Cherry Blossom Inspired Food & Drink in Japan: Spring 2018 – Part Two

04.March.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD

Spring can already be seen on our calendars, but it’s sure still chilly, isn’t it?

Today, we’re taking another look at cute spring-inspired sweets which can’t wait for the Hanami season.

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Patisserie Kihachi
Patisserie Kihachi will sell all kinds of cherry blossom sweets at select branches in Japan starting February 28th for a limited period. Look forward to tucking into some kawaii springtime delights such as their “Mont Blanct Sakura” that has a faint smell of cherry blossoms, and the cherry blossom leaf inspired “Verrine Sakura.”

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/90609

 

■Information
Patisserie Kihachi
Website: http://www.kihachi.jp/patisserie/

 

 

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Pie Face
Pie Face is a pie shop that originates from Australia. Stores in Japan are set to release two new items: the “Mochi Mochi Warabi Mochi” and “Funwari Sakura Latte.” The former comes in the shop’s signature pie face pie with a cherry blossom flavour, while the latte is topped with cherry blossom flakes, evoking the call of spring.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88796

 

■Information
Happy Spring Pie Face (Japan only)
Mochi Mochi Warabi Mochi (¥345) – Available from 1 February 2018
Funwari Sakura Latte (¥421) – Available from 1 February 2018 to early April
*New products are limited in stock apart from the “Sakura Latte.”
*Above prices include tax.
Branches: Pie Face Shibuya MODI / Maihama Ikspiari / Ekimaru Osaka

Website: http://www.duskin.co.jp/service/pieface/

 

 

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Starbucks Coffee
Starbucks chains in Japan are currently selling cherry blossom flavoured coffee and beverages as well their ‘sakura season’ tumblers and mugs that are popular every year. There are 3 drinks to look forward to sipping, all inspired by cherry blossoms: a latte, frappuchino and tea! The secret ingredient added to the drinks are sake lees, making them very elegant drinks indeed.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/90669

 

■Information
“Sakura Strawberry Pink Mochi Frappuccino®”
Tall 580 yen (other sizes are not available)

“Sakura Strawberry Pink Milk Latte”
Short ¥430 / Tall ¥470 / Grande ¥510 / Venti® ¥550

“Sakura Strawberry Pink Tea”
Short ¥430 / Tall ¥470 / Grande ¥510 / Venti® ¥550
*Prices above do not include tax.

Available: 15 February 2018 – 14 March 2018
Available at select Starbucks chains across Japan.
*Limited supply.

Website: http://www.starbucks.co.jp

 

 

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YOKU MOKU Aoyhama Honten BLUE BRICK LOUNGE
Yoku Moku’s line-up features crème brûlée, a cake and a tea set that include cherry blossom and strawberry toppings to excite the mood of spring. These sweets are sure to tickle the fancy of girls.

 

■Information
YOKU MOKU Aoyhama Honten BLUE BRICK LOUNGE
Available: 20 February 2018 – 19 April 2018

Sakura Crème Brûlée
Price: ¥1,300円 (w/ tax ¥1,404)

Blue Brick Tea Set
Price: ¥2,400 for one person (w/ tax ¥2,592)

Sakura
Price: ¥580 (Shop) / ¥680 (Lounge)
With Tax: ¥626 (Shop) / ¥734 (Lounge)

YOKU MOKU Aoyhama Honten
Address: 5-3-3 Minamiaoyama, Minato, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5485-3330 (SHOP) / 03-5485-3340 (LOUNGE)
Opening Hours: SHOP 10:00-19:00 / BLUE BRICK LOUNGE 10:00-23:00 (Sundays & Holidays 10:00-19:00)
Website:  https://www.yokumoku.co.jp/

 

 

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Afternoon Tea
The theme of the new spring menu coming to Afternoon Tea is “Once Upon A Spring Day.” Available from March 6th, the menu includes a range of sweets, drinks and merchandise, such as a cherry blossom parfait filled with rice flour dumplings and syrup-covered anko, and a Hanami inspired tea set.”

 

■Information
Afternoon Tea TEAROOM/BAKERY/Love&Table/TEASTAND
Available: 6 March 2018 – 28 March 2018 *”Flower version” available early from 1 March.
Spring Menu Details: https://www.afternoon-tea.net/article/seasonal-menu/spring-menu-180221/

 

 

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Gin no Budo
Located in Ginza, Tokyo, Gin no Budo has a long history. Their longtime spring seller “Ooki na Sakura no Hanabira no Pai” will be available this year too. They are crunchy pies shaped like big cherry blossom leaves. They smell buttery and are coated with shiny pink sugar and sprinkled with shredded cherry blossom leaves. Enjoy their crunchy, fried texture.

 

■Information
Sakura Pai
Price: ¥500 for 6 (w/ tax ¥540) / ¥1,000 for 12 (w/ tax ¥1,080) / ¥1,500 for 18 (w/ tax ¥1,620)
Available: 8 February 2018 to early April
*Sets of 6 and 12 are also sold specially during New Year’s for a limited period.
Sold at Gin no Budo stores across Japan (and select sister stores).

Official Online Shop: http://www.paqtomog.com
Official Homepage: http://www.ginnobudo.jp/

 

Did you like this list? Get a taste of spring early with these cherry blossom inspired foods and drinks!

 

RECOMMENDED ENTRIES

  • Cherry Blossom Inspired Food & Drink in Japan: Spring 2018 Edition

    02.February.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD

    As the cold winter continues to freeze forward, we’re all waiting in anticipation for spring’s warmth to break through. Did you know, there are places in Japan where the cherry blossoms bloom as early as the end of January? Keep that in mind as we introduce you to some cherry blossom inspired food and drink hitting Japan very soon.

     

    “Cherry Blossom Drink” – Lindt

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    Lindt is an established premium chocolate brand from Switzerland founded in 1845 loved all over the world. The company will release some limited edition, early-springtime items including the “Lindt White Chocolate Sakura Ice Drink” and the “Lindt Delice Sakura” on February 16th. Enjoy this refreshing cherry blossom drink and feel the vibe of spring early.

     

    Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88257

     

    ◼︎Information

    Lindt White Chocolate Sakura Ice Drink

    Available: Lindt Chocolate Cafés throughout Japan

    Date: February 16, 2018 – April 1, 2018 (*limited stock available)
    Price: Ginza Branch – Eat-In (served in a glass) – ¥1,388 / Other Branches – Take Out – ¥772

    (The Jiyugaoka branch also offers an eat-in option)

     

    Lindt Delice Sakura

    Available: Lindt Chocolate Café except stores in outlets

    Date: February 16, 2018 – April 1, 2018 (*limited stock available)

    Price: 1 Piece – ¥302 yen

     

    Lindt Delice Set

    Available stores: Lindt Chocolate Café except at Ginza stores and outlet stores

    Date: February 16, 2018 – April 1, 2018 (*limited stock available)

    Price: ¥1,080-¥1,296 (includes one drink and two delices of your choice)

     

    *all prices include tax

     

    Lindt Japan: http://www.lindt.jp/

     

     

    “Sakura Mini Bon” – Cinnabon

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    Cinnamon roll specialist store “Cinnabon” are selling a limited edition cherry blossom flavoured cinnamon roll, the “Sakura Mini Bon,” from February 1st to March 31st. The roll is topped with a gracious amounts of cherry blossom flavoured cream cheese frosting and a crunchy decoration. Enjoy an exquisite balance of subtle cherry blossom and specially made cinnamon.

     

    Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88270

     

    ◼︎Information

    Sakura Mini Bon

    Available: February 1, 2018 – March 31, 2018

     

    Prices / Available Branches:

    Sakura Mini Bon (1 roll) – ¥390

    Branches: Roppongi / Futakotamagawa Rise S.C. / COCOON CITY/ atre Kichijoji

     

    Sakura Mini Bon (3 rolls) – ¥1,170

    Sakura Mini Bon Combo (6 rolls) – ¥1,850  (includes 3 “Sakura Mini Bon” and 3 “Mini Bon”)

    Branches: Roppongi Store / Futakotamagawa Rise S.C. / COCOON CITY

     

    Sakura Mini Bon Combo (3 rolls) – ¥1,100 yen (includes 2 “Sakura Mini Bon” and 1 “Mini Bon”)

    Branches: Tokyo Station / atre Kichijoji

     

    Official Website: http://www.cinnabon-jp.com/

     

     

    “Spring Coloured Veggie Pota Soba” – Cafe & Bar BW CAFE

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    SOBA (buckwheat noodles) CAFE & BARU BW CAFE which sells original soba dishes serve up their new menu “Haruiro Vege Pota Tsuke Soba” from February 1st. Their new menu “Haruiro Vege Pota Tsuke Soba” uses lots vegetables such as fresh potatoes and corn and one can eat soba with a warm dipping soup that tastes like potage. The dipping soup and ground vegetables go well with soba since it uses a Japanese-style broth. Also, the baked cheese used as a topping adds a mildness and special aroma to the dish. Enjoy this pink-coloured soba that brings to mind cherry blossoms.

     

    Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/87477

     

    ■Information

    SOBA CAFE & BARU BWCAFE

    Address: 2-7-5 Okubo, Shinjukuku, Tokyo

    Opening Hours: 11:30-23:00 (last orders 22:00)

    Closed: Sundays

    Contact: 03-6278-9658

    Webpage: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13177140/

     

    Haruiro Vege Pota Tsuke Soba

    Price: ¥850 yen (tax incl.)

     

     

    “Matcha Milk Sakura Flavour” – Tsujiri

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    CAFE & BARU BW CAFETsujiri Online Shop will sell a seasonally limited product of an established store in Kyoto, Tsujiri’s “Tsujiri Matcha Milk – Sakura Flavor” with only a limited supply. “Tsujiri Matcha Milk -Sakura Flavor,” is a matcha milk which has the scent of cherry blossoms and the soft flavors of Ujimatcha and milk. It is a seasonally limited flavor which uses matcha from “Tsujiri,” an established store in Uji, Kyoto. The tea masters of Tsujiri selected the Uji Matcha that goes well with milk by blending two kinds of matcha to draw out the flavor of matcha. A cherry blossom leaf powder produced in Japan is added to the soft flavor of milk to give the product its cherry blossoms flavour.

     

    Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/84872

     

    ◼︎Information
    Tsujiri Matcha Milk – Sakura Flavor

    Released: January 1, 2018 (limited stock available)

    Price: ¥513 (tax included)

    Homepage: http://kataoka-online.jp/nr-sakura

     

     

    “Spring Bouquet Salad Set” – BOTANIST café

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    “BOTANIST Tokyo,” the flagship store in Omotesando, is serving a spring themed menu on the 2nd floor “BOTANIST café” from February 1st to March 31st. The “Spring Bouquet Salad Set” uses lots of fruit and vegetables reminiscent of springtime to look like a botanical bouquet. They’re selling a range of other foods and sweets too which taste great and are fun to look at. Everything on the menu is available for this spring only!

     

    ■Information

    BOTANIST Tokyo

    Address: BONTANIST Tokyo 1F & 2F, 6-29-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

    Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00

    No fixed holidays.

    Homepage:  http://botanistofficial.com/

     

    Feel the warm breeze of spring early with these cherry blossom inspired foods and drinks.

  • “Hinamatsuri” festival is coming soon. 7 recommended food and drinks for this year’s festival!

    22.February.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD

    Hinamatsuri is a festival in Japan which is held on the 3rd of March to wish for the health and happiness of a girl child and each house displays a set of Hina Dolls on the 3rd of March. Hina dolls (girl-dolls called Onnabina and boy-dolls called Otokobina) are displayed in each home.

     

    In this article, I will introduce to you some food and drinks that match the Hinamatsuri festival.

    ‘スヌーピー’ひなだんかざり

     

    “’Snoopy’ Hinadan Kazari” 31 Ice Cream (Baskin Robbins)

    Baskin Robbins in Japan are holding an event titled “Girls Festival 2018” from February 15th to March 3rd, the day of Hinamatsuri. This year, Baskin Robbins are introducing the cute character Snoopy onto hinadan – doll stands for hina dolls. Each ice cream is topped with sugary faces of Snoopy and Belle to represent a male doll and female doll respectively. There are also three chocolate Woodstock designs. Celebrate a fun and exciting Hinamatsuri with your family!

     

    Detailed information:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/91474

     

    ■Information

    Snoopy Hinadan Kazari

    Price: ¥1,740 (tax included) -price may vary between shops

    Running: February 15, 2018 – March 3, 2018

    *Product sales will be discontinued once all are sold out

    Baskin Robbins Japan: https://www.31ice.co.jp

     

     

    ひなロール

    “Hina Roll” Takarazuka Hotel

    Takarazuka Hotel will sell “Hinamatsuri Cake” which decorates the Hinamatsuri season gorgeously for three days from the 1st of March 2018 (Thurs.) at “Lobby Shop” (1F) of the East Building. Two varieties are available – “Onnabina” using strawberry cream and “Otokobina” using chocolate cream and strawberries. Let’s enjoy Hinamatsuri by eating this hotel’s cake.

     

    ■Information

     

    Product name: Hina Roll / (1) Onnabina / (2) Otokobina

    Available period: 2018/03/01 (Thurs.) to 2018/03/03 (Sat.)

    Price: 400 yen each / pair – 750 yen

     

    Available store: Takarazuka Hotel East Building 1F “Lobby Shop”

    Address: 1-46, Umenocho, Takarazukashi, Hyogoshi

    Business hours: 8:00 to 21:00 (cakes will be sold from 9:00)

    Reservation/contact: 0797-85-2615 (direct)

    URL:https://www.hankyu-hotel.com/hotel/hh/takarazuka/

     

    サクラサク

    “Sakurasaku” Furumachi Koji Seizojo

    The koji (rice malt) amazake (sweet fermented rice drink) specialized store, “Furumachi Koji Seizojo” will sell a renewed version of the spring-limited amazake “Sakurasaku” (the quantity of the product has been increased from 300ml to 500ml) to meet their customers’ demands. This koji amazake has a cherry blossom leaf taste like sakuramochi (cherry blossom flavored mochi with bean jam inside).

     

    ■Information

     

    Price: 1,296 yen (tax included)

    Content: 500ml

    Ingredients: rice (made in Japan), rice koji (made in Japan), cherry blossom leaf-paste, red koji’s color matter

    Available stores: “Furumachi Koji Seizojo” official online shopping site

    “Furumachi Koji Seizojo” Furumachi main store / Kurazashiki Store

    Official online shopping site: http://www.furumachi-kouji.net/

     

     

    雛ちらし寿司

    “Hina Chirashizushi” Washoku Mendokoro Sagami

    Washoku Mendokoro (Japanese noodle restaurant) Sagami will sell Hina Chirashizushi (scattered sushi) as a Hinamatsuri limited menu from the 1st of March to the 3rd of March. The menu includes vinegar rice, snow crab, tuna, salmon, a thick omelet, cherry blossom denbu (pink fish flossed) and shrimp. It is a custom in Japan to eat chirashizushi when the Hinamatsuri festival is held. Japanese people eat this dish with the wish that their children will not go hungry in the future and it is thought that shrimp extends longevity.

     

    ■Information

     

    Available period: 2018/03/01 to 03/03

    Available restaurant: Washoku Mendokoro Sagami (128 restaurants)

    Prices:

    Nameko Soba to Chirashi Wappa Meshi – 1,390 yen + tax

    Hina Chirashizuhi (for two to three persons) – 1,200 yen + tax

    Take-out Chirashizushi (for two to three persons) – 1,200 yen + tax

     

    URL:http://www.sagami.co.jp/

     

     

     ひな祭りケーキ

    “Hinamatsuri cakes.” An online shopping site specializing in cakes Cake.jp

    The online shopping site specializing in cake “Cake.jp” started selling Hinamatsuri cakes from the 15th of February. Many cute cakes that have decorations of Hina Dolls will be sold including cute standard round-shape cakes and diamond/fan-shaped cakes. The cakes they sell are suitable to be bought as a gift since they can be shipped.

     

    ■Information

     

    Release Date: 02/15 (Mon.) to 03/05 (Mon.)

    Hinamatsuri Cake 2018:

    https://cake.jp/category/%E3%81%B2%E3%81%AA%E7%A5%AD%E3%82%8A%E3%82%B1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AD/

     

    Cake.jpサイト:https://cake.jp/

     

     

    ディズニーガールズコレクション

    “Disney Girls Collection” Ginza Cozy Corner

    Ginza Cozy Corner will sell small cake sets using the designs of Disney characters from the 15th of February 2018 to the 3rd of March. “Disney Girls Collection” is a box that includes cakes using the motifs of “Minnie Mouse,” “Alice,” “Tinker Bell,” “Disney Marry,” “Miss Bunny,” “Lady” and “Clarice” and each piece has a different taste.

     

    ■Information

     

    Price: 2,100 yen (tax included price – 2,268 yen)

    Available period: 2018/02/15 to 03/03

    Ginza Cozy Corner official site: http://www.cozycorner.co.jp/index.html

     

     

    ひなまつりMIX

    “Hinamatsuri MIX” papabubble

    The “art candy” shop from Spain, Barcelona “papabubble” will sell “Hinamatsuri MIX” from the 10th of February 2018 (Sat.) to the 4th of March (Sun.). Five cute patterns including a peach flower pattern, sakuramochi pattern and bonbori (paper lantern) will be sold and a very popular apricot peach flavor will be added.

     

    ■Information

     

    Prices:BAG40g/580 yen、 JAR(S)50g/800 yen、JAR(M)170g/2300 yen ※全tax included

    Available period:2018/02/10(Sat.)~03/04(Sun.)

    Available stores:PAPABUBBLE stores – Nakano Store, Shibuya Store, GINZA SIX Store, Yokohama Store, Daimaru Tokyo Store, Lumine est Shinjuku Store, LUCUA Osaka Store, Osaka Funabashi Store, Fukuoka Tenjin Chikagai Store, Sendai Parco 2 Store, Chiba Sogo JUNNU Store

     

    URL:http://www.papabubble.jp/

     

     

     アビエント

    “Hinamatsuri Image no Gentei Lunch Menu” Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

    Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu will sell limited lunch menu items using the motif of Hinamatsuri at the Japanese cuisine restaurant, “Shunsai” and “A bientot” located on the 25th floor from the 1st of February 2018 (Thurs.) to the 3rd of March (Sat.). Original chirashizushi, clam, hishimochi (star-shaped rice cake) and arare (cubic rice crackers) which bring luck will be served. Let’s enjoy eating the special menu items while viewing the view of Tokyo from the floor 100 meters, above ground.

     

    ■Information

     

    Date: 2018/02/01 (Thurs.) to 03/03 (Sat.)

    Time: 11:30 to 15:00 (L.O. 14:00)

    Venue: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu 25F

    Address: Shibuya Mark City, 1-12-2, Dogenzaka, Shibuyaku, Tokyo

     

    Official website

    Hinamatsuri Gozen

    https://www.shibuya-e.tokyuhotels.co.jp/ja/restaurant/shop02/plan/1416096379771.html

     

    Hinamatsuri Lunch

    https://www.shibuya-e.tokyuhotels.co.jp/ja/restaurant/shop01/plan/1416096399805.html

     

     

    Why not celebrate Hinamatsuri with you family.

  • Experience Tokyo’s Illuminated Cherry Blossoms at Night: 7 Recommended Spots

    09.February.2018 | Uncategorized

    Japan’s cherry blossom season is almost here! While it’s most definitely a beautiful sight to see the flowers during the day, we also recommend making a trip to see them at nighttime too.

     

    Here’s a list of 7 spots you should stop by in Tokyo to see the illuminated cherry blossoms this year.

     

    Chidorigafuchi Moat

    kiyotakaさん(@kiyotakakubo)がシェアした投稿

    Chidorigafuchi is known as one of the best locations to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo. When the Yoshino Cherry trees are in full bloom along the grand moat, many people turn up to see the spectacle whether it’s a weekday or weekend. You can rent a boat and sail along the moat while gazing at spring’s awakening.

     

    ■Information

    Address: 2 Kudanminami, Chiyoda, Tokyo

    Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Time: End of March – Beginning of April

    Illumination Time: Sunset (around 6pm) to 10pm *subject to change or cancellation in case of bad weather

     

     

    Rikugien Garden

    The lush Rikugien Garden is a 7-minute walk from Komagome Station. It’s a typical example of a garden from the Edo period where the daimyo lords would stroll, and is famous for its Shidarezakura, or “Cheal’s Weeping Cherry” trees. There is a tea house in the garden where you can enjoy snacking on traditional Japanese wagashi and drinking tea. The Bunkyo Green Court and other commercial facilities also neighbour the garden, making it a fun day out for the family.

     

    ■Information

    Address: 6 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

    Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Time: Middle of March – Beginning of April

    Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index031.html

     

    Rikugien Garden “Shidarezakura & Daimyo Garden Illuminations”

    Running: March 16th to April 6th
    Time: 9:00-21:00  (illuminations from sunset onwards)
    *The park closing time is extended to 21:00 for the event.

    *For safety reasons, entry will be limited from 16:30 onwards.

     

     

    Meguro River

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    Meguro River is a famous cherry blossom location in Tokyo, where cherry blossom trees line almost 4km along the river. Simply take a stroll and take in scene, and take some photos at the hugely popular photo spot along the bridge.

     

    ■Information

    Address: 3-1 Higashiyama to 2-9 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

    Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Time: End of March – Beginning of April

    Illumination Time: Sunset – 21:00

     

     

    Ueno Park

    Ueno Park is just 2-minutes on foot from Ueno Station. As well as having an art gallery, museum, and zoo, Ueno Park is one of the most popular cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, with both locals and tourists gathering to soak up the mesmerizing foliage.

     

    ■Information

    Address: 3 Ikenohata, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo

    Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Time: End of March – Beginning of April

    Illumination Time: 17:30-20:00 (March 18th – April 9th scheduled – will begin from the day on which the park’s full bloom is announced)

     

     

    Tokyo Midtown

    head lococoさん(@kololon0426)がシェアした投稿

    Head on over to Toshimaen, an amusement park, for a fun day out and stay after-hours to experience their "Sakura Nights" where a fantastic display of 500 cherry blossom trees will be lit up from sundown. Enjoy a hanami where the cherry blossoms turn even more enchanting at night. Immerse yourself in the experience even more by snuggling under a kotatsu with the park's "Enkai Plan."

     

    ■Information

    Address: 3-25-1 Koyama, Nerima-ku, Tokyo

    Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Time: End of March - Beginning of April

    Illumination Time: Sunset to 20:00 (March 24th - April 5th)

    Website: http://www.toshimaen.co.jp

     

     

    Yaesu Sakura-dori, Nihonbashi

    arisaさん(@aririichan)がシェアした投稿 -

    Spanning the length from Tokyo Station's Yaesu North Exit to Kayabacho are 150 cherry blossom trees. The area from Sotobo-dori to Showa-dori will become pedestrian paradise as it will be lit up once night falls. Whether you roll up during the day or at night, you'll get your fill of springtime while you're in the center of Tokyo metropolis. What's better is that you can walk there from Tokyo Station.

     

    ■Information

    Address: 1 Chome Yaesu / 2 Chome & 3 Chome Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

    Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Time: End of March - Beginning of April

    Illumination Time: 17:00-23:00 (end of March - April 9th)

     

     

    Did any of these cherry blossom spots peak your interest? Make sure you get to experience multiple illuminated locations if you're in Tokyo this spring.

     

  • Seven “experience spring” plans of “Hoshinoya” throughout Japan

    29.January.2018 | FEATURES / SPOT

    Hoshino Resort is an accommodation brand which has more than 30 accommodations throughout Japan including “onsen” accommodations called, “Kai,” resort hotels called, “Resonale,” and Japanse-style resort hotels called “Hoshinoya.” In this article, I will introduce to you some experience-based plans to enjoy the spring season produced by “Hoshinoya.”

     

    Hoshinoya Karuizawa “Datsu Digital Taizai 2018”

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    “Hoshinoya Karuizawa” located it Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa will hold a three-day and two-night program of enjoying the nature in Karuizawa without carrying any digital gadgets called “Datsu Digital Taizai 2018” from the 1st of March, 2018 to the 20th of July. Most people in this modern age are using PCs and smartphones daily and some of them are building up stress inside their mind. This program offers an experience of enjoying the nature of Karuizawa and playing with horses so as to release the stress of the participators.

     

    Detailed information:

    https://hoshinoya.com/karuizawa/experience/datsudigital-2018/

     

     

     

    Hoshinoya Tokyo “Tokyo / Yozakura Fune Asobi”

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    “Hoshinoya Tokyo” will hold an activity titled, “Tokyo Yozakura Fune Asobi” where participators can enjoy the night view of cherry blossoms while riding on a boat and going on a night cruise from the 25th of March to  the 10th of April. The boat will depart from Nihonbashi (bridge) which is 5 minutes by car from Hoshinoya Tokyo and pass Sumida River, Tajima Coast and Oyokogawa where they can view beautiful cherry blossoms. This is a 60- minute boat tour. The contrast between cherry blossoms and the night view of Tokyo is magical and superb. Also, participators can wear light-colored clothes and do up their hair. Let’s enjoy the night view and the cherry blossoms viewed from a boat while eating a bento box-lunch of “Shin Kaika” and drinking nihonsyu (Japanese sake).

     

    Detailed information:https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/

    Detailed information:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/86754

     

     

     

    Hoshinoya Fuji “Haru no Syuryoniku Dinner”

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    “Hoshinoya Fuji” located in Yamanashi Prefecture will offer “Haru no Syuryoniku Dinner” which is an experience based on a “Dutch-oven dinner” course from the 16th of March 2018 to the 30th of June. This dinner is a spring version of the dinner course that uses “venison” and “brawn” and other spring ingredients. The course is very healthy since it uses lots of wild vegetables and spring vegetables.

     

    Detailed information:https://hoshinoya.com/fuji/dining/

     

     

     

    Hoshinoya Kyoto “Takeno Yusan”

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    “Hoshinoya Kyoto,” an accommodation located in Arashiyama, Kyoto with a beautiful river-view, will hold a program called, “Takenoko Yusan” where you can harvest takenokos (bamboo sprouts), then learn how to cook them and eat them from the 25th of March 2018 to the 15th of April. In this program, you can enjoy harvesting takenokos in mountain bamboo groves where you cannot normally enter. After harvesting takenokos, you can enjoy eating dishes using the takenokos you harvested at your evening meal at Hoshinoya Kyoto. Then, on the next day, you can participate in the workshop held by the head chef of Hoshinoya Kyoto and learn how to cook takenoko. It is a program where you can enjoy learning about the harvesting of takenoko which is a standard ingredient of Kyoto cuisine.

     

    Detailed information:https://hoshinoya.com/kyoto/experience/takenoko/

     

     

     

    Hoshinoya Kyoto “Okuarashiyama no Hanami Toryu”

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    This is also a program offered by Hoshinoya Kyoto. Four cherry-blossom viewing activities will be held from the 25th of March 2018 to the 15th  of April. You can enjoy the view of Okuarashiyama by participating in the event called, “Harutsuyu no Noyusan,” an early-morning hiking where you can enjoy the view of Okuarashiyama from the observation deck, “Sakurabune” where you can enjoy the view of cherry blossoms while riding on a boat, “Sakura Chakai” where you can enjoy a tea party in front of Yamazakura and “Yozakura Dinner” where you can enjoy eating dinner in front of the lit up cherry blossoms of Okuarashiyama.

     

    Detailed information:https://hoshinoya.com/kyoto/

     

     

     

    Hoshinoya Kyoto “Mizube no Kojitsu / Haru”

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    They will hold an accomodation-based spa program “Mizube no Kojitsu / Haru” from the 1st of March 2018 to the 31st of May. “Mizube no Kojitsu” is a two-day and one-night personal spa program” based on Eastern medicine. Also, this program includes another program of learning how to make healthy Japanese desserts from artisans. Moreover, they will offer a time where the  participants can refresh their body and mind by offering herb roots/tree bark teas, acupuncture treatment and a lecture on body exercise.

     

    Detailed information:http://hoshinoyakyoto.jp/#/spa/spa01

     

     

     

    Hoshinoya Taketomijima “Iriomote Jungle Butler / Haru”

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    “Hoshinoya Taketomijima” located on Taketom Island, Okinawa will hold an activity tour which a jungle guide of Iriomote Island (a person who knows well about the island” will guide the participants around the island. The content and schedule of the tour can be decided at will with the jungle guide. You can experience the tropical jungle of Iriomote Island while staying at Taketomi Island where the traditional culture of Okinawa still remains such as red tile, shiisa (lion shaped monuments) and white sand roads.

     

    Detailed information:https://hoshinoya.com/taketomijima/

     

     

     

    Let’s enjoy the gorgeous accommodation plans of Hoshino Resort.

     

     

    ■Information

    Hoshino Resort:http://www.hoshinoresort.com/

     

  • Japanese Hanami Reference Guide: 2018 Edition

    27.January.2018 | FEATURES / SPOT

    Wintertime closure draws close, and soon the cherry blossoms (sakura in Japanese) will be in full bloom in Japan.

     

    Today, we will take a look at last year’s regional data for Japan’s cherry blossom front.

    *Source: Japan Meteorological Agency

     

    bradbury3404さん(@bradbury3404)がシェアした投稿


    Visit Okinawa to see the cherry blossoms bloom early from January
    Okinawa’s cherry blossom season runs from January through February. The hikanzakura flower is one different from the Japan’s mainland cherry blossom and glares a deep pink colour like peaches and Japanese ume. Its characteristic is its tendency to bloom downwards.

     

    Hanami in Okinawa is celebrated differently than mainland Japan. You won’t see people setting up chairs to eat picnics and drink sake in Okinawa. Enjoy your Hanami in Okinawa by strolling through the tunnels of cherry blossom trees and taking photos.

    2016 – First Bloom: January 14th | Full Bloom: February 8th
    2017 – First Bloom: January 18th | Full Bloom: February 4th

     

     

    すずきみわさん(@miwaaa_3)がシェアした投稿

    The nation-wide peak bloom time in Japan is March.

    Fukuoka
    The Kyushu region of Japan has warm weather, so fully bloomed cherry blossoms appear earlier there than in Tokyo. “Nishi Park” in Fukuoka is a recommended spot by locals to enjoy Hanami where almost 1,300 cherry blossom trees stand beautifully. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that every Fukuoka citizen has been to Nishi Park at least once.

    2016 – First Bloom: March 25th | Full Bloom: April 5th
    2017 – First Bloom: March 23rd | Full Bloom: April 1st

     

    かんさん(@kanzawahiro)がシェアした投稿


    Kyoto
    Kyoto is generally more crowded during the sakura season because of tourists and sightseers. The streets of Kyoto have a deep-rooted history, and the spectacular view of them lined with cherry blossom trees is a popular sight to see. You can also enjoy the cherry blossoms at night, a completely different Hanami experience, as temples and such are lit up as night falls.

    2016 – First Bloom: March 31st | Full Bloom: April 7th
    2017 – First Bloom: March 28th | Full Bloom: April 5th

     

    440さん(@y440sfiar)がシェアした投稿


    Osaka
    Each year, the cherry blossoms in Osaka bloom around the same time as in Kyoto. Osaka Castle Park was chosen as one of the 100 best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan, where you can encounter a fascinating sight of both a castle and cherry blossoms in the same place.

    2016 – First Bloom: March 30th | Full Bloom: April 6th
    2017 – First Bloom: March 28th | Full Bloom: April 5th

     

    ayaka obaraさん(@city_ayaka)がシェアした投稿


    Nagoya
    There are many Hanami spots to visit in Nagoya, from inner-city parks to tree-lined streets and avenues. There are also food stalls set up so you can enjoy food and flowers to your heart’s content.

     

    2016 – First Bloom: March 28th | Full Bloom: April 6th
    2017 – First Bloom: March 26th | Full Bloom: April 3rd

     


    Tokyo
    Tokyo is absolutely brimming with fantastic Hanami spots, a lot of which are very close to train stations, making them easily accessible. The hugely popular Meguro River and Inokashira Park are always bustling with people around this season.

     

    2016 – First Bloom: March 21st | Full Bloom: April 2nd
    2017 – First Bloom: March 26th | Full Bloom: April 3rd

     

     

    tubakiさん(@tubaki929)がシェアした投稿

    Flowers bloom from early April in the Tohoku region
    The cherry blossoms come out much later in the Tohoku Region compared to other regions around Japan. In places where the sea level is high, you can also enjoy the flowers in May. One of the most famous locations is Miharu Takizakura in Fukuoka Prefecture. Recognized as one of Japan’s 3 biggest cherry trees and a designated national treasure, the tree stands at a towering 12 meters tall, and the cherry blossom bloomed branches stick out almost double that on each side. This 1,000 year old tree is a must-see.

     

    2016 – First Bloom: April 10th | Full Bloom: April 14th
    2017 – First Bloom: April 11th | Full Bloom: April 16th

     

     

    ikuさん(@heart_iku19)がシェアした投稿


    Cherry blossoms appear late April in Hokkaido
    In Hokkaido, you can look forward to seeing a variety of different sakura, from the nation-wide Yoshino Cherry to the deep-pink Sargent’s cherry and chishimazakura, whose colour changes across the cherry blossom season from the first bloom to full bloom. And if you’re lucky enough to be there when snow falls out of season, you’ll have the amazing opportunity to see a magical scene of snowy sakura.

     

    2016 – First Bloom: April 28th | Full Bloom: May 3rd
    2017 – First Bloom: May 3rd | Full Bloom: May 7th

     

     

    Did you enjoy this list? If you’re travelling to Japan for Hanami then be sure to use this article for reference.

  • 6 Best Hanami Spots in Japan: March 2018 Edition

    25.January.2018 | FEATURES / SPOT

    ‘Hanami,’ the Japanese tradition of flower-viewing, is a must-do when visiting Japan in springtime. Today, we’re taking an early look at some of the best spots to see Japan’s cherry blossoms during the hanami season in March.

     

     

    Mitsuike Park (Kanaga Prefecture)

     

    POMMEMOMさん(@pomme.0526)がシェアした投稿

    Covering an area of 29.7 hectares, this huge park is also known as “Hyakuju no Mori” for its lush greenery. The trees are surrounded by three ponds, which is where the park gets it name “mitsuike” from (3 ponds), and Yoshino Cherries bloom flowers, gorgeously decorating the waterside. The beauty of Mitsuike Park made it one of the 100 most famous locations for cherry blossoms in Japan. There are 70 varieties of cherry blossoms that flower the environment, from campanulata, which bloom from the start of February, to rarer types such as the yellow ‘ukon’ sakura and yokohamahizakura.

     

    ■Information

    Mitsuike Park

    Address: 1-1 Mitsuike Park, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture

    Webpage: http://www.kanagawaparks.com/mitsuike/

     

     

    Kawazuzakura (Shizuoka Prefecture)

     

    The ‘kawazuzakura’ is a natural crossbreed of campanulata and the early-blooming Oshima cherry. This breed has a reputation for flowering before other cherry blossoms. Almost 8,000 trees decorate the Kawazu River around town. The kawazuzakura was also chosen as Shizuoka Prefecture’s number 2 cherry blossom, making this a popular spot for hanami.

     

    ■Information

     

    Kawazuzakura

    Address: Around the region of – Hama, Kawazu, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture

    Webpage: http://www.kawazuzakura.net

     

     

    Sakuma Dam Park (Chiba Prefecture)

     

    sunny_ohbaさん(@sunny_ohba)がシェアした投稿

    Sakuma Dam is a place of relaxation and refreshment upstream Sakuma River where you can enjoy hiking and camping amongst daffodils, ume and azalea. Many cherry blossoms bloom there including the early-bloomer kawazuzakura, Yoshino cherry, shidarezakura, and yaedazakura, making a great spot for hanami and a location where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms over a long period.

     

    ■Information

    Sakuma Dam Park

    Address: 39 Okuzure, Awagunkyonanmachi, Chiba Prefecture

    Webpage: http://sakumadam.com

     

     

    Kyunakagawamizube Park (Tokyo)

     

    KuRoDaさん(@msp72_)がシェアした投稿

    This park is maintained as a place for relaxation where cherry blossom loving locals plant cherry trees. This one’s also home to the kawazuzakura, and since a wide variety of trees are planted, you can enjoy the cherry blossom season even longer. It’s popular as a hidden, tucked-away gem of a location as it rarely appears on maps.

     

    ■Information

    Kyunakagawamizube Park

    Address: 1-2 Higashisumida, Sumida-ku, Tokyo住所:東京都墨田区東墨田1~2丁目ほか

    Webpage: http://www.city.sumida.lg.jp/sisetu_info/kouen/kunai_park_annai/sumida_park/tac04000201104011347.html

     

     

    Hirano Shrine (Kyoto)

     

    @kuumillがシェアした投稿

    Hirano Shrine is famous for its cherry blossoms, a symbol of the enshrined gods’ vitality, which have been around since the Heian Period. It’s home to 400 trees comprised of 60 types of cherry blossoms. Expect to see the ‘momozakura’ which comes out at the beginning of March, as well as the famous ‘sakigake-sakura.’ The Yoshino will bloom at the end of April, followed by rare varieties that will flower one after the other. Hirano Shrine is Kyoto’s 5th most popular hanami spot.

     

    ■Information

    Hirano Shrine

    Address: 1 Hirano, Miyamotocho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

    Opening Hours: 6:00-17:00 (flowering period until 21:00)

    Homepage: http://www.hiranojinja.com

     

     

    Rokugi-en (Tokyo)

     

    Rika Hoshiさん(@karishiho)がシェアした投稿

    Kigugi-en is a representative garden of the Edo period and designated ‘special place of scenic beauty’ as specified by the Japanese government. When the end of March rolls in, the heart of the garden is in full bloom with shidarezakura, a spectacular view that looks like a running waterfall. The shidarezakura can normally be seen before the Yoshino cherries and are truly a sight to see at nighttime.

     

    ■Information

    Rokugi-en

    Address: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo, Tokyo

    Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entries 16:30)

    Webpage: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index031.html

     

     

    Did you enjoy our special selection? For full details on the various locations at the cherry blossoms, be sure to visit the webpages (Japanese). ‘Hanami’ is an important tradition in Japan – the magnificent cherry blossoms absolute must-see, so don’t miss out.

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  • Report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Tasty Time in Gastropolis Kobe – Sweets Edition

    03.December.2022 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

    Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijinkan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its selection of tasty sweets!

    The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture.

     

    Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious treats, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON went along for the ride! Here are some of the singer’s favorite spots around town.

    Kobe, known as a city where East meets West, is lined with sweets shops that are unique to the area.

     

    The tea salon TOOTH TOOTH Dekoboko Sabo opened in 2019 in the Kobe City Museum and offers a menu that mixes Western food and sweets with tea and ingredients from traditional Japanese cuisine. Kyary ordered the Dekoboko Sabo Afternoon Tea Set, a collection of western sweets blended with the essence of traditional Japanese flavors. Guests are invited to enjoy their tea and sweets in a one-of-a-kind space filled with Meiji period flare and retro Western furniture. Those interested will need to make a reservation, so be sure to remember the next time you’re in Kobe.

     

    TOOTH TOOTH Decoboco Sabo

    Address: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)

    Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30) 

    Closed Mondays

    Official Site: https://toothtooth.com/restaurant/decoboco-sabo

    The next stop was Kobe Nankin-machi, one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. Kobe MILK is known nationwide for its Apricot Pudding, which is made with local ingredients. The raw apricot pudding is mixed with milk brought from the foot of Mt. Rokko and other ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture. Of course, Kyary ordered some, and was amazed by its fluffy texture. You can only enjoy it in Kobe–also, the shop sells other puddings mixed with seasonal fruits, so don’t miss those either!

     

    Kobe MILK

    Address: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)

    Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30

    Official Site: https://kobe-milk.com

    For Kyary’s final stop, the singer visited the Moore House, a cafe located in a building with over 100 years of history. Guests are surrounded by greenery, and the Western-style building is incredibly elegant. The Strawberry Mille-feuille Kyary ordered was created by an expert patissier and based on the strawberry mille-feuille recipe from the legendary French restaurant Maxim’s de Paris in Ginza. A generous amount of custard cream complements the crispy pie crust and enhances the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. We’d recommend it with a glass of champagne–if you’re of age.

    Kitano Ijin-kan Moore House

    Address: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe

    Hours: 11:00-17:00

    Closed Tuesdays

    Official Site: https://www.kitanomoore.com/cafe/

     

    The streets of Kobe are packed with sweets that you can only enjoy if you visit. Why not come experience these incredible spots like Kyary did?

     

    Kobe Sweets Trailer: https://youtu.be/Sx9B1ZdAvlI

  • ANNA’S by Landtmann in Shibuya Scramble Square Now Offering Halloween Sweets

    11.October.2022 | FOOD

    ANNA’S by Landtmann, a cafe located inside +Q Beauty on the 6th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, has begun selling two Halloween cakes! These spooky sweets will be available until October 31, 2022.

     

    Halloween Mont Blanc

     

    Halloween Poison Apple

    Guests will be able to snag the Halloween Mont Blanc and Halloween Poison Apple cakes, available for ¥580 each including tax. The Mont Blanc is filled with pumpkin custard and Chantilly cream. The Poison Apple is a sweet and sour cake featuring a blend of chocolate mousse covered in red glaze and applesauce with apple pulp.

     

    Which of these two adorable cakes would you like to enjoy this autumn?

  • Second Sylvanian Families Sweets Buffet to Open with a Christmas Theme

    11.October.2022 | FASHION

    Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo will hold a special Christmas-themed Sylvanian Families buffet starting November 1, 2022. This is the second Sylvanian Families event following the previous Halloween-themed buffet, which became extremely popular. Some guests even bring their own Sylvanian Families dolls!

     

    Starting in November, visitors can enjoy a full lineup of 20 scrumptious dishes inspired by the cake shop found in Sylvania Village. Some sweets are also inspired by the many beloved characters found in the series, and anyone wanting to get into the Christmas spirit won’t want to miss this exclusive event. For those without a sweet tooth, some light lunches will also be available.

     

    The restaurant will also erect a decorative display of Sylvanian Families enjoying a Christmas party and a sweet diorama made exclusively of desserts by the pasty chef. Guests can enjoy tea time while getting lost in this magical world, so get excited about the Christmas season!

     

    1. Sweets Inspired by the World of Sylvanian Families

     

    2. Become Enthralled by a Wonderful Winter World of Sweets

     

    3. Exclusive! Sweets Diorama and Sylvanian Families Photo Spot

     

    4. Light Meals Perfect for Winter and Burgers Featuring Original Illustrations

     

    5. A Special Plan to Enjoy the Buffet with Sylvanian Families Babies

  • Hilton Tokyo Odaiba to Hold Second Touken Ranbu ONLINE Collaboration Sweets Buffet

    20.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD

    From October 21 until November 30, 2022, Hilton Tokyo Odaiba will hold the Touken Ranbu ONLINE Special Buffet ~Black & White~ event! This second collaboration with the popular series will be held Grillogy Bar and Grill on the second floor.

     

    Dessert Menu

     

    Drink Menu

     

    Drink Order Bonus: Original Coaster (8 varieties)

    At the buffet, guests can enjoy luxurious dishes inspired by characters from the sword-centered game and anime series. The desserts blend Japanese and Western cuisine, and special cocktails will be available during the first phase, each coming with a special coaster as a bonus! In addition, original goods will be on sale at the venue, so don’t miss it!

  • Yokohama Royal Park Hotel to Hold Halloween Sweets Fair in October

    13.September.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    From October 1 until October 31, Yokohama Royal Park Hotel will hold a special Halloween Fair at its delicatessen and lounge Coffret. In addition to six playful sweets from the Halloween Frankenstein to the Halloween Mummy, two types of autumn bread featuring pumpkin and purple sweet potato will be available, allowing guests to enjoy the taste of the season!

     


    Halloween Frankenstein

    Halloween Cat

    Halloween Mont Blanc

    Halloween Mummy

    Halloween Pudding

    Halloween Pound Cake

    Pumpkin Cream Fondue / Halloween Anpan

      

    Come enjoy this Halloween with some cute and silly sweets!

  • Tsujiri Reveals Colorful Autumn Parfait Using Purple Sweet Potatoes

    08.September.2022 | FOOD

    Tsujiri, a staple of Uji, Kyoto, has announced an exclusive autumn menu! Guests can enjoy the Tsujiri Soft Autumn Parfait, the Kyo Latte Smoothie with Purple Sweet Potato, and the Kyo Latte with Hojicha at the Kyoto location and three other stores starting September 1, 2022.

    Tsujiri Limited Time Autumn Menu

     

    These three limited-time items are filled with fall flavors. The Tsujiri Soft Autumn Parfait is filled with Uji green tea carefully selected by tea masters and topped with purple sweet potato paste, sweet potato nectar, and other gorgeous goodies.

     

    The Kyo Latte Smoothie with Purple Sweet Potato features an autumn-only flavor combining purple sweet potato bean paste, cream, and sweet potato nectar with Tsujiri’s matcha green tea smoothie. The Hojicha version is made with luxurious Uji Hojicha and milk for a soothing experience.

     

    Enjoy autumn with these tasty treats filled with seasonal flavors!

  • Q-pot CAFE to Offer Cute Halloween Sweets to Celebrate 10th Anniversary

    05.September.2022 | FOOD

    Q-pot CAFE in Omotesando will be offering up some Halloween treats to celebrate the location’s 10th anniversary! Guests will be able to sample these special sweets from September 3 until October 31, 2022.

     

    Happy Halloween! Afternoon Tea Set

    The festive Happy Halloween afternoon tea features pink Jack-o’-lantern macarons and other Halloween-inspired sweets.

     

    Fluffy Floating Ghost Plate (Drink Included)

    The adorable ghost is made from fluffy milk mousse covered with gyuhi, a typical ingredient in Japanese sweets made from rice flour. Inside is blackcurrant and redcurrant jelly with an incredibly sweet and sour flavor.

     

    Black Devil Tea Mocha

    Featuring large devil wings, this tasty and eye-catching beverage is a mix of black tea, chocolate, and milk. When the cocoa cream melts, the taste changes to something creamy and cozy, perfect for the autumn months.

     

    Shimmering Blueberry & Grapefruit Soda

    This refreshing sweet and sour drink combines blueberries and pink grapefruit along with soda and pearl powder.

     

    Come enjoy Halloween while celebrating the cafe’s 10th anniversary!

  • Pastel Collaborates with My Melody and Kuromi for Autumn Puddings

    22.August.2022 | FOOD

    Pastel, a sweets brand known for its smooth pudding, has announced a collaboration with the Sanrio characters My Melody and Kuromi! Fans can snag some tasty treats from September 1 to October 31, 2022.

     

    This year’s collaboration is based on a sweet circus. Fall is full of wonderful events like Halloween, and the company is ready to celebrate with these colorful desserts.

     

    New items include limited edition puddings featuring illustrations of My Melody and Kuromi and sweet and sour treats made with strawberries that will crackle and pops in your mouth!

    My Melody Mini Pudding: ¥430 (Tax Included)

    Left 2 Puddings: September 1 – September 30 / Right 2 Puddings: October 1 – October 30, 2022

    Kuromi Mini Pudding: ¥430 (Tax Included)

    Left 2 Puddings: September 1 – September 30 / Right 2 Puddings: October 1 – October 30, 2022

     

    Pastel’s original mini puddings are topped with whipped cream and finished with a My Melody illustration in cocoa powder. Enjoy the smooth texture and soft whipped cream!

    My Melody’s Merry-go-Round Pudding: ¥600 (Tax Included)
    Top: September 1 – September 30 / Bottom: October 1 – October 30, 2022

     

    This exclusive pudding was inspired by My Melody. Smooth pudding is topped with sponge cake and diced strawberries, sweet and sour strawberry cream, and colorful marshmallows.

    Kuromi’s Circus Pudding: ¥600 (Tax Included)

    Top: September 1 – September 30 / Bottom: October 1 – October 30, 2022

     

    Smooth chocolate pudding is accented with raspberry sauce and finished with fluffy cream. This treat is perfect for fall, and the chocolate that crackles in your mouth is sure to amaze and delight!

     

    Come enjoy some autumn sweets decorated with your favorite Sanrio characters!

     

    © 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L632735

    *AEON Mall Shin-Rifu South Building, AEON Mall Okazaki, and THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA will only offer mini-puddings of each character.
    *All images are sample images.

  • Creepy-Cute Halloween Sweets Available for a Limited Time at Hyatt Centric Kanazawa

    04.August.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    Halloween is on the way, and the Hyatt Centric Kanazawa hotel is prepping some spooky sweets to celebrate! From October 1 until October 31, a Monster Halloween Cake Set will be available at the hotel’s restaurant FIVE – Grill and Lounge. Guests can also enjoy a Halloween lunch and dinner menu featuring a chic menu filled with black, red, and purple dishes. Visitors who come in costume will gain access to some special offers as well!

     

    Halloween Lunch / Dinner Course

    Poached Eggs with Black Chaudfroid Sauce

    Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Beet Variation

     

    The courses were inspired by an adult Halloween party and will be available for four days only. Each dish contains colors perfect for the season, like haunting black and bloody red punctuated with a purple-tinted memory of moonlight. While the dishes may look strange, they are made with the finest ingredients. 

     

    Monster Halloween Cake Set

    Witch’s Mont Blanc Pudding

    Mummy Macaron

    Denture Parfait

    Jack-o’-Lantern Cream Puff

    Frankenstein Brownie

    Gyuhi Ghost

    Spider Web Mousse

    GO FOR KOGEI 2022 Collaboration 5×5 Cake Set

     

    A special cake set featuring everything from Frankenstein to spider webs will get you in the Halloween mood. The lineup includes Witch’s Mont Blanc Pudding topped with purple sweet potato cream, and the adorable Jack-o’-Lantern cream puff filled with–you guessed it–pumpkin cream. Come enjoy some other playful treats like the Mummy Macaron filled with apricot and the Denture Parfait with berries and marshmallows. On weekdays from October 3 until October 21, the cakes will be served on a special Kutani ware in collaboration with GO FOR KOGEI 2022. This 5×5 set will be limited to five servings per day. Kutani ware is a style of traditional Japanese porcelain found in Ishikawa Prefecture.

     

    Halloween Cocktail

    This year’s Halloween cocktail is the rock-themed Back in Black. With a tequila base, you’re sure to have some extra fun after downing this classy beverage. 

    Come enjoy some spooky and cute Halloween sweets while you can!

  • Sanrio Characters Autumn Sweets Buffet to be Held at Hilton Nagoya

    15.July.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    From August 18 until November 3, visitors to the Hilton in Nagoya will be able to enjoy a special autumn buffet featuring the popular Sanrio characters Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and Hello Kitty. 

     

    These three characters are some of Sanrio’s most loved. Kuromi is the self-proclaimed rival of My Melody, while the fluffy Cinnamoroll won first place in this year’s Sanrio Character Awards. Hello Kitty has been beloved by audiences worldwide for decades, and her iconic ribbon really shines in this buffet collaboration. Themed around an autumn harvest festival in a dark forest, the event includes 27 varieties of sweets and seven savory items. From sweet potatoes and pumpkins to chestnuts and apples, guests will be able to taste the fall season!

    Kuromi’s Dark Forest Cake

    Autumn Cinnamoroll Cake

    Hello Kitty’s Ribbon Cake

    Crazy Mushrooms / Praline and Gianduja Truffles / Tonka Bean & Chocolate Caneles

     

    Kuromi’s Dark Forest Cake is a traditional German black forest cake featuring decorations inspired by the character’s black hood and a pink skull. The Autumn Cinnamoroll Cake is made with rice flour and is inspired by the adorable puppy’s fluffy appearance. Hello Kitty’s Ribbon Cake is topped with apple compote simmered with strawberries and red wine. 

     

    At the popular Live Station, guests can also enjoy an artistic performance by the chef himself. Visitors can also find and harvest their own Crazy Mushrooms and Truffles. 

    Kuromi’s Autumn Soup

    Pumpkin Mont Blanc

    Hello Kitty’s Apple

     

    Pastry Chef Mamoru Watanabe’s specialty autumn sweets and Sanrio Characters-inspired goodies will invite you into a cute and dark forest world. Kuromi’s Autumn Soup is made with Japanese chestnuts and chicken consomme poured over panna cotta made with purple sweet potatoes. The Pumpkin Mont Blanc includes four layers of milk chocolate cream, chocolate crumble, pistachio cream, and pumpkin Mont Blanc cream.

    Praline Paris-Brest

    Hojicha Basque Cheesecake

    Green Tea Tiramisu

     

    Come enjoy the taste of autumn with your favorite Sanrio characters!

     

    © ’22 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPR. NO. L632215

  • Fruit-Filled Afternoon Tea Inspired by Japanese Folktale Momotaro Announced

    01.July.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    Kawagoe Prince Hotel, located in an Edo-period castle town in northwest Tokyo, will begin offering a special afternoon tea set starting July 1, 2022. Inspired by the Japanese folktale Momotaro, the summer fruit-filled tower of treats will be available until August 31, 2022.

     

     

     

    Top Plate

     

    Middle Plate

     

    Bottom Plate

     

    Savory

     

     

    The top plate of the three-tiered set features tasty peach and cheese mousse, peach meringue, macadamia nut chocolate, and Kibi Dango put together to resemble the hero of the story, Momotaro. On the middle tier, visitors will find sweets inspired by the many animals found in the story, from the monkey and dog to the pheasants. Guests can enjoy many summer fruits including mango and kiwi. 

     

    Those who come to the store in a yukata (summer kimono) and follow the official Kawagoe Prince Hotel Instagram will receive a special fruit platter.

     

    Come enjoy the world of Momotaro as you wander around this historical Japanese town!

  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Collaborates with Famous Poeme Sweets in Ehime Prefecture

    31.May.2022 | MUSIC / SPOT

    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu made waves with music lovers around the world last month when she performed at Coachella, one of the largest and most famous music festivals on Earth. On May 28, Kyary will perform in Ehime, and the artist has released details about another collaboration as part of the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project, launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities.

    In Ehime Prefecture, Kyary is teaming up with Poeme, a famous sweets shop in Setouchi close to the Seto Inland Sea. The shop itself opened in 1950 with a different name and quickly became popular for its Butter Manju. The buns, baked in a buttery biscuit dough with red bean paste, were an extravagant confectionary at the time. In the late 1950s, a friend of the founder Okada Kazutarou tasted the Butter Manju and said “This is a poem,” hence the current name of the location. After 76 years, the name of the shop still reflects Poeme’s mission that has been present since the company’s founding just after WWII. 

     

    The collaboration logo for the project was inspired by Kyary’s 2018 album Japamyu, which was released after four successful overseas tours. The album cemented the artist as one of Japan’s top talents, and the logo combines Poeme with Japamyu to make Poemyu.

    A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. The shirt is only available until June 8 on the official LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project website.

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