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.

LEGS COMPANY has announced that it will open three cafes based on the popular Japanese character Hamtaro in Tokyo and Saitama on July 30 and Osaka on July 31.

Hamtaro is a manga and storybook series created and illustrated by Ritsuko Kawai. The series began serialisation in 1997 and an anime adaptation first broadcast back in 2000. More than 20 years later, Hamtaro continues to enjoy much popularity in Japan.

Hamtaro Cafe 2020 will be themed around sunflowers and the sea, and will serve up a fun experience perfect for the hot summer. The Ham-Hams have come out of their Clubhouse to pay a visit to the seaside and enjoy the sun. There will be sunflower and ocean themed food, drinks, and desserts for everyone to munch on.

Yakisoba On Beach Hut Sunflower Bread: ¥1,499

A plate of yakisoba and egg arranged to look like a sunflower, with Hamtaro sat right in the middle.

Cone Cappy Hide and Seek Ice Cream Parfait: ¥1,399

Cappy is wearing a cone on his head and is hiding amongst the ice cream, chocolate banana, and fresh mint.

Ham Ham Glass Drinks: Drink Only – ¥789 Each / With Glass – ¥1,789 Each

There are two drinks to choose from: the orange flavoured Hamtaro and the yogurt flavoured Bijou.

Vinyl Pouch: ¥1,300

Mascot Keyring Hamtaro: ¥1,550

The cafe will also sell a range of exclusive merchandise too, which is scheduled to be available for online purchase as well in Japan.

Ham-Ham Fans (14 Designs)

Original Coasters (15 Designs)

Those who dine at the cafe will receive a free Ham-Ham fan, and if you order a drink you’ll get a coaster too.

©Ritsuko Kawai / Shogakukan

Japanese watchmakers MARUZEKI released a new collection of Hello Kitty wristwatches as part of their KAORU model series on June 27, 2020.

KAORU x Hello Kitty Sweets Collaboration: ¥4,180 (Tax Included)

MARUZEKI’s “KAORU” watches are inspired by aromatherapy, implementing a world-first concept that lets the wearer enjoy their favourite fragrances on the go. Designed and created with Japan’s state-of-the-art materials and technology, the Hello Kitty collection of 3 watches come with vanilla, strawberry, and coconut scents.

The ‘Vanilla White’ fragrance is like a waft of sweet candy. It’s a popular scent seen in products, and uses a mix of aroma oils and perfumes to create the uplifting fragrance. The watch face has an illustration of Hello Kitty enjoying a cup of tea.

‘Strawberry Pink’ is inspired by strawberry milk and strawberry shakes. They recommend this one if you’re wanting a change of pace. This clock face has Hello Kitty enjoying some apple pie and talking on the phone.

‘Coconut Mint Green’ is a relaxing blend of coconut and passion fruit. Hello Kitty is dressed adorably as a mother making an apple pie for this design.

The watches are packaged in special boxes with a cute pop-up Hello Kitty inside like that of a picture book. This itself serves as kawaii decoration, and makes for a great gift to someone (or yourself!)

The cheesecake—a popular dessert with a flavour that is both rich and refreshing. The number of shops in Japan specialising in cheesecakes has been on the rise recently, all of whom are baking up their own unique versions. Here are three summertime cheesecakes available online in Japan from three popular cheesecake shops.

Mr. CHEESECAKE

This summer, Mr. CHEESECAKE has whipped up a seasonal “Hirami Lemon” flavoured cheesecake which they are selling in limited quantities via their official LINE account from July 12 to 19. The cheesecake is packaged in a special box featuring an illustration of the summertime ocean.

Made with refreshing hirami lemons, the cheesecake has a sour and slightly bitter kick to it. By combining Japanese sansho pepper and olive oil, the sourness of the hirami lemon is elevate to new heights. Mint is also added to up the refreshing flavour, and salt from Okinawa heightens the sweetness of the cheesecake.

Mr. CHEESECAKE hirami lemon

Price: ¥5,400 (Tax Included)
Official Website: https://mr-cheesecake.com/

Neko Neko Cheesecake

Neko Neko Cheesecake, a cheesecake shop which opened in Tokyo in May, serves cat-shaped cheesecakes. This summer-only cheesecake is made using setonai lemons. It was released on Friday and will be sold in limited quantities only.

​The cheesecake has lemon jelly in the middle and is topped with sliced lemons grown in the Seto Inland Sea area that are baked together with the cake. It’s finished with a smear of lemon jam and cream, making for a real summertime treat.

Neko Neko Cheesecake ~Setonai Lemon~
Online

Release Date: July 1, 2020

Price: Single ¥3,800 / Lemon & Plan ¥5,980

Online Store: https://hbantique.official.ec

In-Store

Release Date: July 3, 2020

Price: Single ¥2,200

Available: Neko Neko Cheesecake in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo

LeTAO

Confectionery shop LeTAO has released their popular “Melon Double” cheesecake again this summer.

A popular cheesecake released every year by LeTAO, the Melon DOuble is a sweet baked cheesecake made with individual layers of melon puree and mascarpone cream cheese. The refreshing sweetness of the melon goes hand in hand with the cheese.

Melon Double ~Hokkaido Melon~
Price: ¥1,728 (Tax Included) *Shipping fee ¥890
Available: Until August 31, 2020
Product Details: https://shop.letao.jp/item/F695.html

TNM & TOPPAN Museum Theater—a theatre set up by Tokyo National Museum, The National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties, and Toppan Printing where visitors can experience cultural assets in virtual reality—had to temporarily closed due to the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, they their Secrets of Screen Paintings: Wind God and Thunder God and Flowering Plants of Summer and Autumn exhibition can finally go ahead in the VR experience which will run from July 1 to October 4.

Additionally, Tokyo National Museum will display Japan’s painting and cultural property Wind God and Thunder God in Room 7 of the main building from July 21 to August 10.

The Secrets of Screen Paintings: Wind God and Thunder God and Flowering Plants of Summer and Autumn online exhibition speaks for itself: it is a VR recreation that looks into the secrets behind two screen paintings and cultural properties—Wind God and Thunder God by Ogata Kōrin and Flowering Plants of Summer and Autumn by Sakai Hōitsu.

VR “Secrets of Screen Paintings: Wind God and Thunder God and Flowering Plants of Summer and Autumn”

There’s something hidden behind Kōrin’s byōbu screen painting Wind God and Thunder God. Incredibly, it’s Hōitsu’s masterpiece Flowering Plants of Summer and Autumn. Kōrin’s screen painting belonged to Hōitsu’s family. Hōitsu long admired Kōrin and considered him his mentor.

The exhibition will dive into this secret story behind Flowering Plants of Summer and Autumn, the famous painting of rain-drenched and wind-battered flowers.

The ancient paintings brought to life

The two folding screen paintings have been separated and safely stored since 1974 to ensure their preservation. The VR experience recreates the paintings’ original back-to-back form.

Understand the secrets

Wind God and Thunder God was painted on the front of the folding screen while Flowering Plants of Summer and Autumn was painted on the back. By looking at both, we uncover the deeper story behind these ancient paintings.

See the folding screens in the right light

Thanks to VR technology, the folding screens can be made bigger to look at all of the little details and in the right light.

To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Sanrio’s popular characters Kiki & Lala, also known as the Little Twin Stars, Tokyo Tower is now hosting an event called “Twinkle color miracle☆” which began on July 1.

A special projection mapping display called “TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ～Twinkle color miracle☆～” by NAKED, INC. is being shown on the second floor main deck of Tokyo Tower. This three-minute video covers the entire 30-meter long north window of the tower, showing a cluster of fireworks, the ocean, Tanabata, and other designs featuring Kiki & Lala’s iconic pastel colouring. The video can be enjoyed with the gorgeous Tokyo nightscape in the background from the window.

TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ～Twinkle color miracle☆～

Schedule
Dates: July 1, 2020 – July 31, 2020 / Time: 19:30-22:50
Dates: August 1, 2020 – August 26, 2020 / Time: 19:30-22:50
Dates: August 27, 2020 – September 22, 2020 / Time: 18:30-22:50
Location: Tokyo Tower Main Deck (150cm) Floor 2F, North Side
Price: Adults ¥1,200 / High School Students ¥1,000 / Children (Elementary & Junior High School Students) ¥700 / Aged 4+ Years ¥500

Tokyo Tower’s first floor cafe “Cafe La Tour” is also serving some exclusive Little Twin Stars menu items, like ice cream and drinks. If you order one of the Kiki & Lala drinks, you’ll get one of the above-pictured coasters which feature the various Little Twin Stars designs from over the years.

Cafe La Tour x Kiki & Lala Collaboration
Running: July 1, 2020 – September 30, 2020
Time: 10:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
Location: Tokyo Tower Main Deck (150cm) Floor 1F

Shiseido Parlour began its annual “Midsummer Parfait Fair” at its Ginza, Tokyo branch on Wednesday which will run until August 30 and be divided into two different slots serving different parfaits. The cafe is serving up a selection of parfaits made from ice cream and local seasonal fruits under the trust that the chefs and farmers have built over the years.

2020 Midsummer Parfait Fair: Slot ① July 1, 2020 – July 31, 2020

Furano, Hokkaido – Furano Melon Parfait: ¥2,100 (Tax Included)

This parfait is made using Furamon melon which is grown in Hokkaido’s city of Furano between the mountains where there is a major temperature difference. The melon is ripened after being harvested and so make it nice and soft, giving a sweet and juicy flavour and fragrance.

Sakai Nouen, Wakayama – Arakawa Peach Parfait: ¥2,300 (Tax Included)

The “Arakawa” peach is a brand of peach grown in Wakayama Precture. The peaches are grown until their nearly completely ripe while in the tree, giving them a soft texture. Inside the sweet flavour is a sour kick, both of which explode with the juiciness of the peach in the parfait.

Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa – Apple Mango Parfait: ¥2,700 (Tax Included)

The “apple mango” is a type of mango grown in the hot climate of Okinawa. The mango has a super soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and a sour tinge which elevates its rich sweetness.

Hatake Kobo, Nagano Prefecture – Koihime Strawberry Parfait: ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

The “koihime” is a type of summer strawberry grown in-house by Shiseido Parlour. The strawberries get plenty of water, air, and sunlight so they grow into red jewels packed full of sweetness.

The second slot of the 2020 Midsummer Parfait Fair will run from August 1 to August 30.

KADOKAWA is set to open a Hello Kitty themed cafe on the Narita Anime Deck—which is located on the Main Building second floor of Narita International Airport Terminal 2—for a limited time from July 3, 2020 to October 2, 2020.

The Narita Anime Deck

The Narita Anime Deck opened inside Narita International Airport Terminal 2 in November 2019. It’s an entertainment facility where travellers from around the world can experience and enjoy Japanese anime culture in various forms such as with character merchandise, food, events, and a variety of photo spots.

Hello Kitty Cafe

The facility has collaborated with numerous anime series to open up limited-time cafes since it opened. This time around it is joining paws with Hello Kitty, a face known to all across the globe. As well as themed food, drinks and merchandise, customers can take a Hello Kitty quiz, learn the history behind Hello Kitty, and more.

An Original Food Menu

Hello Kitty’s Lovely♡ Pink Curry: ¥1,500

Hello Kitty’s Gurakoro Burger: ¥1,500

Hello Kitty’s Strawberry Pancake: ¥1,400

Hello Kitty’s Strawberry Parfait: ¥1,200

An Original Drinks Menu

The incredible drinks menu is diverse, including lattes where you can get 46 different latte art designs of Hello Kitty from 1974-2019. It could be fun to pick your birth year, or a year where you have fond memories.

Hello Kitty’s Colourful Tapioca Drinks (Matcha Milk/Strawberry Milk/Milk Tea): ¥720 Each

 
Hello Kitty’s Marshmallow Coffee: ¥800

Hello Kitty’s Latte (46 Designs): ¥720 Each

Novelties

For every item you order from the collaboration menu, you can also receive one of 46 possible original coasters once again featuring a different design of Hello Kitty between the years 1974-2019.

1st Line-Up: July 3, 2020 – August 2, 2020

2nd Line-Up: August 3, 2020 – September 2, 2020

3rd Line-Up: September 3, 2020 – October 2, 2020

If you’re travelling through Narita Airport anytime this year up to October, then be sure to head on up to the Narita Anime Deck to dine at the Hello Kitty Cafe.

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