The all-new Hoshino Resorts OMO3 Kyoto To-ji hotel opened its doors on April 15, 2021, welcoming guests to the surrounding area home to To-ji, Kyoto’s famous Shingon Buddhist temple. The hotel’s concept is “The Heart’s Trip Through Time and Space,” and aims to showcase to guests the sights and wonders of the To-ji area. The temple itself, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a 5-mintue walk from the hotel.

To-ji has a long history dating back to 796 when it was founded. Its 1,200 year or so history has spanned multiple periods of Japanese history. In 823, the Emperor Saga honoured the Japanese monk Kukai and bestowed the temple to him. Kukai made To-ji the central seminary of esoteric Buddhism and built various buildings such as the pagoda and halls. Since then, To-ji has been the headquarters of this esoteric sect of Japanese Buddhism. It is a hot spot for tourists and a sight many have most likely seen when looking up must-visit locations around Kyoto.

Inside the hotel

A delightful assortment of menu items

A stroll around To-ji

National Treasure morning walk

Two artworks: “Mandala Art” and “Hohoemi Wall”

Sand table for writing characters

Deepen your knowledge at the Shinbashira book table

OMO Hotels introduce their guests to the local area’s secrets, allowing them to jump right in to all that’s on offer. It acts as a resort of sorts with the hotel at the centre and the local sights within walking distance. To enjoy all there is to see, OMO offers the Go-KINJO tour guide service which comes in two forms: Go-KINJO Map and Go-KINJO Activity. Both have guests led by an OMO Ranger who are experts in the area and will take guests to see various locations while providing commentary.

On their tour, guests can learn all there is to know about the To-ji area, both past and present. That includes information about famous local stores not listed in guidebooks. It’s an opportunity to discover the true To-ji area from when the temple was built to today by actually walking around seeing the sights yourself.

‘hotel tou nishinotoin kyoto by withceed’ is a new hotel in Kyoto managed by Withceed Hospitality Management that held its grand opening on April 20, 2021.

Located just a 10-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, the hotel is situated between Nishi Hongan-ji and Higashi Hongan-ji, two temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The hotel’s concept is Oku (奥) which is Japanese for “deep,” “interior,” or being at the “heart” of something. Its aim is to offer guests a place to dive deep into Kyoto’s traditions and culture in a space that puts great focus on its interior design.

The design is built around themes of ‘light and shadow,’ ‘distance,’ and ‘gloss’ which expresses the notion of depth. The lattice windows and sliding doors pour in natural light, and the single boulder makes one think of being in a garden. It’s a design to tickle the senses and imagination which in turn lets guests feel the depth of culture and being deep within the space.

The hotel has its own cafe/bar fusion called ‘cafe&bar oku’ which serves food and drinks from a range of Kyoto restaurants and cafes such Kyoto-style meicha tea from Ippodo Chaho, a tea shop that first established back in 1717, as well as a traditional Japanese breakfast rice porridge called okaisan made using Hachidai Megihei rice, and more. Customers can also enjoy drinks from Allpress Espresso, a New Zealand speciality coffee roaster setting up shop in Japan for the first time.

GENDA SEGA Entertainment is set to open a themed cafe in collaboration with Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club on April 29, 2021.

A completely original menu themed on the characters

Fans can tuck into a very special menu inspired by the members of the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club with drinks, desserts, and food. The cafe will run over the course of three periods each of which will also include their own unique menu items.

Drinks | ¥660 Each (Tax Included)

Period ①: Hamburger Plate / Yaki Udon | ¥1,320 Each (Tax Included)

Nikujaga Plate / Clam Chowder | ¥1,320 Each (Tax Included)

Period ②: 1st Year Banana Parfait / 2nd Year Strawberry Parfait / 3rd Year Grape Parfait | ¥1,100 Each (Tax Included)

Period ③ menu exclusives to be revealed

Get some freebies simply by ordering

Period ①: Drinks Coaster / Food Coaster / Parfait Costers

Period ②: Drinks Coaster / Food Coaster / Parfait Costers

Period ③ exclusive freebies to be revealed

Character birthday cards

Kanon Shibuya – May 1, 2021 / Sarah Kazuno – May 4, 2021

Ai Miyashita – May 30, 2021 / Nozomi Tojo – June 9, 2021

Mari Ohara – June 13, 2021

Merchandise to add to your collection

Releasing: April 29, 2021

Acrylic Stands | ¥1,320 Each (Tax Included)

Art Panels | ¥660 Each (Tax Included)

Releasing: May 15, 2021

Chibi Key Rings | ¥770 Each (Tax Included)

Bonus merch for every ¥2,000 spent

Bromides | Available April 29, 2021 – May 14, 2021

Bromides | Available May 15, 2021 – May 28, 2021

©2013 プロジェクトラブライブ！ ©2017 プロジェクトラブライブ！サンシャイン!!
©2020 プロジェクトラブライブ！虹ヶ咲学園スクールアイドル同好会　
©2021 プロジェクトラブライブ！スーパースター!!
©GENDA SEGA Entertainment Inc.

Japan’s confectionery shop Ginza Cozy Corner are releasing a new collection of petite Pixar cakes at all branches on April 23.

The cakes comes in time for celebrating Children’s Day in Japan, as well as making a perfect snack for Golden Week and for kids and parents to enjoy together. Pixar fans have nine to enjoy in the collection such as the Little Green Men from Toy Story, Nemo and Dory from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, Sully from Monster’s Inc., the Pixar Ball, and more.

Pixar Collection (9 Included) | ¥2,700 (Tax Included)

Flavours include the strawberry mousse Lightning McQueen, the Jack Jack raspberry jelly and mango cream, the Buzz Lightyear blueberry jam and cheese mousse, and more.

Pixar Cake Assortment (6 Included) | ¥540 (Tax Included)

The packaging also features cute artwork of everyone’s favourite Pixar characters. Choose between the whole nine cake box collection or this assortment of six white chocolate and strawberry cookies.

Pixar Sweets Box (10 Included) | ¥918 (Tax Included)

There’s also a 10-piece box of six cookies and four madeleines.

Shibuya LOFT opened its new ‘2foods’ cafe on April 15 which serves junk food healthily.

2foods uses absolutely no eggs or milk in their menu – everything is plant based and healthy, making it a haven for vegan foodies, especially in Japan where there aren’t as many vegan places as other countries. What’s better is that everything’s reasonably priced too. There are around 60 menu items to choose from, like curry and soba as well as desserts, organic coffees and lattes, cold pressed juice, and more.

Artist’s rendition of the cafe

Curry | ¥1,023 (Tax Included)

A hearty and spicy curry served with brown rice which is better for digestion.

Tantanmen Ramen | ¥968 (Tax Included) | Shibuya LOFT exclusive

A ramen soup with 100% gluten free rice flour noodles, soy milk, sesame seeds, peanuts, soy meat, and other healthy and natural ingredients.

Egg Doughnut Sandwich | ¥528 (Tax Included)

A vegan egg sandwich that doesn’t use eggs but tastes just like them.

Gateau Chocolate | ¥528 (Tax Included)

A rich chocolate gateau made with brown rice powder and soy cream.

In accordance with Earth Day, which is set for April 22, Nestlé released its limited-time KitKat Mini Maple on Monday to raise awareness of environmental issues and the future of the planet.

KitKat Mini Maple (3 Included)

KitKat Mini Maple (12 Included)

9 packaging designs with different messages related to the environment

‘KitKat Always For Earth Day’ online talk event to take place on April 30

In September 2019, Nestlé began packaging five of its major large-sized KitKat bags in paper bags rather than plastic, and since autumn 2020, most of their large sized bags are now made from paper. This has helped reduce 450 tonnes of plastic per year.

Now, Nestlé is releasing a new collection of packages for Earth Day featuring original designs by up-an-coming young artist SUGI. Each features messages from members of MIMO, a group managed by Japanese model Mila Aina, stating messages about helping to protect the environment and the future of planet earth.

This spring, Hilton Nagoya is set to serve up a special afternoon tea set and buffet plan at its first floor all-dining restaurant IN PLACE 3-3. The theme of the afternoon tea line-up, which will be served either as a set-only plan or the set plus a buffet, is ‘Lost in Europe.’ Fans of Lewis Carroll’s beloved novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland can look forward to jumping in the rabbit hole as they indulge in a colourful and delicious line-up that sends them straight to wonderland.

The plans will run for three months during which three different menu line-ups will be served, each with a European feel to them as Alice finds her curiosity tending away from Japanese cuisine to the delectable assortments of overseas.

Spain will serve as the first menu. Travelling to Spain, Alice finds the country one overflowing with creativity in the arts, so says the story of this fun afternoon tea. Dishes will be plated with desserts fusing together Spain’s food culture with that of Wonderland, traditional Spanish desserts, sweet treats inspired by Spanish art, and more. Many of the irresistible items will also be made with almonds – Spain being the second largest producer of almonds in the world.

Inside the restaurant, diners will feel like they have travelled to a Spanish rendition of Wonderland with a mix of styles from both locations, such as Spanish sunflowers, mosaic tiles, stained glass windows, and more.

A little look at the menu (some of it)

1. Afternoon Tea Set Menu: ¥4,600 (Tax Included)

Cubism Cheshire Cat Arroz Con Leche

A coconut-flavoured Spanish rice pudding made with coconut lavender jelly. Its design, from the stripes to the grinning teeth, are references to the Cheshire Cat.

Blue Caterpillar Siesta Cake

A cake covered in striking blue chocolate, made with pistachio mousse, and filled with a mixed berry jelly.

Butterfly Windmills Mousse

An artistic delight made with smooth chestnut mousse and colourful butterfly wings attached.

Plate Menu

Pistachio Crema Catalana in Berry Sauce

A traditional dessert of Catalonia, this crema catalana features a rich pistachio-flavoured custard cream and is served with a berry sauce.

Savoury Items

Salted churros that are crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the inside, and a checked bocadillo filled with Spanish omelette.

Lost in Europe Afternoon Tea Set Summary

10 desserts, two savoury items, and a choice of a soft drink, coffee, or tea.

2. Afternoon Tea Set & Dessert Buffet: Adults ¥5,000 / Children ¥2,500

Mischievous Crazy Clock Cake 

A warped, melted clock made with passion fruit cream and orange and mango mousse.

Mosaic Tile Sangria Jelly (Non-Alcoholic)

A refreshing beverage made with non-alcoholic white wine and grape, strawberry, and grapefruit jelly, all made to look like mosaic tiles.

Savoury Items

Pick from nine different savoury items like paella, sopa de ajo garlic soup, patatas bravas, tapas, and more.

There are also a range of other desserts like a coffee jelly ice cream, a melon cake, and more, as well as fruity iced candies.

Afternoon Takeout Box

Customers can also get their afternoon tea set to go with a mix of desserts and savouries.

Neko Neko Cheesecake is set to open pre-sales for its new Nyan Cheese Mikan cheesecake at Pastel branches of Neko Neko Cheesecake on April 22 before rolling it out at all Neko Neko Cheesecake branches.

Neko Neko Cheesecake is a sister brand of Neko Neko Kuu Pan from the same company which serves cat-shaped bread.

Nyan Cheese Mikan | Single Slice: ¥237 (Tax Included)

Nyan Cheese Mikan | Box of 4: ¥1,080 (Tax Included)

The cheesecake is made with Brie de Meaux, aka the king of cheeses, and cooked at a high temperature to add a gorgeous browned surface. They contain rich juice from mandarin oranges to give them a refreshing kick perfect for the spring season. A perfect snack or post-dinner dessert.

Bandai released a new chewy and delicious custard pudding-flavoured confection at Lawson convenience stores in Japan on Tuesday in celebration of Pompompurin’s 25th anniversary, the popular character by Sanrio.

Mochi Mochi Pompompurin Yaki Pudding Flavour | ¥158 (Tax Included)

The cute confection is made to look like Pompompurin laying down. The chewy delight is filled with Japanese custard pudding-flavoured cream.

The packaging also features limited-edition artwork for Purin’s 25th year milestone where he is joined by his cute furry friends.

©2021 SANRIO CO.,LTD. 著作(株)サンリオ

Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is collaborating outdoor recreation product brand Coleman to launch the Hotel Camp Buffet which will run from May 1 to August 31 at the hotel.

Guests can enjoy a fusion of the hotel and camping experiences as Coleman provides their tents, tables, chairs, and other outdoor items to be used at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto. The hotel chef, Honda, has also conceived a camp buffet for guests to enjoy at both lunchtime and dinnertime.

The hotel is carrying out all necessary measures against COVID-19 including providing guests with a how-to breakdown at all tables, providing alcohol spray, mouth guards with the Coleman logo so guests can enjoy dining and talking, and more.

Coleman x Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto Hotel Camp Buffet

Individual Room Plan | Capacity: 4-6 People

Enjoy a camping buffet with tents, chairs, and other camping goods provided by Coleman. Everything will already be set up for guests to enjoy.

Lunch & Dinner Buffet Menus

Dinner

・Beef churrasco in black pepper

・Chicken paella

Lunch

・Frankfurt and smoked berry ham

Lunch & Dinner

・Meat and potato cottage pie

・Atlantic salmon wood plank grill

・Croque-madame style hot ham and cheese sandwich

・Spare ribs in BBQ sauce

Japanese candy company UHA Mikakuto has collaborated with the video game TETRIS® to launch pre-sales on their new Tsumu Gummy TETRIS® which hit shelves on Monday (April 12) in Japan.

Tsumu Gummy TETRIS® | ¥370 (Before Tax)

The colourful gummies arrive in seven different forms, shaped and coloured like the blocks in TETRIS®, meaning you can stack them as well as eat them. They are an assortment of green grape, red grape, orange, and strawberry flavours, and one pack weighs in at 180g.

Tetris ® & © 1985~2021 Tetris Holding.

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.

Today, I’ll teach you how to make Baymax mushi-pan steamed bread.

Ingredients

This recipe makes 5 portions

140g strong flour

20g granulated sugar

Pinch of salt

3g dry yeast

3g baking powder

5g vegetable oil

85ml-90ml milk (room temperature)

1

Mix everything together in a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also knead the ingredients well by hand.

2

Ferment at 40℃ for 40 minutes. If you don’t have a fermentation machine, leave in a warm environment.

3

Once the dough has doubled in size, divide into five portions and put into separate cups. If using paper cups, rub a little bit of oil inside.

4

Bake in the oven at 40℃ for 20-25 minutes.

5

After baking, steam in a steamer for 12-13 minutes. If you don’t have a steamer, put into a frying pan or large pot with a little bit of water and cover.

6

Once cooled, use some nori seaweed to make Baymax’s face and you’re done!