Akasaka Palace―a building that has welcomed emperors, presidents and prime ministers across the world into its architectural wonders. While it is mainly used for official purposes, did you know that it also offers a public viewing, one that doesn’t hinder on business affairs?
The palace is considered a national treasure of Japan. I paid a visit to this gorgeous edifice that looks just like a European-style palace. Photography is strictly forbidden when visiting, but I was able to receive special permission to cover the inner secrets of this exclusive wonder.
Akasaka Palace is open throughout the year. There is a daytime reception that lets you enter without having to book a spot in advance (though you’ll have to book if you want to visit the Japanese Style Annex). Visitation is restricted when international state officials are present, so when planning your trip be sure to check the palace’s schedule on the official website. Visitation through the daytime reception begins at the West Gate.
Originally built in 1909 as the Imperial Palace for the Crown Prince, the building is the only example of neo-Baroque architecture in Japan. It was built by Japanese imperial court architect Katayama Tōkuma. When planning the design for the building, he referenced various palaces across Europe which is why people liken it to Palace of Versailles in France.
Hagoromo no Ma – A reception hall for visitation welcomings
The first room you come to on the public viewing is “Hagoromo no Ma.” It was originally called a ball room which is why it houses orchestra boxes. Aperitifs dance around the room for invitees who may be there for send-offs, dinner parties or even musical performances.
Overhead is a gorgeous chandelier which is made up of almost 7,000 separate parts, most of which is crystal. It is the biggest chandelier in the entire palace. The inner part of the mezzanine floor, which looks like a balcony, is used as an orchestra box when the room is used for orchestral concerts.
The intricate design of the chandelier includes masks inspired by a ball while the walls too are littered with relevant motifs such as instruments. The whole room is decorated in all things musical.
Asahi no Ma – The most high-class room of the palace
The next room you step into is “Asahi no Ma” which is used for courtesy calls of officials and important people as well as summit meetings. It is the most high-class room in all of Akasaka Palace and is where the state guests say their goodbyes to the Emperor and Empress. The room began reconstruction two years ago and reopened in April this year.
The room gets its name Asahi (“morning sun”) from the painting of Aurora, the Roman Goddess of dawn, that overlooks the room.
It is said that in the Meiji Period, when the palace was built, people painted pictures of helmets to symbolize the army and boats to symbolize the navy as the country declared the political measure known as Fukoku kyōhei, which meant to “Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Armed Forces.”
Shoumen Genkan/Large Hall – Welcoming guests of honour
The “Shoumen Genkan,” or front entrance is where international guests of honour are welcomed. When visiting during public opening hours you don’t enter from this entrance but you are allowed inside. The large hall, which is located up the stairs from the hall that continues through the entrance room, has a striking and vivid deep crimson carpet. Together with the eight towering marble pillars, this hall makes for an overwhelming viewing. The room directly opposite down the stairs is Asahi no Ma.
Sairan no Ma – Where treaties are signed
The next most high-class room from Asahi no Ma is “Sairan no Ma” which is primarily used for signing ceremonies of treaties. When Asahi no Ma was undergoing renovations, this room was used for informal talks carried out by the emperor and prime minister with foreign rulers.
The entire room takes on the Empire style which was popular during the rule of Napoleon I. Scattered throughout the room are gold leaf designs of armour, helmets, swords and so on.
Kacho no Ma – Dinner parties with guests of honour
Kacho no Ma is used for dinner banquets with important official from countries around the world. The room has a more relaxed feeling from the others due to its interior wooden design. It’s also often used for press conferences so those who watch Japanese news may recognise it.
The room, with its mellow deep wooden design, houses 30 oval cloisonné medallions, depicting four seasons’ flowers and birds. The ceiling art, too, depicts images of birds and wildlife killed by hunting.
It also has the heaviest chandelier in the palace inside which is a globular speaker.
Yushintei – Japanese-style hospitality in the Japanese Style Annex
The Yushintei is located in the Japanese Style Annex on the west side of Akasaka Palace. It was built in 1974. Akasaka Palace carries out events and receptions in a western style but the Yushintei welcomes international guests of honour with Japanese-style hospitality. Those who wish to enter must book in advance. The booking comes with a tour.
As you step through the entrance and into the inner garden through the passage, you will see moso bamboo. This area has a garden with shirakawa gravel and kibune stone from Kyoto.
In the main Japanese-style room where guests are served Japanese food one can observe the pond from the window. You might recognise it as the place where Prime Minster Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump fed the fish.
The tea room comes with chairs for foreign visitors who are unable to sit in the traditional Japanese seiza position. Tea is prepared on the upper step which is inspired by Noh theatre.
Afternoon tea in the extraordinary front garden
20 afternoon tea sets are prepared each day to be enjoyed in the front garden of Akasaka Palace. These cannot be reserved in advance so be sure to arrive early if you’d like to order one. As you enjoy your afternoon tea while gazing around you are filled with a gorgeous feeling you can’t experience anywhere else.
The general public viewing offers a chance to see numerous parts of the palace. We asked Rinko Murata, who’s pictured in the photos on the viewing, for her thoughts.
“With the first step you take in a gorgeous space unfolds before you. Its grand design made me feel as if I had been summoned to the palace. It was like visiting a foreign country. When you look closely there are lots of decorations that symbolize Japan. It was a fresh experience where you can feel both the Japanese spirit and culture of another country. I feel moved that Japan has such a place as beautiful as this. You all need to visit too.”
There is no requirement to book this viewing in advance, but during busy times (20+ people) those who do book online prior to visiting will be prioritized. Foreign visitors won’t miss out on anything either as they can purchase a voice guide machine for ¥200. These guides come in Japanese, English, Chinese, French and Spanish. A visit to the Japanese Style Annex Yushintei however requires booking prior to your visit. When doing so you can choose between either a Japanese or English-speaking guide. In the case of a sudden official reception, all scheduled public viewings for that day are cancelled, so be sure to check the calendar on the official website before heading there.
Model:Rinko Murata
Writer:Sayoko Ishi
Photographer:Kayo Sekiguchi
Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Information
Akasaka Palace
Address: 2-1-1 Motoakasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Access: 7-minutes on foot from Yotsuya Station via JR and Tokyo Metro
Visiting Prices
Main Building & Garden: Adult ¥1,500 / University Student ¥1,000 / High & Junior High School Student ¥500 / Elementary School Student – Free
Japanese Style Annex, Main Building & Garden: Adult ¥2,000 / University Student ¥1,500 / High & Junior High School Student ¥700 / Not open for elementary school students
Japanese Style Annex & Garden: Adult ¥1,500 / University Student ¥1,000 / High & Junior High School Student / Not open for elementary school students ¥500
Garden: Adult ¥300 / University Student & Below – Free
*The above listed prices are the general prices. Prices may change during special openings.
Official Website: https://www.geihinkan.go.jp/en/akasaka/
TALENT PROFILE
Rinko Murata
Rinko Murata works in fashion 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 on her social media. As well as modelling at big fashion events, she has her own column online at “She magazine,” and receives much attention for her work in the areas of culture and lifestyle.
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MAISON ABLE Cafe Ron Ron is a new hot spot in Harajuku that has been popping up all over Japanese social media. It's so popular that it's common to see lines of people waiting outside to get in, and that's due to the fact that this is the world's first-ever all-you-can-eat conveyor belt dessert cafe! MMN decided to visit the cafe to see what all the fuss was about. Unfortunately, it was raining on the day, but that didn't stop the smiles on girls' faces waiting outside for it to open which gleamed like a clear summer's day.
We visited the cafe with Japanese model Rinko Murata who has a weakness for sweet things and whose anticipation for this place was growing. Upon entering the cafe you must first buy a ticket from the ticket machine. It costs ¥1,800 (tax included) for all-you-can-eat desserts and a drink. This is the drink shelf. You can choose your favourite from a selection of colourful beverages that come in original bottles. Rinko-chan picked out a photogenic-looking drink too! If you stand against the pastel pink walls you can snap a cute photo from any angle! Rinko-chan was quick in wanting to snap one. There are messages written over the walls too. It makes you want to take your dessert in hand and take lots of pictures. The dessert lane stretches a sweet 38 meters. There are over 25 delights to choose from which appetisingly pass by one by one. They arrive crowning pastel coloured plates looking like precious gems and jewels. There's even light savoury food in addition to the sweet stuff. You're allowed 40 minutes. Heaven begins as you sit down: pick, take a photo, tuck in and repeat. Is this one an ice cream? It actually isn't - underneath the cone hides potato salad! This is one of the non-dessert light foods and is perfect for cleansing your palate. There's a meat ball burger, nikuman meat bun, popcorn and others too. (And keep in mind that items change depending on the season!) All the sweets are bite-sized meaning you can enjoy lots of different kinds one after the other. "Eating something this cute feels such a waste!" commented Rinko-chan. Piling up the plates after you've finished is kinda fun too! The shortcake dessert with the black cat wafer is the most popular. Only 10 of them come by in an hour. Rinko-chan was lucky enough to get her hands on one. The cat has an iconic presence in the cafe. In fact, the "Ron Ron" in the cafe's name comes from French and refers to the purring sound a cat makes when it's happy. There's a super cute girly powder room up on the second floor. They have hair straighteners, makeup and other bits and bobs that customers are free to use. Use of the powder room isn't included within the time restriction of the all-you-can-eat service, so once you've filled your belly with treats you can hit it up, touch up your makeup and head out shopping. If you're in Harajuku why not enjoy lots of desserts and a girly time over at MAISON ABLE Cafe Ron Ron? MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Social Media Campaign Running: November 29, 2018 - December 4, 2018 We are giving away chekki photographs of Rinko Murata randomly to 2 lucky people who follow us on either our Instagram, Twitter or Weibo pages and share this article (or hit 'Like' on Instagram). Anyone from around the world can participate in this campaign, so get involved! Writer: Ai Watanabe Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga Information
MAISON ABLE Cafe Ron Ron
Address: 6-7-15 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Last Orders 18:00)
TEL: 03-5468-8290
Price: ¥1,800 (Tax Included) w/drink [40 Minutes Allowed]Website: https://cafe-ronron.com/
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In the Tokyo Stroll series, we take you on a trip to various locations around Japan’s capital. One of the frequent locations are shrines where our navigator Ellie adds to her goshuin collection. In this entry, Ellie visits Azabu Hikawa Shrine which is located in the district of Azabu-Juban known for being referenced many times in the Sailor Moon series.
Azabu-Juban station is the closest station to the shrine. Naoko Takeuchi, the author of Sailor Moon, actually lived in Azabu-Juban when the series was being serialised in Nakayoshi from 1991 to 1997. The shrine was used as a model for Hikawa Shrine where Rei, or Sailor Mars, worked as a shrine maiden. The shrine can be found just a 10-minute walk from the station past the rich residential area where the embassy is. It's enveloped in a bright green oasis of trees. The main shrine is a vivid vermilion. Enshrined there are the deities Susanoo-no-Mikoto―the young brother of Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun and the universe―and Yamato Takeru no Mikoto. The shrine is seen as lucky for many reasons. People pray there for increased luck, business prosperity, warding off evil, better fortune, success in life, wealth, safe childbirth, protection against misfortune, academic achievement, exam success, family safety, marriage, national security, and more. When Ellie visited the shrine was decorated for Sendai tanabata. There are many Inari shrines in Japan which are erected to worship the god Inari. There is one here too as pictured above. It was originally located at a nearby daimyo residence for the Sendai domaign Date clan during the Edo Period but was relocated to Azabu Hikawa Shrine at the beginning of the Showa Period. For this reason it has strong ties with Sendai, hence the tanabata decorations, which will be there until August 8. It was time for Ellie to head to the chozuya (also known as temizuya) to cleanse herself before praying which is part of shrine etiquette. Take the ladle with your right hand, scoop up plenty of water, and rinse your left hand first. Next, switch hands. Hold the ladle with your left hand and rinse your right. Then take the ladle with your right hand once more, pour some water into your left hand and rinse your mouth. Never bring the ladle directly to your mouth, and do not swallow the water or spit it back into the basin. There will be an area below the basin, like a bed of rocks, where you can spit the water out. After rinsing your left hand one more time, pour out any remaining water into the rocks (never back into the basin), and return the ladle. Having cleansed herself, Ellie headed to the main shrine. When praying, remember this: two bows, two claps, one bow. Straighten your posture and begin with two bows. Clap twice, pray, and bow one final time to finish. It's time for the main event. Getting that goshuin! It costs just ¥300. This goshuin includes a stamp of Azabu Hikawa Shrine as well as blue and pink Sendai tanabata decorations. It's a very colourful goshuin and is only available for a limited period of time. Not only is Azabu Hikawa Shrine loved by locals as a place of worship, but because of its Sailor Moon references. Fans flock to the shrine, as do the staff of the ongoing Sailor Moon musical. The number of people visiting the shrine from Japan and overseas is increasing. If you're in Tokyo, make a trip to this iconic spot. ■Information Azabu Hikawa Shrine Address: 1-4-23 Motoazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo Time: Shop 9:00am-5:00pm / Shrine 9:00am-4:30pm TEL: 03-3446-8796 Access: 8-minutes on foot from Azabu-Juban Station via the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line or Toei Oedo Line Website: http://www.azabuhikawa.or.jpOutfit HEART HIT HAT：￥8,000 One-piece Dress：￥16,000 *all prices include tax (Aymmy in the batty girls) -
“Where do we go now?” “How shall we end the day?” – these are just two of the questions that you will be asking yourself if you spend a day in Tokyo. Tokyo station is both the first and last stop of numerous journeys and is connected to every corner of Japan. Many enter Tokyo to begin their adventure, and many leave to embark on a new adventure. Today, we’ll be looking at the enjoyment that awaits us before and after Shinkansen and normal trains depart on their journeys. Today, Hikari Shibata will be recommending you just some of the best spots in Yurakucho!
A direct connection to KITTE!
From Tokyo Station Marunouchi south exit, you will immediately be faced with “KITTE”. From fashion and miscellaneous to gourmet to souvenirs – a wide range of wonderful items have been gathered in one spot.
A specialist hankerchief shop gleaming with style
First up on Hikari’s list of recommendations is the handkerchief specialist store “H TOKYO”, which is located on the 3rd floor. From illustrators to novelists, these handkerchiefs are the result of many artist collaborations. The handkerchiefs line the shop, filling up the display areas.
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful handkerchief to brighten your spirit, or whether you are looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, you can take your time browsing here to your heart’s content.
Patterns and traditional Japanese designs such as these can only be found in Tokyo. You can also purchase badges and uchiwa fans, small items made from the fabric of the handkerchiefs and many KITTE limited items that cannot be obtained anywhere else.
You can also purchase personalized handkerchiefs with initials, messages and even embroidery. Many foreign visitors and other tourists who are staying in Tokyo for a while choose to order their designs and then collect them before returning home.
■Information
H TOKYO Marunouchi store
Address：3rd floor KITTE, 2-7-2, Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Access： Approx. 1 min walk from JR/Marunouchi line (Tokyo Station), approx. 2 min walk from Chiyoda line (Nijubashimae Station)
Opening hours 11:00-21:00 (Open until 20.00 on national holidays)
Fixed holidays：Decided by KITTE
Telephone number：03-6256-0811A museum too?!
Did you know that KITTE doesn’t just sell goods; it also has its own museum? This highly attention-grabbing museum is a big hit with the public and not only displays art, but is also a highly attractive academic spot.
© INTERMEDIATHEQUE
Room and display design ©UMUT works 2013-
INTERMEDIATHEQUE is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Here, the museum space merges academic pursuits with culture. The heritage of the arts collected from Tokyo University over 140 years has been gathered here. Therefore, this is a very special spot. Specimens, samples, stuffed animals and much more – this part of the museum contains precious findings in academic pursuit and teaches the generations of the future all kinds of history.
© INTERMEDIATHEQUE
Room and display design ©UMUT works 2013-
This has been the storage area of academic specimens. A viewing of these specimens fills us with wonder about our present world. The exhibition provokes us to wonder where these discoveries can lead us and what impression they make. Visitors can enjoy the vast collection of historical items and their hidden messages.
© INTERMEDIATHEQUE
Room and display design ©UMUT works 2013-
■Information
JP Tower Gakujutsu Bunka Sogo Museum「Intermediatheque」
Address：2nd – 3rd floor KITTE, 2-7-2, Marunouchi, Chiyoda
Access: Approx. 1 min walk from JR/Marunouchi line (Tokyo Station), approx. 2 min walk from Chiyoda line (Nijubashimae Station)
Opening hours：11:00 – 18:00 (Fri. and Sat. until 20:00)
Entrance fee: free
- Last entries accepted 30 mins before closing time.
Fixed holidays：Mondays and during the New Year period. The institution decides on any further closing days. The museum is closed for both Monday and Tuesday if the Monday is a national holiday.
Telephone number：03-5777-8600
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Pick up a souvenir before leaving!
Located in the subway of Tokyo station is a goldmine of souvenir shops – “GRANSTA”. “Nihonbashi Nishiki Hourin" is Hikari’s next stop. The “karinto” (deep-fried brown sugar snack) specialty store “Nihonbashi nishiki sosogi” has a wide lineup of all kinds of “karinto,” from the standard sweet “karinto” to “karinto” which are good snacks with alcoholic drinks.
The person you are giving your gift to – does he or she have a “sweet tooth” or a “spicy tooth?” As a specialty store they have a wide lineup of items, from the limited time offer – “yuzu & salt” flavor to “coconut & almond,” and the most popular “kinpira goboh” (fried burdock root and carrot) flavor. The perfect treat can be found right here!
■Information
Nihonbashi Nishiki Horin, GRANSTA store
Address：GRANSA, 1st floor basement, JR Higashi-nihon Tokyo Station, 1-9-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda
Access：JR Tokyo Station basement floor 1 GRANSA, before the “Gin no Suzu” (The big silver bell)
Opening hours： 8:00 - 22:00 (Monday ～ Saturday & national holidays)
8:00 - 21:00 (Sundays)
In the case of consecutive holidays, Sunday will be the final holiday
Fixed holidays：None
Telephone number：03-3287-8010
Walk just a little further and you’ll reach Yurakucho!
Feeling peckish? Located in Yurakucho, “Hamanoya Parlor” is the perfect rest stop. This café is over 50 years old. The art of cuisine has been passed down throughout the generations, ensuring that the original taste doesn’t change over the years. This old café has maintained its retro atmosphere – the perfect place to chill out. Records are played in the shop and customers are welcome to take their time and relax here.
Hamanoya Parlor’s specialties consist of their fruit sandwich and tomato sandwich mix (￥620), and their cream soda (￥650). The cream soda is a light pink colour. You cannot taste a peach soda quite like this one anywhere else!
This order consist of a hearty egg and crispy-lettuce sandwich with a fresh peach- flavored cream soda. The tongue-tantalizing original flavours of this café will provide a good memory for you to keep.
■Information
Hamanoya Parlor
Address：Basement floor 1, Shinyurakucho Building, 1-12-1, Yurakucho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Access：1 minute walk from JR Yurakucho station
Opening hours：9:00 – 18:00 (Sundays 10:00 – 17:00)
Fixed holidays：National holidays and during the New Year’s period
Telephone number：03-3212-7447
Model：Hikari Shibata
Hikari Shibata is a model for numerous popular fashion magazines. She gives a fresh and eloquent impression with her fashion sense that goes hand in hand with her unique style. She also posts lifestyle content across her social media, including on her Instagram and Twitter accounts, which receives huge support and attention from her female readers of the same generation. As well as working as a model, she is also active in the field of photography, and has even held photo exhibitions inside and outside Tokyo. Hikari also maintains her very own portfolio website which features her photography work.
Instagram：@_sbthkr
Writer：Miiki Sugita
Photograph ：Haruka Yamamoto
Editor：Sayuri Mizuno (ASOBISYSTEM)
Related article：【Tokyo Stroll】Renting a bike and riding through Yanaka – the town reminiscent of old-fashioned Tokyo
Related article：【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling around Asakusa for half of the day finding the stereo typical sightseeing spots and new spots.
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In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Kayaba Coffee, a coffee shop in Yanaka, Tokyo, which is a perfect example of the old and traditional shitamachi neighbourhoods. Kayaba Coffee is just a 10-minute walk from both Nezu Station and Nippori Station.
This is a place I've visited in my private time out of work and I'm always excited to go. Kayaba Coffee was established in 1938, and actually closed in 2006. But due to public demand, the cafe reopened just two years later in 2008. It's a popular coffee shop loved by people of all generations. Time to head on in. The first floor houses the counter and table seats, while the seating on the second floor is traditional zashiki style on tatami flooring. Although it's a cafe, you I feel so relaxed in there that it's like I'm visiting my grandma's house. The sun shines through the big windows, making you all warm and want to take a nap. I ordered their super popular egg sandwich! The menu was changed in May this year, and a new and improved version of their egg sandwich was put on there. It's made using sourdough bread from VANER, a local bakery in Uenosakuragi not far from the cafe. Breakfast Menu - Egg Sandwich | ¥1,000
The chewy, sour bread is the perfect combination with the fluffy eggs.Lemon Squash | ¥600
The lemon squash has a cinnamon aftertaste. Everything on the menu is made with love and perfection; before I realised it, I was hooked on going there.Strawberry Shaved Ice | ¥800
This was my first shaved ice of the year! I went with the classic strawberry flavour. The syrup is super juicy and nearly collapsed the fluffy shaved ice the moment I put it on. It has a syrupy texture and the strawberry juice has a sweet and sour kick that's just simply delightful♡ And you can make it even sweeter by pouring over your desired amount of condensed milk. It was really tasty.Kayaba Coffee is the same as it was back in the day, and continues to be loved dearly. I think even people who visit it for the first time will feel a sense of nostalgia. If you have a place you can go to relax on bad days or when you're feeling down, it's sure to give you the strength to work hard again. This cafe is a wonderful place that's close to people's hearts. I want to visit there again already. Writer/Model: Ema TaniokuPhotographer: Haruka YamamotoDesign: Yuko Takayama (ASOBISYSTEM)Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga Information
Kabaya Coffee
Address: 6-1-29 Yanaka, Taito-ku, TokyoOpening Hours: [Tue-Fri] 8:00-18:00 (Last Orders 17:30) / [Weekends] 8:00-19:00 (Last Orders 18:30)
Closed: Mondays
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Liquor Innovation released a new sparkling sudachishu Japanese sake called 'Awasu' over on the Japanese online sake store KURAND today. Available as made-to-order only, the sake will be shipped out to customers in Japan at the beginning of September.
Awasu is a sparkling sudachishu—a type of liquor similar to umeshu—produced by Japanese model and brand director Rinko Murata. The beverage is made with lots of sudachi, a type of Japanese citrus, sourced from Tokushima Prefecture, which adds an extra layer of freshness to the sparkling factor as well as a sour kick. And it's not just the juice of the fruit that is used—the skin is too. Sudachi is an all-purpose ingredient that goes hand in hand with many dishes, whether it be traditional Japanese food, more modern food, or snacks, adding a refreshing taste to them. Awasu benefits from the amount of vitamin C of the sudachi which is said to be greater than that of a lemon. It also contains honey, which is known for helping to recover from fatigue, making it a great post-work drink. The concept of Awasu is to be a companion during those times you want to feel indulged. Rinko Murata says that the drink is "A treat for working so hard in the day. It gives you some luxury time without any effort." Awasu is served in a can, so you can easily crack one open and enjoy with ease. The freshness of the sudachi together with the subtle sweetness of the honey will reset your fatigue after a long day. Information
Awasu – Sparkling Sudachishu
Price: ¥450 (Before Tax)
Available: Set of 6 / Set of 24
Alcohol Content: 6%
Quantity: 270ml
Ingredients: Brewed Liquor / Sudachi Juice / Sweetener / Honey / Seishu Refined Sake / Carbon Dioxide / Flavourings
Manufacturer: Honke Matsuura Brewery
Distributor: Liquor InnovationProduct Details: https://awasu.me
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In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Sepia in Shibamata, a Showa-retro style cafe which I've always wanted to visit.
The cafe is just a 2-minute stroll from Shibamata Station which appears in the Japanese film Otoko wa Tsurai yo. The walk along the road that leads to Sepia, which is nearby the Buddhist temple Shibamata Taishakuten, is a pleasant one. Tokyo is a city consistently perceived as one that is cutting-edge in every aspect, but what I felt from each and every building surrounding Shibamata Station was a kind of warmth that you feel when something has history to it. It's been seven years since I came to Tokyo. Visiting Shibamata made me me realised how many places there are which I still don't know about. It invigorated me. As my mind wandered with these pondering thoughts, I finally spotted the sign outside the cafe, and it sure is a cute one! The moment I stepped inside, I stood, my mouth agape, and looked at my surroundings. It's the first time I've entered such a bright, shining cafe. It was littered with characters I've never seen before, manga, magazines, and more. When you hear the word kira kira ("glitter," "sparkle"), the first thing that comes to mind for a lot of people is probably Harajuku and the Harajuku style, but Sepia's version of kira kira is a nostalgic one betwixt 1965 and 1975 during the Showa Period. The cafe is incredibly delicate in every spot and corner, like I'm looking inside some grand treasure chest. The owner of Sepia is Kiyoko Hasezawa. The cafe gets its name from the manga Milky Sepia Monogatari by Ako Mutsu. Ms. Hasezawa said that she wanted to bring to life the world of the manga she loved. The cafe is full of her dreams and is enjoyed by everyone, both children and adults alike. The cafe menu is even inspired by the food that appears in the Milky Sepia Monogatari manga. The hard pudding I had, which combined caramel sauce and cream, was an absolute delight. Homemade Showa Pudding & Cream Soda Set: ¥1,200
If we're talking cafes, then you can't go wrong with cream soda. The cream soda served at Sepia comes in seven different flavours and colours: melon, Blue Hawaii, strawberry, lemon, peach, grape, and orange. I was spoilt for choice on which to go for, but in the end I went with the pink-coloured strawberry. It had a sweet flavour and was really delicious.Strawberry Cream Soda: ¥750
I devoured the hotcakes too. The pastry was so fluffy and tasty - I could have eaten a hundred of them. The second one I ate with honey.Hotcakes: ¥600
At the back of the cafe, they also have the "Candy Candy Museum." There's a personal collection of items from Candy H Milky, a female fashion enthusiastic who used to be a customer at Sepia. There's a photo spot for snapping a photo in the cafe too. It's a great time getting to go and look at the displays after eating. I recommend going to see the collection yourself with your own eyes. Entry to the museum is ¥300.There's a tearoom up on the second floor which has a nostalgic vibe to it. I felt warm and relaxed, like I'd been transported to my grandma's house. Humans can't travel back in time, but if we look after mementos properly, we can go back there in our minds and memories. Sepia, a place that continues to be cherished and loved, is everybody's treasure trove.
My oh my, I really want to go back there again.
Writer/Model：Ema TaniokuPhotographer：Haruka YamamotoDesign：Yuko Takayama（ASOBISYSTEM）Information
Sepia
Address: 7-4-11 Shibamata, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo
Days Open: Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays
Business Hours: 12:00-17:00 (Last Orders 16:30)
For the latest information, visit Sepia’s official Twitter page @sepia_mama -
Pascal Le Gac Tokyo is the first overseas branch of internationally-recognised French-based chocolate company Pascal Le Gac which released some breathtaking new desserts to its menu on Wednesday.
Chocolate Parfait Flurry / Phrase Parfait Flurry
The original Parfait Flurry desserts are made in the image of a bloomed flower. When they were released back in April 2019, they instantly garnered attention across social media and news websites for their gorgeous design. Pascal Le Gac Tokyo has brought them back to the menu, this time in the form of cakes.Cakes that are like parfaits
The new desserts take the same concept of the original parfaits, but instead turns them into cakes. But that doesn't simply mean taking the parfait ingredients as they are and turning them into a cake. Rather, the cakes recreate the taste of the parfaits, so it's like eating the real thing. The wine glass that the parfaits were served in have been recreated using icing to give that shiny effect, and the chocolate flowers have been cut thin so they are easy to eat.Chocolate Flurry - ¥864 (Tax Included)
Starting from the bottom upwards, the Chocolate Flurry is layered with chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate flavoured almond sponge, chocolate cream, chocolate mousse, cacao flavoured vanilla cream, more chocolate cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and chocolate glaçage. Every part of this art piece is made with cacao.Phrase Flurry (Tax Included)
Starting from the bottom upwards, the Phrase Flurry is layered with pistachio cookie pieces, almond sponge, pistachio mousse, strawberry mousse, lychee jelly, strawberry compote, raspberry flavoured fresh cream, strawberry chocolate, and red glaçage. The marriage of strawberry, lychee, and pistachio flavours is nothing short of heavenly. *Please note that opening hours and closures are subject to change depending on the situation of the coronavirus outbreak. Check the cafe's official website for the latest details.Information
Pascal Le Gac Tokyo
Address: 2-12-13 Akasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: [Weekdays] 10:00-20:00 (Last Orders 19:30) / [Weekends] 10:00-18:00 (Last Orders 17:30)Closed: Sundays
Access: 5-minutes on foot from Exit 2 of Akasaka Station (via Chiyoda Line) / 1-minute on foot from Exit 11 of Tameike-Sannō Station (via Ginza and Namboku Lines)
TEL: 03-6230-9413
Official Website: http://www.legac-chocolatier.jp/
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Akasaka is known as a warzone when it comes to gourmet restaurants, but a new contender has arrived. Akasaka Yuuga opened this month in Akasaka Ni-chome, Tokyo. This restaurant serves Japanese style cuisine featuring carefully selected flavours taken from across the country.
Yuuga gets most of their fish from Choshi Port, which boasts the best fish yield in Japan, as well as other carefully chosen seafood from across Japan in addition to seasonal vegetables. They bring out the full flavour of their ingredients, all of which are matched to the current season. They even serve Japanese black beef. Their concept centres on how recognised and loved Japanese food is internationally. The restaurant makes full use of Japan's traditional food culture and prepares food using a variety of cooking methods. Everything in the restaurant is carefully considered to ensure diners enjoy their meal experience with all five senses, from not only the food but the decor and hospitality too. There are also counter seats available for customers who want to watch their food being prepared while they talk, whether to their friends or with the skilled chefs, offering an unforgettable dining experience for Japanese people and foreigners alike. There are also private eating booths for those who want to eat with friends, family, or celebrate a special day. Nijushisekki
Nijushisekki refers to the days that divide the solar year into twenty four equal sections and highlight the longest days of sun in summer, the shortest days in winter, and the days being the same in spring and autumn. The dishes at the restaurant reflect these regular changes; the dishes are not bound strictly by Japanese cuisine, but make use of various cooking and preparation methods, with thought and consideration put into every dish. Japanese Black Beef
Yuuga prides itself not only on seasonal vegetable and fish-filled menu, which is both a feast for the belly and eyes, but on the beef used in its course meals too. Yuuga serves Japanese black beef which comes from a rare breed of cow which is difficult to rear. It has a distinct rich flavour and low melting point which gives it a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Courses
There are three courses to choose from that cater to customers desires, costing ¥8,000, ¥12,000, and ¥20,000 respectively. This includes appetisers, and customers can choose from a range of wines from around the world select by sommeliers, as well as champagne, whisky, and of course sake and shochu. Information
Akasaka Yuuga
Address: Yamaguchi Bldg. 1F, 2-14-8 Akasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours: 17:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:00)
Closed: Sundays & Public Holidays
Official Website: http://yuuga.ku-shin.jp
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In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited J-COOK in Gaiemmae, a place I visited one time while off work which ended up in me wanting to absolutely feature it in the series!
It's just a 5-minute stroll from Gaiemmae Station. The cafe enjoys lots of sunlight, which is brightened further by all the plants scattered through the shop. The cafes I have visited to date are often a little darker with only a little light seeping through the windows to create a certain atmosphere, and they are wonderful, but this was the first I have ever visited with so might light and so many plants. The air felt clear, adding to the level of comfort in the cafe, perhaps because there are so many plants adorning the interior. The cafe also has a space with a slightly more darker light and atmosphere on the left side. I haven't sat in that area yet, so I think I'll try it out on my next visit. When I come to J-COOK, my eyes always wander over to the marzipan creations (¥450). These ones here were actually all individually handmade by the owner's husband from the early morning. If you look really closely, you'll notice all the dog designs are different. When ordering, get to pick out which one you want, so try finding your perfect pup! I had mine together with an iced coffee (¥450). The sweet marzipan is a delicious combination with the bitterness of the coffee. I also got some potted cream (¥450). It's kind of like a Japanese custard pudding with just a moderate amount of sweetness. I had mine with a bit of brandy which had fragrant vanilla notes. They've had this brandy for 33 years since the store first opened. The cream was sensational, and the gentle notes linger afterwards. They have a lot of different homemade soups too which are perfect for the coming cold weather. I got the New Orleans-style gumbo soup. It's spicy with clam and okra in it. Relaxing jazz music plays in the cafe while you sit and enjoy your drink and meal. J-COOK is a wonderful little cafe run by a husband and wife. When I first came, the wife came and talked to me. She's super friendly, and although it was our first meeting, she made me feel really comfortable and welcome. She must be full of happiness, which in turn naturally gives people who visit the strength to be positive and work hard. I reckon their smiles have saved a lot of people. I can't wait to visit again! Writer/Model: Ema TaniokuPhotographer: Haruka YamamotoDesign: Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga Information
J-COOK
Address: 3-36-26 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: [Tue-Sat] 8:00-22:00 (Last Orders) / [Sun] 11:00-18:00 (Last Orders 17:30)
Closed: Mondays
Official Twitter: @jcookjp