The Harajuku, Yokohama and Umeda branches of the Pompompurin Cafeーthe cafe chain centred on Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurinーis serving up two cute Christmas menu items this year from December 1 to 25.

*Food names below are translated from Japanese

Hurry Up Santa – Pompompurin Cheese Keema Curry – ¥1,290 (Before Tax)

This rich and spicy keema curry is made with Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and natural cheese. The colourful stars are made from carrot and paprika, while the spiralled Christmas cheese is a combination of spinach and mashed potato. Purin is made of rice and is waiting in anticipation for Santa to deliver his present. You’ll see he’s holding a stocking which is a made from bread and walleye pollack mayo. A hearty dish that is both delicious and adorable

Snowman Pompompurin – Snow Covered Chocolate Tart ¥1,190 (Before Tax)

Pompompurin has turned into a vanilla ice cream snowman and is standing next to a pistachio cream Christmas tree. They are both atop a rich chocolate tart. This cute dessert is like a Christmas garden straight out of a children’s picture book.

If you decide you want to spend your Christmas with Pompompurin this year, then you’ll receive a free lunch mat when you order food and a free coaster when you get a drink. These are both limited in quantity, so don’t miss out!

 

©1996, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S603310

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is a hotel accommodation service run by MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON located in Harajuku and bookable via Airbnb. Our hotel isn’t just popular for sleep, however: it has become a hot spot with stylish girls who get together and use it as a party space. 

 

Today we’ll be looking at the different ways you can have fun when staying at our pink paradise room SAKURA. 

 

Girls’ Night In Edition: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/262308

Birthday Party Edition: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/264752

 

【8】Extend your adventures to the rooftop 

The rooftop of MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS can be used freely by our guests. There are tables and chairs and even a hammock so make yourself comfortable. We particularly recommend spending a morning here. Enjoy bathing in the morning light on our spacious rooftop right below the clouds and make some good memories eating breakfast with your friends. 

*Please note that the rooftop is not accessible when booked.

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is located near a number of breakfast foodie favorites including Bread, Espresso & and whyte which have made their fame on Instagram. How about a baked good and a drink to enjoy on the rooftop with your friends?

 

【9】Barbeque it up on the rooftop with zero preparation

There is still more to your rooftop adventures. There is a barbeque course which you can enjoy without having to prepare anything at all. The barbeque course includes meat, fish, vegetables, dessert and even more luxurious dishes. The course even comes with a selection of drinks so you can spend less time preparing and more time enjoying.

This course is available to book for groups of six people or more. You can even invite your friends who are not staying at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS so feel free to invite many people. Find out more about what’s on the menu here. 

 

【10】Feast out with your foodie friends near MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS: Recommendations from locals

Where do the locals and people working in Harajuku choose to eat out? As our office is located in Harajuku, we have plenty of knowledge to share with you:

 

Okonomiyaki at Sakura Tei

Just a five-minute walk from MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS lies the Okonomiyaki restaurant Sakura Tei. From the beautiful interior decoration and wonderful atmosphere to the delicious food, this restaurant should be on your food adventure list. As many foreigners eat here, the staff can even speak in multiple foreign languages. Make use of Sakura Tei’s simple guide on how to make okonomiyaki and put your skills to the test. 

 

KAWAII MONSTER CAFE TOKYO

KAWAII MONSTER CAFE TOKYO is one of the landmarks of Harajuku. Welcome to the vivid world of bright pop colours where you will be staring in awe at everything from the decorations to the food and drinks. Some of the crazy meals to satisfy your kawaii cravings include rainbow pastas and cakes. Don’t leave without getting your hands on some KAWAII MONSTER CAFE-limited merchandise! Your meal will also be interrupted by the Monster Girls who will put on an incredibly fun performance for you. 

 

Gonpachi Nori-Temaki

Seaweed from the well-established shop Maruyama Nori and only the freshest and luxurious fish is used to make these temaki sushi. The seafood used in these temaki sushi rolls is of a quality that you won’t find at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant so if you are looking for a new experience of sushi, make sure to stop by.

 

cafe Hohokam

If your burger cravings get to you then cafe Hohokam is for you. The interior is spacious and there is even terrace seating, creating a refreshing atmosphere. From mozzarella to barbeque to cheese, the menu is full of different flavours and is filling enough to leave any foodie fully satisfied.

 

Harajuku Ice Cream Shops

Harajuku is a kawaii ice cream shop hot spot. The shops serve up a range of toppings and will fill your cone with heaps of colours and fun flavours. A trip to an ice cream shop in Harajuku is an adventure in itself. When you’re done with dinner and the sweet cravings kick in, let the kawaii ice cream shops of Harajuku be your saviour. 

 

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is located at the heart of Harajuku and is surrounded by great places to shop, eat, sightsee and much more. Enjoy a stay at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS and embark on a wild Harajuku adventure.

2019 is the year of BABYMETAL, with their latest album METAL GALAXY having dropped in October and making them the highest Japanese group/artist to place on the Billboard Top 200 in the US in 56 years. As they continue knee-deep in their ongoing world tour, you might be wondering what else they have in the pipeline.

 

Well, we can confirm that for you right here and now: they have teamed up with internationally-lauded Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto on his revolutionary Ground Y collection which boasts a genderless and ageless style.

Pre-sales of the collection will take place at the new Shibuya PARCO which is set to open on November 22. This will be followed by sales at GINZA SIX, Laforet Harajuku, and the online store THE SHOP YOHJI YAMAMOTO.

The collection will bring together the unique world of BABYMETALーa band which has won love the world over and has featured as guest acts on many tours of international artistsーand Yohji Yamamoto, a rebel and innovator in the fashion industry whose DNA is woven into the Ground Y line. The inspiration for this jet black collaborative collection is “galaxy,” an homage to BABYMETAL’s latest record METAL GALAXY.

There are numerous items in the collection, including a jumbo cut and sewn embroidered with both the BMD FOX APPAREL logoーBABYMETAL’s official apparel brandーand the Ground Y logo. There’s also a big hoodie featuring a 360° print and BABYMETAL’s logo, a draped silk satin long shirt, and more.

 

MASATOSHI YAMASHIRO snapped the photos in this photoshoot, a Tokyo-based photographer who started his career in LA and New York and works with fashion magazines, advertisements, and more.

Laforet Harajuku is set to hold LAFORET CHRISTMAS 2019 from November 15 to December 25. Stores throughout the shopping centre will sell various holiday season fashion items that make perfect Christmas gifts, and up on the second floor at GOOD MEAL MARKET, you can look forward to the Laforet Christmas Menu.

All customers who spend over ¥3,000 (tax included) from November 15 onward will receive an original mirror, and those who spend over ¥5,000 (tax included) from December 14 onward will receive an original handkerchief. Both of these items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until December 1 at Dinalog in Laforet Museum Harajuku.

 

Additionally, the main Christmas visual for this year’s event was designed by Japanese art director YUNI YOSHIDA.

 

A two-day market will take place on Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15 in Laforet Museum Harajuku titled Laforet Market vol.9 “Christmas.”

 

CHRISTMAS GIFT

If you’re searching for the perfect surprise gift to friends, family, a special someone or yourself, you’re bound to find a fitting match for them during the event as stores in Laforet Harajuku display their Christmas goods in their windows.

 

Kailijumei/5F

Kailijumei 2019 Christmas Coffret – ¥5,500 (Tax Included)

 

Charles Chaton/4F

Flower Frill Cushion – ¥5,500 (Tax Included)

 

JUEMI Syncretic/1F

e.m.OrganicCollegeStarRing – ¥24,200 (Tax Included)

 

Les Merveilleuses LADURÉE/1F

Limited Edition Rose Ladurée – ¥13,200 (Tax Included)

 

 

CHRISTMAS FOOD “Laforet Christmas Menu”

“Pink” is the themed of the Christmas menus being whipped up at Laforet’s restaurants.

 

Chipoon /2F

Tomato Soy Milk Cream Noodles – ¥935 (Tax Included)

This vegan noodle dish combines the full-bodied taste of soy milk with refreshing tomatoes to create a tempting mild flavour.

 

machi machi /2F

Strawberry Cheese Tea (Taro Topping) – ¥858 (Tax Included)

A fusion of Jasmine green tea and fresh strawberries to create a unique and delicious beverage.

 

 

Cafe de paris /B1F

Kumono Smoothe – ¥605 (Tax Included) / Whipped Cream Topping +¥110 (Tax Included)

Cafe de paris opened on November 1 and will be selling their exclusive cute drinks.

 

Laforet Market vol.9 “Christmas”

The Laforet Market is an opportunity for 40 shops to come together to sell fashion, food and miscellaneous Christmas goods. There will be workshops carried out be creators and artists, performances, and more.

 

If you’ll be in Harajuku the holiday season then don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Laforet Harajuku this Christmas.

In South Korea, which has been dubbed “a cafe battleground,” one particular cafe called Cafe de paris has stood out from the rest for their visually impacting fruity desserts. This immensely popular chain is now heading to Laforet Harajuku with a new branch opening on November 1.

Cafe de paris first appeared in Japan back in February this year, with its eye-popping “Bon Bon” parfait series attraction a great deal of attention for its Instagram-worthy appearance. In just six months, it exceeded 100,000 customer visits. The cafe, however, was only open for a limited time. But that’s about to change, as Laforet Harajuku welcomes the country’s first permanent branch.

 

The cafe interior takes on a light blue and white colour scheme, with table and counter seats lining the room and gorgeous chandeliers adorned overhead.

Kumo Smoothie – ¥594 (Tax Included)

To commemorate its opening, the new shop has developed a new item exclusive to the Laforet Harajuku branch: the “Kumo Smoothie.” Inspired by fluffy clouds, this fruit-packed smoothie comes in a pink strawberry milk flavour and blue sky-coloured soda flavour.

And of course, Cafe de paris’s famous fruit-topped Bon Bon parfaits will be sold too, with the upper part of the parfait towering 20m high. There are 5 seasonal fruits to choose from, such as strawberry, mango and grape.

 

Cafe de paris has plenty of cute must-buy goodies for customers to enjoy, so if you’re in Japan, why not take the opportunity to try out something popular in South Korea  too while strolling around Harajuku?

If you’ve not yet been to the Pompompurin Cafe, or this is your first time hearing about itーthemed entirely on Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurinーthen their two new menu items, available this autumn for the entire month of November, is sure to pull you in.

 

As the leaves turn red and gold and people order pumpkin spiced lattes for takeout, the Harajuku, Yokohama and Umeda branches of the Pompompurin Cafe want to get in on the autumnal action too. So they have created a special chicken stew and fruit gratin, served as colourful as the season itself is and perfect during any time of the day when your belly is calling for nutrition.

Chicken Brown Stew: Strolling Along While Looking at the Autumn Colours – ¥1,290 (Before Tax)

This chicken stew features Pompompurin and his best friend and hamster Muffin. The dish depicts a scene of both of them strolling and getting along while looking at the autumn leaves. Purin is made from rice and sits inside the rich stew while a mashed potato Muffin perches on top of him wearing his hat.  They are surrounded by carrots and other veggies made to look like the vibrant leaves of Japan’s maple and ginkgo trees.

Fruit Gratin: Hot Spring Warm-Up – ¥1,090 (Before Tax)

If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth but also want to warm up then look no further than at Pompompurin and Muffin relaxing together in the hot spring that is this fruit gratin dessert. Purin is made from pumpkin flavoured ice cream while Muffin is of the vanilla kind. They are warming themselves up in a fruit-packed custard cream sauce. The fruit is drizzled in sauce and cooked to make the fruit even sweeter and intensify its flavour. Did you see the cute towels on their heads too? Many people do this in Japan when getting into the hot spring (or “onsen”), and you might have seen it if you watch anime too.

 

The fall fun doesn’t stop there however, as all people who dine at the cafe will receive the lunch mat pictured below, and everyone who orders a drink will get a coaster. Available while supplies last.

Lunch Mat (3 Designs)

Coaster (1 Design)

 

Stay warm while its cold at the Pompompurin Cafe this autumn.

 

©1996, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S602780

Since opening in Harajuku last year, MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON’s ultra-kawaii hotel MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS has been the talk of the town. We are here to announce a new BBQ plan for guests which is held on the hotel rooftop and which you can attend empty-handed.

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is only an 8-minute walk from Harajuku Station. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot our neon sign pictured above. It’s on the roof of this building you can look forward to getting your teeth into a delicious BBQ and chugging down drinks.

The rooftop design takes on a pop appearance, mixing blue with yellow. This cute design alone is enough to get you excited for what’s to come. And since there are no tall buildings around us, you get a great view of Harajuku from below.

The BBQ plan comes equipped with everything you need: a fire, plates, cups, ingredients, and alcohol. We have a great option of drinks, including beer, wine, whisky, and soft drinks. There’s also a beer server so you can enjoy your beer nice and frosty. If we don’t have a drink you’d like, you can bring your own too. There’s a FamilyMart and other shops nearby, so head there to stock up.

BBQ Set – ¥6,000 Per Person (Before Tax)　*Photo is a select portion example for 5 people

For grub, our lineup includes meat, fish, egetables, fried onigiri, and sweets. There’s Japanese beef too, as well as Japanese chicken, pork, lamb, sausage, and more. We prepare the most delicious ingredients for the current season. There’s a lot of different meats to choose from, so rest assured you won’t go hungry.

All the food is seasoned for you, so you can drop it all on straight away and get straight to eating.

Make a toast with your drinks and tuck in! The wagyu beef is nice and plump once it comes off the fire. One bite of the soft meat will treat your taste buds to a luxurious sweetness and the meat’s delightful juices.

The chicken is seasoned sweet and spicy. It has a crunchy exterior and soft inside. The lamb is seasoned well too and has that distinct deep flavour lamb has.

Our fish and vegetables are all in season too. The fish pictured above is salmon cooked in foil and seared skipback tuna. The salmon is seasoned with butter and soy sauce. All of the delicious flavour of the skipback tuna is intensified while prepared on the fire, and the inside is sumptuously tender. It’s seasoned with citrus soy sauce.

This here is giant okra which I tried for the first time. Giant okra is in season right now too. It’s a lot more elastic than your regular size okra and has a juiciness when you bite into it.

I was so full already… until dessert arrived! These is a dessert sweet potato roasted on the fire.

I topped it with vanilla ice cream and tea flavoured ice cream before sprinkling on cornflakes to finish.

 

The mix of the hot potato and cold ice cream is a match made in heaven inside your mouth. The roasted sweet potato has a subtle sweetness which mixes perfectly with the creamy ice cream. I originally thought I was full but there’s always room for dessert.

There are parasols too in case it rains. You can even rent out tents from the hotel if you like.

If you’re looking to stay in Harajuku, come and see us at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS and enjoy a BBQ with a rooftop view of Harajuku.

 

Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is a hotel accommodation service run by MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON located in Harajuku and bookable via Airbnb. Our hotel isn’t just popular for sleep, however: it has become a hot spot with stylish girls who get together and use it as a party space.

 

This is the Birthday Edition of our Top 10 list of things you can do at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS. Enjoy a very special birthday in Harajuku you’ll never forget!

 

Girls’ Night In Edition: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/262308

 

⑤Get your hair and eyelashes done at Harajuku’s popular salon L by HOME for your special day

L by Home is a popular salon in Harajuku that’s just a 2-minute walk from MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS. The salon offers a special plan in collaboration with MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS.

If you book a room at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS you can receive a special price at L by HOME. Celebrate your special hair by getting a cute hair arrangement and eyelash extensions. The extensions come in different colours depending on which room you book at the hotel, be it SAKURA or ORIGAMI. You will receive a message about it after booking on Airbnb.

▶︎Hair Arrangement

Price: ¥3,000 per 30 minutes

*Shampoo is available at an extra cost

 

▶︎Eyelashes

Price: ¥10,000 per hour

Service: The base colour is brown and you can pick an additional colour of your choice

SAKURA Colours (brown×cotton, aqua, pink, magenta)

ORIGAMI Colours (brown×burg, lite brown, purple, gold)

 

▶︎L by HOME

Address: 2F, 3-27-15 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

TEL: 03-5411-0366

Opening Hours: Hair Salon 11:00-21:00 (10:00-19:00 on Sundays & holidays) / Eyelash Lason 11:00-20:00 (10:00-19:00 on weekends & holidays)

URL：http://l.home-harajuku.com/

 

 

⑥Adorn your hotel room with cute decorations

Guests are free to use rooms as they please, so be sure to decorate it for the big day with cute decorations, so long as you use tape that doesn’t damage the walls or furniture. There are lots of shops in the Harajuku and Omotesando area that sell birthday goods: FLYING TIGER COPENHAGEN, ASOKO, AWESOME STORE, and DAISO to name a few.

 

 

⑦Experience a kawaii birthday like no other at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS

Enjoy an unforgettable birthday in one of our special rooms, like SAKURA which is completely pink throughout. There are a limited number of beds in the rooms but there is no limit to how many people stay in a single room, so invite all your friends over for a huge party! And if you tell us in advance that you’re bringing a cake in, you can borrow a cake stand from us so you can make the cake even cuter. The stand is 18cm in diameter so it should hold a whole cake, but be sure to check the size of yours in advance.

There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy your birthday party even more if you spend it in our pink haven. There is a kitchen with plates, cutlery and everything you need to cook up more snacks and food for your party too.

 

We will continue the Top 10 list in the next article entitled Food Edition. Remember, if you’re looking to stay in Harajuku, be sure to book with MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS for a hotel stay like no other.

 

Models: Aiko / Ringo
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Writer: Sayoko Ishii

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is a hotel accommodation service run by MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON located in Harajuku and bookable via Airbnb. Our hotel isn’t just popular for sleep, however: it has become a hot spot with stylish girls who get together and use it as a party space.

 

This is our Top 10 list of things you can do in SAKURAーone of the hotel roomsーso you can discover the best way to enjoy your stay in Harajuku.

 

①Take advantage of the room decor and decorations to snap all the photos you can!

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS opened its first room SAKURA in December last year, and more recently ORIGAMI in August. From the walls to the furnishing, SAKURA is cherry blossom pink throughout, decked out with countless gorgeous Instagram-worthy spots popular with our female guests.

 

You can always get a beautiful photo together with the cherry blossom flower monument in the background, located behind the bed and bloomed right up to the ceiling.

The enormous and comfy pink bed is piled full of lots of fluffy cushions. You can take some pretty romantic pictures too when snuggled on top or in the bed.

Photographer: Kayo Sekiguchi

Don’t forget about the neon sign either, a symbol of the room and the Japanese kanji character for cherry blossom (桜 sakura). Sit on the sofa in front of it and make use of the sign’s lighting to get a more dreamy and fantastical shot.

 

②Popular Harajuku takeout food perfect for a night at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS SAKURA

 

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is located in Tokyo’s fashion and culture hub of Harajuku, and that means it’s within walking distance of some quintessential kawaii and Instagrammable food shops. We’ve picked out three we think are perfect for ordering takeout to enjoy back in your room at SAKURA.

 

GOOD TOWN DOUGHNUTS

Smile Mango ¥420 / Raspberry Pistachio ¥400 / Sea Salt Caramel ¥390 (All Tax Inclusive)

GOOD TOWN DOUGHNUTS is a really popular doughnut shop in Harajuku. Their big size doughnuts not only look cute, they’re the real deal taste-wise, and are also made with natural yeast, wheat flour from Hokkaido, sea salt sourced in Okinawa, sugar from Tanegashima, and organic oils. They are high-quality doughnuts full of flavour and plenty filling.

 

GOOD TOWN DOUGHNUTS

Address: J-cube B1F, 6-12-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)

TEL: 03-5485-8827

Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00

No Fixed Holidays

Official Website: http://good-town.com/

 

 

AND THE FRIET

Box (2 Friet Types) w/ Dip – From ¥800 (Before Tax)

This French fry shop makes their fries from a variety of carefully selected in-season potatoes, including potatoes from Belgium. They are crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the centre. They’re also delicious even when eaten cold, making them a great takeout option. You can pick two types from six varieties for one box, plus a dip of your choice. A perfect party accompaniment.

 

AND THE FRIET Laforet Harajuku

Address: Laforet Harajuku 2F, 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6434-7568

Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00

No Fixed Holidays (Except when Laforet Harajuku is closed)

Official Website: http://andthefriet.com/

 

 

TOAST LUCK

<Macarons> From Left: Soybean Flour / Crunky / Cheese – ¥371 Each (Before Tax)

At TOAST LUCK, you can enjoy a whole range of different South Korean foods, including toast which is their main menu item. They also sell these marble-coloured macarons which are a little bigger than Japanese macarons. There’s lots of flavours to choose from, all of which give you a different take on your regular macaron!

 

TOAST LUCK

Address: 3-27-15 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

TEL: 03-6812-9499

Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00

No Fixed Holidays

Official Website: https://www.toast-luck.com/

 

 

③Line up all your food in your hotel room for a girls’ night in

Gather all of your takeout goodies from around Harajuku for a girls’ night in at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS SAKURA! The room has its own kitchen equipped with utensils, a microwave and refrigerator, so you can even prep your own food too.

The living room is nice and spacious so you can really let your hair down and relax. There’s a limited number of beds but there’s no limit to the amount of people that can stay over, so invite all of your friends along!

 

 

④Watch movies on the projector

The room is equipped with an Android TV mobile projector which has Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and other services on it as well as games. There’s endless amounts of fun to be had, so grab your snacks and put on a movie or compete together in a game. The screen projects onto the white walls, so you can pick the best spot for viewing.

Projecting it on the wall beside the bed means you can relax while watching films or music videos together.

 

The cherry blossom pink MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS SAKURA offers a memorable accommodation experience like no other. We will continue the Top 10 list in the next article entitled Birthday Edition.

 

Remember, if you’re looking to stay in Harajuku, be sure to book with MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS.

 

 

Models: Aiko / Ringo
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Writer: Sayoko Ishii

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

It has been 30 years since Disney’s The Little Mermaid came to theatres. To celebrate, The Little Mermaid cafe has dropped its anchor in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Hokkaido and will be around for a limited time only.  Curious travellers are sure to fall in love with this world filled with Disney magic.

As a big Disney fan, curious model Kanako just could not miss the opportunity to visit, so we headed over to Tokyu Plaza, Omotesando (Tokyo) to create a tongue-tantalizing report just for you. 

The entrance was a treasure trove of exciting 30th anniversary celebratory designs.

Venturing deeper, we came across illustrations of the exciting underwater world. 

Seeing all the images of the characters, memories of the film will come floating into your mind. Just how many wonders can one cafe hold?

There are five delicious meals and five delicious drinks on the menu. Everything was so cute that it was difficult to decide what to order. Time to dive in!

Ariel Vegetable Pasta with Genovese Sauce: ¥1990

This dish particularly caught Kanako’s eye. A graceful print made of powdered spices and sauce depicts Ariel gliding through the sea. It went perfectly with the salad. Feel free to take the beautiful paper mat home with you as a souvenir. 

Cream Beach Risotto: ¥1,990

This creamy risotto depicts a beautiful beach. Look closely and you will spot Ariel’s most prized treasure: a dinglehopper.  Feel free to take the dinglehopper home with you and add it to your collection of treasure. A layer of shrimp sauce lies hidden between the rice and mountain of salad. Can you spot Sebastian keeping a careful eye on Ariel? 

Seven Princesses of Atlantica Colourful Tartine Plate: ¥2,290

 This plate of tasty tartines depicts the seven sisters and will send you on an exciting flavour journey. The fruity tartine will fill your mouth with a fresh fruity burst of blueberries and strawberries. Next on the plate is a luxurious cream cheese tartine, followed by a chunky vegetable tartine and finally, a filling boiled egg and potato salad tartine. The tartines are surrounded by colourful sauces such as blueberry sauce, pumpkin sauce and carrot sauce. 

 Sebastian’s Strawberry Smoothie: ¥890 (with themed drink coaster: ¥1,790)

This yoghurt smoothie is dedicated to King Triton’s royal court composer Sebastian. Mix in the strawberry sauce before tucking in to enhance the flavour. You can also take the decoration on the glass back home with you. 

Upon noticing the coaster that came with her drink, Kanako’s eyes were sparkling with desire. The drink coaster is a sure way to add some magic to all your drinks at home. Unfortunately, they are in limited supply, so make sure to get one before they are all sold out.

Next, the curious Kanako explored the merchandise corner. The illustrations on the merchandise have been specifically designed for this special cafe.

Canvas Art A/B  (two designs): ¥3,500

Now you can decorate your room with your own collection of whose-its, whats-its, and thingamabobs.

Letter Writing Set with Case (1 design): ¥800

BIC Ballpoint Pen (2 designs): ¥500 each (Flounder/Seahorse)

The pink-themed gadgets and gizmos are very cute too.

Spend over ¥1000 (before tax) in the merchandise corner and you will receive a special Little Mermaid 30th anniversary shopping bag. There are a limited number of these and they are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, so we recommend you go to the cafe as soon as possible if you want one.

This cafe is a whole world waiting to be discovered. Reservations cost ¥500 per person (before tax). Just ordering from the menu will grant you the special gift of an A5 clear file and you can even pick your favourite from 30 designs. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance and get ready to plunge straight into the fun!

 

©️Disney

Harajuku hot spot the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE will hold a Halloween event entitled “KAWAII HARAJUKU Halloween PARTY 2019” for the entire month of October.

The Halloween season is almost upon us in Japan, where the spooky season’s festivities often begin a little earlier in October as cafes, restaurants and shops start serving up their own unique Halloween-themed menus.

 

This year at the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE, the Monster Girls are inviting you to their kaleidoscopic Halloween party. From vampires to werewolves, Frankenstein’s monster and beyond, prepare to encounter a Halloween like no other with a line-up of colourful dishes.

Colourful Pop Burger: Frankenstein’s Monster – ¥1,580 (Before Tax)

The cafe’s mascot character Mr. Choppy has been turned into Frankenstein’s monster! This fat and juicy burger is filled with salsa sauce and melted cheese. Even the bun is cute and colourful too!

Choppy Baron’s Dark Curry – ¥1,400 (Before Tax)

This time, Mr. Choppy has turned into a vampire for this pitch-black curry, laced with other Halloween colours too like purple and orange. This vivid plate isn’t just tasty, its appearance has life to it too.

Nameless Cemetery Cheese Glutton – ¥3,200 (Before Tax) *Recommended for 3+ people

This surreal dish is a giant breaded coffin filled with gratin, rainbow-coloured cheese, and white sauce. Surrounding it are bats, eyeballs, and gravestones.

Monster Bongo Bongo Tiramisu – ¥1,080 (Before Tax)

An assortment of ice creams like matcha and houjicha all coated in Halloween-coloured chocolate. Hidden underneath the ghoulish pile is colourful cereal.

Midnight Pumpkin Chiffon Cake – ¥1,580 (Before Tax)

A fluffy chiffon cake topped with black sesame ice cream and a pumpkin lathered in pumpkin-flavoured fresh cream. The trickling bloody chocolate completes that Halloween look.

Bark At The Moon – ¥980 (Before Tax)

This adorable wolf dessert appeared during a full moon. It includes a crunchy doughnut on top of which is sat a sweet black sesame mousse werewolf.

Non-Alcoholic Basil Seed Jelly Cocktail – ¥900 (Before Tax) / Shake Hip Shake Chocolate – ¥950 (Before Tax)

There are two drinks to pick from this Halloween: a dark chocolate shake with a pumpkin floating on top and a cocktail filled with basil seed and jelly for an enjoyable texture. The cocktail can be served non-alcoholic or alcoholic.

 

There’s plenty to look forward to at the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE this Halloween, so if you’re in Harajuku this October, don’t miss out!

 

*The food menu is limited to lunch time hours
*The drinks menu is available at all times

One thing I do at least once a week without fail is treat myself out to some delicious food or dessert. It’s very important time well spent in order to live a happy life.

 

Today, I went and got my lunch early ahead of my morning work. I visited dotcom space Tokyo, a café in Harajuku where you can indulge in a laid-back experience.

©️photo Takumi Ota

The café is just a 4-minute walk from the Takeshita Street exit of Harajuku Station. Its atmosphere is so peaceful and related that you wouldn’t believe it’s right next to noisy and busy Takeshita Street. It’s a spacious place with simple and stylish furniture and furnishings. I fancied something sweet this time, so I went and ordered the Peach & Yoghurt bread.

©️photo Takumi Ota

©️photo Takumi Ota

The interior decorating scheme is based on wood; you can feel how particular they were about the furniture. It’s easy to wind down at this café due to its spacious interior. It’s common to see workers scattered throughout too. It’s a nice place to leave your desk for a little bit for lunch for a change of pace.

Peach & Yoghurt ¥680 / Iced Café Latte ¥550

The bread is piled with a generous serving of yoghurt cream and shiny peach which the light shines on.

I feel happy just looking at this delicious treat. Just spellbinding!

I sliced my first piece and popped it into my mouth. The bread is deliciously chewy, and the refreshing yogurt cream and sweet peach filled my mouth. The bread itself is a thick-cut slice and made by Pelican, a bakery in Asakusa. It has a chewy and moist texture you can’t find anywhere else.

 

The yogurt cream isn’t overly sweet, instead having a more refreshing flavour to it. When eaten together with the sweet ripened peach, the gorgeous mix blends together around your taste buds and melts in your mouth. Depending on the season, you can pick fruits other than peach too. They always have seasonal choices. I’m looking forward to their autumn and winter line-up.

The iced latte has a slight acidity to it, my favourite kind of flavour. It went really well with the Peach & Yogurt bread. The café is also particular about its coffee bean selection; one of its baristas is noted to be a past “Japan champion” when it comes to coffee. I’ve got to try the hot coffee the next time I visit.

 

A set meal, burger or the likes would have been good too, but I had my eyes set on a sweet dessert lunch. Getting a moment to chill out and enjoy something sweet made me happy today. I recommend enjoying some autumn fruit-topped bread too as the seasons change.

 

Today’s Presents

Apple Juice ¥450

I’s important to share the happiness between family and colleagues on when you get the chance to enjoy something tasty. I bought them some apple juice, which is poured into a cup with a smiling face on the side. It’s made from 100% apples from Nagano. The straw is made from environmentally-friendly sugarcane.

 

 

Writer:Sayuri Mizuno（MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON）