Hi, everyone. Midori here, editor at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON.
Have you heard about ‘cheese tea’? It’s a drink that’s getting a lot of attention right now. It’s tea topped with cheese foam which results in a perfect match of sweetness from the tea and sourness from the cream cheese.
Related Article: Drink Tea in Style With FORTUNER tea-box’s Cheese Tea Tapioca in Harajuku
I heard that The Alley, a well-known bubble tea cafe recognised by its deer logo, released its own cheese tea so I took a trip there straight away!
I went to the branch in Omotesando. There are lots of other branches too so head to the closest one to you. The one in Omotesando sits right next to Gong Cha, another bubble tea store.
Cross the intersection at Laforet towards ICE MONSTER and turn the corner at the flamingo (pictured above).
You’ll come to a road with Cafe Ron Ron on the left and Gong Cha on the right.
Turn right at the FamilyMart at the end of the street and you’ll find The Alley!
The photo above was taken on a weekday before opening hours so there was no line, but it was a different story in the afternoon on the weekend!
Ta-da!
The line is so long it’s hard to know where the end even is! It sure is popular. According to the staff working there, the line is constant on weekends from opening hours to when they close, so if you don’t want to line up they recommend visiting during the week.
There’s also a stylish indoor section where you can enjoy your drink.
Other menu items include the following:
Bonsai bubble tea and aurora drinks are really popular on Instagram in Japan right now!
When talking about The Alley you’ve got to mention the deer! There was a big one drawn on the wall inside.
I went with the brown sugar tea from the cheese foam series.
I recommend drinking cheese tea without the lid. If you drink it with the lid on it’s hard to get the cheese foam and tea at the same time. The Alley is best known for its tapioca bubble teas, but they have other ranges too like this one.
Now, onto tasting! Mixed in with The Alley’s famous fragrant tea is brown sugar. It has a smell that is sure to make you happy. The cheese doesn’t have that super sour taste, it’s a mellow flavour. The drink isn’t served hot but “mild hot” so you can get to drinking right away without burning yourself. It’s safe for those with sensitive tongues too. I have to let hot drinks cool down first before drinking them too so I was glad with my choice.
Head to The Alley to try out their new cheese tea yourself!
Information
The Alley
Address: 6-6-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00
No Fixed Holidays.
TEL: 03-6712-5185
Website: http://www.the-alley.jp/
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Hi, everyone. It's Midori from the MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center. It's been a trend for a while now, but tapioca shops have started popping up recently in Harajuku, and they've become so popular that most girls you see walking around there are drinking tapioca. Harajuku's going through a real tapioca boom! They're all holding cups from a number of different shops, but the one getting much attention for their cute cups is FORTUNER tea-box, so I went to take a look!
FORTUNER tea-box is located behind the MOSHI MOSHI BOX along Tonchan Street (とんちゃん通り) on the first floor of a building called FLAG. If you walk from Murasaki Sports along Tonchan Street you'll spot a 7-Eleven. Go past there and it's inside Anywhere Door opposite BEAMS RECORDS. You'll know it once you've passed the offices and open conference rooms and see girls holding cups. For those who aren't good with tapioca, have no fear. They also serve drinks without tapioca, as well as unsweetened teas amongst other things. I ordered the "Cheese Tapioca Milk Tea"! At first glance you can tell it's no ordinary tapioca milk tea, right? It has two layers with the top part being a whipped cream cheese. I wondered to myself how cream cheese could work with sweet milk tea but when I took a sip the sourness of the cream cheese and sweetness of the milk tea came together to create a deliciousl salty-sweet taste! It contains big and small chewy tapioca. You can treat it like a dessert. There are two mouthpieces on the lid and the straw is a super cute heart shape! It's cute as well when you knock it back and get a cream cheese moustache. The inside of the shop too is cute and Instagram-worthy. There were lots of people taking photos when I went. I recommend taking a photo with the BEAMS RECORD sign behind you which is close to the shop. Buy a stylish drink with your friend and snap some photos with a snazzy background! ■Information FORTUNE tea-box Address: 3-27-15 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo Opening Hours: 11:30am-11:00pm (No Fixed Holidays) TEL: 03-5755-5708 Website: http://fortuner.co.jp/index.html -
Over at the MOSHI MOSHI BOX, Harajuku's tourist information center, we are always asked about ice cream and soft cream shops. These cute and Instagrammable shops are currently experiencing a huge boom with the younger generation!
Here are 7 popular ice cream and soft cream shops that you can visit during your trip to Harajuku.
Eddy’s Ice Cream
Located in Ura-Harajuku, Eddy's Ice Cream completely is pasted in pink and white. Wherever you turn to look, you're going to want to take a photo. The grand menu of Eddy's Ice Cream, where the toppings are already chosen, is super popular, but you can also customise to your liking - there are 10 cones and 3 soft creams to choose from as well as 13 different toppings. The most popular item on the menu is the "Unicorn" (￥1,200), a magical delight wrapped in pastel coloured cotton candy and milk soft cream. This one promises a new kind of sensation for the taste buds!
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/55526/2
■Information
Eddy’s Ice Cream
Address: Eddy’s Ice Cream 1F, 4 Chome-26-28 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo (住所：東京都渋谷区 神宮前4-26-28 1F)
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00
Closed: No fixed holidays
TEL: 03-6438-9742
Access: 10 minutes’ walk from Harajuku Station via the JR Line / 8 minutes’ walk from Meiji Jingumae Station via Tokyo Metro
Official Homepage: http://eddysicecream.jp/Roll Ice Cream Factory
This unique rolled ice cream is mixed together with liquid ice cream and other ingredients on a cool plate. You can order from the regular menu or customise your own. The shop's recommendation is the "Cookie Monster"! Not only can you take great pictures of the finished ice cream piece itself, but also the process as it is made in front of you.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/57051
■Information
ROLL ICE CREAM FACTORY
Address: Just harajuku 1st floor, 4-28-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone Number: 03-3470-0227
Closing Dates: No scheduled holidays
Open time: 10:00-21:00
Official Homepage: http://rollicecreamfactory.com/Nanaya (Aoyama Branch)
Nanaya sells luxurious gelato made using matcha sourced from Fujieda in Shizuoka. It offers seven varying levels of matcha intensity – level 1 begins with a more moderately sweeter flavour, but as you progress up the scale to level 7 the flavour of the matcha becomes richer and deeper. The no. 7 gelato is the most popular item and claims to be the most matcha intense flavoured ice cream in the world. It uses matcha that received an award from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It boasts a deeply rich and bitter matcha flavour inside which lies a hint of refreshing sweetness.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/58538
■Information
Nanaya Aoyama
Address: Nanaya 1F, 2-7-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6427-9008
Hours: 11:00〜19:00
Closed: Tuesdays (but open on Tuesdays when it’s a national holiday)
Website: http://nanaya-matcha.comMatcha Café Maiko
The same matcha - just imported from Hawaii! "MATCHA Stand MAIKO" has been in business in Hawaii since July 2016, and it has made its way to Omotesando in Japan. Matcha Café Maiko uses the highest quality matcha produced in "Harimaen," a tea brand from Uji in Kyoto, aka the birthplace of Japanese tea. The matcha-flavored soft served ice cream of Matcha Café Maiko extracts the umami and texture of matcha to the fullest, meaning you can enjoy a matcha soft ice cream unlike any other!
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/47577
■Information
“Matcha Café Maiko – Omotesando”
Address: B1 of GYRE, 5-10-1, Jingumae, Shibuyaku, Tokyo
Open: 11:00-20:00
Website: http://www.matchacafe-maiko.jp/
"MATCHA Stand MAIKO"
Address: 2310 Kuhio Ave. #143 Honolulu, HI 96815
TEL: (808) 369-8031
Open: 11:30-21:00 ※Time in Hawaii
Website: http://www.matchacafe-maiko.com/"Milk" - Fresh Cream Specialty Shop
When "Milk" opened in Shibuya it was a roaring success, bringing in 30,000 people in the first month. Fresh cream usually plays the supporting role of sitting on top of something like pancake, but "Milk" promotes it to the lead role by drawing out its flavour to the fullest. "Milk" serves a range of sweets with the fresh cream as the main acts, including "Milky Cream Chiffon Cake" (￥780), "Milky Soft Cream" (￥540), "Milky Soft Parfait" (￥780), and more. The shop is only open for a limited period, so don't miss out.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/54370
■Information
"Milk" - Fresh Cream Specialty Shop (生クリーム専門店 ミルク)
Popup Shop in Harajuku Justin
Opening date: August 3rd ※Takeout available from August 10th
Address: Harajuku JUSTIN Gingumae 3-25-18 Shibuya-ku Tokyo
Open: 11:00-18:00（※JUSTIN’s normal business hour starts from 18:00）
Takeout specialty shop in LUMINE EST Shinjuku
Opening date: August 20th, 2017
Address: LUMINE EST 1F Shinjuku 3-38-1 Shinjuku-ku Tokyo
Open: 11:00-22:00 （10:30-21:30 on weekends and holidays）
Official Website: http://www.opefac.com/milk/sorama
Affogato (￥550), a definite recommendation to those people who find normal ice cream a tad bit boring. It's made with rich wholesome ice cream that melts its way into strong coffee. Even people who aren't adjusted to coffee can enjoy this one. What's more is that "sorama" is a café situated away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Harajuku where time flows calmer, allowing you to take a breather. It's a place where you can enjoy more "grown-up" ice cream.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/32960
■Information
sorama gallery+coffee
1-12-6 Dohi Bldg., Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3423-2370
OPEN: 9:30～11:00/12:00～19:00 (Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays, National Holidays)
Homepage: http://sorama.tokyo/coffee/
coisof（コイソフ）
Ice cream and dairy specialists "Morinaga Milk Industry" teamed up with "GOMAYA KUKI," a store specialising in sesame ice cream, to open the soft serve ice cream shop "coisof." Their sesame ice creams strive to stand superior to ice creams all over the world and are topped with colourful "oiri," a traditional candy from Kagawa prefecture that brings good luck. Once you have one you won't be able to stop!
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/54778
■Information
Coisof (コイソフ)
Address：OZ Harajuku Building 1st floor, 1-8-24, Jingu-mae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Open: 10:00-20;00
Telephone number: 070-1185-1309
【Select Menu Items】
・Coi soft (white) ￥600 (tax included)
・Coi soft (mix) ￥600 (tax included)
・Coi soft (black) ￥600 (tax included)
GOMAYA KUKI Website: http://gomayakuki.jp/
Harajuku - the home of the "kawaii" culture. Know you know some of its most photogenic ice cream shops. So what are you waiting for? Have your fill♡
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Writer: Ellie
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Nescafe Harajuku is serving a latte art event titled Nescafe Photo Latte Drinkable Art Exhibition from December 4 to 25 where customers can enjoy their coffee with famous paintings designed on them.
Nescafe released their "Nescafe Photo Latte" on their website last month to rave reviews. It enables people to use a latte art sheet to create latte art of their own of photos, illustrations and messages. Nescafe Harajuku will have a special booth set up in cafe where customers can order drinks with famous paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Hokusai on them. These are limited in stock so you'd best grab your coffee quick before they're all gone. The latte art products and drinks menu are poured with Nestle's "Nescafe Golden Blend Barista" coffee machine. By laying a latte art sheet onto the creamy froth the picture springs to life with colour. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a special drink this Christmas season at Nescafe Harajuku! Information
Nescafe Photo Latte Drinkable Art Exhibition
Running: December 4, 2018 – December 25, 2018
Location: Nescafe Harajuku (1-22-8 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Opening Hours: 11:00am-9:00pm (Last Orders 8:30pm)
Exhibition Times: 2:00pm-2:10pm / 4:00pm-4:10pm / 6:00pm-6:10pm (3 times a day)
Website: https://nestle.jp/entertain/cafe/harajuku/#conceptNescafe Photo Latte: http://pr.kmcpr.co.jp/e/213552/ront-contents-gift-photolatte-/3yb44/136922813
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The second Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand event opened in Omotesando on November 1, 2022. Paying homage to the classic snack first released in 1978, the cafe features a number of tasty snacks inspired by the thin animal-shaped cookies popular around the world. This second event will run through January 9, 2023. Reservations are required, and many dates were completely sold out prior to the event’s start date, particularly on weekends. We decided to visit, anxious to see what the fuss is all about.
We were first shocked to see the popular animals enjoying oden! Original goods featuring the characters enjoying the quintessential Japanese winter dish are only available at the cafe. From acrylic keychains to figures, visitors can snag some adorable merchandise to commemorate their trip to the exclusive event. Why not snag some items that would be useful on a daily basis, like a notebook or an apron? For food, visitors can snag a special Oden Set and Chinese Dumplings, both perfect for the winter. The oden features popular ingredients like egg, daikon, fish cake, and mochikinchaku, each branded with the popular animal characters. Drinks include soy milk, green tea milk, and milk tea. In addition to the exclusive Lion Cake which is limited to 25 servings a day, guests can find chocolate bananas and other sweets on the menu, including a Sweets Set limited to those reserving special seats at the venue. For every ¥1,000 spent on food and drink items, customers will receive one Tabekko Doubutsu trading card! The exhibition space is a must-see for fans of this legendary snack, filled with rare works including an adorable and very colorful print of every animal holding a bowl of oden. Of course, a photo spot has been set up for visitors to take some prime shots for social media! Don’t miss the animal meet and greet, which is making its triumphant return from the last event! Visitors can interact with different animals on different days, so check the official Twitter page (@tabekko_cafe) for the schedule and more information! The number of visitors per day is limited, so make a reservation as early as you can. Come enjoy these heartwarming treats while you have the opportunity! Information
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand Omotesando
Running: November 1, 2022 – January 9, 2023 *Reservation required
Closed: December 28, 2022 – January 3, 2023
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
Address: SPAGHETTI Cultural Space 1F
5-3-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Closest Station: Omotesando
Reservations: https://t.livepocket.jp/p/tabekko_omotesando
Official Twitter: @tabekko_cafe https://twitter.com/tabekko_cafe
*Please see the official Twitter page for the latest information! -
Burberry has announced a collaboration with the popular art manga Blue Period! The unlikely pair will team up on an original story featuring a new character Lola, who is an anthropomorphic version of Burberry’s iconic Lola bag designed by Riccardo Tisci. This original story booklet will be gifted exclusively to visitors to Burberry stores nationwide starting August 20, 2022. Fans can also enjoy the digital version on Burberry.com.
This story depicts the emotional journey of Yatoria Yaguchi and Ryuji Ayukawa as they meet and are progressively more influenced by Lola. Hachitaro is inspired by Lola's boldness, inner strength, purity, and free self-expression, and is inspired to free himself from everything external and internal holding him back. To commemorate this partnership, a special wallpaper featuring an illustration by Tsubasa Yamaguchi, the author of Blue Period, will be available exclusively from Burberry's official LINE account starting on the first day of the collab. The Burberry Omotesando takeover event will also run through September 5, so come enjoy a fashionable manga world! ©Tsubasa Yamaguchi／Kodansha Information
Burberry Omotesando Takeover
Running: August 20 – September 5, 2022
Venue: Burberry Omotesando
Hours: 11:00-20:00
*Original Story Booklets are only available in limited quantities.
Details: https://jp.burberry.com/c/collaborations/blue-period-anime/ -
The Strings Omotesando will hold the Violet Masquerade sweets buffet at GRAMERCY HOUSE, a banquet venue on the second floor, on select dates from September 7 until October 27, 2022. Guests can enjoy a selection of desserts featuring chestnuts, grapes, and other autumn treats in calming violet space. Why not come enjoy the feel of a masquerade while eating your fill of sugary delights?
The event will feature jewel-like tarts lavishly decorated with figs and grapes, strawberry cheesecake inspired by a courtly flower garden, and lemon mousse shaped like a fanciful headdress. The buffet itself will be decorated with masks and glittering ornaments. The buffet will also include lunch with a lineup of savory dishes such as spiced grilled chicken, black curry made with charcoal, and purple sweet potato potage. Visitors showing up to the buffet wearing violet will receive an original purple mocktail called Fancy Violet. Why not come for a girls’ night out or a family dinner this Halloween season? Information
Violet Masquerade Sweets Buffet
Running: September 7 – October 27, 2022
*On select dates only. These dates will be announced on the website.
*Weekdays only.
Venue: GRAMERCY HOUSE / The Strings Omotesando 2F
Hours: 12:00-14:00 *120-minute seatingsDetails / Reservations: https://www.strings-hotel.jp/omotesando/event/sweetsbuffet/#next
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A new concept cafe for the popular snack Tabekko Doubutsu will be opening in Omotesando for a limited time, from July 5 until August 21. The snack is similar to animal crackers in the west, though these little creatures are a little cuter. Korean-style Macaron Set
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe - Omotesando Goods Set (4 varieties) Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe - Omotesando Mini Drawstring Pouch (9 varieties) Tabekko Doubutsu has been hugely popular with young children and adults alike since the snack was first released in 1978. Guests visiting the collaboration cafe can enjoy themed sweets and new merchandise along with a special photo spot perfect for social media! Information
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Omotesando
Running: July 5 – August 21, 2022 *Reservations required
Hours: 11:00-19:00
Venue: 5-3-13 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo (1F)Reservations: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/tabekko-cafe/reserve
Official Site: https://twitter.com/tabekko_cafe
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Italian luxury fashion brand Fendi has teamed up with Harajuku Omotesando Keyaki-kai on a new street art project! 'TSUNAGU - Omotesando Street Art Project' was unveiled on April 29, 2022. The project, which aims to improve the city’s scenery and share positive messages, is on display in Omotesando, a popular area with young people. The canvas is the formal site of the Oriental Bazaar, an iconic part of Omotesando for over four decades. Under the theme of ‘hope,’ three young artists will be displaying their artwork in a massive temporary enclosure on the site. Hopefully, Japan really will open tourism soon so that guests from around the world can enjoy these inspiring pieces!
The first piece of art was unveiled on April 29 and was drawn by Dai Tamura, a young Japanese artist who has attracted worldwide attention after becoming an illustrator for the NBA. The dynamic and powerful compositions vividly depict endangered animals and plants alongside delicate flowers to symbolize hope for the futures of these beautiful creatures. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next installation coming soon! Information
TSUNAGU – Omotesando Street Art Project
Location: Oriental Bazaar Former Site
Address: 5-9-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Official Site: http://www.fendi.com
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The popular idol group Shuritsu Ebisu Chugaku will open a one-day-only cafe in Omotesando on May 1, 2022! The location will open in conjunction with CookpadTV, which hosts the popular show ‘Shiritsu Ebisu Culinary Institute.’ The members of Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku are passionate about cooking, making this the perfect project. Since October 2021, the girls have streamed their cooking stories and ideas on CookpadLive, and now, they’re ready to put their hearts and souls into each and every item on this cafe menu. Visitors will also be able to purchase original merchandise on-site and see some of the member’s costumes! Reservations for the cookpadLive Ebisen cafe are required, and the lottery for reservations is open now. Some of the menu items and original goods offered at the cafe are also available for purchase on cookpadLive's official E-commerce site, so don’t worry if you aren’t able to attend in person on May 1! The cookpadLive Ebisen Cafe will feature a special lunch time, dinner time, and cafe time. The nine members of Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku will appear in three teams for each session.
Information
cookpadLive Ebisen Cafe
Address: cookpadLive cafe Omotesando
Open: May 1, 2022
Hours:
Lunch 12:30 – 13:30
Cafe 16:00 – 17:00
Dinner 19:30 – 20:30
Reservations: https://fortune-cookie.cookpad-tv.com/events/86/lotteries/yPvScr
E-commerce Site: https://cookpadtv.stores.jp/