From September 22 until October 3, fans of Miffy will want to head to Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station! Some tasty collaboration sweets will be available at the station, including some scrumptious cheesecake.

As part of the ongoing collaboration between Miffy and the Hankyu Railway, a new Cheesecake Bar will be available at the Dick Bruna TABLE POP-UP SHOP at Osaka-Umeda Station, which will be open for a limited time. This is a dream collaboration between the very popular Miffy Cheesecake Bar at Dick Bruna TABLE Kobe, a wine bar and cafe where fans can enjoy wine and food along with Dick Bruna’s world-famous illustrations, and the maroon color of the Hankyu Railway. Rich cheesecake and blackcurrant will be sold in sets of two, and sweets lovers won’t want to miss it.

How could you not want to try these tasty Miffy goods?

Located along the Meguro River, Haute Couture Cafe is known for serving up some of the best afternoon tea in Tokyo. The location is incredibly photogenic and often pops up on social media, covered in flowers welcoming guests to what feels like a fairy tale land. From July 1 until September 4, visitors to the cafe can enjoy a Peach and Shine Muscat Afternoon Tea set, perfect for summer and incorporating seasonal fruits. 

The fresh peaches and shine muscat (a type of luxurious grape found in Japan) are delivered from a nearby market daily. By using peaches without heating them, such as in the compote, guests can enjoy the juiciness of the raw fruit in a new way.

The lineup of delicately prepared and hearty savory dishes includes Peach and Prosciutto Cappellini, and guests wanting to enjoy more can order this as a lunch or dinner course as well. There are six courses in total, including the fresh-squeezed grape and muscat Mont Blanc plan and a Peach Cheesecake plan with a drink included. The cafe also offers anniversary plans, so why not bring your sweetheart?

The theme of this summer afternoon tea is ‘an adorable purple space.’ Guests will be surrounded by light purple wisteria as they enjoy this colorful spread.

Why not enjoy this summer treat as you look out over the river? 

Airbnb boasts one of the largest travel communities in the world, filled with users offering up lodging and those eager to visit somewhere new. The Japanese subsidiary of the company has revealed the top spots added to Japanese users ‘Favorites (Wish Lists)’ from May 1 to May 17, 2022. Where will travelers in the country be headed this summer?

Golden Week is long gone and users are starting to think about where to visit during the hottest part of the year. This national ‘Wish List’ might make it easier to pick a spot, with many locations highlighting lesser-known areas!

Gujo Hachiman Villa, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Gifu)

This completely private rental villa was made for sauna enthusiasts. One lucky pair per day can book this suite along the Yoshida River flowing through Gujo Hachiman, known as the “City of Water and Dance.” Currently booked through the end of August, reservations for September and beyond will be available in early June. Book a stay to enjoy the gorgeous autumn foliage!

A House Surrounded by Lush Greenery in the Countryside (Tottori)

Hosted by a family of musicians and architects, this guesthouse invites guests to enjoy gorgeous Nordic-inspired interiors and the serene quiet of the countryside. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect spot.

Hoshina Satomachi, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Nagano)

There’s nothing like spending the summer in a traditional Japanese home. Enjoy a barbeque on the terrace and relax on the massive lawn. This is the perfect spot for families with children or pets!

Coastal Cabin (Chiba)

You can’t have summer without a pool. This luxurious coastal retreat boasts a 15-meter pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, bonfire space, and a barbeque. Relax by the pool while listening to your favorite songs or soak in the outdoor bath as you watch the waves crash along the shore.

An Elegant and Peaceful Log Cabin (Nagano)

Located at 1,300 meters above sea level on the Iizuna plateau, this log cabin is situated in the midst of a dense forest. A perfect space for couples, families, or small groups of friends, guests are welcome to enjoy hiking through this gorgeous landscape in the center of Japan!

Anniversaire Cafe Minatomirai Yokohama has opened a limited-time fair inspired by beautiful hydrangea! The ‘Purplish Flower Garden’ event is currently inviting guests to enjoy gorgeous sweets and drinks inspired by these spring and summer blooms until July 10, 2022.

Purplish Flower Plate

Purplish Flower Pain Perdu

Matcha Mont Blanc

Purplish Soda / Rainy Peach

Purplish Flower Stand Afternoon Tea

Purplish Flower Plate Afternoon Tea

Petits Fleur

The menu includes three desserts, two beverages, two afternoon tea plans, and one take-out dessert perfect for enjoying beside the sea. Come enjoy an elegant moment at the ‘Purplish Flower Garden’ event if you can!

The luxury hotel Grand Hyatt Tokyo will offer Easter sweets and baked goods at the on-site Fiorentina Pastry Boutique from April 1 until Easter, April 17, to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Easter Egg Macaroon

Easter Cookies with Icing

Easter Lollipop

Easter Bunny Brioche

This year, in addition to the new Easter Bunny and Easter egg macaroons, cookies with icing, lollipop chocolates, brioche in the shape of the Easter Bunny, and other sweets and bakery items will be available. Don’t miss it!

Japan-based chocolate specialty store Minimal is now offering a limited-edition set of gateau chocolates with fresh strawberries from Mei Strawberries in Kagawa Prefecture. These are available for preorder and are perfect for Valentine’s Day!

These sweets were a huge hit last year, selling out immediately. The rare variety of strawberries used is only found in 1 percent of Japanese strawberry farms, and these are blended with milk cream and specialty chocolate. 

The strawberry jam found on the top of each chocolate piece is made from these rare Nyohou strawberries.  Originally a small-grained variety, the Nyohou varietals send from Mei Strawberries in Kagawa Prefecture are larger with a beautiful dark-red color. Fragrant, juicy, and sweet, they also have a slight acidity that provide a more complex flavor.

To maximize the natural strawberry flavor, the chocolate is made from Madagascar cocoa beans with a more berry-like flavor. Only slightly roasted, the graininess is intact, leaving a more powerful and rich flavor. A milky sweet cream has also been added to the center to provide a better balance.

This is the second year that the company has worked with these strawberries from Mei, and after making a number of prototypes, Minimal has found the best possible way to express these unique flavors in harmony. 

Bandai Candy has begun selling the second round of Demon Slayer-themed tarts! This time, the family-sized treats will feature the taste of two varieties of cheesecake, and will be available at select AEON, AEON Style, MaxValu, and Daiei locations throughout Japan.

Each tart features characters from the popular Demon Slayer anime series with smiles on their faces. With a two-layered structure, customers can enjoy the flavor of baked cheesecake and gelatin cheesecake. Characters included are Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, Giyu, Inosuke, Kyojuro, Shinobu, and Kanao.

(C)吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

Neko Neko Cheesecake, a sweets shop specializing in cat-shaped treats, is adding the massively popular Neko Neko Tiramisu back to the menu for a limited time only, from September 10 until September 30, 2021.

※Until supplies last. 

Originally sold as a limited-edition release for Father’s Day, 800 of these cat-shaped treats sold out instantly. Brought back as a result of constant consumer requests, the Tiramisu will only be available in very limited quantities.

The Neko Neko Tiramisu is filled with soft sponge cake soaked with coffee syrup, with a layer of mascarpone cheese mousse layered on top. Finished with cocoa and coffee powder, it’s the perfect mix of bittersweet and rich flavors.

The Tiramisu will also be available at the online store All Hearts Mall, making it easy to send to friends and family. As the pandemic continues to keep people apart, this adorable sweet is a great way to surprise loved ones far away.

What do you think about this Neko Neko Tiramisu? It might be too cute to eat.

From July 29 to August 11, over 320,000 people from around Japan voted for their favorite lesser-known local souvenir. Sponsored by Japanese e-commerce site Mercari, the contest highlighted 47 unique goods from around the country, one for each prefecture. The winners have been announced, and the White Rabbit of Inaba from Tottori Prefecture has won first place, receiving more than 60,000 votes.

A music video-style web commercial featuring the winning product is now being produced to support the shop and particular region of Tottori. The music will be performed by electro-pop group Frasco.

In Japan, the rabbit is known for bringing good fortune, and has been a beloved symbol since ancient times.  The white rabbit in particular, featured in the local Izumo myth ‘The White Rabbit of Inaba,’ plays a major role in connecting the characters Onamuchi-no-kami and Princess Yakami. In 1968, the famous confectionery ‘White Rabbit of Inaba’ was created in the hopes of bringing good luck to those visiting the area.

Much like how an indie music group has a small group of hardcore fans but may not be well-known outside of small circles, these indie souvenirs are popular with locals, but may not be known to those outside the community. On the official website, fans can see their favorite treats displayed on what looks like album covers as an homage to this fitting comparison.

On social media, there was incredible support for the project from all kinds of people: those who made the souvenirs in the first place, those who love their local area, and those who were seeing these treats for the first time and dying to try them.

Which of the 47 souvenirs would you be most happy to receive?

Sneaker shop atmos will be releasing a colorful new collection of shoes inspired by Japan’s famed summer festivals! Called the RETRO SUMMER PACK, sales will begin in most atmos stores on August 9, 2021, as well as on the atmos online shop. To celebrate the launch, a pop up shop will open in Harajuku for a limited-time on the same day. The lottery is now open on atmos-tokyo.com. 

NIKE AIR MORE UPTEMPO ‘96: ¥20,900 (Tax Included)

NIKE WMNS AIR FORCE 1 ʻ07 LV8 ¥13,200 (Tax Included)

NIKE WAFFLE TRAINER 2 ¥12,100 (Tax Included)

NIKE AS M NSW TEE MAX90 TD RESU ¥4,950 (Tax Included)

The AIR MORE UPTEMPO sneakers feature traditional Japanese patterns inspired by Kuniyoshi Utagawa, one of Japan’s most famous ukiyo-e artists. Traditional Japanese patterns like chrysanthemums and pine needles decorate the AIR FORCE 1 shoes, while the lemon, strawberry and melon colors covering the WAFFLE TRAINER 2 and t-shirts were inspired by the most sought-after summer treat, shaved ice!

At the atmos pop up shop, it’s all about the retro theme. Inside the store, visitors can stroll down memory lane, with every square-inch of space filled with Showa era nostalgia. Certain items will only be available here, so don’t miss out! 

Nijigen no Mori, an amusement park located on Awaji Island in Hyogo, began a summer event at its Naruto and Boruto-themed zone on July 22 which is set to run until September 30.

Event-exclusive stickers

The event includes a huge water gun event where 25 litres of water will be sprayed to cool down guests during the hot summer event. With themed character panels displayed around the park, join Naruto and the gang, including Zabuza and Haku, for some summer fun. All guests receive a free original sticker too.

© 岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ

Tokyo Midtown’s annual MIDTOWN ART PALETTE has returned again for the summer, opening on July 16 and running until September 5. This year, the event delivers a Digital Art Garden with gorgeous dream-like digital artwork.

Digital Art Garden

Last year’s event

Experience a distinctively Japanese way to stay cool and refreshed on a wooden veranda with light and mist dancing through the outdoor space inspired by traditional Japanese rock gardens. Find yourself bewitched by an enchanting summer evening as the digital art transforms throughout the day.

This year’s event is being held with all proper social distancing measures in place.

Take digital art home with you with AR fireworks

Locate five QR codes dotted around Tokyo Midtown which when accessed via your smartphone will award you with artistic AR fireworks, allowing you to enjoy fireworks with you wherever you point the camera on your screen, including at home.