strawberry Dessert With Souvenir Cup – ¥800 @ Sweetheart Cafe and elsewhere
Head to the Sweetheart Cafe to enjoy some desserts which come with cute take-home souvenirs, like cups and plates. The cranberry and tea cake is a subtly sweet cake with a fragrant tea flavour and filled with sweet and sour cranberries.
The strawberry dessert is like strawberry shortcake with ascending layers of cake batter, cream, and strawberries. It’s topped with holly to give it that Christmas-y finish.
Chocolate Doughnut – ¥380 @ Cleo’s and elsewhere
The chocolate doughnuts at Cleo’s are completely lathered in a chocolate danish-like dough and custard cream.
The doughnuts even come in this cute Mickey and Minnie packaging, who are dressed ready and for giving gifts to guests.
If you pay an extra ¥700 you can get this adorable pouch featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy as snowmen.
Have a merry little Christmas with these holiday season goodies
Headband – ¥1,800
Fun Cap – ¥3,000 / Plush Toy Wristband – ¥1,700
Feel happy simply by placing these Mickey & Minnie headband ears and getting into party mode. The park has also developed a Christmas version of the Pluto fun cap so he has reindeer antlers and holly attached. Both items were previously available in a pre-sale on the park app, so depending on the shop you visit, they may have none left in stock. But if you see one, be sure to grab it quick!
There’s also a Mickey version of the Minnie Mouse plush toy wristband. Wear one and have your friend or loved one wear the other!
Popcorn Basket – ¥2,400 @ The Gazebo (Popcorn Wagon)
Pick up some popcorn served in a Christmas present basket decorated with cute illustrations of Mickey and company celebrating Christmas.
It comes strung with a ribbon decorated with green, red and white colouring like a candy cane.
Spend a Disney Christmas this winter at Tokyo Disneyland where you can stay warm with some comfort food and dress up!
Model: Yuna Yabe
Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON)
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Information
Disney Christmas 2019
Running: November 8, 2019 – December 25, 2019
Tokyo Disneyland: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tdl/event/detail/tdl_christmas2019/
Tokyo DisneySea: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tds/event/detail/tds_christmas2019/
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Universal Studios Japan Countdown Party 2020: Celebrate 1 Year Of USJ in One Night
12.September.2019 | SPOT
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has dropped some details on this year’s New Year’s celebrations. The event, titled Universal Studios Japan Countdown Party 2020, will wrap up 2019, celebrating one year of the theme park in a single night. It will begin at 7pm on December 31 and run until 2am on New Year’s Day. Pre-sale tickets to the event, called “Party Passes,” went on sale on Thursday (September 12).
The park has over 3,500 colourful fireworks in its arsenal ready to launch into the sky after the countdown, beckoning the New Year and the start of USJ in 2020. During the event, all the most popular attractions will be all-you-can-ride for a total of 26 hours. Last year’s countdown party was so popular that all of the tickets sold out. According to a survey carried out by the park, 95% of people were highly satisfied with the experience.
USJ has another incredible line-up of exciting things planned for 2019, including the special “one-night-only season events” which have been revamped this year. This consists of a variety of incredible shows and entertainment themed on each season.
The World Street Festival, which thrilled guests back in spring, will make an exciting return, as well the Extra Cool Summer event which cooled down the park with water and snow this summer.
And it doesn’t end there, because the Halloween Horror Night, which is currently running at the park, will creep its way to the New Year’s countdown party as well with the likes of the zombie dance event, in addition to the Universal Crystal Christmas event which has received a new theme this year.
There are only a limited number of tickets and no more will be released once they’re all gone, so if you’re in Japan for the New Year then make sure you’ve got yours booked!
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)
Despicable Me, Minion Made and all related marks and characters are trademarks and copyrights of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC. All Rights Reserved.
TM & © 2019 Sesame Workshop © 2019 Peanuts Worldwide LLC © 1976, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. EJ9091102
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Information
Universal Studios Japan Countdown Party 2020
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: From 19:00
*You can only enter the event with a Party Pass. With the Party Pass, you can enter and leave as many times as you like until 21:00. You cannot enter with an Annual Pass or regular ticket.
Date: January 1, 2020
Time: 02:00-21:00
*You can enter with a Party Pass or with one of the Studio Passes from 02:00 as long as it’s valid on January 1, 2020
Party Pass Price List
Party Pass: ¥12,900 (Tax Included)
Party Pass + Special Express Pass: From ¥22,100 (Tax Included)
Party Pass + Special Express Pass + Special Viewing Area Entry Ticket: ¥24,260 (Tax Included)
Party Pass + Special Express Pass + Special Viewing Area Entry Ticket (VIP Seat): ¥32,300 (Tax Included)
Party Pass + Special Express Pass + Special Viewing Area Entry Ticket (Lagoon): ¥27,700 (Tax Included)
Purchasing a Party Pass
Club Universal Member Pre-Sale: Available from September 12, 2019
LAWSON Pre-Sale: Available from September 13, 2019
General Sale: Available from September 17, 2019
Official Website (Japanese): https://www.usj.co.jp/countdown2020/index.html
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Souvenirs at Tokyo Station’s GRANSTA Shopping Complex Abundant For the New Year
Tokyo Station’s GRANSTA and GRANSTA Marunouchi shopping complexes are holding a New Year’s from December 26, 2019 to January 5, 2019 where sweets and souvenirs will be sold to beckon the new year. The items are based on the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac for 2020.
Sweets and Souvenirs
Baked New Year 2020 (Contains 5) – ¥1,600 @ Fairycake Fair (Available from December 26)
Tuck into these adorable baked cookies with various celebratory designs including rats, flowers and the year 2020. They are egg flavoured and are made with caramel to create a taste similar to Japanese purin (a type of custard pudding).
High Grade Fresh Japanese Confection Assortment (Contains 6) – ¥1,848 @ Ginza Kanra (Available Mid-December to Mid-January)
Ginza Kanra’s assortment of fancy confections are so pretty they almost seem a waste to eat, each with a variety of motifs such as a rat as well as “Gin no Suzu”ーa silver bell inside Tokyo Station that’s famous as a meeting spot.
Ginza Kikunoya Fukiyose Kaiune Shikan (200g) – ¥1,998 @ Jimbocho Ichi no Ichi (Now on sale until all sell out)
This tin of assorted small sweets includes around 30 types of baked wheat bran treats and more. There’s plenty to keep you going through the New Year celebrations.
Left: Eto Kokeshi Rat – ¥2,090 / Right: Mame Kokeshi Rat – ¥880 @ SHARED TOKYO (Now on sale)
Available in limited quantities only, these cute rat kokeshi dolls would look good even as decorations in small spaces. Their red and white colours add to the festive vibe as these are celebratory colours in Japan.
New Year’s Card Shrimp Senbei Rice Crackers (Contains 11) – ¥1,080 @ Keishindo (Now on sale until all sell out)
Forget regular Christmas cards, hand someone one of these rice crackers instead which feature messages like “Here’s to another great year” in Japanese as well as other New Year motifs.
Osechi and New Year’s Bento
Houjou – ¥8,000 @ Asakusa Imahan (Available January 1 only)
Osechi is food prepared for the New Year in Japan, and this bountiful harvest includes Asakusa Imahan’s famous wagyu black beef, red rice, rice with minced sea bream, and more. These are limited to 10 sets only.
Osechi Shoufuku Suzen – ¥1,800 @Sasahachi (Available January 1-3)
Another delicious mix of osechi like fish wrapped in kombu seaweed, hand-rolled sushi, and more—all of which goes down best with a cup of sake. Limited to 20 servings per day.
This is just a peek into what’s available this New Year at Tokyo Station, so if you’re using the station this year, be sure to stop by.
*All listed prices include tax
Information
New Year’s Fair
Running: December 26, 2019 – January 5, 2020
TOKYO STATION GUIDE Official Website: https://www.tokyoinfo.com/
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Häagen-Dazs Releases Strawberry Brownie Parfait and Fondant Chocolate Ice Creams
11.December.2019 | FOOD
Häagen-Dazs Japan released two new mini cup flavours of ice cream on December 10 which will be available for a limited time only: the “Strawberry Brownie Parfait” and “Fondant au Chocolate.”
The strawberry and brownie parfait ice cream is a mix of rich vanilla custard ice cream and chocolate brownie finished with a glaze of sweet and sour strawberry sauce. Enjoy a combination of three different flavours and textures.「
The “Fondant au chocolat” is a crispy sandwich filled with rich dark chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce. It’s sold in packaging that looks like a high-quality gift box.
If you’re in Japan for the winter then be sure to pick up these two holiday season delights!
Information
Häagen-Dazs Mini Cup Strawberry Brownie Parfait (Limited Edition)
Price: ¥295 (Before Tax)
Release Date: December 10, 2019
Available: At supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores and elsewhere across Japan
Product Page: https://www.haagen-dazs.co.jp/strawberry_brownie_parfait/
Häagen-Dazs Mini Cup Fondant Au Chocolat (Limited Edition)
Price: ¥295 (Before Tax)
Release Date: December 10, 2019
Available: At supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores and elsewhere across Japan
Product Page: https://www.haagen-dazs.co.jp/fondant_au_chocolat_2019/
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Artist FUKI Collaborates with LINE MUSIC to Make Romantic Bubble Tea at Tai Parfait Cafe
LINE MUSIC-Bu is LINE MUSIC’s research team that studies popular music trends among teen girls. LINE MUSIC-Bu teamed up with love song-writer FUKI, who is releasing one love per month for 12 months, in order to produce a new bubble tea drink and tapioca dessert especially for couples. The drink and dessert is being sold at Tai Parfait Cafe, Yokohama World Porters. FUKI will also perform at a free live gig at Yokohama World Porters on December 25, which is the last day of collaboration drink and tapioca dessert sales.
The collaboration pair-tapi contains two different drinks in a twin split cup. One side of the cup is filled with cafe au lait and the other with a strawberry-flavoured drink. Both sides are stuffed with yummy tapioca pearls and are topped with a mountain of cream. This cute drink sees the perfect opportunity to get closer to your partner.
The second collaboration treat is the Tai Parfait Tapi which is stuffed with strawberries and tapioca pearls. The adorable tai fish is made from sweet dough – and it has cute eyelashes too. The fish’s enormously wide mouth can be seen chomping down on the delicious dessert.
Enjoy a romantic bubble tea and make sure to check out FUKI’s love song LOVE and CRY, which is based on a true story. The song is currently available on a number of digital music services.
Teen girls full of love problems find FUKI’S songs highly relatable. As Yokohama World Porters will be lit up for Christmas, you just can’t miss FUKI’s performance on December 25.
Information
LOVE and CRY / FUKI
Digital Release: November 11, 2019
Link: https://jvcmusic.lnk.to/loveandcry
Tai Parfait Cafe
Selling Until: December 25, 2020
Location: Tai Parfait Cafe, Yokohama World Porters (Floor 5)
Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Opening Hours: 11:00 ー 22:00
Christmas Free Live Gig
Event Name: FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS
Dates: November 8 ー December 25
FUKI’s Performance Date: December 25
Times: 14:00 ー 14:30 and 16:00 ー 16:30 (Stage 2)
Location:Yokohama World Porters Kishamichi Promenade, 2nd Floor Stage
Price: Free
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Hilton Tokyo Bay Tips Over the Toy Box to Reveal Playful Pink Strawberry Dessert Buffet
05.December.2019 | FOOD
Tokyo Disney Resort® ‘s official hotel Hilton Tokyo Bay will be serving up a strawberry dessert buffet called Strawberry Playroom from December 28 at lounge O. The buffet will be served exclusively on weekends and national holidays excluding New Year’s Day.
Hilton Tokyo Bay has tipped over the toy box, creating a dessert buffet which is like the playroom of every little girl’s dreams. The interior decor of the buffet room is a nostalgic throwback to the Vaporwave days of dial-up internet, bulky CRT TVs and retro games, however, everything is transformed with a pop pink filter.
If you think the decor is playful, just wait until you see the desserts. Slice into the heart-shaped Very Berry Cream Cake and a strawberry and heart-shaped chocolate filling will come bursting out like a jack-in-the-box. This is the dessert to go for if you want a slice of fun.
Delving deeper into the world of toys, you will discover the Berry Brownie Toys dessert, which is garnished with chocolate robot toys.
The MELTY or NOT Mousse Cake is the only time you won’t feel disappointed seeing a dropped ice cream. This vanilla mousse cake is topped with a “melting ice cream” and is freshly baked from the fantasy oven.
When you need a break from all the sugar intake or are looking for a late lunch, make sure to check out the 15 savoury dishes. Some savoury dishes include the Infinite Coleslaw Tower, which is made of purple cabbage and crunchy fried noodles, the Peachy Pink Beetroot Scattered Sushi (Chirashizushi) which is made from purple sushi rice and the Macaroni Gratin Treasure Hunt which challenges you to find the macaroni with a unique shape.
All together, the buffet includes approximately 40 varieties of fun savoury mains and desserts for you to enjoy and are bound to get lots of likes on your Instagram.
Information
Strawberry Dessert Buffet: Strawberry Playroom
Location: Hilton Tokyo Bay Lobby “Lounge O”
(1-8 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba)
Running: December 28, 2019 – April 12, 2020
*Open only on weekends and national holidays. Closed on New Year’s Day.
Opening Hours: 3:00 ー 15:00/ 15:30 ー 17:30 (Two sessions per day, each runs for two hours each)
Price**: Adult: ¥3,100, 4 – 8 y/o: ¥1,200, 9 -12 y/o: ¥1,800
*Drinks bar access included (Approx. 15 drinks)
** Prices Before Tax and Service Charge
Reservation Tel: 047-355-5000 (Restaurant Extension Number)
Website: https://www.hiltontokyobay.jp/plans/restaurants/sweets/lounge_1912
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Japan’s ROLL ICE CREAM FACTORY Releases Christmas Themed Menu
01.December.2019 | FOOD
ROLL ICE CREAM FACTORYーan ice cream chain in Japan specialising in ‘rolled’ ice creamーreleased its Christmas menu today.
From Left: Reindeer’s Christmas / Pink Pink Christmas / Blue White Christmas / Royal Pink Christmas
This will be ROLL ICE CREAM FACTORY’s third-ever Christmas menu, which they have made even more fun. There are three festive ice creams to choose from, including two featuring Santa Claus and a reindeer. The ice creams can be served in either their regular cups, or the store’s new “Fuwamoko” snowstorm cups, which looks like snow blowing in the wind. Check out the video below.
Until now, people would take photos of the ice cream being made, but these new cups make for an even more Instagrammable post. Edit in a Christmas song or your favourite music to make your own cute video for your Instagram Stories. The Christmas menu is available until December 25, but these cups will be served until late February 2020. You’ll find the Christmas menu at the select branches and pop-up stores listed below.
Information
Christmas Menu (4 Flavours)
Running: December 1, 2019 – December 25, 2019
①Royal Pink Christmas
Price: Fuwamoko Cup ¥1,350 / Regular Cup ¥1,300
②Pink Pink Christmas
Price: Fuwamoko Cup ¥1,100 / Regular Cup ¥1,050
③Blue White Christmas
Price: Fuwamoko Cup ¥1,100 / Regular Cup ¥1,050
④Reindeer’s Christmas
Price: Fuwamoko Cup ¥1,100 / Regular Cup ¥1,050
*Listed prices do not include consumption tax
Participating Branches
・ROLL ICE CREAM FACTORY Stores: Harajuku Omotesando (Tokyo), Dotonburi (Osaka), Aeon Mall Sakai Kitahanada (Osaka), LACHIC (Nagoya), Don Quijote Yamashita (Yokohama), Shinkyogoku (Kyoto)
・ROLL ICE CREAM FACTORY Pop-Up Shops: Shiki 0101 (Saitama) *December 18, 2019 – January 7, 2020 / TOKIWA (Oita) *December 21, 2019 – December 30, 2019
Official Website: https://rollicecreamfactory.com
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Top 10 Most Popular Souvenirs to Pick Up at Tokyo Station’s HANAGATAYA Store | 2019 Edition
HANAGATAYA is a souvenir variety shop that opened in Tokyo Station’s central passage back in July. After over 5 months of sales, the store has revealed its Top 10 most popular products based on sales.
The line-up features a selection of HANAGATAYA exclusives, as well as products from elsewhere which have received pre-sales at HANAGATAYA. You will be spoilt for choice with this selection, all of which are perfect for ringing in the New Year when travelling back home. Let’s take a look.
1st Place
Banana Custard Cream – Tokyo 2020 Olympic Emblem Design (Tokyo 2020 Official Licensed Product) – Contains 8 – ¥1,134 (Tax Included)
Officially licensed by the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, these chewy cakes are made from domestic Japanese rice, and are filled with deliciously creamy banana custard.
2nd Place
Tokyo Banana Butter Madeleine (Tokyo Banana World) – Contains 4 – ¥560 Tax Included)
Exclusive to HANAGATAYA come these all-new butter madeleine’s created by famous confectionery company Tokyo Banana. These baked treats feature a buttery fragrance and taste, and are made with a banana confiture and finished with fresh lemon.
*Exclusive to HANAGATAYA GRANSTA Tokyo Central Street
3rd Place
Toro One Press Chocolate Chick (Tokyo Hiyoko) – Contains 3 – ¥648 (Tax Included)
This year marks 107 since the company Hiyoko was established. The “Toro One Press Chocolate Chick” is a new confection from them: an adorable skyward-looking chick made up of three chocolate layersーeach with their own distinct flavour. At the heart of the chick is a moist chocolate paste.
*Exclusive to Tokyo Station
4th Place
Cheese Wich – Contains 5 – ¥594 (Tax Included)
These light and refreshing cheese cookies, called Cheese Wiches, are filled with a chocolate-coated melted cheese sauce. Three layers means an enjoyable amalgamation of flavours and textures.
*Exclusive to Tokyo Station
5th Place
Chocolate Chestnut Eggs (Ginza Tamaya) – Contains 4 – ¥800 (Tax Included)
“Goma Tamago” is a popular bite-sized egg-shaped confection. This chestnut flavour was created for HANAGATAYA, a mix of dark chocolate and vanilla flavoured chestnut paste.
*Exclusive to Tokyo Station
6th Place
Strawberry Cookie Sandwich (Berry UP!) – Contains 8 – ¥1,296 (Tax Included)
Berry UP! is a cute confectionery brand which creates baked strawberry sweets. Keeping with that theme, they have created a crunchy quintuple-layered cookie sandwich filled with sweet and sour strawberry chocolate.
7th Place
Shinjuku Curry Ebi (Shinjuku Nakamuraya) – Contains 6 – ¥600 (Tax Included)
If you’re looking for something more savoury, then this one’s for you: Shinjuku Nakamuraya’s light, fluffy and melt-in-the-mouth ebi, coated in curry spices. One nibble is enough to get you instantly hooked.
8th Place
Strawberry Polvorón (Berry UP!) – Contains 6 – ¥1,296 (Tax Included)
Another entry from Berry UP!, these polvorón shortbreads are made from lots of fresh strawberries mixed with condensed milk and mascarpone, creating a subtle sweetness that’s enough to have your mouth watering.
9th Place
BLUE MELTIN SAND (Tokyo Campanella) – Contains 8 – ¥1,200 (Tax Included)
What if herbal tea and cookies became its own snack? That’s what Tokyo Campanella asked too, and so make it a reality. Their BLUE MELTIN SANDs are cat’s tongue cookies stuffed with a herbal tea sauce that has a natural blue colour.
10th Place
Premium Cacao Full Sablé (Mary Chocolate) – Contains 18 – ¥1,350 (Tax Included)
Finally, we have a premium edition of chocolate company Mary Chocolate’s Cacao Full Sablés. This one’s for the adults, a sophisticated combination of bittersweet chocolate and berries.
*Exclusive to HANAGATAYA GRANSTA Tokyo Central Street
Did you enjoy this list? Which one takes your fancy the most? Whether as a souvenir for the folks back home, or as a treat to yourself to celebrate 2020, if you’re in Tokyo this year then be sure to give HANAGATAYA a visit.
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Enjoy the Flavours of Sendai with the Zunda Shake Kit Kat
29.November.2019 | FOOD
Sendai is famous for zunda mochi: a traditional dessert that fuses boiled mochi (rice cakes) and zunda (sweet edamame bean paste). The zunda mochi shop Zunda Saryo is collaborating with Nestlé to create a Kit Kat Mini with the regional flavour “Zunda Saryo Shake”, which will be released on December 1 at a number of shops including souvenir shops around Sendai Station and Sendai Airport, and selected KASHO SANZEN shops*
*(Omachi Hirose-dōri, Koji Matsushima and Monzen Matsushima)
Zunda Saryo spreads the delicious flavour of zunda across Japan through their variety of zunda-flavoured desserts and drinks. The Zunda Shake is an original drink made by fusing carefully selected milk with vanilla and then blending it with zunda to create an original sweet shake to represent Sendai. Kit Kat’s crispy wafers add texture to the layers of smooth chocolate, producing a divine flavour. Japan is home to more than 40 different Kit Kat flavours which are popular within Japan and overseas. 20 of those are from Japan’s regional flavour series, which is a collaboration with a regional specialty.
Foreigners and even Japanese visitors from other parts of the country will have never seen this new flavour before. The new Kit Kat Mini Zunda Shake flavour is sure to be the best way to experience the flavours of the region.
The cream filling is kneaded with edamame powder and sandwiched between crispy wafers. The Kit Kat is coated in Zunda shake-flavoured chocolate, creating the perfect Kit Kat flavour.
Whether you’re looking for a small snack or a souvenir, the Zunda Shake Kit Kat is perfect for you.
Information
Kit Kat Mini Zunda Shake Flavour
Contains: 9
Price: ¥800 (Before Tax)
Purchase from: Souvenir shops around Sendai Station and Sendai Airport, KASHO SANZEN (Omachi Hirose-dōri, Koji Matsushima and Monzen Matsushima)
Release Date: December 1, 2019
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Instagram Sensation Unicorn Ice Cream Shop Now Selling Christmas Reindeer Ice Cream
28.November.2019 | FOOD
Looking for Instagram-worthy ice cream in Japan? You definitely need to check out Asakusa Tsuno Koi. Soon after opening in Tokyo’s traditional Asakusa on July 5, 2019, their soft serve unicorn ice cream instantly earned its fame on social media. From November 28 to December 24, the ice cream shop will be releasing a series of Christmas-limited ice creams that are sure to become a hit sensation.
This shop is famous for being the only ice cream shop in the world to make unicorn-shaped cones out of financier cake dough and filling them with a sweet spiral of soft serve ice cream for the unicorn’s horn. This Christmas, the shop is introducing Christmas-limited toppings, flowers and wreaths to the decorations menu, making customising your ice cream more fun than ever before.
* According to research conducted by Asakusa Tsuno Koi. Protected status has been received for America, Korea and Japan. Applications are still being processed in the EU, Singapore and Mongolia.
For the Reindeer Soft Serve Ice Cream (¥780), each and every single financier cone is baked carefully, but this time in the shape of a reindeer – and it’s chocolate flavoured. Filled with soft serve ice cream, this reindeer is too cute to eat.
The Christmas Tree (¥830) is a soft serve pistachio ice cream made using high-grade pistachos: the reigning queen when it comes to nut varieties. The ice cream is finished with one of Asakusa Tsuno Koi‘s original Christmas trees.
The Santa Claus Soft Serve (¥500) is made using Asakusa Tsuno Koi’s rich-flavoured vanilla ice cream. Young or old, the moment you set eyes on Santa Claus’ face, a smile will automatically appear on yours!
The Christmas-limited toppings include stars, candy, and gingerbread men (¥100 each). Can’t choose? There is set including all three which costs ¥250.
The shop interior is also looking more Christmassy. The interior is a fusion of Asakusa’s traditional heritage and the unicorn motif, which is popular in western countries. A colourful flowery background and Asakusa’s traditional folding fans and umbrellas perfectly finish the western-Japanese fusion scene, which is currently soaking in fame on Instagram.
Asakusa Tsuno Koi is serving up a totally unique kind of ice cream that has not been spotted anywhere else in the world. The Christmas-limited ice creams are definitely worth the hype.
* Prices Before Tax
Information
Asakusa Tsuno Koi
Address: 1- chome-14-7 Asakusa Taito City
Closed: Wednesdays
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 18:00
Website (Japanese Only): http://www.38cogp.com/tsunokoi/
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Fine & Fruity Christmas Tarts Baked Up at Qu’il Fait Bon in Japan For 2019
28.November.2019 | FOOD
Japanese fruit tart specialist company Qu’il Fait Bon is serving five special tartsーincluding four new onesーat 10 of their branches for Christmas this year from December 20 to 25.
Eight Fruit Tart (New Tart) – ¥968 per piece / ¥9,684 Whole 25cm / ¥5,316 Whole 17cm / ¥3,357 Whole 13cm
Topped with eight kinds of fruit, this luxurious tart is filled with a white chocolate-laced custard cream and sat on a deliciously crunchy base. Each bite fills your mouth with an amalgamation of harmonious fresh fruity flavours.
Strawberry & Berry Cheese Mousse Tart (New Tart) – ¥1,235 per piece / ¥12,355 Whole 25cm / ¥7,322 Whole 17cm / ¥4,897 Whole 13cm
This tantalising tart is made with Le Gall cream cheese and is layered with sponge, cream and shortcake. It’s finished with a topping of juicy strawberries and even more cream.
Sweet and Sour Berry & Chocolate Cream Tart (New Tart) – ¥967 per piece / ¥11,612 Whole 25cm / ¥6,139 Whole 17cm / ¥4,594 Whole 13cm
A more sophisticated tart for the grown-ups, this rich delight is the perfect indulgence for the holy night this Christmas, finished with a glossy sauce and sparkly gold leaf. The smooth bavarian sauce coupled with the sweet and sour berry assortment is a match made in heaven. For texture, there is added crunchy feuillantine made from thinly baked crepe dough.
Two-Coloured Grape Tart (New Tart) – ¥921 per piece / ¥7,369 Whole 21cm / ¥5,892 Whole 17cm
If you love grapes, then this tart is a dream come true: a combination of red and green grapes sat on top of a bed of crème raffinée and a cinnamon-sprinkled base. Enjoy the sweet, sour and juicy flavours.
White Chocolate Cream & Fukuoka Beni Hoppe Strawberry Tart – ¥1,647 per piece / ¥16,470 Whole 25cm / ¥8,138 Whole 17cm
This tart is made with beni hoppe strawberries from Fukuoka which are renowned for their rich taste and balanced sweetness and sourness. This tart is made with only the best selection of these large grapes. Enjoy this simple but extravagant combination of white chocolate custard cream, fresh cream, and light and fluffy sponge.
*Exclusive to the following Qu’il Fait Bon branches: Grand Maison Ginza, Aoyama, Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi, Yokohama, Fukuoka, Hamamatsu, and Sendai
White Chocolate Cream & Fukuoka Amaou Strawberry Tart – ¥1,762 per piece / ¥17,625 Whole 25cm / ¥8,934 Whole 17cm
This tart is also made with strawberries from Fukuoka, a type known as amaou. They are juicy, plump, and glossy red. They are paired perfectly with white chocolate custard and fresh cream.
*Exclusive to the following Qu’il Fait Bon branches: Grand Front Osaka and Kyoto
These tarts are available for a limited-time only, so treat yourself this Christmasーa time that comes only once a year!
*All listed prices include 8% consumption tax. Rate subject to change if dining in at a select branch. Select branches may not serve individual slices.
Information
Christmas Tart Menu
Available: In-branch. Reservations not available.
Running: December 20, 2019 – December 25, 2019
Participating Branches: Grand Maison Ginza, Aoyama, Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi, Yokohama, Fukuoka, Hamamatsu, Sendai, Grand Front Osaka, Kyoto, Shizuoka
Product Page: http://www.quil-fait-bon.com/2019Xmas/
Qu’il Fait Bon Official Website: http://www.quil-fait-bon.com
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Disney Store: Find the Perfect New Year’s Souvenirs From Japan
27.November.2019 | FASHION
Walt Disney Japan is celebrating the New Year by rolling out a new batch of celebratory character merchandise at Disney Stores across Japan as well as the online website on December 3.
From the quintessential Japanese daruma to pine decorations and more, take home some of Japan with you for friends and family in the form of classic Japanese New Year items made into Disney souvenirs.
Plush Toys: Mickey/Minnie Mouse ¥2,000 Each, Winnie the Pooh ¥2,800, Piglet/Roo ¥1,500, Eeyore ¥1,600, Chip/Dale ¥1,200 Each Mascots: All ¥1,000 Each Memo Pad: ¥650 Pine Decoration: ¥1,500
The line-up includes a selection of daruma-dressed Disney character plush toys, plush toys of Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Roo in rat costumes for the 2020 Year of the Rat, and more. Perfect as gifts, souvenirs, and for decorating your room and desk.
Celebrate the New Year with your favourite Disney characters.
©Disney ©Disney. Based on the “Winnie the Pooh” works by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard. ©Disney/Pixar
Information
Product Page: https://store.disney.co.jp/c/c5680/
*Select branches not stocking these products (*and not available at outlets)
*Available while supplies last
*Product designs, price, release date, branches, and so on are subject to change
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Valentine’s Day 2020: Japanese Chocolates, Golden Desserts & More at GINZA SIX
Winter may be cold, but that’s no excuse to stay indoors all day when there’s so many seasonal events and festivals to be enjoyedーespecially in Japan. With Christmas and New Year’s just on the horizon, it’ll soon be time to begin preparations for Valentine’s Day.
GINZA SIX is the biggest shopping centre in Ginza, a district itself which prides itself as the high end part of Tokyo. Seeing as Ginza is home to many internationally-known chocolatiers, you can bet that GINZA SIX is sure to deliver when it comes to high-quality Valentine’s chocolates and sweets. And you’d be right in thinking that, because the shopping complex is ready to showcase some of the delectable delights set to pose in all of their delicious glory during the season of love. Whether it’s a treat to some premium chocolate to your special someone, or a bit of self-indulgence, GINZA SIX has you covered this coming Valentine’s Day.
But that’s not all, because a string of pop-up shops are going to open too. Let’s take a peek into what’s to come.
Premium sweets made with the “4th type of chocolate”
We all know dark, milk, and white chocolate, but many people are still unaware of ruby chocolate. Made from ruby cocoa beans, the chocolate was officially unveiled in 2017, and is marketed as the “4th category” of chocolate. It will come as no surprise then that GINZA SIX will be making use of this still rare chocolate, as well as “blonde” chocolateーyet another unfamiliar type.
Valrhona Blonde Chocolate Plate With Jasmine Scent – ¥1,200 @ THE GRAND GINZA
Blonde chocolate’s characteristic quality lies in its combination of caramel and biscuit. The chocolate artisans over at Valrhona, a Japanese chocolate company savoured by some of the world’s top patissiers, have forged a blonde chocolate dome dessert injected with a raspberry puree and sweet vanilla mousse. The dessert is sat on a bed of crunchy crumble and surrounded with a pool of jasmine-scented blonde chocolate cream. This one’s for the adults to enjoy.
Ruby Saku Langue de Chat (12 Pack) – ¥1,200 @ ISHIYA GINZA
For a limited time only, ISHIYA GINZA’s langue de chat, also known as cat tongue biscuits, arrive in a ruby chocolate flavour. They took their delicious cat tongues and sandwiched smooth and sour ruby chocolate between them.
Japanese-style chocolates
These next chocolates are made with the Japanese spirit and palate in mind.
Tsujiri Collection (8 Pack) – ¥2,360 @ Tsujiri
The tea experts at Tsujiri have paired chocolate with matcha and houjicha, two types of tea that go perfect with chocolate. Bringing out the flavour of tea in their products is Tsujiri’s speciality. Houjicha comes as the newest flavour to this product alongside koicha, yuzu, sesame praline, Japanese pepper, sakura strawberry, and brown sugar.
Kurosu Vinegar Raw Chocolate – ¥1,500 @ Shoubunsu Vinegar Brewery
Kurosu vinegar is smooth and doesn’t have a strong flavour or smell. It goes well with these chocolates from the Shoubunsu Vinegar Brewery, including their slightly bitter milk chocolate and white chocolate with soy milk. Each bite offers a sweet, refreshing flavour.
Textural chocolates
If you’re here for the texture, then you’ve come to the right place. From a dessert that combines light pound cake with rich mousse to a melt-in-the-mouth chocolate terrine, GINZA SIX has no shortage of sweets with tempting textures.
Rouge – ¥2,315 @ Patisserie Pavlov
This dessert is made with pound cake and rich mousse and is lavish with ganache. It’s covered with a strawberry chocolate coating and finished with an artisanal chocolate decoration.
Chocolate Terrine – ¥6,000 @ FRANCK MULLER GENEVE
Luxurious is the word to describe this chocolate terrine, a heavenly mix of Swiss dark chocolate and tasty cultured butter, resulting in a complex flavour profile of richness and melt-in-the-mouth sweetness.
Dine-in Valentine’s menu
Another way to enjoy your time at GINZA SIX for Valentine’s 2020 is to sit down at one of the cafes or restaurants to enjoy one of their exclusive Valentine’s Day menu items, such as an afternoon tea. It’s a great way to spend your time with your loved one or as a get-together for all the singles out there!
La Saint-Valentin Afternoon Tea Sets – ¥4,200 (Serves 1) @ THE GRAND GINZA
“Noir & Blanc” (Black/White) is the theme of these afternoon tea sets, which come in two different colours and are towered with strawberry-packed sweets and savoury snacks. Will you go for the stylish noir, or the sophisticated blanc?
Coppa Valentine – ¥1,819 @ Café Cova Milano
Served in a wine glass, this strawberry dessert is a layered combination of sweet and sour strawberry sorbet, chocolate ice cream, and strawberry sauce. It’s topped with heart-shaped chocolate and a rose bell.
Limited-time pop-up shops
CAFÉ COVA (GINZA SIX Floor B2F)
CAFÉ COVA has lots of incredible surprises for the Valentine’s season next year, including a chocolate box wrapped in beautiful packaging, as well as the above-pictured heart and rose panettone (which, by the way, they’ll only be selling a select few of!)
Paul Smith POP UP SHOP (GINZA SIX Floor 4F) / Open November 27, 2019 – January 14, 2020
IDEAS FROM LONDON is a pop-up shop by Paul Smith that’s set to bring ideas from the UK to Japan. See their new fashion collection, special collaborative items, and more.
This is just a select look at what’s to come when the season of love hits GINZA SIX. Make sure you don’t miss out.
Information
GINZA SIX
Address: 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Shops/Cafes (B2F-5F) 10:30-20:30 / Restaurants (6F, 13F) 11:00-23:00
*Business hours differ from shop to shop.
No Fixed Holidays (But shops and restaurants will be closed on January 1, 2020)
Access: Directly connected to Ginza Station via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line and Hibiya Line.
TEL: 03-6891-3390
Website: http://ginza6.tokyo/ -
Kaori’s Easy Recipe: Learn to Make Frozen 2 Milk Tea Muffins
With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s easy recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.
In this recipe, you’ll learn to make cupcakes based on the upcoming Disney film Frozen 2 which is set to hit theatres worldwide on November 22, 2019. These cupcakes are inspired by the Anna and Elsa poster design for the movie. This recipe has parts that are a little more tricky compared to my usual recipes, but put yourself to the test and you’ll end up with something delicious!
Milk Tea Muffin Ingredients (Makes 5)
100g weak flour
70g unsalted butter
50g granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp bottled chestnut syrup
5-6 chestnuts preserved in syrup
50ml milk tea
*To make the milk tea, add one black tea bag into 70ml of milk and draw 50ml from that
Bean Paste Ingredients
500g white bean paste (shiro-an in Japanese)
25g unsalted butter (room temperature)
20ml milk
A bit of of vanilla extract
A bit of Wilton White icing colour
1. First, we’ll make the milk tea muffins. Bring the unsalted butter to room temperature and whisk with a hand mixer. Add the granulated sugar and continue to whisk. Whisk the egg fully, and then add slowly to the mixture. Make sure to add the egg slowly so as to not split the butter.
2. Sieve the wheat flour and baking powder and add to the mix. Slowly add the milk tea and continue to whisk to bring the mixture together.
3. Add a teaspoon of the chestnut syrup. Chop the chestnuts and add those too, then mix once again.
4. Add 70-80% of the mixture equally between five cupcake cups. Bake at 170° for approximately 25 minutes.
5. Next, we’ll make the bean paste cream. Do this by mixing together the white bean paste, unsalted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and Wilton White all at once. The Wilton White makes the cream turn a pure white colour.
6: Allow the muffins to cool, lather over the bean paste to taste, and finally decorate. All done!
I added colouring to chocolate plastic for the chest part of the dress. Then I cut it up and added it to the cupcakes. I hope you enjoyed the recipe, be sure to try making your own movie-inspired handmade desserts at home too!
The long-awaited sequel to Disney’s blockbuster animated is right around the corner. The first Frozen film touched the entire world with its frosty beauty with both its story and music. Let It Go in particular was a worldwide phenomenon, and was an immense hit in Japan too.
Frozen 2 will see Elsa embark on a dangerous journey with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven as she discovers why she was born with magical powers, the answer to which is threatening her kingdom.
The new film’s main theme, Into The Unknown, captures the complex feelings and emotions Elsa holds as she steps forth, with all her anxieties and hopes, into a new world.
Frozen 2 Trailer Japanese Version
The first Frozen film was a widespread global hit and there’s no denying that Frozen 2 will follow in its footsteps. Get together with your family, friends or lover to watch it for the best experience.
Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!
Kaori Kubota (@kaopan27)
I live in Hokkaido and I love to make character themed foods, desserts and pastries♡
I want to see my family smile, so I enjoy putting in a bit of effort to make character foods and changing food into something cute♡
You can see more of my character foods and character bento boxes on my Instagram page→@kaopan27
©2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Information
Frozen 2
Release Date: November 22, 2019
Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios/Motion Pictures
Directors: Chris Buck/Jeniffer Lee
Starring: Idina Menzel (as Elsa), Kristen Bell (as Anna)
Official Website: https://disney.co.uk/movies/frozen-2