【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
RELATED ENTRIES
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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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THANK YOU MART will begin selling a total of 18 unique items starting in late June. These items were inspired by Japanese cafes during the Showa era, and give off the perfect amount of retro vibes. Most items at THANK YOU MART costs ¥390 (¥429 with tax).
The new cafe-inspired items are perfect for those longing for days long past, made with impactful yet subdued colors and classic patterns. The logo looks like something pulled out of the Showa era, so if you’re a fan of classic Japanese style, be sure to grab some of these inexpensive items when they drop later this month!
Information
THANK YOU MART – Cafe Amour
Sales begin in Late June 2022
Where to Buy: All THANK YOU MART locations, THANK YOU MART Online ShopOfficial Site: https://www.390yen.jp/
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Located along the Meguro River, Haute Couture Cafe is known for serving up some of the best afternoon tea in Tokyo. The location is incredibly photogenic and often pops up on social media, covered in flowers welcoming guests to what feels like a fairy tale land. From July 1 until September 4, visitors to the cafe can enjoy a Peach and Shine Muscat Afternoon Tea set, perfect for summer and incorporating seasonal fruits.
The fresh peaches and shine muscat (a type of luxurious grape found in Japan) are delivered from a nearby market daily. By using peaches without heating them, such as in the compote, guests can enjoy the juiciness of the raw fruit in a new way.
The lineup of delicately prepared and hearty savory dishes includes Peach and Prosciutto Cappellini, and guests wanting to enjoy more can order this as a lunch or dinner course as well. There are six courses in total, including the fresh-squeezed grape and muscat Mont Blanc plan and a Peach Cheesecake plan with a drink included. The cafe also offers anniversary plans, so why not bring your sweetheart?
The theme of this summer afternoon tea is ‘an adorable purple space.’ Guests will be surrounded by light purple wisteria as they enjoy this colorful spread.
Why not enjoy this summer treat as you look out over the river?
Information
Peach & Shine Muscat Afternoon Tea
Venue: Haute Couture Cafe
Available: July 1 – September 4, 2022
Reservations/Official Site: https://haute-couture-cafe.owst.jp/
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Ueno’s National Museum of Western Art Celebrates Reopening with Live Commentary for ‘In Dialogue with Nature’ Exhibit
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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Specialty cafe chain ‘Bread, Espresso &’ will begin selling special items as a part of its chocolate fair at the Harajuku location, ‘Junkissa Bread, Espresso &’ starting June 1!
Many of the existing items on the shop’s menu will be available in chocolate versions. The Chocolate Mint French Toast is chilled and perfect for summer, drizzled with chocolate cream and mint sauce. Additional mint can be added to your heart’s content!
The mint cocoa (pictured top right) features blended mint cream on top with cocoa on the bottom. The two halves blend effortlessly as the top warms and the bottom cools.
Come enjoy these chocolate treats during the warm summer months!
Information
Bread, Espresso &
Address: 6-25-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00-18:00 (Last order at 7:30)
Open Every Day
Homepage: http://www.bread-espresso.jp/ -
Popular on LINE and other texting apps and illustrated by Jyuuno, mofusand is a curious collection of cute and slightly surreal cats. As with most things that go viral in Japan, these adorable characters will be featured in a themed cafe for a limited time! The Tokyo location will open on May 19 and the Osaka location will welcome visitors starting May 26, 2022.
Cafe Visitor Bonus: Sticker (6 varieties)
Drink Order Bonus: Coaster (6 varieties)
Menu
Fried Shrimp Sandwich Plate
Grilled Vegetable Curry
Nyanko Burger
Salmon Mentaiko Cream Pasta
Taiyaki
Nyanko Parfait
Black Cat Pancake
Nyan Lime Nata de Coco
Green Nyanko Float / Yello Nyanko Float / Blue Nyanko Float
Nyanko Cafe Latte / Nyanko Milk Tea
Merchandise
Sticker
Clear Folder
All menu items draw inspiration from the many mofusand characters and are perfect for posting on social media! Special bonuses will be given to those visiting the cafe and making select purchases, and a merchandise corner will be selling limited-edition goods featuring new artwork!
©mofusand
Information
mofusand cafe
Venue/Dates:
TokyoBOX cafe&space Shinjuku Mylord #2
May 19 – July 10, 2022
Shinjuku Mylord 7F (1-1-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Osakakawara CAFE&DINING Shinsaibashi
May 26 – June 19, 2022
Shinsaibashi Opa 9F (1-4-3 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka)Reservations / Official Site: https://mofusand-cafe.jp
mofusand cafe Official Twitter: @mofusand_cafe -
The popular idol group Shuritsu Ebisu Chugaku will open a one-day-only cafe in Omotesando on May 1, 2022! The location will open in conjunction with CookpadTV, which hosts the popular show ‘Shiritsu Ebisu Culinary Institute.’
The members of Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku are passionate about cooking, making this the perfect project. Since October 2021, the girls have streamed their cooking stories and ideas on CookpadLive, and now, they’re ready to put their hearts and souls into each and every item on this cafe menu. Visitors will also be able to purchase original merchandise on-site and see some of the member’s costumes!
Reservations for the cookpadLive Ebisen cafe are required, and the lottery for reservations is open now. Some of the menu items and original goods offered at the cafe are also available for purchase on cookpadLive’s official E-commerce site, so don’t worry if you aren’t able to attend in person on May 1!The cookpadLive Ebisen Cafe will feature a special lunch time, dinner time, and cafe time. The nine members of Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku will appear in three teams for each session.
Information
cookpadLive Ebisen Cafe
Address: cookpadLive cafe Omotesando
Open: May 1, 2022
Hours:
Lunch 12:30 – 13:30
Cafe 16:00 – 17:00
Dinner 19:30 – 20:30
Reservations: https://fortune-cookie.cookpad-tv.com/events/86/lotteries/yPvScr
E-commerce Site: https://cookpadtv.stores.jp/ -
The popular BTS chibi characters TinyTAN will be featured at TinyTAN Cafe locations in five cities for a limited time! Nine locations will be open across Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Miyagi starting April 21, 2022.
The TinyTAN characters were designed by the seven members of BTS to embody their “second selves.”
Select Cakes: ¥990
Fruits Deco Style: Strawberry, Fruits Deco Style: Mango, Fruits Deco Style: White Grape: ¥1,760
The menu is packed with desserts, including seven different types of cakes each inspired by a member of TinyTAN.
American Sundae Style Chocolate Cookie, American Sundae Style Caramel Nuts, American Sundae Style Pistachio Honey: ¥1,870
Afternoon Style Tea: ¥3,190
The Afternoon Style Tea includes a base plate that can be customized with guest’s favorite fruits and chocolates. Two types of TinyTAN Select Cakes will also be included to share!
Ham (2 types) & Scrambled Egg Peanut Butter Sandwich: ¥1,760
Cafe Style Drink & Cake Set *Prices vary based on drink selection.
Guests can choose from colorful bagel sandwiches, pancakes, and open sandwiches, along with a selection of sweet drinks to match each meal.
Bonuses
Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random): ¥1,320
Sticky Note Roll: ¥880, Acrylic Nameplate (7 varieties): ¥990 each
Original cafe merchandise and special offers will make visiting the TinyTAN Cafe even more exciting!
© BIGHIT MUSIC. All Rights Reserved
Information
TinyTAN CAFE
Tokyo, Omotesando: BOX cafe&space Omotesando
April 21 – June 5, 2022
Pine Under Flat B1F (5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Tokyo, Shinjuku: BOX cafe&space Lumine EST Shinjuku
April 28 – July 3, 2022
Lumine EST Shinjuku B1F (3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Tokyo, Harajuku: BOX cafe&space Harajuku Alta
April 21 – June 5, 2022
Harajuku Alta 3F (1-16-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Tokyo, Omotesando: BOX cafe&space Omotesando Hills
April 21 – June 26, 2022
Main Building, B3F (4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Kanagawa, Yokohama: Collabo_Index Lumine Yokohama
April 22 – June 19, 2022
Lumine Yokohama 6F (2-16-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama)
Aichi, Nagoya: BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC #1
April 28 – June 5, 2022
LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya)
Osaka, Umeda: BOX cafe&space HEP FIVE
April 28 – June 5, 2022
HEP FIVE 7F (5-15 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka)
Osaka, Shinsaibashi: Shinsaibashi contact
April 29 – July 3, 2022
1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
Miyagi, Rifu: BALLER:S
April 27 – June 26, 2022
AEON MALL Shin-Rifu South Building 2F (3-1-1 Shinnakamichi, Rifu, Miyagi)
Reservations Open
Reservation Fee: ¥660 (Includes Bonus)
TinyTAN CAFE Official Site: https://tinytan-cafe.jp/
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Starting April 1, 2022, fans of the new Kirby game ‘Kirby and the Forgotten Land’ can enjoy a tasty cake inspired by Karby at the Kirby Cafe in Tokyo and Hakata! Two limited-time menu items commemorating the 30th anniversary of Kirby will also be available.
The newest Kirby game sees everyone’s favorite pink puffball with a brand-new ability, allowing him to transform into various objects by sucking them up. The trailer for the game shocked Kirby fans around the world after Kirby transformed into an entire car!
Transform! Karby Cake
The Karby Cake replicates a special dish that appears in Kirby and the Forgotten Land‘s Waddle Dee Café. It’s a strawberry-flavored blancmange (a French gelatin-based dessert) laid over a sponge cake with fruit layers.
Kirby Burger and Meat & Veggie Pasta (Standard Version)
Kirby Burger and Meat & Veggie Pasta (30th Anniversary Version)
Souvenir Plate
Happy Birthday☆Kirby
Available: April 1 – May 31, 2022
The popular Kirby Burger and Meat & Veggie Pasta menu item will be available in a special 30th-anniversary version for a limited time only. This includes a souvenir plate, and fans won’t want to miss it!
The Kirby Cafe is also selling a Happy Birthday☆Kirby cake, a simple dome-shaped sponge cake filled with fruit covered in icing and cherries.
Come celebrate Kirby’s 30th anniversary while you can!
©Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Information
Kirby Cafe Limited-Time Menu
Available April 1, 2022 ~
Kirby Cafe TOKYO https://kirbycafe-reserve.com/guest/tokyo/
Kirby Cafe HAKATA https://kirbycafe-reserve.com/guest/hakata/
Official Site: https://kirbycafe.jp
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To commemorate the upcoming release of the film ‘Crayon Shin-chan: Mononoke Ninja Chinpuden,’ a special collaboration cafe is scheduled to open at Seasons & Co Fruits Parlor & Bakery at Osaka LINKS UMEDA! The cafe will be open from April 4 until May 15, and will feature a number of film-inspired dishes and bonus goods for fans to enjoy!
Collaboration Cafe Menu
Shin-chan’s Roll Cake
Silly Ninja! Strawberry, Vanilla & Black Currant Cake
Ninjas love it too?! Matcha Parfait
Shinnosuke’s Birthday Blue Soda
Ninja Child Matcha Frappe
Bonus: Sticker and Coaster
The upcoming film is a gag-filled ninja action blockbuster featuring everyone’s favorite boisterous youth. Shinnosuke will be transformed into a ninja this time around to defeat a mysterious ninja army! Along with the collab menu, fans can also grab some new merchandise and bonuses at the cafe, so don’t miss out!
©臼井儀人／双葉社・シンエイ・テレビ朝日・ＡＤＫ 2022 ※短縮：©U／F・S・A・A 2022
Information
Mononoke Ninja Chinpuden
Running: April 4 – May 15, 2022
Location: Osaka LINKS UMEDA, Season & Co. Fruits Parlor & Bakery
Details: https://season-co.shop/news-topics/crayon-shinchan/
Official Site: https://season-co.shop
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From March 25 until April 27, gelato pique café locations around Japan will be celebrating Easter with three special Easter Bunny-themed sweets.
Easter Bunny Crepe
Easter Bunny Gelato
Easter Bunny Float
Last year, gelato pique café released an Easter Bunny soft-serve ice cream dish which was incredibly popular. In 2022, the brand has decided to release three unique treats under the theme of ‘Happy Bunny Hunt.’ Those with a sweet tooth can snag a crepe, gelato, or float during the event period, all decorated with white and pink shades perfect for spring.
Information
Happy Bunny Hunt
Running: March 25 – April 27, 2022
Location: All gelato pique cafe locationsOfficial Site: https://pique-cafe.com/
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Sony Park Mini, a tiny experimental art space in Ginza, is going to hold fans over until Ginza Sony Park opens in 2024.
Sony Park Mini is located in a small 3.5 square meter space on B1F of the Nishiginza parking lot adjacent to Ginza Sony Park, which is currently under construction. The concept of the space is to “hold events that highlight local artists.”
More than 30 experimental programs will be held throughout the year highlighting unique creators and artists from all backgrounds including music, film, art, food, fashion, and shopping. Depending on which programs are popular, the project may extend to other cities.
The first event, ‘Ayatake Exaki presents None Session,’ will run from March 23 until April 5, 2022, and will feature the musician and his piano.
Program Schedule
1: March 23 – April 5, 2022 / Ayatake Ezaki (Musical Artist)
2: April 6 – April 19, 2022 / Takuro Tamayama (Contemporary Artist)
3: April 20 – May 2, 2022 / Chiaki Kadota (Painter)
4: May 3 – May 16, 2022 / Neo Sora (Film Director), Aiko Masubuchi (Film Curator)
*The period of these events is subject to change. Any changes will be announced on Sony Park Mini social media accounts.The Nishiginza Parking Lot Coffee shop, located inside Sony Park Mini, will offer a lineup of drinks made from carefully selected coffee beans. Vegan donuts and cookies made with natural ingredients will also be available.
Information
Sony Park Mini
Address: Nichiginza Parking Lot B1F (5-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Hours: 11:00-19:00 / Nishiginza Parking Lot Coffee 8:00-18:00
Official Site: https://www.sonypark.com/mini
