gelato pique café launched its Christmas collection for limited time only from November 24 to December 26.

 

Brown Bear Caramel Crêpe

Raspberry Caramel Cheesecake Crêpe

Caramel and Hazelnuts Hot Chocolate

Eco Bag with Chocolate Bear (Small Size)　

Mug with Chocolate Bear

 

 

The theme for gelato pique cafe’s Christmas Sweets 2021 is “Brown Bear Caramel Christmas – With Pique Bear and Rich Caramel- and three new sweets and drinks are available, including a crepe topped with an adorable chocolate “Pique Bear”. As well as the food menu, two types of original goods, eco-bags and mugs, featuring the chocolate bear topping are available at gelato pique cafes nationwide and gelato pique official online store.

 

While the Banana Fish anime series will make you cry, this new collaboration cafe will have guests smiling from ear to ear. This stylish New York-inspired cafe and bar will be open from November 25, 2021, until January 16, 2022, in Tokyo, and from December 2, 2021, until January 30, 2022 in Osaka. Guests can enjoy dishes and drinks inspired by the show’s characters and can grab some limited merchandise too. 

 

Banana Fish began as a manga series in 1985 and was created by Akio Yoshida. Set in New York City, the series follows the teenage gang leader Ash Lynx as he tries to overcome his painful past and solve the mystery of ‘banana fish,’ a strange drug that drove his brother mad during the war in Vietnam. He is joined by Eiji Okumura, a Japanese college student and photographer’s assistant who arrives in America to help with a story about gang violence. 

 

Menu

Tofu and Salmon Salad Bowl

His Main Dish for the Night

N.Y. Style Tacos

Grilled Banana Waffle

Chinese Sweets Plate

Chocolate Fondue

N.Y. Style Cheesecake with Caramel Nuts

Ash, Eiji, Shorter

Hot Cocoa, Hot Cafe Latte

 

Original Merchandise

Acrylic Pin (7 varieties, random)

Aurora Sticker (7 varieties, random)

Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random) 

Acrylic Keychain (6 varieties, random)

Clear Folder Set (Includes two folders)

Acrylic Stand (Ash, Eiji, Shorter)

Acrylic Board

Cork Coaster (Ash, Eiji) / Cup Sleeve

Glass (Ash, Eiji) / Plate

Bonus for Advanced Reservation Holders: Paper Ornament (8 varieties, random)

 

How would you like to spend some time with these characters in a swanky New York-style cafe?

 

© 吉田秋生・小学館／Project BANANA FISH

Located in Tokushima, Birth Book Coffee specializes in both a tasty cup of joe and a delightful selection of dango and fruit daifuku. Daifuku is a Japanese sweet made of small round mochi filled with sweet filling, typically red bean paste. It’s the perfect snack to have with a warm drink, and now, Birth Book Coffee has unveiled some Christmas-themed sweets!

 

Christmas

Chinese Zodiac

Chinese Zodiac

Character Daifuku

Character Dango

Matcha Chocolate Strawberry Daifuku

White Chocolate Strawberry Daifuku

 

 

If Christmas isn’t your thing, the shop is also selling sweets shaped like animals from the Chinese zodiac. 

 

Birth Book Coffee is a sweets shop, a coffee shop, and a book shop all in one. Employees make the sweets by hand each day, and invite guests to curl up with a nice story as they enjoy the calming environment. Each Daifuku is made using Shiga Habutae Mochi Rice, one of the three most glutinous rice varieties in Japan. It’s stickier and sweeter, making for a more rich treat. The reindeer Daifuku is flavored with caramel milk, and the Santa with red bean paste. Be sure to take a shot of them for social media, or give them as a gift!

 

The Matcha Chocolate Strawberry and White Chocolate Strawberry Daifuku are only available during winter, so try to snag them before they’re gone!

Nijo Castle in Kyoto is one of seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, built by the Tokugawa Shogunate. It’s worth a visit on a trip to the old capital of Japan, but a new event is making it even more exciting! From November 5 until December 12, 2021, guests to the castle at night can enjoy projection mapping across the castle grounds and a collection of food from Kyoto’s most famous restaurants.

The giant interactive light show will take over 400 square meters, and was created by the company Creative AI. By analyzing environmental information such as density and location of visitors and surrounding weather, the art will change to engage the senses. Shifting light and sound will enhance Nijo Castle’s beauty–guests should pay special attention to the Karamon Gate, an Important Cultural Property, and the Ninomaru Garden. This is the first of these evening parties held in Kyoto, meant to infuse traditional Japanese culture with modern innovations.

 

Kyoto is a city that has been based around Feng Shui since ancient times, with a local saying claiming that the water flowing beneath Nijo Castle carries good energy. These thoughts resonated with the historical figures that lived in Kyoto during the construction of the castle, and they believed that the spot was special. The Ninomaru Garden is the perfect location to use this new technology to bring this energy to life!

The Kyoto location of Japanese sneaker shop atmos will begin hosting a solo exhibition by Sevnzel, an illustrator associated with the creative group SSS by applibot! The event will take place between October 30 and November 7, 2021. 

 

Lineup

Sevnzel #424D99-BLISTER PACK GOSPEL 01 atmos Ver.

Sevnzel #424D99-BLISTER PACK GOSPEL 01

atmos × Sevnzel Collaboration L/S TEE NAVY

atmos × Sevnzel Collaboration L/S TEE WHITE 

 

 

 

Sevnzel has worked on character designs for Pokemon Sun & Moon and Tensai TV Kun hello, and also created the animated mascots for the NEC LAVIE VEGA laptop. The artist has been posting pages from a new full-art comic titled #424D99 on his Twitter page for some time, and the long-awaited first paperback volume has just been released. 

 

At Sevnzel’s first solo exhibition in September, the artist displayed and sold oversized printed panels of each page of the new comic. A performance at the atmos Sendagaya store also utilized projectors and monitors, with the artist completely taking over the space. 

 

During the exhibition at the atmos Kyoto location, unique blister packs featuring the first volume of his comic will be on sale. These will come in two versions: a standard version and an atmos collaborative version, which has only been produced in limited quantities. Collaborative T-shirts will also be available during the event period. 

 

Guests can also enjoy oversized posters of pages from the manga, as well as newly drawn works of characters from the series from other SSS by applibot members including representative Masafumi Takagi, Mai Yoneyama, BUNBUN, Taiki, PALOW., ISSSAI, and NAJI Yanagida. 

Located in an old traditional Japanese house in Kiyosumi Shirakawa, no mark.Café has a cozy ambiance for guests looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. From October 15 until November 30, the cafe is collaborating with the parent-child art unit Musee du Aouvre, and thirteen works from the group’s blog will be on display throughout the building. A campaign will also be held, giving visitors the chance to receive some original coasters and a small wind God figure to sit on the side of a coffee cup. 

 

Campaign Present A. Aouvre Coaster / B. Aouvre Wind God Figure

 

 

The cafe aims to be a place where guests can enjoy art as they relax, and to further this idea, they will be collaborating with a number of artists in the ‘CAFE DE ART’ project. 

 

The first collaboration is with Musee du Aouvre, an art unit consisting of a father and son duo who copy famous works of art. These aren’t just any forgeries–they are incredibly adorable and pay proper homage to the original creations. Thirteen works will be selected from the pair’s blog and will be exhibited under the title ‘The no mark.Café Great Counterfeit Exhibition.’ A 2022 calendar and postcards of the works will be on sale at the store, and videos will provide information about the original works of art. Visitors can also participate in the Twitter and Instagram campaign to win a special collaborative item!

 

The Oarai Tourism Omotenashi Promotion Council opened Cafe Amayadori, a rain and healing themed coffee shop, on September 18 2021. The shop was opened as a challenge and is located in the Umimachi Terrace Tourist Information Center.

 

Cafe Amayadori

 

Cafe Amayadori Menu

Cafe Amayadori Tote Bag

 

You can clearly hear the sound of the rain from inside the store, while the served cream soda changes based on both the weather and the time. On clear days where the sun is shining, you can order the traditional green-color  ‘Blue Sky Cream Soda,’ while on rainy days you can order the blue ‘Rain-color Cream Soda.’

The cafe also serves a wide variety of Japanese and Western meals and desserts, each cooked using local Oarai produce. Morning and lunch specials are also available, meaning you can easily work your visit around your own schedule.

 

The concept of the cafe is “Rain.” You can dash into the cafe as if you’re looking for shelter from the weather before sitting down to eat and drink in the calm space, emphasized by the soothing music that plays in the background. While the soundtrack depends on the day, the sound of rain is often played. However, the sounds played on rainy days are a little different to the usual. True to its name, the cafe can create a comfortable Amayadori (lit. rain shelter) no matter what the weather!

 

‘rain coat studio’ is a group of creators who have been working on ‘rain’ themed events and designs since 2016. The group was formed with the idea that “when it rains, our activities are limited due to the dull weather. On the other hand, the rain represents the season and soothes those who listen to it’s sound.” 

The group aims to create music, events, artwork, and more, that are cool like the rain but still convey a kindness. The ‘rain coat studio’ came up with the idea of a coffee shop as a way to try creating a restaurant business that followed their ideals.

The signature item on Cafe Amayadori’s menu is the ‘Weather Cream Soda.’ The flavor depends on whether the weather is clear, rainy, and after-rain, but can also depend on the time – They even offer special drinks for ‘Morning Fog’ and for drinking in the evening, along with a limited-time ‘Seasonal Cream Soda. 

The cafe doesn’t just serve Cream Soda! Customers who would like a full meal can also order from a selection of Japanese food, Western food, and desserts. A limited edition tote bag is currently on sale to commemorate the opening of the cafe.

 

Why not try relaxing on a rainy day at Cafe Amayadori?

The ‘1F Lounge & Bar 1867’ at the Kyoto Yura Hotel M Gallery will be hosting a Halloween themed afternoon tea from October 1 2021, with tea sets and cocktails available. The premium hotel is owned by Accor, a Paris, France based group that owns over 5,000 hotels and resorts in 110 countries.

The Halloween-themed afternoon tea has been made by Jennie Chiu, a pastry chef who grew up in America, the home of Halloween. The afternoon tea features cute and playful monster motifs, including a witch-hat Mont Blanc, a Cassis and Chestnut Cake topped with a small ghost, and a spider-web topped Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse. For savory treats, Chef Nishimura Niki has prepared Foie Gras soaked in Salted Koji, plus two luxurious lobster dishes.

 

 

The creative Halloween cocktails were brainstormed by Yamazaki Sousei, who ranked in the Japan Top 10 category of bartending competition ‘WORLD CLASS 2021.’ The Halloween and apple pie inspired lineup was inspired by Scotland and the Celtic people, looking back to when Halloween was first celebrated. 

Enjoy some adult-only time in this retro-modern “family mansion” themed space. 

To commemorate the release of the their second movie, ‘Sumikko Gurashi: Aoi Tsukiyo no Mahou no Ko,’ Sumikko Gurashi will be opening the limited-time ‘Night Party with Sumikko’ cafe in Osaka on October 20, Tokyo on October 21, and Aichi on November 11.

 

(Advance Reservation Benefit Only) Original Invitation with Postcard (Five types)

 

 

 

Menu

Tokage’s Night Party Curry: ¥1,430 (Tax Incl.)

 

Shirokuma’s Warming Hot Rice Casserole: ¥1,430 (Tax Incl.)

 

Five’s Recommended Children’s Lunch: ¥1,650 (Tax Incl.)

 

Magician’s Party ~Açai Bowl~: ¥1,430 (Tax Incl)

 

Aoi Tsukiyo’s Fruit Punch: ¥1,100 (Tax Incl.) + ¥220 for one mini ice cream

 

Sumikko’s Pudding Ice Cream: ¥880 each (Tax Incl.)

 

Starry Drink: ¥990 each (Tax Incl)

 

Dolomite Coaster

 

Hot Café Au Lait: ¥880 (Tax Incl.)

 

 

Original Goods

 

Acrylic Keyholder (Random out of five): ¥770 (Tax Incl.)

 

Phosphorescent Sticker (Random out of eight): ¥605 (Tax Incl.)

 

Acrylic Stand (Random out of five): ¥880 (Tax Incl.)

Muddler (Three types): ¥1,100 each (Tax Incl.)

 

Mug Cup: ¥1,980 (Tax Incl)

 

Purse: ¥1,100 (Tax Incl.)

 

Fluorescent Pen Set: ¥1,100 (Tax Incl.)

 

A5 Clear File Duo: ¥605 (Tax Incl.)

 

Bandanna: ¥1,870 (Tax Incl.)

 

The Sumikko Gurashi characters are beloved by both adults and children for their gentle touch and tone. Their first movie, ‘Sumikko Gurashi Tobidasu Ehon to Himitsu no Ko’ was released in November 2019 and received great popularity. The sweet story of the Sumikko’s adventures through a story-book world attracted over 1.2 million viewers across Japan.

 

The heartwarming cafe menu includes “Tokage’s Night Party Curry,” “Shirokuma’s Warming Hot Rice Casserole,” Five’s Recommended Children’s Lunch,””Magician’s Party ~Açai Bowl~,” “Aoi Tsukiyo’s Fruit Punch,” “Starry Drink,” and more. The cute, Instagrammable dishes feature the characters who feature in the movie, which tells a mysterious story that begins under a blue moon in the Sumikko’s hometown. A lineup of limited edition goods and perks will also be available, adding to the movie excitement.

 

 

Enjoy a cute, social-media friendly meal and original merchandise at the exciting Sumikko Gurashi cafe!

 

©2021 Japanese Sumikko Gurashi Association Film Club

Founded in 1803, Tsuruya Yoshinobu is a famous Japanese sweets shop specializing in wagashi, or traditional Japanese confections. To celebrate Halloween, the shop is now selling some themed treats through the end of October. 

 

Halloween Pumpkin/Halloween Ghost Japanese Sweets

Happy Halloween Cookie Assortment

 

The celebration of Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, before later being Christianized as All Hallow’s Day. A day to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the fall harvest, it has become a much less serious holiday in recent decades. Children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door asking for candy, and the past is largely forgotten. The sweets available at Tsuruya Yoshinobu are decorated with cute expressions and are sure to be a hit at tea time with friends and family. Be sure to keep an eye out for the ghosts, featuring six different expressions!

 

Japanese sweets aren’t as strong as their American counterparts, and each is sculpted like a work of art. These will melt in your mouth and are perfect for enjoying with matcha, tea, or coffee! Be sure to fill out the blank card along with the cookie gift box for a thoughtful gift this holiday season.

Tokyo, Taito-ku based public bath cafe Rebon Kaisaiyu has announced a collaboration exhibition with illustrator Miyaoka Chiga, held between October 10 (public bath day) and October 24 2021, titled “Yu.”

 

Rebon Kaisaiyu is a renovated public bath which was built 90 years ago, now transformed into a cafe serving home-roasted specialty coffee and handmade ice cream. The wooden tag shoe boxes, watch seats, ceilings, clocks, and Mt. Fuji paintings from the public bath have been preserved, retaining the comfort and warmth of the original building. 

 

The space was designed around the concept of “connecting memories through a cafe,” striving to become a spot where locals could relax once more, connecting the building with the people of the new generation. The relaxing cafe has 16 seats available and is located only a five minute walk from Tokyo Metro Hibiya Station.

 

The collaboration exhibition will be filled with artwork using iconic public bath motifs. Miyaoka’s gentle illustrations are sure to soothe your heart, immersing you in the warmth of “Yu” (public baths). Why not relax in this unique cafe with a comforting mug of hot coffee.

 

Constructed in 1175, the Kurodani Temple is one of the head temples of the Jodo Sect of Buddhism. Though typically closed to the public, the grounds will open for a short period to allow guests to experience some beautiful autumn scenery beginning November 12, 2021. This temple is associated with the Shinsengumi and served as the headquarters of the Aizu Clan at the end of the Edo period, so those interested in history won’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity. 

 

[Night] Shiun Garden

[Day] Autumn Leaves at the Main Gate

[Day] Shiun Garden

[Night] Autumn Leaves at the Main Gate

Temple Grounds at Sunset

The Tiger’s Room

Ohoujou Garden

Founders Hall

Live Koto Performance

Gokoushiyuiamidabutsu, ‘Afro Buddha’ 

 

Guests will be able to enjoy the gorgeous autumn temple scenery during both daytime and nighttime, with the night viewing also offering some traditional Japanese live music. Visitors can also see various temple treasures and historical items, as well as the Tiger Room, known for its painted doors. The unique and aptly named Afro Buddha will also be on display. After training for an extremely long period of time, the Buddha’s hair piled up, giving him this strangely modern appearance. 

 

On a clear day, guests will be able to see clear to the Abeno Harukas building in Osaka. Vividly painted ceilings and other statues will completely surround visitors in spiritual history. At night, traditional Japanese music will be played at three different times in the front gardens. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the temple will offer a Premium Plan, allowing interested guests to enter the grounds 30 minutes before general admission starts. (This will require reservations made on the official website.) This will also include a guided tour!

 

How would you like to experience this piece of Japanese history while surrounded by unforgettable autumn foliage?