One thing I do at least once a week without fail is treat myself out to some delicious food or dessert. I find it very important time well spent in order to live a happy, fulfilling life.
This week, a business trip took me out of Tokyo to the city of Ise in Mie Prefecture. When the trip was over, I had some spare time to kill before my train arrived, so I went inside a cafe called Kinoshita Chaen which is close to Ise Grand Shrine.
You can arrive at Kinoshita Chaen in just three minutes on foot is walking from Ise Grand Shrine, or five mintues from Ise Station. The exterior design of the building takes on a Western style, which I found to be both cute and retro. You can feel the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the cafe as soon as you step inside. The decor is decked out with all things wooden.
The cafe has been around since the Meiji Period. It serves drinks and desserts all made using tea, and offers both eat-in and takeout services.
I ordered their seasonal-exclusive parfait. 90% of the people in there were ordering it, so I thought it must be popular!
Strawberry & Parfait Puree Parfait w/ Japanese Black Tea – ¥1,300 (Tax Included)
This super cute parfait is completely stuffed to the top with strawberries♡
You can snap cute photos of it no matter the angle♡
When I spooned the caramel puree, soft custard reveal itself. You get a delicious pairing of the bitter flavour and crunchy texture of the caramel with the subtly sweet custard.
The next ingredient to show itself was the mascarpone cream, which combines with the rest of the flavours perfectly. Once your mouth is satisfied with the sweetness of the flavour combinations, you’re next met with Ise matcha gelato.
The matcha gelato is a great palate cleanser for the sweet ingredients when eaten on its own. When eaten together with the sweet puree, you get a completely different kind of delicious flavour. I recommend trying it together with the puree, mascarpone cream, and the crunchy pie which is the next layer.
Moving on from the sweetness and bitterness, the next layer is fresh strawberry sherbet, which is a combination of sweet and sour. To finish, you’re brought back to the subtle sweetness once more with white chocolate mousse, strawberries, and mixed berry jelly.
The final bites of a parfait can generally be hard to get down because you grow tired of the flavour, but the ones sold at Kinoshita Chaen are on another level. The various flavours and textures mean you won’t grow tired as you spoon through the many layersーyou’ll find yourself savouring every last bite.
The Japanese black tea that came with it was luxurious. The cafe actually caters the type of tea they serve to each seasonal parfait. Enjoy a cup together with your parfait.
Matcha Soy Flour Dumpling Cream – ¥830
I didn’t get to order them this time, but I’m really taken by the matcha soy flour shiratama dumplings… The dumplings are made in-house and are topped with brown sugar syrup from Okinawa and Ise matcha. The bitterness of the matcha together with the rich sugar syrup is sure to be delicious with some chewy dumplings. I’ll definitely be trying them when I next visit.
I cannot recommend a trip to Kinoshita Chaen enough. Offering an exemplary menu of Ise flavours, their drinks and sweets maintain the culture and tradition of Japanese tea while keeping up to date with current trends in the world of sweets.
Today’s Souvenir
Houjicha Teabags – ¥400 (1 Pack)
On the days you get to eat delicious sweets, you’ve got to share the happiness with friends and family. I bought some houjicha tea bags made with tea leaves grown in Mie Prefecture. They have various other teas too, and the packaging is really cute, so they’re perfect as gifts for friends and family.
Information
Kinoshita Chaen (Ise Branch)
Address: 1-1-31 Iwabuchi, Ise, Mie Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:30-17:30 (Last Orders 17:00)
Closed: Wednesdays (Except Obon, New Year’s, and public holidays)
TEL: 0596-24-6747
Official Website: https://www.kinoshitachaen.com/
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To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear!
The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma’s favorite pudding.
Menu
Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger
コリラックマのクリームパスタ
Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta
Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger
Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry
Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake
Congratulatory Flower Parfait
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats
Honey Forest Jelly Soda
Relaxing Pudding Drink
Take-Out Drink Bottle
Original Merch
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)
Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)
Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)
Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag
Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster
Stuffed Animal
In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma’s 20th anniversary.
Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!
©2023 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Information
RILAKKUMA 20th Anniversary Cafe
Venue: BOX cafe&space Omotesando
Running: March 9 – April 16, 2023
Address: Pine Under Flat B1F (5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Reservation Fee: ¥715 (Tax included) *Reservations include bonuses.
*Reservations can be made for up to four guests per application.Online Shop: https://rilakkuma20th-cafe.jp/online_store/
Sales Open: March 9, 15:00 – April 16, 23:59
(Items will ship starting in early May 2023.)
Official Site: https://rilakkuma20th-cafe.jp -
Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijinkan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its selection of tasty sweets!
The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture.
Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious treats, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON went along for the ride! Here are some of the singer’s favorite spots around town.
Kobe, known as a city where East meets West, is lined with sweets shops that are unique to the area.
The tea salon TOOTH TOOTH Dekoboko Sabo opened in 2019 in the Kobe City Museum and offers a menu that mixes Western food and sweets with tea and ingredients from traditional Japanese cuisine. Kyary ordered the Dekoboko Sabo Afternoon Tea Set, a collection of western sweets blended with the essence of traditional Japanese flavors. Guests are invited to enjoy their tea and sweets in a one-of-a-kind space filled with Meiji period flare and retro Western furniture. Those interested will need to make a reservation, so be sure to remember the next time you’re in Kobe.
TOOTH TOOTH Decoboco Sabo
Address: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)
Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30)
Closed Mondays
Official Site: https://toothtooth.com/restaurant/decoboco-sabo
The next stop was Kobe Nankin-machi, one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. Kobe MILK is known nationwide for its Apricot Pudding, which is made with local ingredients. The raw apricot pudding is mixed with milk brought from the foot of Mt. Rokko and other ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture. Of course, Kyary ordered some, and was amazed by its fluffy texture. You can only enjoy it in Kobe–also, the shop sells other puddings mixed with seasonal fruits, so don’t miss those either!
Kobe MILK
Address: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)
Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30
Official Site: https://kobe-milk.com
For Kyary’s final stop, the singer visited the Moore House, a cafe located in a building with over 100 years of history. Guests are surrounded by greenery, and the Western-style building is incredibly elegant. The Strawberry Mille-feuille Kyary ordered was created by an expert patissier and based on the strawberry mille-feuille recipe from the legendary French restaurant Maxim’s de Paris in Ginza. A generous amount of custard cream complements the crispy pie crust and enhances the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. We’d recommend it with a glass of champagne–if you’re of age.
Kitano Ijin-kan Moore House
Address: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
Hours: 11:00-17:00
Closed Tuesdays
Official Site: https://www.kitanomoore.com/cafe/
The streets of Kobe are packed with sweets that you can only enjoy if you visit. Why not come experience these incredible spots like Kyary did?
Kobe Sweets Trailer: https://youtu.be/Sx9B1ZdAvlI
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The Kirby Cafe has announced a warm and tasty new winter menu! New items will be available from November 17, 2022 until February 28, 2023, and are sure to warm up fans of the beloved video game series.
Menu
Winter Kirby Burger & Pasta with Powdered Snow Cheese (30th Anniversary Version)
Winter Waddle Dee Burger & Pasta with Powdered Snow Cheese
Waddle Dee’s Dreamy White Stew
Chef Kawasaki’s Winter Hors d’oeuvres with Roast Beef
Transform! Carby Cake
Kirby’s Dream Ricotta Pancake
Whispy Woods Blessed Tart
Elfilin’s Twinkle☆Frozen Drink
The Winter 2022 menu offers a variety of adorable and tasty menu items featuring Kirby and his friends all dressed up for the colder months. From a burger and pasta set to piping hot stew and fluffy ricotta pancakes, there’s sure to be something for every taste.
The Carby cake, inspired by Kirby’s special transformation in the recent game Kirby and the Forgotten Land, has been reimagined in a winter version. Fans won’t want to miss out!
This winter, come enjoy plenty of Kirby-inspired treats while you can!
©Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Information
Kirby Cafe Winter 2022
Available: November 17, 2022 – February 28, 2023
Venues: Kirby Cafe TOKYO, Kirby Cafe HAKATA, Kirby Cafe NAGOYA
*The Nagoya location’s winter menu will be available until February 5, 2022.
Kirby Café THE STORE: https://kirbycafe.jp/thestore/‘Kirby Cafe Pop-Up Store’ Limited Time Online Store: https://kirbycafe-popup.com/
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/KirbyCafeJP
Official Site: https://kirbycafe.jp
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The 13th iteration of the BT21 Cafe will open at six venues in five cities around Japan. Fans in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo will want to visit this exclusive event titled ~MAGICAL TIME~. The first cafe opens in Shibuya on November 3. In celebration of BT21’s 5th anniversary, this special cafe is filled with joy and excitement and aims to give fans the best possible experience.
Cafe Menu
Magical Tea Time Set
Food Plate
Food Plate (7 varieties)
Dessert Plate
Dessert Plate (7 varieties)
Drinks
Magical Milk Tea
Black Tea
Iced Coffee / Hot Coffee
Original Goods
Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, Random)
Satin Sticker (7 varieties)
Clear Folder (2 varieties)
Handkerchief (7 varieties)
Tote Bag
Mug
Masking Tape / Balloon on a Stick
Dolomite Coaster (2 varieties) / Mirror (2 varieties)
[Online Store Exclusive] Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)
The cafe’s new menu includes afternoon tea, perfect for warming the body and soul during the cold winter months. The colorful food items and desserts are sure to be a hit on social media, and fans will enjoy the Magical Milk Tea and other dishes inspired by the popular BT21 characters.
In addition to new merchandise and bonuses featuring newly-drawn art, a photo spot will welcome guests to the cafe and invite them to celebrate this five-year milestone.
Why not take a break from everyday life to enjoy a magical time with these cute characters?©BT21
Information
BT21 Cafe #13 ~MAGICAL TIME~
Venue/Dates
■Shibuya, Tokyo:BOX cafe&space SHIBUYA109
Running: November 3 – December 10, 2022
Address: SHIBUYA109 B2F (2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
■Oshiage, Tokyo:BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi
Running: January 13 – February 19, 2023
Address: Tokyo Skytree Town, Solamachi 1F (1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)
■Yokohama, Kanagawa:Collabo_Index Lumine Yokohama
Running: January 13 – February 5, 2023
Address: Lumine Yokohama 6F (2-16-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa)
■Nagoya, Aichi:BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC #1
Running: December 2, 2022 – February 5, 2023
Address: LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi)
■Shinsaibashi, Osaka:
Shinsaibashi contact
Running: November 11 – December 18, 2022
Address: 1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
■Sapporo, Hokkaido:
Cafe Interlude, Coach & Four Shinakawa
Running: November 3 – December 29, 2022
Address: 18-chome 3-jo, Kita-ku, Sapporo
Reservations: https://box-cafe.jp/
Online Shop
Open: November 3, 11:00 – December 4, 23:59
https://box-cafe.jp/online_store/ -
ANNA’S by Landtmann, a cafe located inside +Q Beauty on the 6th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, has begun selling two Halloween cakes! These spooky sweets will be available until October 31, 2022.
Halloween Mont Blanc
Halloween Poison Apple
Guests will be able to snag the Halloween Mont Blanc and Halloween Poison Apple cakes, available for ¥580 each including tax. The Mont Blanc is filled with pumpkin custard and Chantilly cream. The Poison Apple is a sweet and sour cake featuring a blend of chocolate mousse covered in red glaze and applesauce with apple pulp.
Which of these two adorable cakes would you like to enjoy this autumn?
Information
ANNA’S by Landtmann Halloween Cakes
Available: October 4 – October 31, 2022
Official Site: https://www.giraud.co.jp/annas/
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Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo will hold a special Christmas-themed Sylvanian Families buffet starting November 1, 2022. This is the second Sylvanian Families event following the previous Halloween-themed buffet, which became extremely popular. Some guests even bring their own Sylvanian Families dolls!
Starting in November, visitors can enjoy a full lineup of 20 scrumptious dishes inspired by the cake shop found in Sylvania Village. Some sweets are also inspired by the many beloved characters found in the series, and anyone wanting to get into the Christmas spirit won’t want to miss this exclusive event. For those without a sweet tooth, some light lunches will also be available.
The restaurant will also erect a decorative display of Sylvanian Families enjoying a Christmas party and a sweet diorama made exclusively of desserts by the pasty chef. Guests can enjoy tea time while getting lost in this magical world, so get excited about the Christmas season!
1. Sweets Inspired by the World of Sylvanian Families
2. Become Enthralled by a Wonderful Winter World of Sweets
3. Exclusive! Sweets Diorama and Sylvanian Families Photo Spot
4. Light Meals Perfect for Winter and Burgers Featuring Original Illustrations
5. A Special Plan to Enjoy the Buffet with Sylvanian Families Babies
Information
Sweets Collection with Sylvanian Families
Running: November 1 – December 31, 2022
Venue: Keio Plaza Hotel’s Jurin Restaurant
Price: ¥5,500 (Adults) / ¥3,000 (Children 4-12) *Children under 3 free
Details/Reservations: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/event/autumn-sweets/#event02
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The special Shinbashi-iro Parfait will be available from October 1 until October 31 at Shiseido Parlour Nihonbashi, Yokohama Takashimaya, Yokohama Sogo, Shiseido Parlour Nagoya, and Salon de Cafe Lazona Kawasaki Plaza.
Shibashi-iro is a bright greenish-blue color that is known to be traditionally Japanese. It was named after the color of kimono worn by Shinbashi geisha, who were known to be at the forefront of fashion during the late Meiji period. In 1902, at the soda fountain–later renamed Shiseido Parlour–many Shinbashi geisha would take a break to enjoy some tasty soda water. This parfait was designed to conjure images of these chic and glamorous ladies.
The Chic and Stylish Shinbashi-iro
Shibashi-iro is a greenish-blue color that is traditionally Japanese. The name was derived from the color of kimono worn by Shinbashi geisha between 1868 and 1912.
The parfait is made with traditional vanilla ice cream, green apple filling, and blue jelly with decorative flourishes. Why not come enjoy this unique treat?
Information
Shiseido Parlour’s Limited Time Shinbashi-iro Parfait
Available: October 1 – October 31, 2022
Where to Buy: Shiseido Parlour Nihonbashi, Yokohama Takashimaya, Yokohama Sogo, Nagoya, Salon de Cafe Lazona Kawasaki Plaza
Official Site: https://parlour.shiseido.co.jp/
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From October 21 until November 30, 2022, Hilton Tokyo Odaiba will hold the Touken Ranbu ONLINE Special Buffet ~Black & White~ event! This second collaboration with the popular series will be held Grillogy Bar and Grill on the second floor.
Dessert Menu
Drink Menu
Drink Order Bonus: Original Coaster (8 varieties)
At the buffet, guests can enjoy luxurious dishes inspired by characters from the sword-centered game and anime series. The desserts blend Japanese and Western cuisine, and special cocktails will be available during the first phase, each coming with a special coaster as a bonus! In addition, original goods will be on sale at the venue, so don’t miss it!
Information
Touken Ranbu ONLINE Special Buffet ~Black & White~
Running: October 21 – November 30, 2022
Reservation Start Dates and Times:
Lottery Opens: September 16, 12:00~
General Reservations Open: October 6, 12:00~
*Lottery reservations and general reservations will be open
for the first and second runs.*Please see the official website for the full reservation schedule.
Venue: Hilton Tokyo Odaiba 2F Restaurant, Grillogy Bar and Grill
*Reservations required
Tickets/Details: https://odaiba.site/
Online Shop: https://touken-yorozuya.com/
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From October 1 until October 31, Yokohama Royal Park Hotel will hold a special Halloween Fair at its delicatessen and lounge Coffret. In addition to six playful sweets from the Halloween Frankenstein to the Halloween Mummy, two types of autumn bread featuring pumpkin and purple sweet potato will be available, allowing guests to enjoy the taste of the season!
Halloween Frankenstein
Halloween Cat
Halloween Mont Blanc
Halloween Mummy
Halloween Pudding
Halloween Pound Cake
Pumpkin Cream Fondue / Halloween Anpan
Come enjoy this Halloween with some cute and silly sweets!
Information
Halloween Fair
Running: October 1 – October 31, 2022
Venue: Coffret Delicatessen and Lounge, 1F
Hours: Lounge 10:00-20:00 (*Cakes served starting at 11:00) /
Delicatessen 11:00-20:00
Reservations: 045-221-1111 (Representatives available 11:00-20:00) -
Kyoto’s Itohkyuemon Offering Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait & Chestnut Sweets Plate for a Limited Time
Uji, Kyoto is known for its tasty matcha. Founded in 1832, Itohkyuemon offers up some of the most delicious green tea sweets in Japan. Starting on September 1, several locations are serving up an Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait and a tasty Chestnut Sweets Plate!
Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait and Chestnut Sweets PlateThe Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait is decorated with a beautiful chestnut skin on top and served with yellow candied chestnuts and baked meringue with a dazzling white color. The inside includes cookie dough, homemade Uji green tea jelly, crunchy agar, two kinds of ice cream, and Uji green tea honey. This autumn-only parfait allows guests to enjoy the taste of Uji green tea while also sampling the delicate flavor of Japanese chestnuts. The Chestnut Sweets Plate offers eight kinds of sweets in one go, including the autumn-only Chestnut Green Tea Roll Cake and Chestnut Green Tea Daifuku, Uji Hojicha Cheesecake, Uji Green Tea & Hojicha Raw Chocolate, Uji Green Tea Mini Parfait, and Uji Green Tea & Chestnut Ice Cream.
Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait
Chestnut Sweets PlateInformation
Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait and Chestnut Sweets Plate
■Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait
Available: September 1 – Early October
Where to Buy: Uji Main Store, JR Uji Station Store, Shijo-dori Store
■Chestnut Sweets Plate
Available: September 1 – Late November
Where to Buy: Uji Main Store, JR Uji Station Store, Shijo-dori Store
Official Site: https://www.itohkyuemon.co.jp/corporate/
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Tsujiri, a staple of Uji, Kyoto, has announced an exclusive autumn menu! Guests can enjoy the Tsujiri Soft Autumn Parfait, the Kyo Latte Smoothie with Purple Sweet Potato, and the Kyo Latte with Hojicha at the Kyoto location and three other stores starting September 1, 2022.
Tsujiri Limited Time Autumn Menu
These three limited-time items are filled with fall flavors. The Tsujiri Soft Autumn Parfait is filled with Uji green tea carefully selected by tea masters and topped with purple sweet potato paste, sweet potato nectar, and other gorgeous goodies.
The Kyo Latte Smoothie with Purple Sweet Potato features an autumn-only flavor combining purple sweet potato bean paste, cream, and sweet potato nectar with Tsujiri’s matcha green tea smoothie. The Hojicha version is made with luxurious Uji Hojicha and milk for a soothing experience.
Enjoy autumn with these tasty treats filled with seasonal flavors!
Information
Tsujiri Kyoto Store
Address: 215 Nakanocho, Kyoto
Tsujiri Kyoto Tower Sando
Address: Kyoto Tower Sando Building 1F (721-1 Higashishiokojicho,
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto)
Tsujiri arde! Shin-Osaka
Address: arde! Shin-Osaka, JR Shin-Osaka Station 2F (5-16-1 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka)*The autumn menu is not available at the Uji location or the Naha Airport location.
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Q-pot CAFE in Omotesando will be offering up some Halloween treats to celebrate the location’s 10th anniversary! Guests will be able to sample these special sweets from September 3 until October 31, 2022.
Happy Halloween! Afternoon Tea Set
The festive Happy Halloween afternoon tea features pink Jack-o’-lantern macarons and other Halloween-inspired sweets.
Fluffy Floating Ghost Plate (Drink Included)
The adorable ghost is made from fluffy milk mousse covered with gyuhi, a typical ingredient in Japanese sweets made from rice flour. Inside is blackcurrant and redcurrant jelly with an incredibly sweet and sour flavor.
Black Devil Tea Mocha
Featuring large devil wings, this tasty and eye-catching beverage is a mix of black tea, chocolate, and milk. When the cocoa cream melts, the taste changes to something creamy and cozy, perfect for the autumn months.
Shimmering Blueberry & Grapefruit Soda
This refreshing sweet and sour drink combines blueberries and pink grapefruit along with soda and pearl powder.
Come enjoy Halloween while celebrating the cafe’s 10th anniversary!
Information
Q-pot CAFE 10th Halloween Menu
Location: Q-pot CAFE Omotesando
Running: September 3 – October 31, 2022
Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Last Order at 18:30)
Details/Reservations: http://www.Q-pot.jp/news/2022/08/1746.html
