Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo released six new products on December 5 in collaboration with Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo, a long-standing traditional maker of Japanese gosho-ningyo dolls.

Golden Cup, Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo - ¥50,000 (Before Tax)

The relationship between Starbucks and Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo began when Starbucks opened its branch at Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya in Kyoto, which is known for having tatami flooring, as the dollmaker's studio is located near it. There is a waving cat wearing a green apron at that Starbucks which was designed by the 5th generation of Shimada Koen.

Waving Cat, Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo - ¥30,000 (Before Tax)

Shimada Koen specialises in making gosho-ningyo, dolls with distinct features such as stout forms, pure white skin, tiny legs and hands, a big face, and an overall cute appearance reminiscent of a child. In the Edo Period they were developed as gifts associated with the Court.

Bell Rat, Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo - ¥3,500 (Before Tax)

The line-up of six dolls feature Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo motifs and are made with considered thought in mind, including the bonds between people and enjoying happiness throughout the yearーdesires upheld by Starbucks.

Kyoto is known as the ancient capital of Japan. It is said to be the place where quintessential Japanese culture started, and has charmed the world over with its incredibly rich 1,200-year history. Today, we take a look at some of the best places to visit in Kyoto this winter as covered by the November 2019 issue of Japanese magazine Mou Hitotsu no Kyoto ("The Other Kyoto").   From gourmet food to sightseeing spots, the arts and moreーif you're in Kyoto this year, you have plenty of reasons to leave your hotel room or house.  

Yuki Tourou: See the snowy thatched-roof huts

Miyama Kayabuki no Sato is located in Miyamachokita, Nantan. It is home to 39 houses with thatched roofs and is a popular sightseeing spot due to its gorgeous natural scenery throughout the entire year. It was listed in Japan's Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1993. In the New Year, snow falls on the huts, which looks beautiful when they light up the "Yuki Tourou"ーor snow lanternsーin late January every year. There are stalls that serve hot food in this little town, and they also host an event where you can make your own snow lantern.   Running: January 25, 2020 - February 1, 2020 Official Website: http://www.yukitouro.jp/    

Amanohashidate: One of Japan's "Three Scenic Views"

Amanohashidate is a sandbank located in Miyazu Bay that separates the north and south inlet of the Asoumi Sea. It formed as a result of pebbles being carried by the ocean current for thousands of years. Its name comes from the way it looks like a bridge spanning across the sky. It is known as one of Japan's "Three Scenic Views" Amanohashidate is a sight to behold at any point throughout the year, but if you can travel there in the winter, you're in for a surprise, as the entire sandbank is littered with pure white snow. On very cold days in the morning the snow even covers the tops of the pine trees, but when the sun rises and the temperature warms up the snow on the frost-tipped trees melts. This has led to it being called an "illusionary sight" due to its rarity. Make a point of getting up super early so you don't miss it!   Address: Tango-Amanohashidate-Ōeyama Quasi-National Park, Miyazu, Kyoto Official Website: https://www.amanohashidate.jp/lang/en/    

Fukuchiyama Castle: The magnificent castle of snow

Fukuchiyama Castle sits atop a tall hill in the city of Fukuchiyama. The castle was established as the new Tanba province by Akechi Mitsuhide in 1579 following the province's capture in 1576. The castle was demolished once during the Meiji Period but was restored again in 1986. It is now the only castle that remains today built by Mitsuhide. The castle architecture has a lot of personality, and during the winter months takes on a gorgeous white as a result of the snow. Gazing across the castle land from the watchtower is an absolute must when visiting. Also, if you're visiting next year, the new Fukuchiyama Mitsuhide Museum is set to open on January 11, so be sure to check that out too.   Address: 5 Chome Naiki, Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last Entries 16:30) Closed: December 28-31, 2019 / January 4-6, 2020 Entry Price: General ¥330 / Elementary & Junior High School Students ¥110 Official Website: https://dokkoise.com/en/temple_shrine/index.html    

Monjusou Shourotei: Feast on crab fondue while gazing at Amanohashidate

Monjusou Shourotei is a ryokanーa Japanese-style innーlocated along Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views which we mentioned earlier on this list. All guests staying at the inn are given a window view of Amanohashidate from their rooms.   The inn offers an original salted snow crab fondue. Snow crab is particularly enjoyed for its degree of freshness. It's served with vegetables and the boiled crab itself, making for a delicious combination of flavours. The hot springs at Amanohashidate are famous and praised as "the baths of the gods." They are also said to leave your skin looking beautiful after a dip. The inn also offers open-air baths lined with stones from Shikoku and wild grass from the mountains, offering a truly indulging experience.   Address: Amanohashidate Monjudomisaki, Miyazu, Kyoto Official Website: https://shourotei.com/     These are just some of the incredible places you can enjoy in wintertime Kyoto. You can find more information on Kyoto Side or from one of our many articles on Kyoto.

If you're in Kyoto looking for a delicious elegant souvenir for your people back home then BijuuCo.,ltd. is your port of call. Their irresistible desserts vary from their well known sweet bean paste-filled Yatsuhashi to their Kyo-Baum. They will be releasing the mouthwatering Matcha Chocolate OTABE from November 20, 2019.The rich aroma of the matcha chocolate will be the first thing to entice you. The matcha Yatsuhashi is made from specially selected water and Koshihikari rice, which is famed as Japan's best rice. The soft and chewy texture of the Yatsuhashi dough gently embraces a velvety, melt-in-the-mouth matcha chocolate ganache filling. These OTABE confections are bursting with the flavours of Kyoto and are only available to purchase for a limited period.OTABE combined with Kyoto's famous matcha chocolate is matcha match made in heaven. If you're ever in Kyoto, you must try it.