【Tokyo Stroll】Head to Vegetable Corporation in Motoasakusa for Coffee, music, and something for all five of your senses
Having appeared in many magazines such as “mer”, popular model Shibasaki is here today to start her “MY BOOM” pick-up plan. Since returning from her exchange in Korea, Shibasaki has been enlightened by delicious coffee. On this very day, she stepped foot into coffee bean and beer specialist shop “Vegetable Corporation”, which also provides music.
The shop is easily accessible. It is only a 5-minute walk from Inarichō station (Tokyo Metro Ginza line) and Shin-okachimachi Station (Toei Ōedo line). It can be reached within a 10-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza line), Kuramae Station (Toei Ōedo Line) and Ueno station (JR Yamanote line).
Shop owners Ryota Mikami and Syotaro Hayashi also own the music label Vegetable Record. Straying from an original format, the dream of entertaining many people with their music was the foundation for their new business. This is where the latest technology is fused with analogue, and coffee beans are sold with download codes alongside craft beer.
You can purchase coffee beans with an album download code or create your own personalized pack. The package label is decorated with their album artwork, creating a product that stimulates all five of your senses. Of course, there is the option of purchasing just the beans on their own.
You can also buy roaster coffee beans from Fukui prefecture that were specially selected by COZY COFFEE. You can enjoy the changing flavour of coffee that has been freshly brewed and when it cools. The deeply roasted coffee beans come in six varieties. You can taste the coffee before making a purchase whilst simultaneously enjoying the wonderful music – there’s no rush here. Relax and enjoy carefully choosing your dream beans at your own pace.
Shibasaki got right on the coffee tasting. As her preferences lean towards light flavours, she was recommended the Dominica Princess.
“The flavour spread through my entire mouth. The scent of rum was amazing! The aftertaste was refreshing like black tea. Non coffee-lovers would be alright with this!” said Shibasaki, affixing her seal of approval.
Next, Shibasaki experienced the changing flavour of coffee by trying it at different temperatures. It was time to try a freshly brewed coffee. Not only can you purchase coffee beans here, but also drip coffee (tax included price: ￥500). You can take out the drip coffee, so we recommend you enjoy a nice stroll around the area with a cup of coffee in one hand.
This is one of the popular items on the menu – the walnut and honey toastie (kurumi to hachimitsu no hottosando). The price including tax is ￥600. If you’re feeling rather peckish, you could try this dessert-like toastie.
The toastie is filled with juicy honey and the texture is like apple pie. It was so tasty that Shibasaki couldn’t help but exclaim “yum!” after just her first mouthful. By the way, this menu goes great with coffee and beer!
In addition, the signboard menu’s craft beer includes VERTERE craft beer, which is the best beer out of the 23 from Okutama’s breweries.
These are different to ordinary beers – the fruity dessert beer is particularly popular. Shibasaki took advantage of it being midday and drank a glass.
You can taste vanilla beans and orange in the brunch cream (price including tax: ￥700). It is more bittersweet than bitter to make a glass you can enjoy. Shibasaki’s verdict: “You can taste the fruity flavour so much that you won’t even think it is beer! It was so easy to drink! Even those who do not like beer will be able to easily gulp it all down”.
She was very impressed.
※The brunch cream is currently sold out and therefore further sales are being postponed. For the latest updates, please check the store’s Instgram account. (https://www.instagram.com/vegetablecorporation/)
Not only can you purchase their music through coffee beans and craft beer, but also CDs and cassette tapes. From the analogue generation to the digital native generation, Vegetable Cooperation is devoted to music and cannot stop loving it. How about spending a moment of supreme bliss at Vegetable Corporation yourself?
Vegetable Corporation
Address: 1st floor Matsushima Building, 1-14-7, Motoasakusa, Taitō ward, Tokyo
Opening hours：11:00 〜 23:00 (Saturdays, Sundays & national holidays: 10:00 〜 23:00)
Fixed holidays: None
Access：A 5-minute walk from Inarichō station (Tokyo Metro Ginza line) and Shin-okachimachi Station (Toei Ōedo Line). A 10-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza line), Kuramae Station (Toei Ōedo Line) and Ueno station (JR Yamanote line)
Model： Saki Shibata @shibasaaki
Through her nickname “Shibasaki”, the much loved, multitalented model Saki Shibata has reached out to girls and women of all ages. Born an Aichi girl, Shibasaki grew to become a fashion model, featuring on the front cover of magazine “mer”. Her activity extends to broadcasting on the local radio and on Internet TV. Although time passes and trends change, you can always count on our Shibasaki to stay by your side. This is why many, many girls support her.
Writer：Ryoichi Komaba
Photographer ：Kayo Sekiguchi
Translator： Samantha Fernandes
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Information
Mirume Shinryoku Sabo
Address: 1-36-57 Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0042, Japan
Opening Hours: [8:00-10:00] Morning Bottle only / [11:00-22:00] Cafe & Store
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Official Site：https://www.shinryokusabo.co.jp/
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The cafe opened on March 28, 2021.
A little look at the menu
Coffee (Hot/Iced)
Fruit Sandwiches (Kiwi/Pineapple/Strawberry/Strawberry & Anko)
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Roll up to the retro tram for a nostalgia trip and cup of coffee.
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hara harmony coffee
Address: 2-300 Kubotamachi, Omuta, Fukuoka 836-0045, Japan
Opening Hours: 09:00- 18:00
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A peek inside
A recreation of Fallingwater, a house designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright
Painting by chalk artist Misuzu Wakai
Architectural designs recreated at the new museum cafe
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Fallingwater (Frank Lloyd Wright)
Casa Ligornetto (Mario Botta)
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Maison a Bordeaux (Rem Koolhaas)
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Silver Hat (Toyo Ito)
Fisher House (Louis Kahn)
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Steel House (Kengo Kuma)A little look at the menu
<Miho Chef Chocolatier> Premium Gateau Chocolate: ¥1,200 / Raw Marble Chocolate: ¥1,000 / Raw Dami Chocolate ¥450
<Ten no Ya> Egg Sandwich: ¥750
Architecture Cafe Sumika aim sto be a cosy space for architecture lovers who can enjoy thinking about their ideal home, talking about their favourite architect, and thinking about how architecture changes with the times. The cafe has recreated 12 architectural marvels from 12 different renowned architects, each at which sits at a different table.
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In celebration of the cafe’s opening, a competition is being held to create a jungle gym for children where entrees can win cash prizes, the top being ¥300,000. More details below.
Information
Architecture Cafe Sumika
Address: 6th Sanwa Bldg Floor 4F, 3-6-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Cafe 10:00-18:00 / Bar 18:00-04:00 (Last Orders 03:00)
No Fixed Holidays
TEL: 03-5315-0396
Official Website: https://sumika-shinjuku.com/1st Architect Contest
Submission Period: June 20, 2021 – June 27, 2021
Winner Announcement: June 28, 2021
Winning Work Display Period: July 1, 2021 – August 30 2021Submission Entry: Children’s Jungle Gym
Size: Max 60cm x 60cm x 40cm
Colouring: Any
Cash Prizes: Winner ¥300,000 (1 Person) / Runner-Ups ¥100,000 (7 People)
Submissions: Must be made by June 19, 2021How Winners Are Selected: Entrants will be posted on the cafe’s official Instagram – the most popular from the votes will be selected
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BEAMS Japan and Cow Brand Soap have teamed up to an event titled Sento no Susume 2021 which began on April 23. As part of the event, the two brands have come together at the popular Tokyo-based bath house Kotobukiyu where illustrations for the collaboration drawn by manga artist Mari Yamazaki (Thermae Romae, Olympia Kyklos) has been put up on the outside, inside, and along the walls.
See the illustrations being plastered in the video below.
At the bath house entrance, along the walls, and everywhere else
Fashion shoots are being held at the bath house
Limited-edition merchandise for Sento no Susume 2021
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Information
Sento no Susume 2021
Running: April 23, 2021 – September 15, 2021
Where: Kotobukiyu
Address: 5-4-17 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3844-8886
Opening Hours: 11:00-01:30 (Last Entries 01:05)
Closed: 3rd Thursday of every month
Event Page: https://www.beams.co.jp/special/teamjapan/sentou/
Official Website: http://www7.plala.or.jp/iiyudana/
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This cafe will keep your dry while you enjoy your coffee as it brings together the Japanese rainwear brand Wpc. and community space Tsubakimori Komuna with the limited-time cafe Wrapping komuna ~blooming~ which is now running until the end of May.
Tsubakimori Komuna first opened five years ago and recently received huge renovation work, reopening in January of this year. Wrapping komuna ~blooming~ sees the return of the colourful umbrella installation which was featured as part of its reopning.
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Tsubakimori Komuna x Wpc. Wrapping komuna～blooming～
Running: April 16, 2021 – May 31, 2021
Where: 1-21-23 Tsubakimori, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba
Access: 3-minutes on foot from Chibakoen Station / 9-minutes on foot from JR Chiba Station
Opening Hours: [Mon-Sat] 11:00-21:00 / [Sun] 07:00-18:00Official Website: https://www.tsubakimorikomuna.com/
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Doraemon Korosuke Chiffon Sandwich | ¥1,280 (Tax Included)
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Check out some of the other items available on the menu at the museum too.
Doraemon Arrabbiata | ¥1,230 (Tax Included)
French Toast de Anki Bread | ¥980 (Tax Included)
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ⒸFujiko-Pro
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Doraemon Korosuke Chiffon Sandwich
Released: April 21, 2021
Where: Fujiko F. Fujio Museum
Address: 2-8-1 Nagao, Tama Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 214-0023, Japan
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Official Website: http://fujiko-museum.com/english/
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GENDA SEGA Entertainment is set to open a themed cafe in collaboration with Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club on April 29, 2021.
A completely original menu themed on the characters
Fans can tuck into a very special menu inspired by the members of the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club with drinks, desserts, and food. The cafe will run over the course of three periods each of which will also include their own unique menu items.
Drinks | ¥660 Each (Tax Included)
Period ①: Hamburger Plate / Yaki Udon | ¥1,320 Each (Tax Included)
Nikujaga Plate / Clam Chowder | ¥1,320 Each (Tax Included)
Period ②: 1st Year Banana Parfait / 2nd Year Strawberry Parfait / 3rd Year Grape Parfait | ¥1,100 Each (Tax Included)
Period ③ menu exclusives to be revealed
Get some freebies simply by ordering
Period ①: Drinks Coaster / Food Coaster / Parfait Costers
Period ②: Drinks Coaster / Food Coaster / Parfait Costers
Period ③ exclusive freebies to be revealed
Character birthday cards
Kanon Shibuya – May 1, 2021 / Sarah Kazuno – May 4, 2021
Ai Miyashita – May 30, 2021 / Nozomi Tojo – June 9, 2021
Mari Ohara – June 13, 2021
Merchandise to add to your collection
Releasing: April 29, 2021
Acrylic Stands | ¥1,320 Each (Tax Included)
Art Panels | ¥660 Each (Tax Included)
Releasing: May 15, 2021
Chibi Key Rings | ¥770 Each (Tax Included)
Bonus merch for every ¥2,000 spent
Bromides | Available April 29, 2021 – May 14, 2021
Bromides | Available May 15, 2021 – May 28, 2021
©2013 プロジェクトラブライブ！ ©2017 プロジェクトラブライブ！サンシャイン!!
©2020 プロジェクトラブライブ！虹ヶ咲学園スクールアイドル同好会
©2021 プロジェクトラブライブ！スーパースター!!
©GENDA SEGA Entertainment Inc.Information
SEGA x Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Collaboration Cafe
Running: April 29, 2021 – June 13, 2021Where: SEGA Collaboration Cafe Akihabara 3 (SEGA Akihabara 3 Floor 7F) / SEGA Collaboration Cafe Stand / SEGA Akihabara 4 / Nanbasennichimae / Sendai / Okayama / Fukuoka Tenjin / Sasashima
Schedule
Period ①: April 29, 2021 – May 14, 2021
Period ②: May 15, 2021 – May 28, 2021
Period ③: May 29, 2021 – June 13, 2021
Cafe Details: https://sega-collabocafe.com/top/nijigasaki03.html
Love Live! Official Website: https://www.lovelive-anime.jp/nijigasaki/
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Shibuya LOFT opened its new ‘2foods’ cafe on April 15 which serves junk food healthily.
2foods uses absolutely no eggs or milk in their menu – everything is plant based and healthy, making it a haven for vegan foodies, especially in Japan where there aren’t as many vegan places as other countries. What’s better is that everything’s reasonably priced too. There are around 60 menu items to choose from, like curry and soba as well as desserts, organic coffees and lattes, cold pressed juice, and more.
Artist’s rendition of the cafe
Curry | ¥1,023 (Tax Included)
A hearty and spicy curry served with brown rice which is better for digestion.
Tantanmen Ramen | ¥968 (Tax Included) | Shibuya LOFT exclusive
A ramen soup with 100% gluten free rice flour noodles, soy milk, sesame seeds, peanuts, soy meat, and other healthy and natural ingredients.
Egg Doughnut Sandwich | ¥528 (Tax Included)
A vegan egg sandwich that doesn’t use eggs but tastes just like them.
Gateau Chocolate | ¥528 (Tax Included)
A rich chocolate gateau made with brown rice powder and soy cream.
Information
2foods Shibuya LOFT
Opened: April 15, 2021
Address: Shibuya LOFT (Floor 2F), 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00
TEL: 03-6416-4025Official Website: https://www.loft.co.jp/
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Akihabara’s premiere maid café chain “@home café” announced last month the opening of a permanent maid café themed on Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurin. The café is set to open along Harajuku’s famous Takeshita Street on April 14, 2021.
© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. S620028
@home café has collaborated with many of Sanrio’s popular characters in the past at its Akihabara-based café branches such as Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and of course Pompompurin, but this time the collaboration is flying out of Akiba and straight into the heart of Japanese pop culture: Harajuku.
This new Pompompurin Café is themed on Pompompurin throwing a party for everyone—that’s you and your friends. It’s a place for Purin to deliver happiness to all who visit in the form of cute and tasty food.
Of course, the @home café maids will also be present, and all wearing original maid uniforms coloured like Pompompurin.
A little look at some things on the menu
The Food
Soufflé Omurice | ¥1,450
Butter Chicken Curry | ¥1,300
The Desserts
Pompompurin Pudding | ¥700
Chocolate Banana Mountain Waffle | ¥1,200
The Drinks
Custard Pudding Latte | ¥850
Muffin’s Caffe Mocha | ¥850
Take a commemorative photo
For just ¥550, you can take a chekki photo at the café. It comes with café-original stickers and paper. For an extra ¥300, you can take a photo with one of the maids.
Pompompurin Birthday Party
April 16 is Pompompurin’s birthday, so on that day the café will have a special dessert prepared (which you can see below) along with novelties for customers, new decorations, and more.
Pompompurin’s Birthday Dessert
Special Birthday Parfait | ¥1,700 | Serving: April 14, 2021 – April 30, 2021
Birthday Novelty
To commemorate Pompompurin’s birthday and the opening of the café, all visitors will receive the pin below for free.
Pompompurin will visit the café
On the evening on April 16, Pompompurin will visit the cafe for his birthday to celebrate with everyone. Details and bookings can be found here in Japanese.
Information
Pompompurin Cafe x @home cafe
Grand Opening: April 14, 2021
Where: CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU Floor 3F, 1-7-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: [Weekdays] 11:00-22:00 / [Weekends] 10:00-22:00
No Fixed Holidays
Pompompurin Cafe Official Website: https://pompompurincafe.com/
@home Official Website: http://www.cafe-athome.com/
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Fuji TV’s ongoing drama series Renai Mangaka opened a theme cafe in Ebisu on April 8 with dishes inspired by the series.
The Menu
Renai Pancakes | ¥1,892 (Tax Included)
Renai Fondant Chocolate | ¥1,122 (Tax Included)
Renai Lemon Sour | ¥660 (Tax Included)
Renai Strawberry Milk | ¥990 (Tax Included)
Renai Bread Gratin | ¥2,805 (Tax Included)
Renai Bread Dessert | ¥990 (Tax Included)
Renai Dessert Plate | ¥1,232 (Tax Included) | Available Early May 2021
Renai Omurice | ¥1,452 (Tax Included) | Available Early May 2021
The story of Renai Mangaka follows Karibe Seiichiro, a manga artist who’s not the best at socializing. He rarely goes outdoors and has a strange way of thinking. One day, he meets his late-brother’s former girlfriend Kuon Aiko, and asks her to be his pseudo-romance partner.
Information
Cafe Accueil Ebisu x Renai Mangaka Collaboration Cafe
Opened: April 8, 2021
Where: Cafe Accueil Ebisu
Address: 2-10-10 Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Last Orders 20:00)
Official Website: http://www.fujitv.co.jp/
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The Moomin Cafe at Tokyo Dome City LaQua introduced a breakfast menu on April 1.
Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwich: One – ¥510 (Tax Included) / Two – ¥800 (Tax Included)
Hattifatteners Hot Dog: ¥600 (Tax Included)
Northern Europe Breakfast Plate | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)
Open Fruit Sandwich | ¥700 (Tax Included)
Five fun and delicious items arrive at the Moomin Cafe for the spring season, each with a reference or design inspired by the beloved Moomins.
Information
Moomin Cafe
Breakfast Menu: Released April 1, 2021
Where: Tokyo Dome City LaQua
Official Website: https://moomincafe.jp/
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The popular French characters Gaspard and Lisa are getting their own themed menu at Le Cafe la Boutique du Joel Robuchon in Tokyo. The menu will be served from April 24 to May 9 and takes inspiration from Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben’s children’s book series.
Gaspard and Lisa One Plate & Cocktail Set | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
Non-Alcoholic Strawberry & Lychee Cocktail | ¥990 (Tax Included)
Strawberry Galette (With Coffee or Tea) | ¥2,420 (Tax Included)
Coasters
Pouch
The first 500 customers who order something from the menu will receive a free coaster, and those who spend over ¥5,000 will get a special pouch.
Enter the charming world of Gaspard and Lisa with this cute themed menu.
(C) 2021 Anne Gutman & Georg Hallensleben / Hachette Livre
Information
Le Cafe la Boutique du Joel Robuchon x Gaspard and Lisa
Running: April 24, 2021 – May 9, 2021
Where: Le Cafe la Boutique du Joel Robuchon (Nihonbashi Takashimaya S.C. Floor 2F)
Opening Hours: 10:30-19:30 (Last Orders 18:30)
Reservations: 03-5255-6933
Official Website: https://www.robuchon.jp/
