This summer, the Japanese ryokan inn HOSHINOYA Tokyo is once again hosting its “Tokyo Midsummer Night’s Banquet” event which brings Edo period culture to the modern day in the form of a traditional festival with entertainment and food.
Tokyo Midsummer Night’s Banquet: 4 Things to Enjoy
1. The new HOSHINOYA Tokyo Sake Bar
For a limited time only, the new HOSHINOYA Tokyo Sake Bar is opening on the first floor of the inn which will serve an izakaya-style experience to guests who can expect to enjoy Japanese sake together with various otsumami foods to enjoy with alcohol provided by restaurants nearby in Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Ningyocho. There will be old-timey noren entry curtains, lanterns, and other little decorations to give it that Japanese summer festival vibe. Staff will also be clad in traditional happi coats.
2. HOSHINOYA Ennichi
At the inn lobby and entrance, guests will be welcomed straight into the heart of the summer festival experience coupled with Edo culture. When evening settles in, the calm atmosphere will be transformed with the sound of lively music reminiscent of a Japanese matsuri orchestra. Guests can enjoy a range of activities from Edo times, such as ‘fishing’ for a flower as pictured above.
Location: HOSHINOYA Tokyo lobby and plaza
Times: 17:00-21:00
Price: Free
3. A very special menu for guests staying at the inn
Enjoy a range of Edo period foods like conger eel, refreshing cold sea bream chazuke perfect for the summer weather, and more. Food is served in guest rooms so they can enjoy a private dining experience.
Location: Guest Rooms
Times: 17:00-21:00
4. Rental yukata service for that real Japanese summer vibe
Use the inn’s rental kimono service to pick out a summery yukata and obi sash to look beautiful and get into Japanese summer festival mode. Guests can walk in and around the inn as well as around the local district of Otemachi.
Time: 10:00-18:00
Price: ¥5,000 per person
Bookings: Mandatory
Book Here: https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/
Information
Tokyo Midsummer Night’s Banquet
Running: July 1, 2021 – August 31, 2021
Where: HOSHINOYA Tokyo
Conditions: Guests only
Official Website/Yukata Rentals: https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/
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Hololive VTubers Announce Hololive Summer Event and Comiket Appearance
21.July.2022 | ANIME&GAME
The Hololive Summer event, first held in the summer of 2019, will return this year!
A ton of new content and special panels will be shown at the 2022 event, so check the official Hololive Production Twitter account often for more information!Hololive will also have a booth at this year’s Comiket on August 13 and 14! A number of exclusive commemorative Hololive Summer 2022 goods will be on sale.
The back cover of the Comiket 100 catalog, on sale July 16, shows the official Hololive Summer 2022 key visual. Be sure to keep an eye out for more details!
Information
Comiket (Comic Market) 100
Booth Name: Hololive Production
Booth Location: Company Booths, South Hall 2, #511
Running: August 13 – 14
Hours: 10:30-16:00
Address: Tokyo Big Sight (3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
Tickets: https://www.comiket.co.jp/
Official Site: https://www.hololive.tv/
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Toy Story Aliens Cafe to Open in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya
The Toy Story Aliens Cafe will be opening for a limited time in Tokyo starting July 23, in Osaka on July 27, and in Nagoya on August 4. Fans of the film series will remember the adorable Alien characters, originally shown as prizes in a crane game. This pop-up cafe will feature themed dishes and merchandise, and Pixar fans should be sure to attend!
Menu
Food
Space Curry
Green Pasta
Alien Burger A (Teriyaki Soy Meat) / Burger B (Tomato Soy Meat) / Burger C (Chicken & Potato)
Moon Landing?! Potato & Bread
Kids Plate
Fruit Bread
Drinks
Alien Smoothie
Space Soda
Melon Milk
Space Crane Game Cider / Grape Juice
Hot Tea / Hot Milk
Goods
The food menu includes a tasty black curry, a green pasta featuring broccoli, edamame, spinach, and snap peas, and three types of alien burgers featuring either teriyaki soy meat, tomato soy meat, or chicken and potato. Even the drinks stick to the Alien theme, and the menu includes an Alien Smoothie with a tasty banana yogurt flavor.
Guests will also be able to purchase event-exclusive merchandise from keychains and stickers to tote bags and letter sets.
©Disney/Pixar
Information
Toy Story Aliens Cafe at OH MY CAFE
Venues/Dates:
Tokyo: OH MY CAFE TOKYO
Running: July 23 – September 25, 2022
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku Mall 3F (4-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Osaka: OH MY CAFE OSAKA
Running: July 27 – October 3, 2022
1-6-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka (2F)
Nagoya: kawara CAFE&KITCHEN
Nagoya PARCO
Running: August 4 – October 10, 2022
Nagoya PARCO South Building 5F (3-29-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya)
Details: https://planet.ohmycafe.jp/Online Store
July 23, 12:00~
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Kuroko’s Basketball 10th Anniversary Event Coming to Tokyo and Osaka This Summer
11.July.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
A special event is coming to Tokyo and Osaka this summer to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Kuroko’s Basketball anime series. Fans will want to visit Tokyo in July and Osaka in September.
Kuroko’s Basketball is a manga series by Tadatoshi Fujimaki which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump until 2014 and tells the story of a high school basketball team trying to make it to the national tournament. The anime adaptation began airing in April 2012.
Kuroko’s Basketball ~A Miracle One Day in the City~
Kuroko’s Basketball ~ Kyoto Exhibition
Gallery Corner
Voice Guide
Admission Bonus – Invitation Card (9 varieties)
Exclusive Goods – F6 Character Board
Goods
Acrylic Stand (9 varieties)
Mini Acrylic Charms 1 (Random)
Mini Acrylic Charms 2 (Random)
Pin (9 varieties, random)
Purchase Bonus – Shopping Bag
The event will feature exhibits highlighting the history of the series and will feature a special voiceover. Exclusive merchandise will be on sale and guests will be welcomed by Kuroko and his friends at the entrance, all wearing special costumes drawn for the event.
Are you a Kuroko’s Basketball fan?
© 藤巻忠俊/集英社・黒子のバスケ製作委員会
© 「黒子のバスケ」アニメ10周年プロジェクトInformation
Kuroko’s Basketball 10th-Anniversary PARTY!
Tokyo Venue
Venue: Ikebukuro Sunshine City World Import Mart Bldg. 4F, Exhibition Hall A
Running: July 16 – July 31, 2022
Hours: Weekends and Holidays, 10:00-20:00
Weekdays: 12:00-20:00
*Closing at 17:00 on July 31.
*Last entry until 30 minutes prior to closing.
Osaka Venue
Venue: Hirakata Park Event Hall I
Running: September 16 – November 6, 2022
Event Details: https://kurobas-ap.com/
TicketsOn Sale: July 16, 0:00 – July 31, 16:00
Where to Buy: Loppi at Lawson / Ministop locations
Online Reservations: https://l-tike.com/event/kurobas_ap/ -
The Toshio Suzuki and Studio Ghibli Exhibition Opens in Tokyo
The Toshio Suzuki and Studio Ghibli Exhibition finally opened on July 1, 2022 at Warehouse Terrada in Shinagawa, Tokyo.
First held at Kanda Myojin in 2019, the reception for the exhibition was incredible, and after popping up in Nagasaki and Kyoto, the newest Tokyo exhibition will be the first held in three years. It features significantly more exhibits and content, so Ghibli fans won’t want to miss it.
Toshio Suzuki, a producer at Studio Ghibli, has worked with both Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata on a number of beloved masterpieces. The exhibition will feature a large bookshelf housing 8,800 of Suzuki’s publications. Many of these were published before Suzuki joined Studio Ghibli, and guests are invited to see how the producer was inspired to join the legendary studio.
This exhibition was realized after Suzuki himself proposed the idea of exhibiting his books for the first time following the 2019 event. The giant bookshelf containing 8,800 tomes was based on a brick-and-mortar store that once served as Suzuki’s ‘hideout.’
The Massive Abura-ya Annex
Chihiro’s Bathhouse – Chilled Footbath
No-Face AR
As a limited event, the Tokyo exhibition will also feature the Abura-ya Annex, a huge space that recreates the world of Spirited Away. Visitors can transform themselves into No-Face using AR or enjoy the Chilled Footbath after getting their fortunes told at the Yubaba and Zeniba Luck and Love Fortune Telling Corner.
8,800 of Toshio Suzuki’s Favorite Books
Valuable Documents, Behind-the-Scenes Details, etc.
No-Face perches atop one of the many bookshelves at the exhibition, lost in a tome of his own. All 8,800 books were read by Suzuki, and all of them influenced the creator’s decision to join Studio Ghibli. The wallpaper was designed by William Morris, a favorite of the producer since his youth. Some of the books can be picked up and enjoyed, so be sure to flip through some of these inspiring pages!
Rare materials and copy that led to many of the studio’s blockbuster hits are all on display, and visitors can trace the secret story behind the establishment of Studio Ghibli and how the company created everything from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind to their latest release Earwig and the Witch. Suzuki is known for his incredible scripts, such as the many lines he wrote for the title character in The Tale of Princess Kaguya.
On June 30, an opening ceremony was held with Suzuki in attendance. “I’ve stored away so many items that have been important to me in my life, and while it can be somewhat embarrassing to have them on display, I’m glad that so many can appreciate them,” he said. “My dream was to collect all the books I’ve read over the past 70 years and display them in one room. I was so happy when I realized that we could fit all 8,800 books in one space. I hope as many people as possible come to enjoy the exhibition.”
Information
Toshio Suzuki and Studio Ghibli Exhibition
Running: July 1 – September 7, 2022
Location: Warehouse Terrada B&C Hall/E Hall
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Toshio Suzuki Studio Ghibli Exhibition Inspires Limited-Time Hotel Suite
The Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa in Tokyo will offer a special suite inspired by the upcoming Toshio Suzuki Studio Ghibli Exhibition from July 1 until August 31, 2022. This will include tickets to the exhibition, which will take place at Warehouse Terrada in Shinagawa from July 1 until September 7.
Toshio Suzuki, a producer at Studio Ghibli, has worked with both Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata on a number of beloved masterpieces. The exhibition will feature a large bookshelf housing 8,800 of Suzuki’s publications and favorite tomes. Many of these were published before Suzuki joined Studio Ghibli, and guests are invited to see how the producer was inspired to join the legendary studio after working as an editor at a manga magazine. To commemorate the exhibition’s opening, this special suite is filled with books written by Suzuki along with other books that visitors may enjoy during their relaxing stay.
In the suite, guests will find a list of 106 books that influenced Suzuki the most. This list will be available to take home. Visitors will also find reproductions of Suzuki’s calligraphy.
©TS ©Studio Ghibli
Information
Toshio Suzuki Studio Ghibli Exhibition Special Suite Package
Venue: Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
Available: July 1 – August 31, 2022
Reservation: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/takanawa/plan/ghibli_conceptroomToshio Suzuki Studio Ghibli Museum Accommodation Plan with Ticket
Available until September 6, 2022
Reservation: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/takanawa/plan/ghibli/
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Kirby Cafe Tokyo and Fukuoka Reveal Peach-Inspired Summer Menu
29.June.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Kirby Cafe TOKYO and Kirby Cafe HAKATA will begin selling special summer-themed food and drink items on July 7. The Kirby Cafe Summer 2022 event will introduce seven peach-themed goodies to the menu through September 11.
Menu
Transform! Carby Cake ~WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD!~
Kirby’s Peach♡Peach Parfait
Summer Souvenir Parfait Glass
Awoofy’s Footsteps in the Desert Pizza
Waddle Dee’s Friendly Rice Croquettes
King Dedede’s Full Tummy! Massive Beast King Plate
Rolling ♪ Peach Soda
(Includes Summer Souvenir Parfait Glass)
Rolling ♪ Summer-Colored Pineapple Soda
Summer Souvenir Acrylic Muddler (3 varieties)
Visitors to the two cafe locations can enjoy peach-flavored treats like Kirby’s Peach Parfait and an adorable cake based on the pink puffball’s Carby form seen in the new game Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Those wanting something more savory can enjoy Waddle Dee’s Friendly Rice Croquettes and the absolutely huge King Dedede’s Full Tummy! Massive Beast King Plate.
Come enjoy the warmer months with Kirby and friends!Story
Summer is returning to the Kirby Cafe. Thinking of the warmer months, Chef Kawasaki has created a special menu! As a Waddle Dee, filled with great excitement, wandered through the forest…it saw tons of lush, ripe peaches.
“Huh? That pink, round peach reminds me of something…”
Then came Kirby, who was looking forward to the summer menu more than anyone else.
“Ah, that’s right! The peach looks just like Kirby!”
Happy to have solved the riddle, Kirby smiled brightly at Waddle Dee. Gazing at this glorious summer scene with tons of juicy peaches ready to be eaten, he couldn’t help but imagine tons of tasty treats! Peach parfait, sparkling soda, blue jelly sparkling like the ocean…not wanting to forget these ideas, Kirby and Waddle Dee gathered the peaches and began cooking.
Please come and enjoy this summer with Kirby and his friends under the dazzling sunshine!
©Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Information
Kirby Cafe Summer 2022
Available: July 7 – September 11, 2022
Locations: Kirby Cafe TOKYO, Kirby Cafe HAKATA
Official Site: https://kirbycafe.jp
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Popular LINE Sticker Character Opanchuusagi Inspires Cafes in Tokyo and Osaka
The popular character Opanchuusagi, created by illustrator Kawaisoni, has inspired two collaboration cafes! Fans of the adorable rabbit will be able to grab themed dishes and goods in both Tokyo and Osaka from July 7 until August 21. Does the character look familiar? You’ve probably seen her on social media or on LINE!
Opanchuusagi does her best for everyone but tends to fail in hilarious ways. The melancholy character has been getting increasingly popular lately, leaving comments like “poor thing,” or “so cute!”
Cafe Visitor Bonus / Menu Order Bonus
Menu
Opanchu Curry
Opanchu Omurice
Opanchu Burger
Opanchu Shaved Ice
Opanchu Pancake
Opanchu Parfait
Opanchu Missing-Underpants Soda
Opanchu Pink Soda
Opanchu Strawberry Milk
Opanchu Latte
Goods
The Opanchuusagi Cafe will offer a lineup of cute menu items perfect for posting on social media, from the curry and burger to the shaved ice and latte. The cafe will also sell original merchandise, so don’t miss your chance to snag some!
Why not come relax at this unique cafe on a hot summer day?
©KAWAISOUNI!
Information
Opanchuusagi Cafe
Venues/Dates:
Ikebukuro, Tokyo
BOX cafe&space Matsumoto Kiyoshi Ikebukuro Part 2
July 7 – August 21, 2022Matsumoto Kiyoshi Ikebukuro Part 2, 4F (1-22-8 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
Umeda, Osaka
BOX cafe&space Umeda LOFTJuly 7 – August 21, 2022
Umeda LOFT, 1F (16-7 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka)
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/opanchu_cafe
Reservations / Official Site: https://opanchuusagi-cafe.jp/
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Banyan Tree Group Opens Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto Hotel
26.June.2022 | SPOT
Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading independent hospitality groups, held the grand opening of Galleria Nijo Castle Kyoto, on Friday, June 17, 2022. This is the first of the group’s hotels to open in Japan.
Hotel Exterior
Located south of Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site, and named after the beautiful winter flower, Galleria Nijo Castle Kyoto is a small, modern, and minimalist luxury hotel that offers simple guests a chance to recharge themselves.
Wellbeing Room
For the grand opening, a new Wellbeing Room has been opened where visitors can experience quiet meditation.Visitors can stroll through nearby gardens, temples, and shrines, take a tour of Kyoto’s many historical sites, or spend time in the Wellbeing Room meditating or practicing yoga to recharge their batteries away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The French Restaurant Singular will also offer up healthy and tasty meals with a focus on local ingredients and producers.
Enjoy a visit to Kyoto in this peaceful space perfect for resting both body and soul.Information
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto
Address: 180-1 Ichinocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 2-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai LineOfficial Site: https://www.banyantree.com/ja/japan/garrya-nijo-castle-kyoto
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Tokyo City View at Roppongi Hills Welcoming Guests for Rainy Season Fun
17.June.2022 | SPOT
During late spring and early summer, Japan enters the rainy season. From mid-June until early July, Tokyo City View, the indoor observatory at Roppongi Hills, will be giving people a way to enjoy this dreary time. From photo spots to afternoon tea and cute menu items at the on-site restaurant and cafe, this is one of the best places to spend time in Tokyo.
Photo Spot Transforms Rainy Weather into Sunny Weather
Starting June 13, three photo spots featuring colorful umbrellas will appear around Tokyo City View. Even if it’s pouring rain outside, it’s always sunny under these pop-art umbrellas! Take some shots 250 meters above the streets of the city and post them on social media!
Normally, Tokyo City View ticket holders can enter the Sky Deck rooftop deck for an additional ¥500. For a limited time, a special set ticket including Sky Deck will be available at the on-site ticket counter! On rare sunny days during the rainy season, guests can enjoy the open-air Sky Deck, a perfect place to refresh and unwind.
Running: June 13 – July 4, 2022
Admission: ¥2,000 (General Admission, Weekdays)
Details: https://tcv.roppongihills.com/jp/news/2022/06/5723/
*Certain areas of the indoor observatory will be closed during this period.
Spend a Rainy Day at THE SUN & THE MOON Cafe & Restaurant
NY Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce: ¥1,280 (Tax Included)
Banana Split: ¥1,150 (Tax Included)
THE SUN & THE MOON Cafe and Restaurant is attached to Tokyo City View. At the cafe section, guests will be able to order some cute new items from the dessert menu to sweep away the rainy day blues.
The restaurant section offers a spectacular city view and is filled with greenery, intending to make guests feel like they’re in a forest in the sky. On a rainy day, you may feel like you’re in the rainforest! Come enjoy a cup of tea and gaze out at the city.
The Roppongi Hills Observation Deck regularly hosts the Roppongi Astronomy Club. On July 7, the Tanabata Special Viewing Event will invite guests to enjoy a sparkling night view of Tokyo and the stars above. On July 15, a special Moonrise Viewing will be held, where visitors can watch the moon rise from the direction of Tokyo Skytree.
How would you like to spend a rainy day in this spectacular Tokyo landmark?
Information
Roppongi Hills Observation Deck
Address: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: https://tcv.roppongihills.com/jp/
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Ueno’s National Museum of Western Art Celebrates Reopening with Live Commentary for ‘In Dialogue with Nature’ Exhibit
16.June.2022 | SPOT
The National Museum of Western Art, located in Ueno Park, reopened in April 2022 after being closed for renovations for 18 months. The first special exhibition post-reopening will feature Van Gogh’s works in Japan for the first time, along with paintings depicting modern nature from both the National Museum of Western Art and the Museum Folkwang in Essen, Germany.
To commemorate the post-renovation reopening of the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, this exhibition traces the development of modern art born out of the dialogue between nature and humankind.
The event was realized in collaboration with the Museum Folkwang, and both institutions were founded on private collections: that of Karl Ernst Osthaus (1874–1921) in Germany and Matsukata Kojiro (1866–1950) in Japan.
The exhibition will feature over 100 paintings, drawings, prints, and photographs from both museums, spanning from German Romanticism to the art of the twentieth century, ranging from Impressionism to Post-Impressionism.
Guests can enjoy all aspects of the infinite expanse of nature as shown in both collections, from the smallest roadside flowers to the vast universe and all humanity contained within. Would you like to come and experience this unique exhibition?
Information
The National Museum of Western Art Reopening Event
In Dialogue with Nature: From Friedrich, Monet and Van Gogh to RichterRunning: June 4 – September 11, 2022
Closed Mondays, July 19 (*Open July 18 and August 15)
Venue: The National Museum of Western Art (Ueno Park, Tokyo)
Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Open until 20:00 on Fridays, Saturdays)
Niconico Museum Homepage: https://ch.nicovideo.jp/niconicomuseum
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GELATO PIQUE HOMME Limited Concept Store Opens at Hankyu Men’s Tokyo for Father’s Day
15.June.2022 | FASHION
Men’s roomwear brand GELATO PIQUE HOMME will open a limited-time concept store at Hankyu Men’s Tokyo from June 15 until June 21, 2022.
The store will offer a wide variety of items, including light and comfortable loungewear perfect for summer and unisex items perfect for partners. In addition, GELATO PIQUE x BE@RBRICK collaboration items will also be available for purchase.
Popular around the world, Medicom’s BE@RBRICK figure can now be purchased in full Gelato Pique loungewear, with customers able to choose between 400% and 1,000% sizes. Shoes are also available for each figure.
The summer collection includes soft and lightweight items perfect for the heat, including sweatshirts, long pants, and ultra-thin shirts.
Hand soap and face wash will also be available. Gelato Pique Homme’s original citrus mint blend is made with bergamot and patchouli essential oils sourced from France.
Come pick up some of these items, perfect for Father’s Day!
Information
GELATO PIQUE HOMME LIMITED CONCEPT STORE
Running: June 15 – June 21, 2022
Address: Hankyu Mens Tokyo Main Base, 1F (2-5-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Hours: 11:00-20:00
*Business days and hours are subject to change.GELATO PIQUE HOMME Official Site: https://gelatopique-homme.com/
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TOOTH TOOTH TOKYO in Ebisu Releases New Evening Parfait for Adults
TOOTH TOOTH TOKYO, a French bistro located in Ebisu, will offer three unique parfaits perfect for adult palates starting June 1, 2022 for a limited time.
These three sweet treats are perfect for an after-meal snack or a reward for a hard day’s work. As delicious as they may be, they’re also delightful to look at, each made with care and filled with seasonal fruits. An evening at TOOTH TOOTH TOKYO will be a luxurious and colorful experience this summer.
White Peach Fromage Parfait with Honey Tuile: ¥2,000 (Tax Included)
The melt-in-your-mouth parfait includes sweet peach covered with Earl Grey tea leaves, homemade apricot pound cake, lemon mousse, and a crispy honey tuile for a touch of luxury.Parfait Exotica ~Mango Quenelle and Coconut Blancmange & Pistachio: ¥1,900 (Tax Included)
This mango treat with a dollop of coconut blancmange is made extra delicious with a pairing of pistachio ice cream. Dried pineapple and lotus flowers garnish this mature summer dessert. Enjoy the rum-soaked dried fruits!Caramelized Figs & Red Wine Spiced Chocolat: ¥1,600 (Tax Included)
Juicy caramelized figs doused with spiced sangria make up the heart of this dish. The Belgian chocolate ice cream is served with a light cheese tuile, an accent with just the right amount of texture and saltiness.Information
TOOTH TOOTH TOKYO
Venue: Tre di Casa Ebisu 1F/B1 (3-17-12 Higashi Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Hours:Monday-Thursday, Saturday: Lunch 11:30-15:00 / Cafe & Dinner 15:00-23:30 (Last Order at 22:30)
Sunday: Lunch 11:30-15:00 / Cafe & Dinner 15:00-23:00 (Last Order at 22:00)
Friday: Lunch 11:30-15:00 / Cafe & Dinner 15:00-28:00 (Last Order 23:30)
*Closed from 15:00-16:00Official Site: http://www.toothtooth.com/restaurant/tooth-tokyo/