The Kirby Café in Tokyo and Fukuoka released three new dishes for autumn last Friday (September 18).

The menu items are made with seasonal flavours like pumpkin, sweet potato, and chestnut.

Filling Autumn Plate – Salmon Cream Pasta & Pumpkin Salad Sandwich | ¥1,480 (Before Tax)

One plate packed with fall flavours including a rich salmon cream pasta and pumpkin salad sandwich. If you look closely, you’ll spot cute pieces of Waddle Dee cheese.

Fallen Leaf Waterfall☆Mont Blanc and Baumkuchen With Friends | ¥1,280 (Before Tax)

Rick, Kine, and Coo feature on this tasty-looking dessert plate which is a baumkuchen piled with a chestnut mont blanc cream.

Kirby’s Hot Sweet Potato Sticks | ¥1,080 (Before Tax)

Crunchy on the outside, hot in the middle, and seasoned with fresh rosemary. Kirby is a pro at inhaling food, but don’t burn yourself with these!

In commemoration of Miffy’s 65th anniversary, the new Miffy Café opened on the first floor of Tokyo Solamachi on September 11, 2020 and will remain open for a limited time. The café is also collaborating with Japanese illustrator Shogo Sekine.

We visited the café to check out the themed menu, merchandise, and other fun things on show to see.

Stepping into the café is like stepping into a picture book world. It’s really colourful in there. My mother read Miffy to me when I was a child, so I was hit with a real sense of nostalgia when I entered the café. No matter your age, you’re sure to enjoy your time there – that’s the kind of fun atmosphere they have created.

Terrine-Style Open Miffy Sandwich | ¥1,499

I ordered the terrine-style open Miffy sandwich and Miffy orange float from the themed menu.

The open sandwich arrives in the shape of Miffy, so it almost seems a waste to eat, but it was really cute and delicious. Simply the best. It’s filled with potato salad, an avocado sauce, and salmon.

Miffy Orange Float | ¥899

The ice cream that tops the orange float is made to look like Miffy too!

Snapping a photo while drinking the float is pretty Instagrammable, so it’s a must when visiting.

All of the items on the menu have Miffy somewhere on them, meaning anything you order is guaranteed to be kawaii. They have takeout too, which is great if you don’t have much time to hang around or just don’t want to dine inside.

Speaking of which, each table in the café is separated with an acrylic board to protect customers during the pandemic, and all of them have super cute designs. Another photo opportunity for sure!

The café sells original merchandise too. The fashion items and illustrations with English on them were designed by popular Japanese illustrator Shogo Sekine. There’s a whole range of different goodies, from plush toys to fashion and more.

Don’t you feel happy just looking at all these colours? You’ll find yourself spoilt for choice on what to buy.

The Miffy Café is open until October 18. You can book a table too, so if you’re in Japan during this time, be sure to visit the café website below.

Illustrations Dick Bruna © copyright Mercis bv, 1953-2020  www.miffy.com

Model & Writer：Eri Tanioku

Photo: Haruka Yamamoto

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

Keifuku Electric Railroad is lending its strength to Rokuo-in Temple in Kyoto this autumn to light up the ancient site in the evenings from November 14 to December 6.

Shari-den (Photo taken in 2019)

Temple path (Photo taken in 2019)

This year marks the 5th run of the autumn evening light-ups. The temple, just a four minute walk from Rokuoin Station, is known for its beautiful maple trees which blossom breathtaking autumnal colours during the fall season.

Temple reception hall with fusuma images

Fusuma image example

The temple is selling new goshuin temple stamp books this year for the light-up event. Visitors will also be able to see 56 fusuma images drawn by contemporary Japanese artist Takaya Fuji.

Rokuo-in Temple will close early next year for approximately 2 years and 9 months for repairs. The temple is also currently limiting the number of people allowed at once, making this year the best time to see the autumn leaves.

Japanese company LEGS has announced the opening of the limited-time Ojamajo Doremi Cafe 2020 ~FRUITS PARLOR~. The themed cafes will open in Tokyo on October 29, Osaka on October 30, and Aichi on October 23.

Ojamajo Doremi is an original magical girl created by Toei Animation that ran from February 1999 to January 2003. To celebrate the series’s 20th anniversary last year, LEGS opened a different Ojamajo Doremi limited-time themed cafe in collaboration with Cafe&Kitchen which welcomed lots of magical girl fans.

This year once again welcomes Etoile et Griotte as the art director for the fruit parlor-inspired cafe.

Ojamajo Doremi Cafe 2020 ~FRUITS PARLOR~ celebrates the 20th anniversary of Ojamajo Doremi Sharp is the second series in the Ojamajo Doremi series. Fans will be able to get their hands on a range of exclusive magical merchandise as well as tuck into pastel coloured fruity food.

FOOD

Doremi’s Cheese Steak Doria in Cherry Sauce | ¥1,699

Steak is Doremi-chan’s favourite food, so it was a must-have on the menu. The cream cheese is coloured like Doremi, and there’s a cute musical note topping too. It comes with a cute lunch mat that looks like Doremi’s skirt.

Hazuki’s Omurice in Porcino & Orange Cream Sauce | ¥1,399

The omelette is made to look like Hazuki’s yellow skirt. Enjoy together with the delicious porcino sauce and orange combination.

Onpu’s Waffles With Crepe & Mascarpone | ¥1,299

Blueberry sauce-drizzled and mascarpone-topped waffles served with a mashed potato skirt. The sweet and sour mix is to die for.

DESSERT

Aiko’s Blueberry Float | ¥999

A fresh blueberry float inspired by Ai-chan. Mix everything together to create a different flavour.

Momoko’s Lemon Cheesecake Parfait | ¥1,399

A fresh lemon cheesecake packed parfait with lots of enjoyable flavours and textures.

Rhythm Tap Tart | ¥1,300

Inspired by the Rhythm Taps seen in the series, the tart imagines Doremi’s transformation scene in Ojamajo Doremi Sharp.

DRINK

Onpu Melody Drink (5 Flavours) | ¥1,099

A rainbow line-up of colourful Onpu drinks available for takeout.

Movie Theater Menu

Girls Meet Sushi | ¥1,299

Inspired by the meat sushi that Sora and the gang eat in the animated film Majo Minarai wo Sagashite. Comes with an original postcard.

Exclusive Merchandise

Acrylic Keyrings (6 Designs) – ¥600 Each

Letter Set (1 Design) – ¥1,200 | Folder Set (2 Designs) – ¥700

A selection of super kawaii cafe-original merchandise is available for fans to grab.

Bonus Items

Those who book a table in advance, order a drink, or spend more than ¥2,000 at the cafe will receive one of six possible A5 folders.

Become a magical girl like Doremi at the Ojamajo Doremi Cafe 2020.

©Toei Animation

The Pokémon Café in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, is adding an apple flavoured Eevee frappe to its ever-growing Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café menu. The frappe will be available from October 2 to December 4.

Eevee Apple Pie Frappe

The sweet tang of the apple combines with the caramel to create a tasty dessert drink, topped with whipped cream, crunchy piece bits, and a cute Eevee tail cookie.

Buy the separate Eevee sleeve to put on your drink to make a fully complete and adorable Eevee frappe♡

© 2020 Pokémon.©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Pokémon, ポケットモンスター and ポケモン are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc. and GAME FREAK inc.

OH MY CAFE, a chain of cafes in Japan, is now running a special Pixar-themed food event called ‘PIXAR FEST’ which will run in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

“Keep On Smiling” is the the concept of the event, which will serve up a whole range of different foods including a Lightning McQueen exclusive on September 5, a special drink inspired by Disney Pixar’s Onward which released earlier this year, a collection of strawberry desserts centred on Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear to celebrate Toy Story’s 25th anniversary, and more. There’s lots to see, so we follow MIOCHIN to the Tokyo event in Omotesando.

PIXAR FEST at OH MY CAFE is packed full of exciting things for both kids and adults alike. Here’s our report.

The fun begins even before you enter the cafe, as at the entrance, you are met with a wall poster of numerous popular Pixar characters.

The moment you step inside, Sully is there ready to greet you! You can even take a picture with him, so if you visit, don’t miss the chance.

You’ll find familiar faces scattered all around the cafe, like Woody, Buzz, Mike, Nemo. The decorations and designs are really wonderful.

The original menu has a cute lineup too, with dishes, drinks, and desserts inspired by characters from the animated movies.

The food tastes really good too, so be sure to pick out a menu item based on your favourite movie.

Until October 9, you can order the special Onward and Lightning McQueen menu items. This includes ‘Ian & Barley’s Pink Sunset Blue Mallow Tea’ and ‘Lightning McQueen’s Kachow Lightning Hamburger Sandwich.’ You can see the full menu lineup here. It makes you want to watch Pixar movies all day then grab some Pixar food!

Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear from Toy Story 3 will have his own special menu items too: the ‘Lots-o’s Strawberry Chicken Hamburger’ and ‘Lots-o’-s Strawberry Drink.’ These will be served from October 10 to November 24.

The cafe has its own collection of PIXAR FEST merchandise in three different types: the “PIXAR FEST Series” which uses the cafe’s main visual for its design, the “Vintage Series” which uses a cute purple, and the “Alien Mix” which has a pop design with the Little Green Men from Toy Story.

Customers can also receive a limited-edition OH MY CAFE sticker if they order something from the menu, buy some merchandise, and post their thoughts about the cafe and their items on Twitter with the hashtags #キャンペーン #PIXAR FESTカフェで最高の思い出を作ろう #OHMYCAFE. Be sure to get involved if you’re in Japan this summer and autumn.

PIXAR FEST at OH MY CAFE is a dreamland for Pixar fans, and is best experienced in person.

©Disney/Pixar

Hi, everyone. It’s Banako of MOSHI MOSHI FRIENDS. Today I’m reviewing Chatei Hatou, a long-standing cafe in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Shibuya is a place that bustles with youth culture and fashion. It’s also home to many eateries, but there aren’t many places around that you can go to to get away from the busy streets for a quiet break.

Chatei Hatou opened in 1989 at Miyamasuzaka Shita in Shibuya, where it has gone unchanged and welcomed customers for the past 30 years. It’s very easy to get to, being just a 3-minute stroll from the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station.

When opening the door to the cafe and stepping inside, the first thing to jump out at you are the rows of coffee cups lined up along shelves behind the counter.

The coffee cup collection features a selection of works by many different makers. There’s even a cup in there valued at ¥200,000!

The antiques littered here and there around the cafe elevate the vibe of the cafe. There’s a number of seating areas, including the counter seats as well as tables for two, four, or big groups.

I felt the faint tasty scent of the Japanese pudding calling to me so I went and ordered a pumpkin pudding along with a hot chocolate.

Cafe Chocolat (Hot) ¥950 / Pumpkin Pudding ¥500

The pumpkin pudding was nice and moist and rich in flavour. Nothing short of delicious. It’s made even sweeter when eaten together with the fluffy whipped cream―which also elevates the flavour of the pumpkin too.

I was inspired by the cafe owner to go for the cup I chose for my hot chocolate. There is so much variety between the cups; it’s fun getting to see rare ones. Be sure to check their Instagram page where they have more detailed write-ups about their coffee cups and coffee varieties.

The cafe has a selection of original coffee blends which they make fresh with the utmost care and consideration. You can buy their coffee beans, take cake away from you, and even order whole cakes, so you can enjoy their delights at home.

Chatei Hatou has stood together with Shibuya these past 30 years. According to the owner, the most important thing about running a cafe is making sure its doors are always open. It’s been tough as a result of the pandemic this year, but the cafe is still there as a part of people’s lives.

The next time you’re in Shibuya, why not enjoy a drink and a sit down at Chatei Hatou?

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is also called the birth place of Japanese culture, with a history spanning 1,200 years. Today, we’re going to take a look at a number of upcoming events and seasonal items on sale in Kyoto for autumn 2020.

Celebrating 300 years of Tango Chirimen

This year marks 300 years since Tango Chirimen was established, a company located in Tango in northern Kyoto that specialises in a Japanese textile of flat woven silk known as ‘chirimen.’ There are many local chirimen brands around Japan, but it is the chirimen from Tango that has stood above the rest these past 300 years. The brand is now looking to the start of a new era for itself during its triple century milestone.

LIFE WITH THE QUALITY

Tango Chirimen is currently displaying a collaborative art exhibit at NEWoMan Shinjuku in Tokyo. This includes the entry display made in collaboration with Japanese artist Saki Tanaka, wall art made from woven fabrics, and more.

Running: Until September 30, 2020

Location: NEWoMan Shinjuku

Lineup: Display in collaboration with Saki Tanaka, wall art, and more

United Arrows x Tango Chirimen

United Arrows is also collaborating with the brand and incorporating their logo mark “TANGO OPEN” on a new men’s t-shirt.

Product Name: BY Tango Broad Wide Form Tapered Shirt
Buy Here: https://store.united-arrows.co.jp/shop/by/goods.html?gid=52838245
Sold at: BEAUTY & YOUTH UNITED ARROWS stores and their official online store

Taste tea from Uji on Japanese Tea Day

It is generally considered that the first tea of the season in Japan is best enjoyed from the end of April and during May, but in fact Japanese tea is the perfect season to enjoy Japanese tea, specially since the country celebrates Japanese Tea Day (Nihoncha no Hi) on October 1 and 31.

Ujicha, or tea from Uji in Kyoto, boasts some of the most famous kinds of teas in Japan. This includes matcha, sencha, and gyokuro, all of which were first grown in southern Kyoto. Because of this, it is said that Ujicha marks the origins of Japanese tea. So when you visit Japan during autumn, why not celebrate Japanese Tea Day with some authentic tea from Uji?

Ujicha Tea Murie Online Course

The Ujicha Tea Murie Course has been held since 2015 in Kyoto, and this year, the course is heading online for the first time as a result of the pandemic. Learn how to make and serve Uji tea from a professional tea instructor as well as its history and more.

Running: Session 1: September 15, 2020 / Session 2: October 2, 2020 / Session 3: October 17, 2020

Book: Online
Requirements: Download and install Zoom
Official Website: https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/yamashiro/ocha/

Certified Ujicha tea cafes for an authentic experience

Tsujiri Rihei Ginza | Tsujiri Rihei Senju

Nakamura Tokichi Ginza

Tsujiri Rihei Ginza, Tsujiri Rihei Senju, and Nakamura Tokichi Ginza are all cafes in Tokyo that are officially recognised for serving authentic Ujicha tea which also includes proper preparation as well as teaching the history and culture behind the tea. These three cafes are also holding an Ujicha tea stamp rally as well as a Twitter hashtag campaign.

In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Kayaba Coffee, a coffee shop in Yanaka, Tokyo, which is a perfect example of the old and traditional shitamachi neighbourhoods.

Kayaba Coffee is just a 10-minute walk from both Nezu Station and Nippori Station.

This is a place I’ve visited in my private time out of work and I’m always excited to go. Kayaba Coffee was established in 1938, and actually closed in 2006. But due to public demand, the cafe reopened just two years later in 2008. It’s a popular coffee shop loved by people of all generations.

Time to head on in.

The first floor houses the counter and table seats, while the seating on the second floor is traditional zashiki style on tatami flooring. Although it’s a cafe, you I feel so relaxed in there that it’s like I’m visiting my grandma’s house. The sun shines through the big windows, making you all warm and want to take a nap.

I ordered their super popular egg sandwich! The menu was changed in May this year, and a new and improved version of their egg sandwich was put on there. It’s made using sourdough bread from VANER, a local bakery in Uenosakuragi not far from the cafe.

Breakfast Menu – Egg Sandwich | ¥1,000

The chewy, sour bread is the perfect combination with the fluffy eggs.

Lemon Squash | ¥600

The lemon squash has a cinnamon aftertaste. Everything on the menu is made with love and perfection; before I realised it, I was hooked on going there.

Strawberry Shaved Ice | ¥800

This was my first shaved ice of the year! I went with the classic strawberry flavour. The syrup is super juicy and nearly collapsed the fluffy shaved ice the moment I put it on. It has a syrupy texture and the strawberry juice has a sweet and sour kick that’s just simply delightful♡

And you can make it even sweeter by pouring over your desired amount of condensed milk. It was really tasty.

Kayaba Coffee is the same as it was back in the day, and continues to be loved dearly. I think even people who visit it for the first time will feel a sense of nostalgia. If you have a place you can go to relax on bad days or when you’re feeling down, it’s sure to give you the strength to work hard again. This cafe is a wonderful place that’s close to people’s hearts.

I want to visit there again already.

Writer/Model: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Design: Yuko Takayama (ASOBISYSTEM)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

CAFETEL Kyoto Sanjo for Ladies, a hotel in Kyoto exclusive to female guests, is offering a new Halloween room plan between October 1 and November 1. There is just one room and it can only be booked for one day between that period. This plan was offered last year and was a resounding success amongst guests.

Last year’s Halloween room took on a more cute and bright theme, but they’re going for something darker this time. The theme this year is “The Secret Witches-Only Get-Together,” with all ideas and designs conceived and handmade by the hotel staff themselves.

Guests will find decorations all around the room, such as bats on doors and walls who will listen in on the witches’ gossip to creepy crawly spiders in the bed. Candles are provided in the room to set the Halloween mood, and there’s even witch and devil costumes and props for guests to dress up in.

Free goodies for the witch get-together

Guests can enjoy a gorgeous view of the Kamogawa River from their room. They are also presented with a free Halloween drink exclusive to those who stay in this room.

Tokyu Land Corporation are set to open the new hotel “nol kyoto sanjo” in central Kyoto on November 1, 2020. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station.

A place where you can be yourself

Hotels in Japan are more and more catering to a wide variety of guests’ needs as well as not only providing convenience and being affordable, but creating a space that really places importance on peoples’ stay experience. And nol kyoto sanjo follows suit, allowing people to both let their hair down where they can be themselves as well as enjoy the local area. This comes in response to peoples’ desire to have a stay experience that feels like it’s their own home.

Clad in Kyoto, living in Sanjo

The concept for the hotel’s design was conceived by Kyoto Vintage. Sanjo-dori is connected to Kyoto’s main street, making it a convenient location for reaching the city centre. It’s also home a variety of architectural examples from old, ancient buildings to more modern ones built during the Meiji Period. Surrounding the hotel is a whole selection of cafes famous for their breakfast menus, restaurants that use local ingredients, long-standing stationery shops, and more. The hotel sits in the perfect spot for coming in contact with the local people and city.

The hotel lounge built from an old townhouse

The hotel site is renovated from a townhouse that was built during the Edo Period. It was formerly used as a place for selling Kinshi Masamune sake. To ensure that old, quaint charm was preserved in the refurbishment, the hotel hired a Japanese designer and planner who is known for renovating these kinds of townhouses in Japan.

The entrance to the hotel greets guests with the lounge which gives people a chance to kick back and relax in this authentic building. Guests are even given some Kinshi Masamune sake as a welcome drink.

High grade guest rooms for medium to long stays

There are three kinds of guest rooms including 2-people rooms, 4-people rooms, and rooms with an additional Japanese-style room attached to it, for a total of 48, all of which face the hotel gardens. The rooms were designed by Yukio Hashimoto who has made sure to preserve both the townhouse and feel of the materials which have only ripened with age while adding a high grade feel to them. The scent of hinoki leaf invites you to relax in your room. All rooms are equipped with microwaves, washing machines, and mini kitchens too, making it perfect for guests looking to stay a while. Pick up some local ingredients from town and get cooking.

Old-time Kyoto served in a new style

Old townhouses used since ancient times are on the decrease in Kyoto. By renovating and reusing, new life can be breathed into them while promoting that ancient culture. If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, be sure to check out nol kyoto sanjo, opening November 1, 2020.

Crayon Shin-chan: Crash! Rakuga Kingdom and Almost Four Heroes was released on September 11, 2020 as the 28th animated feature film in the Crayon Shin-chan series. To promote the film, a themed cafe is set to open at BOX cafe&space in the city of Koshigaya in Saitama Prefecture from October 1 to November 1.

The cafe originally opened at TOKYO PARADE inside Shibuya PARCO back in March for a limited time, and now it’s headed north of Tokyo to Saitama.

Shin-chan fans can look forward to a menu lineup of dishes, drinks, and desserts inspired by the film’s theme of “drawing.”

Rakuga Kingdom Cafe Crayon Shin-chan Curry | ¥1,390 (Before Tax)

The Shin-chan curry is a spicy yellow curry combined with coconut milk. The white sauce is inspired by the light blue colour of the smocks worn at Futaba Kindergarten in the series.

Rakuga Kingdom Cafe Buriburizaemon Curry | ¥1,390 (Before Tax)

This one’s a spicy black masala curry centred on Buriburizaemon.

Uki Uki Da Zo Crayon Shin-chan Pancakes | ¥1,390 (Before Tax)

Pancakes toped with cream and a cute Shin-chab illustration. It’s served with a wafer featuring pictures of other characters from the film.

Minna Suki ni Kakeba? Rakugaki Pudding Plate | ¥1,390 (Before Tax)

Two pudding tarts and a crepe which you can draw on with a chocolate pen to create your own cute illustrations like Shin-chan.

Shin-Chan’s Miracle Colourful Jelly Soda ¥890 | Shiro’s Cotton Candy Strawberry Milk ¥990 (Before Tax)

A soda served with jelly in five different colours and a strawberry milk topped with Shiro who’s made from cotton candy. It becomes a sweet strawberry milk as soon as the cotton candy hits and melts into the drink.

Pin Badges (8 Designs) | ¥400 (Before Tax)

Canvas Art | ¥3,500 (Before Tax) *Limited edition

Bonus Items

The merchandise lineup features items with original artwork. There’s also bonus items for customers who book a table in advance as well as order a drink.

Enter the Rakugaki Kingdom of drawing at the limited-time Crayon Shin-chan cafe.

ⒸYoshito Usui/Futabasha・Shinei・TV Asahi・ＡＤＫ 2020