【Tokyo Stroll】Experiencing the Finest Quality Gateau au Chocolat at “Ken’s Cafe Tokyo”—Reservations Required
Shinjuku—Situated in the heart of Tokyo, the most populated metropolitan area in the world, and absolutely packed with travelers and tourists. It’s a pivotal ward in Tokyo connected via many transportation services including the JR Line, subway, private railways, rapid bus lines and more. Shinjuku is an absolute must-visit when sightseeing in Tokyo.
In today’s entry to “Tokyo Stroll,” Rinko Murata stopped by Ken’s Cafe Tokyo in Shinjuku, a shop specializing in Gateau au Chocolat that’s made with the best quality ingredients.
Ken’s Cafe Tokyo is very easy to get to, located just 3-minutes on foot from Exit 2 of Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
The Special Gateau au Chocolat is one of the desserts served by the shop’s owner, Kenji Ujiie. Full sales of this dessert began due to strong demand from customers for it being so delicious. The word got out and immediately led to high praise that spread far and wide, and this year, the shop is celebrating its 20th anniversary!
The Special Gateau au Chocolat comes in at ￥3,000 (tax included), with reservations in abundance up to a month. When it’s freshly cooked, the outside is crispy, and the outside is creamy like fondue chocolate, making a perfect melt-in-the-mouth combined texture!
The secret to its deliciousness is in the thoroughness to use only the best ingredients. The chocolate used in the photo is from an Italian brand called “Domori.” The founder of Domori, Gianluca Franzoni, was deeply impressed with the quality taste of the Special Gateau au Chocolat, and so personally created his first and only chocolate mix called “KEN’S” to be used at the shop.
To draw out the good flavour of the chocolate, it’s made with gluten-free chocolate. Although the flavour is rich and full-bodied, the result of the taste is that makes it simple to eat.
300 gateau chocolates are made in a single day! And because each and every one of them are handmade with the utmost care and detail, it’s difficult to make any more than this, so there’s always an abundance of reservations. But if you can’t wait and need to try one straight away, limited quantities are being specially sold at Matsuya Ginza and Tobu Department Store in Ikebukuro, so be sure to check those places out.
Rinko couldn’t control her excitement at the sweet smell of the chocolate. She took no time at all to begin tasting the Special Gateau au Chocolat.
When eaten at room temperature, it tastes like terrine chocolate. Depending on what temperature you eat it at, the taste and texture will change, so with one gateau chocolate you can enjoy trying three completely different flavours. Also, the balance between the sweetness and bitterness is fine-tuned every time. If you buy one now, the bitterness of the cocoa has increased every so slightly compared to 10 years ago.
Rinko gave it her seal of approval. “The moment I took a bite, the aroma of the cocoa hit me, and the soft texture just melted inside my mouth! The balance between the bitterness and sweetness is exquisite. This delicious chocolate hit me in the head right away. Happiness is running around inside my brain. I can’t get enough of how it feels!”
You can go back via Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station, but you should take a stroll towards Shinjuku Station instead – it’s just a 17-minute walk. Plus, Shinjuku Gyoen – Shinjuku’s imperial garden – is close by Ken’s Cafe Tokyo, so you might enjoy getting lost in your own thoughts while taking a walk through nature.
The Special Gateau au Chocolat is a perfect present for yourself or someone special. They are always waiting on orders, so if you’re interest, check out the shop’s website below and make a reservation.
■Information
Ken’s Cafe Tokyo
Address: 1-23-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3-minutes on foot from Exit 2 of “Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station” via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00
Closed: Weekends & Holidays
Website: http://www.kenscafe.jp
Model： Rinko Murata @rink0_
Rinko Murata appears in fashion magazines and is active on radio and TV. Sales of her first style book were so successful that it required extra printing during its first week. She also has a rapidly growing following across her social media profiles. As well as modelling at big fashion events, she also has her own column online at “She magazine,” and receives much attention for her work in the areas of culture and lifestyle.
Photo & Writer: Haruka Yamamoto
Editor: Sayuri Mizuno（ASOBI SYSTEM）
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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Kagurazaka is a busy district in Shinjuku ward that has been gaining more and more visitors recently. The focus of Kagurazaka is the long and continuous sloping street that runs from Iidabashi Station to Kagurazaka Station. It has a long history that begins in the Edo period and boasts a fusion of the Japanese spirit and an exotic mood. Today, we take a stroll to Kagurazaka with Rinko Murata who absolutely loves the atmosphere of the lively district.
Akagi Shrine is Tokyo’s foremost power spot. It is located just outside the first exit of Kagurazaka Station, so it might be a good idea to begin the stroll with a shrine visit.
The Must-Visit Location in Kagurazaka for Walking & Eating
When coming to Kagurazaka, the nikuman at Gojūban are a must, no ifs, ands, or buts. Look out for the red and green entrance! This place has been running since 1957, when it was established during the Showa period.
They have all kinds of delicious nikuman in their showcase to choose from, including their “Ganso Nikuman” or original nikuman, a longtime flavour that has continued to be sold there for 60 years.
You’ll have a hard time deciding what to go for. They sell a special shark fin nikuman. Only 30 are sold every day. They also have delectably addictive piri nikuman which are made using Chinese spices, as well as limited edition curry nikuman, spicy mapo flavoured nikuman, shiitake mushroom nikuman, mozzarella nikuman, and more.
Tear open the smooth and fluffy nikuman and out pours the meat juice! The best way to eat this original nikuman is definitely eating it while walking as soon as you buy it. There’s no other luxury like it – purchasing Kagurazaka’s most famous food and ambling the street.
Sitting diagonally opposite to Gojūban is Bishamonten Zenkoku Temple, the symbol of Kagurazaka, with a large red archway out front. It’s a great location to take a photo.
＜Gojūban＞
Address: 1F Oomiya Bldg, 4 Chome-3-2, Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku
Access: 7-minutes’ walk from Kagurazaka Station via Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line / 5-minutes’ walk from West Exit of JR Iidabashi Station
Business Hours: [Mon-Thurs, Sun, National Holidays] 10:00-22:00 / [Fri-Sat] 10:00-23:00
Closed: New Year’s holiday only
Telephone: 03-3260-0066
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Daikanyama is a popular little place located in a quiet residential area filled with stylish cafés and shops. It’s surrounded by big tourist areas including Shibuya, Ebisu, Nakameguro and Ikejiri-Ōhashi, so is very easily accessible. Today we head to Daikanyama with Rinko Murata-chan, a place where you can have all kinds of fun shopping, eating or simply strolling around, to visit “Coci la elle Swan,” a shop specializing in umbrellas.
“Coci la elle” – Umbrella Specialists
Coci la elle started originally stocked only one type of umbrella when it opened, a type made for protecting you from the sun. They now own a second shop in Daikanyama which opened in April this year in addition to the main shop and studio in Kiyosumi-shirakawa.
Today, we are visiting the newly-opened shop in Daikanyama, “Coci la elle2,” which goes by the name of the “swan” shop. It received this name as the number “2” looks like a swan. The closest station is Daikanyama Station via the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line. The station is only 1 stop from Shibuya and so is conveniently accessible, with Coci la elle only an 8-minute walk away from the front entrance.
Seize yourself a handmade umbrella
Coci la elle offers vibrant umbrellas in all types of colours and designs to brighten your day when those rainy days get you down. They also have umbrellas that will protect you from the blistering sun on those scorching days while also making you feel elegant at the same time.
The sun protection umbrellas are all made by hand, one by one, with their own individual designs and embroidery. The rain umbrellas are printed designs, but these are also all made by the head of the brand Chika Higashi, who makes collages out of photos and her own illustrations.
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【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling around in Harajuku which has a lot of unique spots such as popular graffiti and artistic miscellaneous stores.
Harajuku is a source of the latest unique cultures for young people in Japan. It is always full of people coming not only from Japan, but also from outside of the country throughout the year. Japanese model Rinko Murata visited the latest popular spots such as unique street art work and the curry restaurant that is known to those in the know.
To the Harajuku Tourist Center “MOSHI MOSHI BOX”
Today, we started strolling from the Harajuku Tourist Center called “MOSHI MOSHI BOX.” It is located in the cross road that is connect to Takeshita street, Meiji street, and Ura-Harajuku in Harajuku.
We asked where the popular sightseeing spots in Harajuku are to the staff in “MOSHI MOSHI BOX,” they said that the latest trend is the “street art.” It is popular among young people who post the colorful and unique pictures on social media.
Actually, the building of “MOSHI MOSHI BOX” is a great photo spot as well. It is cute and colorful monument themed a world clock designed by Sebastian Masuda.
This “MOSHI MOSHI BOX” facility is not only will tell you the recommended sightseeing spots, but it also has a Japanese souvenir store which is good for choosing a small gift for someone. They also have free Wi-Fi, electric charger, and money exchange. Check it out when you are in Harajuku.
▼Information
MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Information Center
Address：3-23-5 1F Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours：10:00AM to 6:00PM
Holiday：Open 7 days a week
The art work at the back street of Cat street
The graffiti on the wall at the back street of Cat street says “NOW IS FOREVER.” It is the public art work created by Stephen Powers from the United States, and it is a very popular spot among the instagramer outside of the country.
It is also cute taking selfies with this graffiti using a wide-angle lens or a smartphone. This wall art can make you take some good pictures that definitely will standout on your social media.
▼ information
Public art「NOW IS FOREVER」
Address：4-24 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
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【Tokyo Stroll】 The café that you want to visit to see someone #4 Cats working at Shinjuku-sanchome’s Café Arles
“Good service, a jolly owner and cute cats – this café is sure to heal you!”
I’m Ema Tanioku and today I’ll be introducing you to yet another café in Tokyo as the fourth edition of my series “The café that you want to visit to see someone”. Today I’ll be reporting about my visit to Café Arles which can be found at Shinjuku-sanchome. Ever since hearing that there were cats at this café, I’ve been set on going 〜♪♪
The café is very easy to access. To get to there, you can take the Toei Shinjuku line to Shinjuku-sanchome. From here, you can get to the café within a five-minute walk. Walking around the Shinjuku Suehirote theatre, the café soon came into sight. Somehow, I could sense the presence of cats just from the atmosphere…
There it was! The entrance to the café was decorated with many ornaments of cats and dogs. I don’ know why but I was filled with excitement before even having entered.
As soon as I entered, I immediately spotted a cat.
I was then greeted by the cat’s master who had a sweeping grin across his face and was wearing a hat with a cat broach. I could really feel his love for cats ♪♪
I took a sweeping glance over the café – cats, cats and more cats – there were so many cat-themed goods everywhere! Apart from cats goods, the master also collects clown goods and displayed everything all huddled together to decorate the café.
Although this was my first time at Café Arles, I immediately felt right at home as a warm feeling grew within me. I asked the master what got him into the café business and I was surprised by his response. It all started when the master was working at a mahjong parlour, where a person they knew asked them to start up a café.
The master then thought about the numerous paintings he had collected and how he was in search of a place to display them. The idea of choosing his own music, menu and decorating a café interior to his own taste really struck a chord with him.
There are many paintings displayed in the café. Amongst these are some by modern artist Tomomi Kondo, who made the paintings “please your master” and “cool your thighs”, which feature the kaban neko (café cats) Ishimatsu and Jirocho, who are “working hard” by lazing around.
Café Arles is fun and draws in even more fun. The atmosphere is filled with the love and enjoyment of the customers. That’s why I immediately felt so at home as soon as I entered. You can easily spend a long time here.
I asked the master what he recommends from his menu. His response? “My recommendation is what you want to eat the most!” he said wisely. I felt like eating Napolitan spaghetti and so that is what I ordered! (Price: ￥720 including tax)
It came with banana and giant corn ❤ – this excellent service made me so happy!
The gentle flavour of this homemade dish was delicious and I could really taste the Showa-retro Napolitan flavour to it. The drink, soup and salad services available gives this meal a perfect score for portion size satisfaction!
The master allowed me to take his café cat Jirocho-kun out for a walk. This was the first time I’d ever walked a cat – a new, fresh experience!
Jirocho-kun is a very calm and obedient cat, so we had a lovely stroll together. Speaking of which, Jirocho-kun loves his owner so much that he runs to meet him whenever he hears his car pull up at the shop.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the café. “I enjoyed every minute of it” explained the master happily. The master created a place where everyone can be happy and in return everyone supports him. Perhaps this cycle is the motivational force that has kept and will continue to push this café to live and thrive.
I’m glad I came to this café today and met such a special person.
I want to come here again and have another chat with the master!
■Information
Cafe Arles
Address：1st floor, 5-10-8, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Opening h0urs: 11:30 〜 22：00
Regular holidays days: Sundays, New Year’s period holiday period
Access：398 metres from Shinjuku Sanchome station (reach via Toei-Shinjuku line/ Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line
URL：https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13087540/
Model & Writer: Ema Tanioku
Profile: “Emaeri” is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies.
Instagram：@ematanioku
Photographer：Haruka Yamamoto
Editor：Ryoichi Komaba
Design:Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)
Translated by: Samantha Fernandes
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【Tokyo Stroll】The cafe that you want to visit to see someone #1 The popular cafe in Jinbo-cho called “Sabouru” that has retro interior and nostalgic food.
“Although there are many great things about chain stores, the café has their own dream.”
The café that reminds me of Showa era is somehow nostalgic and comfy inside.
I, Emma Tanioku, who love to visit the new café restaurants is going to introduce the café that will make you want to see particular person in their café.
Today, I came to Jinbo-cho that is good access from middle of Tokyo, and you don’t have to change the train line from Shibuya station.
Jinbo-cho is socially known as the town which has many secondhand bookstores, it is actually the town for gourmets as well.There are many hidden old-established restaurants in this great town.
I want to introduce this café that I was especially curious about.
“Sabouru” which you can say its representative retro cafe. It locates right there from the exit A7 in Jinbo-cho train station.This 62 years historical café has established in 1955.
In front of this café which appears to look like small mountain hut, there is a red public telephones surrounded by some flowers, plants and a totem pole.This makes me want to take a picture in front of there.This public phone is actually functional, so I heard some people are still using it.
There are floor first, semi basement and mezzanine inside. It is little dark inside, but you can still enjoy reading books.Either if you come here alone or with your friends, you can spend the relaxed time.
The miscellaneous goods that decorated inside the café were donated by customers.
Even though they are all different kinds of souvenirs from all over the world, they look like it’s coordinated perfectly.I bet the customers who are big fan of this café decide to buy the good souvenirs which are going to match with this store’s atmosphere. For your information, you can decorate your souvenirs inside the cafe even if you are not regular customer.
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Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden is a former Daimyo Garden, or imperial garden, of the early Edo period, along with the Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden. Part of the charm of the garden is the large pond in the middle which people can walk around to appreciate the serene surroundings. The garden is a diamond in the rough as it is situated in a part of Tokyo where offices are dotted everywhere. The garden itself feels cemented in history and is a popular spot visited by company workers on their break, as well as tourists. There is a quiet stillness to the garden, a place where you can even experience feeling the changing seasons. Today, we take a stroll through the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden with Saki Shibata.
A Daimyo Garden with a history deep-rooted in early Edo
The garden is a 1-minute walk from the north exit of the JR Hamamatsuchō Station, and a 3-minute walk from the B2 Exit of Daimon Station via either the Toei Asakusa Line or Toei Ōedo Line. Hamamatsuchō Station is just 17-minutes from Shibuya Station on the inner loop of the Yamamote Line, so it’s easy to get to.
General Admission to the garden is just ￥150, and ￥70 for Over-65s. Entry is free for those below elementary school grade, people residing in the city, and middle school students enrolled in the area. The scenery you will witness as you enter the garden is unique to that of such a city—a beautiful contrast between the greenery and the pond water against a backdrop of towering buildings.
A garden where you can feel nature against your skin
You can experience the true essence of Japan by seeing pine trees up close and personal. The bright green laws in summertime are fresh; the faint scent of grass will leave you feeling tranquil. You get to see the flowers dotted around Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden change with the seasons, meaning you can enjoy hanami, or flower-viewing in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
It’s a place where you can spend a relaxing time and dedicate some graceful reading time. Although it’s in the middle of Tokyo, the garden is far away from all the ruckus, so you can get nice and comfortable.
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MAISON CACAO, the company behind the aromatic raw chocolate brand of the same name, will open a store on floor B1F of JR Nagoya Takashimaya on March 3, 2021. It will be the brand’s first permanent shop in Japan’s Tokai region.
The company held a special Valentine’s event from late January to Valentine’s Day where MAISON CACAO made the second most sales. They also enjoyed other sold out products, and showcased some exclusive indulgences like the gold leaf-adorned “Aroma Raw Chocolate ARMOUR” and “Aroma Raw Chocolate STRAWBERRY” as well as the all-new “Cacao Butterland.”
The Nagoya Line-Up
Aroma Raw Chocolate AMOUR | ¥6,000 (Before Tax)
Exclusive to this new Nagoya branch of MAISON CACAO, these “AMOUR” chocolates are all handmade using techniques that have been passed down through the company. The dark chocolates are wrapped in luxurious gold leaf and have a fruity, sweet, and bitter combination. One box contains a generous serving of 16.
Cacao Butterland | ¥2,000 (Before Tax)MAISON CACAO uses cacao beans from Columbia to bake its menu. These gooey treats are made with cacao butter and chocolate caramel with a double layering of dark and white chocolate. A rich and filling serving of six comes in a box.
Aroma Raw Chocolate STRAWBERRY | ¥2,200 (Before Tax)
Also a Nagoya-exclusive, these strawberry variants are made with intensely sweet JApanese amaou strawberries white combine with the fragrance cacao butter and white chocolate for a refreshing taste. You get 16 in a single box.
But Wait, There’s More…
Raw Chocolate Butter Cake | ¥3,500
A cake made with velvety chocolate butter cream packed with roasted nuts, raisins, and caramel chips.
Rich Raw Chocolate Tart STRAWBERRY | ¥2,000
Yet another exclusive to Nagoya, these crunchy tarts are lathered in amaou strawberry chocolate and filled with runny and fruity amaou strawberry cream. A box comes with three included.
Other Popular Goodies Available While Supplies Last
Aroma Raw Chocolate MAISON (Grape) | ¥2,400 (Before Tax)
Babka | ¥2100
Raw Gateau Chocolate | ¥2500 (Before Tax)
Information
MAISON CACAO
Grand Opening: March 3, 2021
Location: JR Nagoya Takashimaya Floor B1F
Address: 1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
MAISON CACAO Official Website: https://maisoncacao.com/
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A new chocolate brand by the name of Chocola Meets has been cooked up in Japan that prioritises bean to bar chocolate made from fairtrade cocoa beans. The brand’s USP however lies in its collaboration with artists who pen work for the chocolate’s packaging.
16 art pieces created by 4 artists for the craft chocolate packaging
Chocola Meets will begin selling its tasty chocolate collection from mid-March, but for those who can’t wait, the brand launched a crowdfunding campaign on February 15 via CAMPFIRE which offers pre-sales.
Chocola Meets prides itself on its collaborative business model which provides support to participating artists by giving them a cut of sales. This includes the money made for the crowfunder as well as the proceeds made from chocolate sales.
Sasabe (Chocola Meets, Operations Officer) | Comment
“The concept for Chocola Meets is, ‘Meet My Like: Experience What it Feels Like to Find Your Likes.’ This is something we value and is the reason why Chocola Meets exists. The reason behind our collaborative business model of Art x Craft Chocolate, something which hasn’t been done before, is to continuously offer that very concept – one which holds irreplaceable value. And in order to do that, we needed something that allows the artists to continue living comfortably. So we’re giving proceeds from the chocolate to the artists which gives them an incentive to create.”
The CAMPFIRE crowdfunder offers pre-sales of the chocolates at a discounted price. There are other benefits too, like framed art by the artists, coupons, and more.
Chocola Meets successfully met their Crowdfunding goal, having raised ¥430,700 of the pledged ¥300,000 (as of February 16, 2021).
Information
Chocolate Meets Crowdfunding
Opened: February 15, 2021
Online Sales: Mid March 2021
Crowdfunding Page: https://camp-fire.jp/projects/view/371959
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Japanese confectionery company Lotte is releasing two new chocolates on March 23 that are infused with sweet and tangy fruits and sake: the “Torotto Strawberry Liqueur Chocolate” and “Torotto Citrus Liqueur Chocolate.”
The Line-Up
Torotto Strawberry Liqueur Chocolate | ¥200 (Before Tax)
This melt-in-the-mouth milk chocolate delight is laced with a sweet strawberry liqueur filling that’s sure to please the taste buds of all who love combination of chocolate and alcohol.
Torotto Citrus Liqueur Chocolate | ¥200 (Before Tax)
This one is also wrapped in velvety milk chocolate but its filling is replaced with a citrus fruit liqueur, lending a fresh, flavourful finish.
These chocolates are the perfect combination of sweet and sour fruits and Japanese sake for the coming spring season.
Information
Lotte – New Chocolates
Release Date: March 23, 2021
Lotte Official Website: https://www.lotte.co.jp/
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NewType Shinjuku, a subculture cafe and bar in Tokyo, is collaborating with Modomu Akagawara’s manga series Love Me Pom Poko! from February 6 to 28. The cute and charming world of the series arrives not only on the food and drinks menu but in the form of merchandise and decorations too. As is the case with collaboration cafes in Japan, there’s some free novelties for customers to enjoy when they purchase something from the menu too.
The Menu
©Modomu Akagawara/Hakusensha
©Modomu Akagawara/Hakusensha
Merchandise Line-Up
©Modomu Akagawara/Hakusensha
Novelty Coasters
©Modomu Akagawara/Hakusensha
Love Me Pom Poko! is not that known in the West yet, but if you happen to be in Tokyo this month, be sure to stop on by to experience the art of the series yourself.
Information
Love Me Pom Poko! Collab Cafe
Running: February 6, 2021 – February 28, 2021
Location: NewType Shinjuku
Address: Dash Bldg. 1F, 5-12-16 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: [Weekdays] 16:00-20:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 11:00-20:00
TEL: 03-5315-4799
Official Website: http://ntsnjk.tokyo/ -
The Jazz Youkan is a cute confection made from sweet adzuki red bean paste and made to look like a little piano. It’s made in Japan’s Oita Prefecture, but Tokyo residents can now enjoy this sweet treat at HARAJU Cross JAPAN MASTERY COLLECTION_est which is located on Floor B1F of WITH HARAJUKU, a shopping complex in front of Harajuku Station. It is being sold until February 14 in three flavours: Chocolat, Matcha Chocolat, and Classic.
The Jazz Youkan
The Jazz Youkan is a confectionery made by Jazz to Youkan Yufuin CREEKS, a shop in Yufu, Oita. It’s part of their concert series of sweets and pairs well with a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
Line-Up (Prices Include Tax)
Chocolat | ¥2,646
The seasonal winter Chocolat is made with sweet white bean paste, couverture chocolate, dried cherries, fig, and raisins. All the chocolates in this series are individually handmade by the shop’s chocolatiers, and this time, the classic Chocolat variant has been made even more delicious. It’s smooth, moist, and rich without being too sweet. Best enjoyed with coffee or wine.
Matcha Chocolat | ¥2,646
If you love matcha then this is the treat for you. It’s different from the normal Chocolat version of this sweet as it’s made without dried fruits. Instead, it contains large-grained adzuki beans for an irresistible texture.
Classic | ¥2,160
The Classic version is made with brown sugar from Okinawa and adzuki beans and contains dried figs soaked in wine. Another perfect pairing with coffee or wine, and the piano face shows the work of true Japanese artistry.
©冬季限定 ジャズ羊羹 chocolat
Information
Jazz Youkan
Order Window: January 16, 2021 – February 14, 2021
Orders: TEL: 03- 6384-5815 / E-mail: shop_est@japanmasterycollection.jp
Sales Window: February 7, 2021 – February 14, 2021
Where: HARAJU Cross JAPAN MASTERY COLLECTION_est
Address: 1-14-30 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 12:00-18:00
Jazz to Youkan Yufuin CREEKS Official Website: http://www.jazz-youkan.com/ -
BS TV Tokyo is celebrating Japan’s Cat Day, which falls on February 22, by opening pop-up shops at ten Book1st stores and two Marui stores which will run from February 1 to 28.
The pop-up shops will feature a feline-filled wealth of reading material and merchandise based on popular cat characters in Japan, like Tom & Jerry, Kuroro, Nanana, and more. And if you head to the Nakano branch of Book1st and visit their 2nd floor cafe “Cafe nota nova,” there’ll be some decorative cat-themed displays on show. During the pop-up shops’ openings, all who buy goods and books related to the event will receive a free folder too.
If you love cats, and are in Japan this month, then don’t miss out on this special event in the run up to Cat Day!
Information
Cat Day Pop-Up Shops
Running: February 1, 2021 – February 28, 2021Book1st Participating Branch List
Locations: Shinjuku, Nakano, Aobadai, LUMINE Kita-Senju, LUMINE Kagagoe, Mosaic Mall Kohoku, Shapo Ichikawa, Bono Sagamiono, Hankyu Nishinomiya Gardens, Ebista Nishinomiya
Running: February 1, 2021 – February 28, 2021
Marui Participating Branch List
Marui Kichijoji (February 16 – 28)
Shinjuku Marui Annex (February 22 – 28)
Event Details: https://www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/catday2021/
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The Hoppe Town area of Daimaru Tokyo is currently celebrating Valentine’s Day up to February 14 with the release of a selection of gift chocolates by six brands in collaboration with popular characters.
Pokémon Chocolate Set (Large Box) | ¥1,404 (Tax Included)
My Melody x Goncharoff Chocolates (Contains 21) | ¥2,160 (Tax Included)
Moomin x Merry Chocolate’s Hattifatteners Chocolates (Contains 11) | ¥1,188 (Tax Included)
Dick Bruna by Morozoff: Picture Book Chocolates (Contains 15) – ¥864 (Tax Included) / Miffy Pouch Chocolates (Contains 8) – ¥1,320 (Tax Included)
Chatrois Kitten Tiny Plain Chocolates | ¥783 (Tax Included)
Katanukiya Angel Panda | ¥684 (Tax Included)
Which of these cute and tasty-looking treats has caught your eye the most?
©Nintendo･Creatures･GAME FREAK･TV Tokyo･ShoPro･JR Kikaku ©Pokémon
©１９７６，２０２１ ＳＡＮＲＩＯ ＣＯ，ＬＴＤ．ＡＰＰＲＯＶＡＬ ＮＯ．Ｌ６１３３７４
©Ｍｏｏｍｉｎ Ｃｈａｒａｃｔｅｒｓ™Information
Daimaru Tokyo Valentine’s Sweets
Running: January 27, 2021 – February 14, 2021Location: Hoppe Town on Floor 1F of Daimaru Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.daimaru.co.jp/ -
THE GRAND GINZA in Tokyo is getting ready for Valentine’s Day and White Day with the revealing of its new afternoon tea menu which will be served from February 1 to March 31.
The “Pink Afternoon Tea” is a combination of succulent strawberries and fruity ruby chocolate, which is the fourth type of chocolate alongside milk, dark, and white. It includes a ruby hot chocolate for staying warm during these cold winter months, strawberry macarons, strawberries to dip in ruby chocolate, strawberry quiche curry, and other unique items for a mix of sweet and savoury. There’s also a strawberry mille-fuille made with a recipe by Ginza’s famous French restaurant Maxim’s de Paris.
There are also 18 drinks to choose from including 13 types of teas from TWG. It’s a must-visit for Valentine’s Day.
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Pink Afternoon Tea
Serving: February 1, 2021 – March 31, 2021
Where: THE GRAND LOUNGE
Address: GINZA SIX Floor 13F, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Reservations: http://www.grandginza.com/news/news-1357/
TEL: 03-6263-9740
THE GRAND GINZA: https://www.grandginza.com/ -
Sankt Gallen Brewery has announced the release of a new drinking set which includes its chocolate-flavoured beer “Imperial Chocolate Stout” and a special glass for drinking it out of. The brewery, which is located in Atsugi, Kanagawa, will launch it as a limited-edition release on February 1, 2021 with just 800 sets available.
Imperial Chocolate Stout ¥600 | Le Lectier Chocolate Stout 2021 Edition Flavour ¥500 | Orange Chocolate Stout ¥500 | Sweet Vanilla Stout Valentine Label ¥460 (All Prices Pre-Tax)
Chocolate Glass
Chocolate Glass Set
The Imperial Chocolate Stout isn’t made with cacao or the chocolate used in sweets. It’s in fact made with “chocolate malt,” a raw beer ingredient roasted at a high temperature which draws out its chocolaty flavour. Although the beer uses almost 30% more of this raw ingredient than regular beer, only about half the amount is brewed from a single distilling compared to regular beer, which gives the beverage a distinct jet black colouring. The bubbles on top make it almost like a chocolate shake.
Other drinks in this series include the Le Lectier Chocolate Stout which arrives this year in a limited-edition 2021 flavour. It’s made with the Le Lectier, a rare type of pear that is difficult to grow. The Orange Chocolate Stout is made with thinly sliced bitter orange peel, the kind that’s used in marmalade, of which half is boiled to intensify its citrusy notes. It’s inspired by the classic French confection that coats orange peel in chocolate. Finally, the Sweet Vanilla Stout comes in a Valentine’s Day label for 2021. This beer, which is richly black like an espresso, is laced with vanilla, bringing with it a sweet fragrance and vanilla chocolate aftertaste.
These chocolate beers themselves go perfectly with some actual chocolate, and so Sankt Gallen Brewery teamed up with the Japanese patissier Tadashi Yanagi to create a glass made of chocolate to drink the beer from.
Which of these beverages has your mouth watering the most?
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Sankt Gallen Brewery Chocolate Beer & Chocolate Glass Set
Release Date: February 1, 2021
Stock: 800
Product Info: https://www.sanktgallenbrewery.com/valentine/chocoglass/
Official Website: https://www.sanktgallenbrewery.com/ -
Hotel Metropolitan Edmont, a hotel situated in Chiyoda, Tokyo, will celebrate Valentine’s Day with an angelic line-up of sweet treats that will be sold from February 1 to 14.
The Chocolates
Truffle au Chocolat – Box of 4: ¥1,200 (Before Tax) / Box of 6: ¥1,800 (Before Tax) / Box of 10: ¥3,000 (Before Tax)
Indulge in a luscious assortment of four chocolates: the citrus-filled ‘Grand Marnier,’ the slightly bitter ‘Rum,’ the full-bodied and tangy ‘Raspberry,’ and the Uji-matcha packed ‘Matcha.’
Orangette (Contains 15) | ¥2,000 (Before Tax)
If you love chocolate combined with fruit, then the Orangette will be your poison, filled with fresh and bitter orange peel and coated in chocolate. It has a distinct refreshing fragrance to it which expands across the taste buds with every bite.
Raisin Chocolat | ¥1,200 (Before Tax)
Love rich, full-bodied flavour? These raisins are soaked in French Sauternes wine and covered in dark chocolate. Their fruity flavour makes them a perfect accompaniment to a glass of whisky or bourbon.
The Cakes & Pastries
Eme | ¥600
A perfect pick for Valentine’s Day: a heart-shaped mousse containing rich, velvety chocolate that’s jam-packed with fresh raspberry jelly.
Brioche Chocolat | ¥260
Enjoy taking a bite out of this brioche made from butter and egg that’s laced with custard cream and chocolate.
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Edmont Valentine’s Collection 2021
Running: February 1, 2021 – February 14, 2021
Where Patisserie Edmont (Hotel Metropolitan Edmont East Wing Floor 1F)
Serving Times: Chocolates @ 8:00-19:00 / Cakes & Pastries @ 10:00-19:00
TEL: 03-3237-1111 (Patisserie Edmont)
Official Website: https://edmont.metropolitan.jp/restaurant/list/patisserie_edmont/patisserie/Valentine2021.html -
Peninsula Merchandising Limited is set to capture hearts this Valentine’s Day with the announcement of a desiring new collection of chocolates which will be served at two branches of The Peninsula Boutique & Café in Shin-Marunouchi Building and Isetan Shinjuku from February 1.
Sweetheart | ¥3,400 (Before Tax)
Macarons (6 Included) | ¥2,860 (Before Tax)
Truffle Truffle | ¥1,500 (Before Tax)
Strawberry Bear Ruby Chocolate Bar | ¥1,750 (Before Tax)
Eponge | ¥560 (Before Tax)
Croquembouche | ¥720 (Before Tax)
Rose Rouge | ¥1,500 (Before Tax)
Love Lock Key Ring | ¥5,000 (Before Tax)
The romantic line-up features an assortment of lovingly-crafted confections, from ruby chocolate to colourful macarons, a rose-topped chocolate, and more—all available for the season of love. The boutique cafes will also sell a special heart-shaped key ring for lovers to express to their special someone that they complete them.
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The Peninsula Boutique & Café – Valentine’s Collection
Running: February 1, 2021 – March 14, 2021Locations: The Peninsula Boutique & Café Shinmaru / The Peninsula Boutique & Café Isetan Shinjuku
Shinmaru Branch: https://www.peninsula.com/ja/tokyo/hotel-fine-dining/the-peninsula-boutique-cafe-shinmaru
Isetan Shinjuku Branch: https://www.peninsula.com/ja/tokyo/hotel-fine-dining/the-peninsula-boutique-cafe-isetan -
Japanese confectionery company Lotte is joining white gloves with Mickey and Minnie Mouse to collaborate on their popular chocolatey Choco Pie treats. The tie-up will roll out in Japan from January 26.
Lotte Choco Pie Heartful W Strawberry
Lotte Choco Pie Heartful W Chocolate
Try and find the Mickey head on the packaging
Get your hands on one of 10 packaging designs
Line up these two to make it look like Mickey and Minnie kissing
Handmade Choco Pie Art
This marks Choco Pie’s first collaboration with Disney’s characters with Mickey and Minnie appearing in ten different designs. Each design has a hidden Mickey head to find (like in Kingdom Hearts III). Lotte is has also showcased some unique designs you can make for Valentine’s Day with the Choco Pies, so get creative!
ⓒDisney
Information
Lotte Choco Pie Mickey & Minnie Design
Release Date: January 26, 2021
Official Website: https://www.lotte.co.jp/
