Japanese tea shop Susumu Chaya started up a takeout service for shaved ice on Tuesday (July 7) at all of its branches including in Kagoshima as well as Jiyugaoka and Shibuya’s DESCENTE TOKYO in Tokyo.

The shaved iced takeout service was originally only available at the two Tokyo branches, but now customers in Kagoshima can enjoy the tea-flavoured desserts.

Matcha Shaved Ice: ¥750 (Before Tax)

Made using Susumu Chaya’s “koicha,” a rich and full-bodied matcha variety.

Houjicha Shaved Ice: ¥750 (Before Tax)

The houjicha shaved ice is made using only first-grade tea leaves picked by Susumu Chaya. It has a refreshing taste.

The shaved ice can be ordered for takeout or eaten inside the cafes. Enjoy the full flavour of Japanese tea coupled with a refreshing portion of shaved ice.

Travel + Leisure published their “World’s Best Awards 2020 Top Hotels in Tokyo” list on July 8, 2020 on which Hoshinoya Tokyo, managed by Hoshino Resorts, placed No. 1.

“World’s Best Awards” is a list of the top hotels as ranked by travel magazine Travel + Leisure’s user ratings. The hotel category takes into account the facilities, location, service, food, and more offered at each hotel.

Established in Otemachi, Tokyo in July 2016, Hoshinoya Tokyo is a ryokan-style hotel which has two basement floors and 17 upper floors. It has a traditional Japanese ryokan vibe to it with its tatami mats, sliding doors, bamboo materials, and more, plus guests must take their shoes off at the entrance. And while it has traditional elements, it caters to the modern lifestyle, combining the best of both worlds. It offers guests a chance to easily experience Japanese culture and what it’s like to stay in a ryokan.

THE AOYAMA GRAND HOTEL in Aoyama, Tokyo will officially open on August 5, 2020. Set to be a new landmark of Tokyo as “a hotel where you have fun,” the establishment will house 42 rooms and a restaurant which serves everything from food around the world to authentic Japanese cuisine. Table bookings for the restaurant opened on July 1, 2020.

THE AOYAMA GRAND HOTEL is opening on the former Aoyama Bells Commons building which is just a 3-minute walk from Gaiemmae Station. The hotel is managed by Plan・Do・See who also manage 6th by ORIENTAL HOTEL (Yurakucho), ORIENTAL HOTEL (Kobe)< WITH THE STYLE (Fukuoka), THE LUIGANS (Fukuoka), and more.

Gaiemmae in Aoyama is a hub for fashion and culture in Japan which is visited by people all over the world. THE AOYAMA GRAND HOTEL will slot nicely into place in the area, serving a timeless experience with its polished and relaxing atmosphere and incredible restaurant.

ROOM

All guest rooms are fitted with a unique mid-century modern style design that maintains both the welcoming vibe of the region and brings a contemporary feel. Rooms are made to offer an experience akin to living there, where guests can look forward to indulging all their senses.

The bathroom amenities offered are provided by Oltana, making this the first hotel in Japan to stock the company’s products. The items were developed specially for THE AOYAMA GRAND HOTEL and blend essential oils with Japanese fermentation methods. Everything from the raw materials to the finish product is made in Japan, and all are made sustainably and ethically.

RESTAURANT

Welcoming guests at the hotel entrance is THE BELCOMO on the fourth floor which offers a delicious casual dining experience whether it be for lunch, dinner, coffee, or an evening drink.

On the same floor is SHIKAKU, a counter-style restaurant serving authentic and seasonal Japanese food that is prepared before guests’ eyes with fresh ingredients.

And hidden on the 19th floor where the guest rooms are located is Aoyama Sushi Kanesaka, a sushi bar that serves exquisite sushi courses made with artisanal care and the utmost care.

Opening on the hotel’s top floor this autumn too is TRATTORIA ANDREA ROSSI, a classic Italian restaurant which will serve simple yet delicious dishes, wines, and desserts prepared in front of customers. On the same floor, a rooftop bar called THE TOP will also open where you can enjoy seasonal original cocktails, specially-selected wines, champagnes, and more.

The new limited-time character cafe POWDER ART CAFE HARAJUKU is set to open in Harajuku, Tokyo from July 15, 2020 to mid-January 2021.

From July 15 to mid-October, the cafe will be centred on the Top 10 characters of this year’s Sanrio Character Ranking, an annual event where fans around the world can vote for their favourite Sanrio characters. The cafe will subsequently celebrate the 45th anniversaries of both My Melody and Little Twin Stars until mid-January next year.

At POWDER ART CAFE HARAJUKU, where the customers can draw their own designs on their orders, like latte art, Sanrio fans can look forward to a super cute menu line-up inspired by the adorable character roster.

My Melody Sweet & Sour Strawberry Shaved Ice

Tuxedo Sam Seafood Coquille Plate

If you’re visiting Harajuku any time up to January next year, be sure to stop by POWDER ART CAFE HARAJUKU to make your own kawaii Sanrio character dishes.

GBL, an online clothing company whose stock features designs from Studio Ghibli’s animated feature films, is set to open its first store at MIYASHITA PARK in Shibuya, Tokyo on July 28, 2020 inside RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK.

MIYASHITA PARK is a shopping complex filled with shops stocking high quality products. GBL MIYASHITA PARK will sell a range of fun, exclusive Studio Ghibli t-shirts with designs taken from popular films from the studio.

The theme of this year’s line-up is t-shirts that have a “second-hand” design to them. There are 28 t-shirts to choose from including colour variations. Six of these are exclusive to GBL MIYASHITA PARK.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind T-Shirt (Pure White): ¥4,880 (Before Tax)

Princess Mononoke T-Shirt (Grey): ¥4,880 (Before Tax)

Kiki’s Delivery Service T-Shirt (Red): ¥4,880 (Before Tax)

The range is made from soft cotton and is inspired by American style t-shirts. To reduce the collar from stretching over time, twill tape is wrapped around the neck part of the t-shirt. The t-shirts are also stone washed during the manufacturing process to ensure they are both soft and have that ‘used’ quality to them.

Laputa: Castle in the Sky T-Shirt (Grey): ¥4,880 (Before Tax)

Porco Rosso T-Shirt (Black): ¥4,880 (Before Tax)

Whisper of the Heart T-Shirt (Navy Blue): ¥4,880 (Before Tax)

Sizes come in Small, Medium, Large, XL, and XXL. The collection is a must-have for any fan of Studio Ghibli.

Hirakata Park has announced the horror-themed event “Yamibiraki no Yoru” which will be held at the Osaka amusement park during the night from August 26 to September 13.

Two Japanese horror entertainment companies are coming together to set up spooky spots around the park for the event. For the event, visitors will need to clear a mission to reach the goal which will involve the use of a smartphone or tablet.

Yamibiraki no Yoru – Synopsis

“There is a rumour that once a year, Hirakata Park opens up during the middle of the night. And though it’s open in the middle of the night, the only staff that can be spotted around are those with vacant looks in their eyes. What’s more is that there aren’t any visitors around. At some point, this rumour came to be called Yamibiraki no Yoru, ‘Open in Darkness.’ And this summer, an event is being held, on the same day that rumour was named, and with the same name…”

Scary School Stories VR x Real Scary Experience

Hirakata Park is also holding a haunted house event during the daytime from July 17, 2020. Themed on Kokkuri-san, a Japanese supernatural game, the event will combine the use of VR technology and real interactive scares.

Japanese black tea brand Lipton is opening two pop-up tea stands this summer called “Lipton TEA STAND Fruits in Tea.” They will open in Daikanyama and Osaka from July 10 and Kichijoji from July 22.

Lipton opened its two permanent tea stands “Lipton TEA STAND” in Nagoya and Hakata in winter 2018 in an effort to make black tea more accessible to people. The drinks menus at these stands are diverse, ranging from simple black tea to their “Fruits in Tea” range which are teas filled with fresh fruits, royal milk tea, desserts, and more.

Iced Parfaits

Passion Fruits: ¥1,200 (Tax Included) (+¥150 for honey milk) / Strawberry: ¥1,200 (Tax Included) (+¥150 for condensed milk)

Lipton’s “Fruits in Tea” opened as a new way for people to enjoy black tea in summertime. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lipton has decided to whip up some refreshing “Happy!” new iced parfaits for beating the hot weather. Their popular custom menu lets you a variety of vitamin-packed fruits, herbs, and more to your iced tea.

Frozen tea is the base of the iced parfait and retains the original flavour of the black tea. Added to that is ice and fruits inside a tumbler, all of which is layered to look like a parfait with a shaved iced quality to it. The “Passion Fruits” flavour is topped with passion fruit syrup and frozen lemon, orange, and kiwi, while the sweet and sour “Strawberry” is a mix of strawberry syrup and frozen strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Both options are sure to keep you cool during the hot Japanese summer.

Original Iced Tea “Fruits in Tea”: Tumbler ¥1,000 (Tax Included) / Cup ¥600 (Tax Included)

Lipton’s popular custom menu lets you choose from four tea bases, like Earl Grey and green tea. You can then pick your base fruits, like pineapple or strawberry, topping fruits such  as kiwi and mango, and then a special flavour like mint. Finally, choose your syrup, such as lemon, and you’v got your own custom beverage for the summertime.

MILK, a fresh cream shop in Harajuku, is set to hold a new summertime fair this year called “Milky Soft Fair” which will begin on July 8, 2020.

From Left: Kiwi ¥650 / Peach ¥650 / Strawberry ¥650 / Mango ¥650 / Condensed Milk Coffee Jelly ¥630

MILK’s “Milky Soft Serve Parfait” usually only comes in one simple flavour, but for the Milky Soft Fair, they are serving up juicy mango, strawberry, and kiwi flavours, fruity peach, and bitter coffee jelly. The summery parfaits are made with fresh cream, fresh fruit, and rich soft service ice cream. The perfect dessert for keeping cool in the hot Japanese summer!

KONICA MINOLTA PLANETARIA TOKYO, a twin-dome planetarium in Tokyo’s Yurakucho district, introduced a new menu at its Cafe Planetaria on July 1, 2020.

A cafe where you can taste the stars

Cafe Planetaria’s concept is that customers happened upon it during a trip through the galaxy. It is the only cafe in space—one where you can delight in cocktails that shine bright like a nebula, or tuck into finger food that’s like fragments of planets.

The new menu hopes to serve customers a day they won’t forget after they have gaze upon the starry night sky.

How best to enjoy Cafe Planetaria

Cafe Planetaria’s menu can be enjoyed at DOME 1 inside the planetarium so you can enjoy cocktails and food while watching the starlit show. It’s open to those who aren’t using the planetarium too, so if you’re looking for a quick stop-off on your time through the galaxy and don’t have time for stargazing you can enjoy the galactic delights too.

Nebula Soft Serve Ice Cream: ¥550 (Tax Included)

This purple soft serve ice cream is inspired by nebula imagery.

Moon Parfait: ¥770 (Tax Included)

A colourful parfait topped with the moon and sweet-tasting planets.

Mercury (Cocktail): ¥880 (Tax Included)

Part of the planetary cocktail series.

Observe “Tokyo’s Milky Way”

PLANETARIA TOKYO has brought back its planetarium work Tokyo no Amanogawa o Wasurenai (Never Forget Tokyo’s Milky Way). The show makes use of works left behind by Japanese novelist Kenji Miyazawa, poets Chūya Nakahara and Yumeji Takehisa, and others, to bring viewers back to a time when you used to be able to see the Milky Way in the city of Tokyo. When the city lights switch off for the night, the former Milky Way will shine its radiant brilliance. Viewers will be able to see the same sight that so many artists and writers saw when creating works about Tokyo’s starry sky.

Make a wish upon a falling star

A popular service at PLANETARIA TOKYO that is also free is getting to see falling stars in real time with a system set up by Meteor Broadcaster. They are shown across a giant 12m long screen. On the Gregorian calendar, Tanabata is celebrated on July 7, but on the old Japanese lunisolar calendar it will fall on August 25 this year. If you’re in Tokyo around that time, why not visit the planetarium and make a wish?

Online shop to enjoy the Milky Way at home

Gallery Planetaria is a concept shop in PLANETARIA TOKYO whose concept is based around being a secret shop hidden away somewhere in the galaxy. Their online shop is selling plenty of fun items that you can only get on this side of the galaxy. The service is available in Japan only, but check out their website to see what they’ve got in stock.

Gallery Planetaria Online Shop
https://planetaria.theshop.jp/

Starry Sky Guide: Summer – At Home Version (Narrated by Yoshimasa Hosoya)

PLANETARIA TOKYO has posted an at-home version of their summertime starry sky guide which was shown at the venue. It’s narrated by Japanese voice actor and narrator Yoshimasa Hosoya and features a 360° VR experience. Check it out here.

Hotel New Otani Tokyo is launching its “Night Pool & Stay” hotel plan on July 1, 2020 which gives guests exclusive access to the night pool during their stay.

Hotel New Otani Tokyo’s night pool was first opened in 1998 with the concept of building a luxury pool that you won’t get sunburned in. Over 20 years on, the pool continues to beckon people during summertime for its unique pool experience under the moonlight and hotel lights and music produced by Japanese DJs who are popular in the country’s club scene. This year’s “Night Pool & Stay” plan will open with all of the necessary measures in place against COVID-19, with thorough cleaning and bacteria elimination at the top of the hotel’s list to ensure safety for its guests.

Check-in to the hotel’s “Night Pool & Stay” plan opens at 17:00. Guests don’t have to worry about using the locker room – they can get ready in their rooms before heading to the Garden Pool. After a luxurious dip in the pool, guests can retire to their sophisticated rooms, whether standard or suite, for some relaxation time. Check-out is 10:00, so they can enjoy their rooms throughout the early morning.

Located next to the Garden Pool is OUTRIGGER, a poolside restaurant open during the summer only that you can enter in your swimsuit. The restaurant serves popular dishes served at Hotel New Otani as well as Garden Pool exclusives. Tuck into a soybean hamburger, fresh green salad, nutritional smoothies, and more.

PLAY! DIVERSITY SHIBUYA and Airbnb launched a new website on July 2 which lets people experience Shibuya tourism and all things Shibuya online.

The online project comes in response to the economic slump that Shibuya has faced as a result of COVID-19 which has meant less tourism. The website will feature a host of unique content that captures the essence of the Shibuya experience.

The first entry to the website will see KABA taking users on a virtual walk through the city of Shibuya. KABA, an activist for the LGBTQ community in Japan, was appointed as an official Tourism Ambassador of Shibuya this year. As well as this, the energetic Akkun, another Shibuya Tourist Ambassador and influencer amongst Shibuya’s youth, will also be hosting a “Shibuya Sake School.” There is much more content to enjoy right now too, and the website is set to expand even more.

Other features include the “WANDER COMPASS” which lets users learn about Shibuya’s history and visit local spots through a virtual tour, and Shibuya TSUTAYA O-EAST’s own DJ Bar “AZUMAYA” is showcasing how to make Japanese cocktails using various Japanese ingredients and spices.

Visit Shibuya from the comfort of your own home using Airbnb and PLAY! DIVERSITY SHIBUYA’s special new website.

New York-based ramen bar Kuro-Obi has announced that it’s opening it first Japanese branch in the food hall of Shibuya’s new shopping centre RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK on August 4, 2020.

Kuro-Obi was established in New York back in 2014. To date, it has opened 6 branches across the US as well as one branch in Singapore. It specialises in “tori paitan”, a silky chicken-base broth. The new Japanese ramen bar will serve many different tori paitan ramen dishes takeout style, which is common in the US. All ramen served here is served in paper cups rather than bowls, so it can be eaten both in the food hall or taken away.

Added to the rich soup broth and noodles is moist chicken char siu, soft-boiled egg, negi spring onion, and fried onion chips. The black pepper used adds a kick to the overall flavour. Thick noodles are also used.

“Ramen is Freedom” is the theme of Kuro-Obi’s brand in Japan, with which they aim to challenge the new possibilities of ramen.