Starbucks Coffee Japan is pouring four new beverages into its ongoing winter beverage series starting on December 26: the Earl Grey Honey Whip Frappuccino®, Earl Grey Honey Whip Tea Latte, Chai & Whip Chocolate Tea Latte, and Houjicha Cream Tea Latte.

Fragrant Frappuccino® combining Earl Grey and sweet honey

Earl Grey Honey Whip Frappuccino®: Tall ¥590 (Tall Size Only)
Earl Grey Honey Whip Tea Latte (Hot Only): Short ¥450 / Tall ¥490 / Grande ¥530 / Venti® ¥570

Serving: December 26, 2020 – January 19, 2021

What better way to enjoy the winter season than with a cup of the Starbucks Earl Grey Honey Whip Frappuccino® or Earl Grey Honey Whip Tea Latte, both of which fuse the fragrant and elegant flavour of Earl grey with refreshing milk, sweet honey, and a topped of whipped cream. Both beverages are finished with a snow-dusting of white chocolate flakes.

Tea, tea, tea! Three tea lattes with distinct flavours

Earl Grey Honey Whip Tea Latte (Hot Only): Short ¥450 / Tall ¥490 / Grande ¥530 / Venti® ¥570

Chai & Whip Chocolate Tea Latte (Hot Only): Short ¥450 / Tall ¥490 / Grande ¥530 / Venti® ¥570

Houjicha Cream Tea Latte: Short ¥430 / Tall ¥470 / Grande ¥510 / Venti® ¥550
Serving: December 26, 2020 – January 19, 2021

As well as the Earl Grey Honey Whip Tea Latte, there’s the spicy Chai & Whip Chocolate Tea Latte topped with white chocolate and nutmeg as well as the Houjicha Cream Tea Latte which contains houjicha tea, white chocolate syrup, and whipped cream dusted with brown sugar. The mix of tea and milk makes for a harmonious indulgence.

Butterscotch Latte returns for winter

Butterscotch Latte (Hot/Iced): Short ¥420 / Tall ¥460 / Grande ¥500 / Venti® ¥540
Serving: December 26, 2020 – March 16, 2021

Taking inspiration from Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo, all Starbucks branches in Japan will serve the Butterscotch Latte, using different ingredients from Roastery Tokyo, a combination of rich buttery and caramelly butterscotch sauce, a shot of espresso, and steamed milk.

The popular chilled coffee beverage Mt.RAINIER Caffè Latte is teaming up with the popular anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion to release limited-edition coffee cup designs from December 15, 2020.。

Mt.RAINIER launched in February 1993 as a pioneering brand of chilled coffee in a cup. Since then, the company has introduced countless flavours which retain the authentic quality of a drink you would sip on in a cafè.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a mecha anime series that was first broadcast in 1995. The latest entry to its film franchise, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, will be released on January 23, 2021. The franchise’s collaboration with Mt.RAINIER serves as promotion for the highly-anticipated film.

The collaborative coffee cup designs will feature on three different beverages: the Mt.RAINIER Caffè Latte, Mt.RAINIER Caffè Latte Espresso, and Mt.RAINIER Caffè Latte Non-Sugar, all of which have two designs each for a total of six possible designs.

Mt.RAINIER is hosting a special campaign over on its Japanese website where 1,995 Evangelion fans can win some exclusive merchandise.

Japanese art collective teamLab opened its teamLab: Rinkan Spa & Tea Ceremony, Ruins and Remains series of artworks at Mifuneyama Rakuen in Kyushu as permanent exhibitions on November 10. The artworks can be enjoyed as part of a set which includes enjoying the exhibits as well as a soak in Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel’s sauna and a complimentary cup of Japanese tea.

Rakan no Yu, a sauna located at Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel, won the Saunachelin Grand Prix two years in a row in 2019 and 2020. The sauna and open-air baths enjoy natural water from Mt. Mifune and are surrounded by the vast nature of the local area.

A sauna and new art experience fusion

Sitting on the borderline of Mifuneyama Rakuen Park is the 3,000-year-old sacred Okusu tree of Takeo Shrine, which is Japan’s 7th largest. Also in the heart of the garden is another 300-year-old sacred tree. Knowing the significance of this, Japan’s forebears turned a portion of this forest into a garden, utilizing the trees of the natural forest. The border between the garden and the wild forest is ambiguous, and when wandering through the garden, before they know it, people will find themselves entering the woods and animal trails.

Visitors can get their hands on a combo ticket which includes access to teamLab’s exhibition as well as daytime entry to the sauna. These are limited to 40 people per day.

Below are some of the artworks that visitors can experience.

Megaliths in the Bath House Ruins
teamLab, 2019, Interactive Digital Installation

Graffiti Nature – Living in the Ruins of a Bathhouse, Red List
teamLab, 2017-, Interactive Digital Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

Butterflies Dancing in the Depths of the Underground Ruins, Transcending Space
teamLab, 2019, Digital Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

Forest and Spiral of Resonating Lamps in the Forest – One Stroke, Autumn Mountain
teamLab, 2018, Interactive Installation, Murano Glass, LED, Endless, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

The “GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE with Pixar” project has announced its second batch of original merchandise. Let’s take a look at a sample of the line-up.

About GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE with PIXAR

JR Kyushu signed a promotional license agreement with Walt Disney Japan to launch the “GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE with PIXAR” project, which began on September 12, 2020, and sees select shinkansen bullet trains decorated in characters from Pixar’s animated filmography.

Original Merchandise – Batch ②

Pixar Torimon | ¥1,512 (Tax Included)

The Hakata Tormin is a popular souvenir confection in Fukuoka Prefecture. This collection features exclusive Pixar packaging.

Pixar Stainless Steel Bottle | ¥3,190 (Tax Included)

Pixar Mobile Battery | ¥4,180 (Tax Included) *Available online only

Two items which are must-haves when travelling are a drink bottle and a mobile battery. The Pixar stainless steel bottle holds 130ml and is perfect for keeping hot drinks during the autumn and winter season.

minimaginationTOWN Toy Story Woody Set | ¥2,480 (Tax Included)

minimaginationTOWN Toy Story Ducky & Bunny Set | ¥3,278 (Tax Included)

Cute Pixar plush toys riding the Pixar bullet train. There’s also Buzz and Little Green Men designs!

Pixar Arita Ware Plate (Up design) | ¥3,080 (Tax Included) *Available online only

Little Green Men Hand Towel | ¥2,816 (Tax Included) *Available online only

Two traditional Japanese items with an Arita ware plate inspired by Up as well as hand towels which are available in navy and brown.

Original Merchandise – Batch ②

Release Date: November 13, 2020
Available: Kokura Souvenir Shop, Hakata Souvenir Shop at Hakata Station’s Hakata Entrance, Hakata Souvenir Shop Dates, Hakata Souvenir Shop at Hakata Station’s Shinkansen area, Oita Souvenir Shop, Kumamoto Souvenir Shop, Nagasaki Souvenir Shop, Kagoshima Souvenir Shop, Miyazaki Souvenir Shop, and elsewhere
Online Shop: https://jrk-kyushutabi.shop/html/page2.html
*Limited in stock so available while supplies last

Instagram campaign to win more original merch

©Disney/Pixar

Prize: Embroidered Pouch With Pin

The WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Instagram Campaign will run from November 16, 2020 to January 16, 2021 for a chance for 20 people to enter to win an embroidered pouch with a pin. All they need to do is follow the official Instagram page @wakuwakuadventure and post a photo related to the project with the Japanese hashtag #わくわくアドベンチャーキャンペーン.

©Disney/Pixar

Starbucks Coffee Japan has announced that the holiday season at Starbucks Reserve®︎ Roastery Tokyo is set to begin on November 13, 2020. “Special Roastery Holiday” is the theme this year, for which the specialist coffee branch will be serving a line-up of unique beverages for the holiday season, as well as decorating each of its three floors.

Eggnog Latte ¥900 | Butterscotch Chai Tea Latte ¥950 | Nakameguro Porthole Winter ¥4,200 | Strawberry Chai Nog ¥2,000 (Before Tax)

This autumn and winter, the Roastery is serving a variety of seasonal flavours for its “STARBUCKS RESERVE® CHRISTMAS 2020” line-up. Customers can look forward to the smell of warm cedar fragrance, orange marmalade, spices, and butterscotch. These beverages, each of which is served on a different floor at the coffee shop, are so beautiful they almost seem a waste to sip.

Bottom Right: Cornetti Lampone Chocolate ¥420 | Bottom Left: Maritozzo Lampone & Fragola ¥380 | Top Left: Holiday Panettone ¥5,400 | Top Right: Zuppa Inglese ¥580

Popular Italian bakery Princi® has baked up a selection of authentic Italian treats for the holiday season too, including a classic panettone.

Red Stainless Steel Tumbler 473ml ¥3,800 | Red Round Mug 355ml ¥2,500 | Small Red Tote Bag ¥2,300 | Round Tumbler 355ml ¥2,500 (Before Tax)

Starbucks Reserve®︎ Roastery Tokyo is also selling some limited-edition merchandise too both in-store and on their website so everyone can enjoy delicious drinks at home too.

Starbucks Coffee Japan is set to launch the Starbucks holiday season on November 1 with a selection of special drinks and products. The theme this year is “a Special Holiday with Starbucks Classics.”

The coffee chain revealed three seasonal drinks for the holiday season this week including the Starbucks® Christmas Blend, Gingerbread Latte, and Macadamia Toffee Latte. Now they’re showcasing the “Berry x Berry No-Bake Cheesecake Frappuccino®” and “Berry x Berry White Mocha” which will also be added to the seasonal menu.

Berry x Berry No-Bake Cheesecake Frappuccino® | Tall ¥590 (Before Tax)

Berry x Berry White Mocha | Short ¥450 | Tall ¥490 | Grande ¥530 | Venti® ¥570 (Before Tax)

Opening up the first holiday season door at Starbucks is the Berry x Berry No-Bake Cheesecake Frappuccino®, a sweet and sour combination of no-bake cheesecake and a tangy sauce made from strawberries, cranberries, and raspberries. The drink is inspired by the Cranberry Bliss Bars sold at Starbucks, indulging your mouth with a mouth-watering mixed berry fusion to bring a smile to your face at the first taste.

If you’re looking for a hot beverage during the autumn and winter season, then the Berry x Berry White Mocha has you covered. This too contains the mixed berry sauce and is also laced with a white chocolate sauce. To finish, a shot of espresso and steamed pink for a rich kick to the sweetness. The espresso adds a deep flavour akin to caramel.

Starbucks Japan have also posted a special advent calendar on their official Instagram page which will run from November 1 up to Christmas Day where they will post various clips and videos. One video will be in collaboration with Japanese singer-songwriter Dai Hirai who is set to produce a new song for the event and perform it live online.

Starbucks Coffee Japan is set to launch the Starbucks holiday season on November 1 with a selection of special drinks and products. The theme this year is “a Special Holiday with Starbucks Classics.”

With less than two months to go before Christmas, the coffee chain is set to release a variety of seasonal beverages including the Starbucks® Christmas Blend, Gingerbread Latte, and Macadamia Toffee Latte. It will also release the first range of holiday season merchandise on November 6.

Hot and cosy drinks for the holiday season

Macadamia Toffee Latte: Short ¥440 | Tall ¥480 | Grande ¥520 | Venti ® ¥560

Gingerbread Latte: Short ¥420 | Tall ¥460 | Grande ¥500 | Venti ® ¥540

Winter White Chocolate: Short ¥400 | Tall ¥440 | Grande ¥480 | Venti ® ¥520

The spicy Gingerbread Latte is a must-have on the menu during the holiday season at Starbucks, one that latte lovers look forward to every year. And this year, coffee consumers in Japan have two new drinks to look forward to: the Macadamia Toffee Latte which is a crunchy combination of macadamia nuts and sweet toffee, and the snowy powdered sugar-topped Winter White Chocolate.

Starbucks® Christmas Blend and Cranberry Bliss Bar Pairing

From Left: Starbucks® Christmas Blend Espresso Roast | Starbucks® Christmas Blend | Starbucks® Christmas Blonde Roast – ¥1,520 Each (Before Tax)

A cup of Starbucks’s Christmas Blend fills you with that cosy nostalgic feeling of the season. This year’s recipe at Starbucks Japan is inspired by the one first sold in 1984 which has a rich, deep blend. It’s a coffee combination of dark roast Sumatran, Papua New Guinean, Columbian, and Guatemalan coffee beans. There’s also some aged Sumatra coffee in there to elevate the flavour.

Each cup is a complex mix that brings to mind herbs and spices, and hidden within all that a subtle sweetness.

Cranberry Bliss Bar | ¥270 (Before Tax)

Starbucks Japan is bringing back its signature Cranberry Bliss Bar dessert for the holiday season and pairing it with the Christmas Blend. The cake has orange in it which brings a tangy but fresh kick that matches heavenly with the spicy notes.

The First Merchandise Batch

The first batch of holiday season merchandise to drop at Starbucks Japan incorporates Christmas motifs like ribbons, candy canes, and reds and white colouring. The line-up includes a stainless steel bottle with a gingham checked pattern and gold dots to a stainless TOGO cup with a classic design reminiscent of a candy cane, notebooks, and more.

The holiday season is shaping up to be another cosy welcoming again this year at Starbucks Japan.

Oita in Kyushu has been nicknamed “Hot Spring Prefecture Oita” due to having the largest number of hot spring water sources and outputs in Japan. Oita welcomes many visitors every year who flock to the prefecture’s many famous hot spring locations like Beppu and Yufuincho Kawakami.

But the charm of Oita doesn’t lie solely in its hot springs. It’s also a location that offers breathtaking scenery during autumn. We’ve picked 6 spots around Oita Prefecture that are must-visits during autumn.

Keiseki-en

The gorge of Yabakei is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan. Keiseki-en is a beautiful Japanese garden that was built to commemorate the completion of the Yabakei dam. It’s home to over 31,000 individual trees of around 100 species as well as a lake, waterfalls, and crags. It’s a place that boasts natural beauty throughout all four seasons.

Address: 2286-1 Yabakeimachi Ōaza Ōshima, Nakatsu, Oita

Kinrin Lake

Kinrin Lake is one of Yufu’s most famous sightseeing spots for the mysterious torii gate that sits within the lake. Spring water and hot spring water flows through the lake, and because the temperature of the water is warm throughout the year, you can see steam rising from the surface in the early hours of winter days. Tenso Shrine also sits on the bank of the lake which is home to a sacred tree that’s designated as a natural monument.

Address: 1561 Yufuinchō Kawakami, Yufu, Oita
Access: 20 minutes on foot from Yufuin Station (JR Line)

Kyusuikei

Kyusuikei’s scenery spans through the prefectural road that connects the Kokonoe IC to Yamanami Highway. Its 2km expanse is made up of sheer cliffs which create the valley that is known for its autumn colours. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the maple and ginkgo trees from the observation deck that runs along the cliff. There are other nearby sightseeing spots too like Kokonoe Yume Otsurihasi Bridge and Kyusuikei Onsen hot springs.

Address: Tano, Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita
Access: 20-minutes by car from Kokonoe IC

Hakubakei

The valley of Hakubaki was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty of the city of Usuki. In autumn, surrounding trees are dyed in reds and yellows, bringing people from all over to witness the spectacle. And because the valley it at a high altitude, the gradation of the colourful trees changes as you go further in.

Address: Badai, Usuki, Oita
Access: 5-minutes by car from Usuki IC

Fukiji Temple

Fukiji Temple was built in the Heian Period for the high priest of Usa Jingu. The temple is a national treasure, and the Amida-Nyōrai contained inside is designated by the Japanese government as an Important Cultural Property.

Address: 2395 Tashibufuki, Bungotakada, Oita
Access: 30-minutes by car from Usa Station

Mount Kuju

Mount Kuju stands as the highest mountain in Kyushu Island at nearly 1,800-meters tall, which has also led to to be nicknamed the “Rooftop of Kyushu.” Its has many peaks, the highest being Mount Nakadake at 1,791-meters. One peak in particular draws mountain climbers, and that’s Mount Taisen. At its apex one can enjoy the breathtaking autumn colours together with the sight of the rolling mountains.

Address: Tano, Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita
Access: 40-minutes by car from Kokonoe IC.

Yoshiki has teamed up with Asahi Soft Drinks once again in their latest commercial for WONDA coffee which sees the musician animated into the world of Attack on Titan. The commercial hit Japanese television on Thursday.

Yoshiki becomes a Survey Corps member in the new commercial

The 3D CG animated commercial sees Yoshiki as a Survey Corps member who bites his hand to turn into a Titan like Eren, but the only thing he is attacking in the video is his drum kit. He treats himself to WONDA’s “Morning Shot” coffee beverage after falling over his drums.

Check out the commercial below.

WONDA x Attack on Yoshiki Coffee Cans

Limited edition cans of the Morning Shot coffee will also be sold, featuring Attack on Titan designs. Each can also has a QR code which when scanned will take you to a website to enter the serial code written on the can to win one of the Yoshiki designs as pictured below.

JR Kyushu has signed a promotional license agreement with Walt Disney Japan to launch the “GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE with PIXAR” project, which will see the shinkansen bullet trains decorated in characters from the Pixar animated filmography starting on September 12, 2020.

The project comes at a time when Pixar celebrates the 25th anniversary of the original Toy Story film, which released back in 1995 as the first entirely computer-animated feature film.

New details have been released for the upcoming project, including the unveiling of the key visual, the content of the collaboration, campaigns that will be held, and limited-edition merchandise which will be sold.

Key Visual

The key visual is a colourful Pixar creation which is shaped to look like the seven prefectures that make up Kyushu—Japan’s south-westernmost island where the JR Kyushu WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Shinkanen bullet train will run.

Character Visuals

Poster Design

All major stations along the JR Kyushu Line display the key visual along with the above-pictured poster featuring various Pixar characters. Each of Kyushu’s seven major prefectural train stations listed below will also have additional posters for different Pixar films.

Hakata Station: Toy Story
Saga Station: Up
Nagasaki Station: Finding Nemo
Oita Station: The Incredibles
Kumamoto Station: Cars
Kagoshima-Chūō Station: Monsters, Inc.
Miyazaki Station: Wall-E

Tabloid Distribution

For illustrative purposes only. Distribution from September 12, 2020.

At all major stations running the JR Kyushu Line, commuters can get their hands on a free tabloid inspired by the “My Adventure Book” from the Pixar film Up. The content of the tabloid features information related to the collaboration and where you can find Pixar characters at stations throughout Kyushu, so you too can have your own adventure.

Photo Spots

Cars photo spot

The seven JR Kyushu prefectural stations will also have their own photo spots where you can snap a picture. You’ll also spot Woody and Buzz dolls and Hakata Station and Sully and Mike ones at Kagoshima-Chūō Station.

Participating Stations: Hakata Station, Saga Station, Nagasaki Station, Oita Station, Kumamoto Station, Kagoshima-Chūō Station, Miyazaki Station

Special Site & Official Instagram

A special site opened which features the departure schedule for the JR Kyushu WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Shinkansen, details on campaigns, the latest details on the collaboration, and more. Waku Waku ADVENTURE now also has its own Instagram page which includes reports on event, pictures of merchandise, and other details.

Special Movie

A special collaborative movie will be released in September centred on the themes of Pixar’s movies such as bonds between people, family, friends, and adventure. It will be shown at JR Kyushu stations and the special site.

Campaign: Find the Pixar Ball

Original sticker designs

If you spot a station staff member at any of the JR Kyushu prefectural stations wearing a Pixar ball badge, call out to them and they’ll give you one of seven possible Pixar stickers as pictured above. All seven can be put into your “My Adventure Book,” so try collecting them all!

Participating Stations: Hakata Station, Saga Station, Nagasaki Station, Oita Station, Kumamoto Station, Kagoshima-Chūō Station, Miyazaki Station

*Depending on the time, platform staff may not be wearing the badges

*Stickers are available while supplies last

GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Digital Stamp Rally

A digital stamp rally will be held on the official JR Kyushu app. Board the JR Kyushu WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Shinkansen, visit JR Kyushu Stations, and get some original stamps.

1st Stamp Rally: September 12, 2020 – January 31, 2021

Limited Edition Merchandise

Merchandise lineup

A special collection of merchandise has been created featuring designs of Kyushu and the Pixar characters. The items will be sold at shops around JR Kyushu stations and online in Japan.

Release Date: September 12, 20202
Merchandise List: https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/train/wakuwaku-adventure/goods/

Those who ride the very first departing train will receive an original Pixar design train ticket. The Tsubame 363 train bound for Kagoshima-Chūō Station will depart from Hakata Station at 12:19 on September 12, 2020.

©Disney/Pixar

The autumn leaves are set to fall on Starbucks in Japan again this year as the coffee chain announces the return of the “Artful Autumn @ Starbucks® Promotion” which is set to begin on September 2, 2020.

This year’s drink concept is “Naturally Good Artfully Simple” which hopes to have customers feeling peaceful and enjoying the transition from summer into autumn.

Autumnal beverages made with whole blended chestnuts

Chocolate Chestnut Frappuccino®: ¥590 (Tall Only)
Chocolate Chestnut Latte: Short ¥450 / Tall ¥490 / Grande ¥530 / Venti® ¥570

What makes the Chocolate Chestnut Frappuccino® so special is its use of whole blended Japanese chestnuts—the quintessential autumn flavour of the country. The delicately broken pieces of chestnut add texture to the smooth milk and coffee and invite you into the cosy embrace of the season. Starbucks has chosen chocolate as the perfect partner to the chestnut. To best enjoy the balance of both flavours, the beverage is loaded with a “Chestnut Cacao Sauce” which gives the drink’s appearance a beautiful marble effect. Everything’s topped off with a squirt of whipped cream and a topping of chocolate flakes and candied cacao nibs.

Then there’s the Chocolate Chestnut Latte, a combination of the same tasty Chestnut Cacao Sauce together with steamed milk and espresso carefully prepared by the baristas. The hot drink is completed by a topping of chocolate flakes and candied cacao nibs. The result is a wonderful mix of chestnut, chocolate, and espresso.

Another seasonal Starbucks latte

Autumn Latte: Short ¥340 / Tall ¥380 / Grande ¥420 / Venti® ¥460

The Autumn Latte is made with Starbucks Japan’s “Autumn Blend” coffee beans. It has a smooth and gentle flavour.

Autumn in Japan is a time for seriously tasty drinks and desserts, so if you’re in the country this autumn, be sure to stop on by Starbucks for an autumn coffee.

JR Kyushu has signed a promotional license agreement with Walt Disney Japan to launch the “GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE with PIXAR” project, which will see the shinkansen bullet trains decorated in characters from the Pixar animated filmography starting on September 12, 2020.

The project comes at a time when Pixar celebrates the 25th anniversary of the original Toy Story film, which released back in 1995 as the first entirely computer-animated feature film.

The “GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE with PIXAR” project’s story

The concept behind the project is for passengers using the bullet trains to go off on a new adventure with their favourite Pixar characters to find new and exciting places around Kyushu. The trains are set to run from September 12, 2020 to mid-May 2021.

Completely unique and original Pixar character designs

The colourful designs that decorate both the inside and outside of the Kyushu shinkansen bullet trains combine Pixar characters with motifs that are a nod towards places around Kyushu.

The exterior design of the trains feature many familiar faces from Pixar movies—even the iconic Luxo Lamp Jr, or ‘Pixar lamp.’ The inside has colourful head covers with different Pixar characters on them.

Ride the first train

Those who ride the very first departing train will receive an original Pixar design train ticket. The Tsubame 363 train bound for Kagoshima-Chūō Station will depart from Hakata Station at 12:19 on September 12, 2020. A collection of themed merchandise is also in the works.