Sarutahiko Coffee released a Christmas-exclusive seasonal flavour of its popular Jellatte dessert drink on Tuesday (December 1) which it’s calling the “Maroron Merry Pudding Jellatte.”

Maroron Merry Pudding Jellatte | ¥750 (Before Tax)

The beverage is the second in this year’s Christmas themed drinks to be released by Sarutahiko Coffee. It uses a coffee jelly base made from Ethiopian coffee beans and contains layers of mascarpone cheese from Italy, a chocolate sauce made from Cacao Hunters chocolate, milk pudding, four kinds of mixed berry jellies, pistachio milk pudding, milk foam, and to top it all off, chocolate pieces and pistachios.

The pistachio and mascarpone bring a richness to the dessert drink which blends deliciously with the freshness of the berries and full-bodied coffee for a combination that’s like a warm and cosy Christmas hug.

YOJIYA CAFE opened up a new cafe called YOJIYA CAFE Ocha no Crepe in Kyoto on November 30, 2020, serving a selection of crepes made with Uji matcha and specially-selected ingredients.

YOJIYA is a Kyoto-based company that first opened 116 years ago specialising in aburatorigami blotting paper. Today, the company has expanded its range of cosmetic and beauty items, and it even operates two cafes in Kyoto. On Monday (November 30), it opened YOJIYA CAFE Ocha no Crepe in Nijo Fuyacho, Kyoto, an all-new cafe serving takeout crepes.

Ocha no Crepe Matcha | ¥750 (Tax Included)

The cafe’s signature matcha crepe is filled with cream, rice flour dumplings, and matcha from Uji. The crepe pastry itself is made from an original blend of two types of wheat flour. The cream is a delicious blend of three types of cream plus matcha cream. It’s also filled with crunchy pie which is cooked fresh every morning. The crepe is finished with an illustration of a matcha teacup and whisk made from matcha.

The high quality matcha crepes are made the perfect size and with the perfect combinations so they can be enjoyed even after a meal.

Be sure to pay a visit to YOJIYA CAFE Ocha no Crepe when visiting Kyoto.

Sanrio’s beloved character pair Kiki & Lala, also known as the Little Twin Stars, are hosting a special winter event titled “TWINKLE COLOR CHRISTMAS” at Shinjuku Southern Terrace from December 1 to 25, illuminating the area with beautiful Christmas lights, as part of their 45th anniversary.

Kiki & Lala’s twinkling Christmas tree magical in the daytime and night time

The towering 4-meter tall Christmas Tree is decorated in countless mirror balls which reflect beautifully both during the day from the sun and at night with Kiki & Lala’s illuminations. A special light show is also taking place from 16:30 each day with Christmas songs.

Decorated around the tree are Kiki & Lala neon signs and pastel-coloured adornments.

Those unable to visit Shinjuku this Christmas can access the “TWINKLE COLOR CHRISTMAS AR TREE” digitally This will have Kiki & Lala’s Christmas tree appear on your phone when taking photos. You can access it here.

Kiki & Lala treats at the Sanrio Cafe Wagon

Limited time menu

45th Anniversary Items

On weekends, as well as from December 19 up to Christmas Day, a food wagon will make an appearance at the event serving Kiki & Lala food and drink like the pink and fruity Ruby Chocolate Latte and fruit-filled Twinkle Crepe.

©’76,’20 SANRIO 著作(株)サンリオ

To promote the debut single Step and a step by global girls group NiziU, which was released on Wednesday (December 2), Tokyo Skytree is set to put on a special rainbow-coloured light show. It will also display the outfits that Niziu wore in the music video of their pre-debut single Make you happy atop its 450-meter-high Tembo Deck.

NiziU is a nine-member global all-female music group which formed via Nizi Project, an audition programme co-produced by Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music Labels, and JYP Entertainment.

Tokyo Skytree lights up in all the colours of the rainbow

Tokyo Skytree is running the light show for three consecutive days in promotion of NiziU’s debut single Step and a step.

Light Show Schedule
December 2, 2020 @ 17:30-24:00
December 3, 2020 @ 17:30-24:00
December 4, 2020 @ 17:30-24:00

NiziU outfit exhibition

NiziU fans should head up to Tokyo Skytree’s Tembo Deck where they can see the outfits that NiziU wore in their Make you happy music video which became a hit for its jump-rope dance sequence.

Outfit Exhibition Schedule

Running: December 2, 2020 – December 13, 2020

Location: Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck (Floor 450F)

NiziU’s popularity has continued to surge this year. Stay tuned for the latest information on the up-and-coming girl’s group.

©2020 Sony Music Labels Inc.／JYP Entertainment. All rights reserved.
©TOKYO-SKYTREE

Moomin Cafe branches around Japan, which are themed on the Swedish fairy-tale Moomin books, released their Christmas menu on November 20.

Moomin Cafe Winter Season Menu | ¥4,800 (Before Tax) *Photo is a portion for 2

The seasonal menu is a very special set containing a burger, chicken, salmon milk soup, raspberry juice (which is adored by the Moomin family), and more, so you can eat heartily like the Moomins this winter.

Souvenir Cup (2 Designs)

Visitors can also order a dessert and choose from two different mugs. Takeout is available at each of the cafes so you enjoy a Moomin Christmas at home.

Table reservations are available via the Moomin Cafe website so customers can ensure they can get booked in during the busy holiday season.

If you’re in Japan for Christmas then don’t miss out on a visit to the Moomin cafe.

©Moomin Characters TM

Japanese company LEGS has announced the opening of two limited-time cafes themed on the video game KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory which will run from December 11, 2020 to January 31, 2021.

KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory is a rhythm action game developed by Square Enix. Released on November 11 in Japan and November 13 everyone else, it is the latest instalment to Square Enix and Disney’s video game series Kingdom Hearts.

The cafe menu features a line-up of dishes, drinks, and desserts inspired by characters and worlds found throughout the internationally-beloved video game series. The items all adhere to Disney’s nutrient guidelines and so are low in salt and sugar, offering fans a healthier option. The cafe will also sell a range of original merchandise.

The Menu

Food (Excerpt)

<Sora> Power of Waking Tomato Pasta | ¥1,599

A red tomato pasta inspired by Sora that comes with a potato salad shaped like King Mickey.

<Riku> Daybreak Chicken Burger | ¥1,599

A black chicken burger based on Riku becoming enveloped by the Power of Darkness. This dish also comes with a potato salad shaped like King Mickey.

<King Mickey> King’s Tuna Sandwich | ¥1,399, with plate +¥2,000

A tuna sandwich branded with a King Mickey symbol that comes with a side of fruit.

<Neverland> Island Seafood Curry | ¥1,699

A squid and shrimp seafood curry inspired by Peter Pan’s Neverland which you can travel to in Kingdom Hearts.

Drinks (Excerpt)

<Sora, Riku & Kairi> Fate’s Pineapple Herb Soda | ¥899, with acrylic coaster +¥1,000

A pineapple herb soda based on the Paopu Fruit from the series.

<Roxas, Xion, Axel> Sea Salt Ice Cream & Milk | ¥1,199, with acrylic coaster +¥1,000

Based on the sea salt ice cream that Roxas, Xion, and Axel all eat together. It’s served with hot milk that can be poured over the ice cream for a tasty treat.

<Hundred Acre Wood> Honey Latte | ¥799, with mug +¥1,650

A latte sweetened with Winnie the Pooh’s favourite thing in the world: honey.

Merchandise (Excerpt)

Folder ¥500 / Acrylic Magnet ¥700

Tote Bags (3 Designs) | ¥3,500 Each (Timeless River/Keyblade A/Keyblade B)

Bonus Items

Customers who book a table in advance (¥650 before tax) and order from the menu will receive one of two folders, and if they order a drink, one of four coasters. Available while supplies last.

© Disney. © Disney/Pixar.

*All prices listed are pre-tax

Taiwanese cheese tea shop machi machi is releasing a new drink in Japan this holiday season on December 1: the ‘Flurry Strawberry Milk With Crème Brûlée.’

machi machi is an extremely popular cheese tea chain in Taiwan that has been called the ‘king of cheese tea’ by Taiwanese news outlets. Each and every cup poured is made fresh with tea from Taiwan to which rich cream cheese is added for a salty kick, creating a new kind of dessert drink.

Flurry Strawberry Milk With Crème Brûlée | ¥750 (Before Tax)

The new Christmas beverage being served in Japan uses fresh strawberries which adds a delightful sweetness to the milk. It’s topped with crushed Oreos and combined with crème brûlée for a variety of layered flavours. The Oreos add crunch to the dessert drink so that it’s a delicious experience down to the last sip.

If you’ve never had Taiwanese cheese tea, and are in Japan this Christmas, don’t miss out on this seasonal drink, available for the whole month of December.

Sanrio’s popular characters Kiki & Lala, also known as the Little Twin Stars, are getting their own themed cafe which will open for a limited time at the Fruits Parlor & Bakery Season & Co. in LINKS UMEDA in Osaka From December 3, 2020 to January 24, 2021.

The cafe will serve up a variety of menu items inspired by the Little Twin Stars as well as sell related merchandise. There will also be a photo spot for taking cute pictures, and a special dessert assortment made in collaboration with the popular artist Dream Ami which includes a parfait made up of their favourite sweet treats.

Cafe Menu (Prices Listed Before Tax)

Menu ①: December 3, 2020 – December 25, 2020

Little Twin Stars Shortcake (X’mas Ver.) | ¥1,900

Kiki’s Shooting Star Sweets Parfait | ¥1,600

Menu ②: December 26, 2020 – January 24, 2021

Little Twin Stars Tart | ¥1,700

Lala’s Shooting Stat Sweets Parfait | ¥1,700

Drinks Menu (Excerpt) (Available Throughout Collaboration)

Little Twin Stars Strawberry Tea Latte | ¥1,000

Dream Ami’s Special Collaborative Menu (Available Throughout Collaboration)

Dream Ami×Little Twin Stars Star Sweets 2020 2,100円

Customers who spend more than ¥1,000 (before tax) on merchandise at the cafe will also receive a free A4 folder. These are available while supplies last.

Dream Ami’s collaborative dessert looks both cute and delicious and definitely worthy of being on a Little Twin Stars menu!

IKEA Japan has announced that its third branch will open in Shinjuku in Spring 2021, following the opening of IKEA Harajuku in June and IKEA Shibuya which is opening on November 30.

IKEA Shinjuku will be conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station. It will feature a line-up of products to get people living more sustainably at an affordable price. It will also serve authentic Swedish food.

Helen Von Rice (IKEA CEO, Chief Sustainability Officer) | Comment

“We are so excited to continue our city-expansion journey with our third city shop meeting many more of the Tokyoites in the bustling Shinjuku district. We hope to inspire and solve home-furnishing needs at a time when the home has never been more important. Our Shinjuku shop will also continue to offer great plant-based food as well as sustainable products to reach our goal of being climate-neutral by 2030.”

Having only held annual summertime events up to now, Art Aquarium Museum in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, is celebrating Christmas for the first time this year with a series of holiday season festivities.

The Aquarium’s first Christmas tree

Art Aquarium Museum will display its very first Christmas tree for the event indoors near the entrance. The tree artwork was created by Hidemoto Kimura using 550 colourful crystals that have been made to look like goldfish. Made from venetian glass, he had them shipped himself from Italy. They are strung in 10 different colours which glow and glisten to create a romantic atmosphere.

Artwork Name: Natale di Pesce D’oro
Running: December 1, 2020 – December 27, 2020
Location: Art Aquarium Museum entrance

Pair tickets for Christmas with alcohol

Pair Ticket (2 People) + 2 Drinks | ¥4,600 (Tax Included)

Those arriving in twos can buy Pair Tickets which come with two alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages so you can plunge into the magical underwater world of the aquarium while enjoying a drink.

Buy Tickets: https://ticket.artaquarium.jp/en/
Running: November 24, 2020 – December 27, 2020
Validity Period: December 1, 2020 – December 27, 2020
Drinks Menu:

[Alcohol] COEDO Beer / Marihana / Louis Raison Rouge Délice

[Non-Alcoholic] Sanpellegrino Pompelmo / Grapefruit

Christmas menu served up in the lounge and cafe

2-Person Hors d’oeuvre With 2 Drinks | Online Booking ¥4,200, Same-Day ¥5,000 (Tax Included) | Serving: December 18, 2020 – December 25, 2020

The aquarium’s lounge restaurant is serving an hors d’oeuvre for pairs of Japanese and western food together with two drinks.

2-Person Christmas Sweets Plate With 2 Drinks | Online Booking ¥3,300, Same-Day ¥3,850 (Tax Included) | Serving: December 1, 2020 – December 27, 2020

The cafe is serving up plate of assorted desserts, perfect for a post-aquarium date.

Christmas Special Cocktail | ¥2,200 (Tax Included) | Serving: December 1, 2020 – December 27, 2020

Both the restaurant and cafe are also serving a seasonal cocktail of chocolate, strawberries, cranberries, and champagne jelly for a sweet and refreshing mix.

Koala’s March is one of the many tasty treats made by Japanese confectionery company Lotte. They are bite-sized cookies with sweet fillings. Lotte is teaming up with Pokémon to release 48 Koala’s March products with Pokémon prints on them.

Koala’s March With Pokémon – Cheesecake Moomoo Milk Flavour

The crunchy biscuits feature a variety of Pokémon prints on them along with the Pokémon’s names’ in Japanese. They are filled with sweet cheesecake-flavoured chocolate. The collaboration is inspired by Moomoo Milk, an HP-restoring medicine seen in Pokémon. Together with the original Koala’s March prints, there are a total of 96 individual designs to find.

A proper tasty snack for any Pokémon Trainer out there!

©LOTTE/Koala’s March Project

©Nintendo･Creatures･GAME FREAK･TV Tokyo･ShoPro･JR Kikaku ©Pokémon

Starbucks Coffee Japan opened a new branch on Thursday (November 25) in Nishitokyo, a western area of Tokyo, next to an ancient 300-year-old camphor tree. The coffee shop opens with a gorgeous wooden interior.

Starbucks Nishitokyo

Starbucks Nishitokyo was built on top of a long-standing cafe called Kusunoki in Musashino, Tokyo that was loved by locals for 40 years before closing down. The Starbucks branch, with its striking warm wooden decor, takes inspiration from an old 300-year-old tree that stands 23-meters tall and 7 meters in circumference. The old round pillars that kept the previous cafe Kusunoki standing have been kept in place and built around, incorporating a tall new triangular roof, lights, and the walls, and more—all as an homage to the old cafe. This way, memories of the beloved can be passed on while making way for a new chapter in history.

Starbucks’s wooden decor

Starbucks Shinshu Zenkoji Nakamise-dori branch

Starbucks Shikishima Park branch

Starbucks Nishitokyo comes as the latest Starbucks branch to have entirely wooden decor, something which the company has been incorporating much of in Japan in recent years. The Shinshu Zenkoji Nakamise-dori branch is made using five different types of trees sourced in Nagano Prefecture. The Shikishima Park branch offers an incredible view of the park’s flowers and trees, including the cherry blossoms when they bloom in spring.

Starbucks Japan is opening another wooden branch in Spring 2021 at Ise Grand Shrine.

An initiative to use wood grown in Japan

Starbucks Shinjuku Gyoen branch

Starbucks LINKS UMEDA branch

The number of shops and cafes using local wood in Japan is on the rise in response to the issue of using domestic wood from places outside of a local area. Starbucks Shinjuku Gyoen, for example, has walls, a ceiling, and drinks counter made from wood sourced in Tama, Tokyo, while Starbucks LINKS UMEDA has pillars made of wood taken from trees in Umeda, Osaka.