To promote support of the Brave Blossoms―Japan’s National Rugby Union Team (JNRU)―Mike Popcorn and Cheetos are teaming up with them to release limited edition packaged products on August 26.
Mike Popcorn Japan National Rugby Team Salted Sakura Shrimp – ¥125 (Before Tax)
The JNRU are known for their trademark cherry blossom emblem and red and white striped uniforms, so Mike Popcorn are releasing salted sakura shrimp flavour popcorn with these very motifs.
Cheetos Japan National Rugby Team Pollock Roe Cheese – ¥125 (Before Tax)
Cheetos are a global brand sold in over 40 countries worldwide. This exclusive flavour forms a tight scrum of ingredients, perfectly combining rich cheese and delicious Pollock roe into a crunchy snack. Like with Mike Popcorn, Cheetos have created a beautiful packaging with cherry blossom flowers as well as Chester Cheetah showing his support by donning the iconic jersey.
Which pack do you want to try most to show your support for Japan in the Rugby World Cup?
©JRFU
Information
Mike Popcorn Japan National Rugby Team Salted Sakura Shrimp
Price: ¥125 (Before Tax)
Release Date: August 26, 2019
Available: Everywhere in Japan
Mike Popcorn Official Website: http://www.fritolay.co.jp/ourbrands/mike/
Cheetos Japan National Rugby Team Pollock Roe Cheese
Price: ¥125 (Before Tax)
Release Date: August 26, 2019
Available: Everywhere in Japan
Cheetos Official Website: http://www.fritolay.co.jp/ourbrands/cheetos/
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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Whether you’re exploring Japan with your adult pals or on a family holiday with young kids, Pokémon fans from all generations cannot deny that treating yourself to Pokémon ice cream is the golden razz you need in this heat.
From August 1 to 30, 2019, Baskin-Robbins will run a collaboration scheme with Pokémon to celebrate the release of the new Pokémon movie Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution. This involves the release of BR’s first ever Pokémon-themed ice creams.
Pikachu Thunderbolt: Fruit Mix (price for single scoop, regular size: ￥390 after tax) *prices may vary,
Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution was released earlier this summer and there is no better opportunity to maximise your Pokémon experience than to indulge in the luxurious taste of Baskin-Robbins ice cream that has been combined with your favourite Pokémon with a beauty that no Pokémon fusion generator is possible of producing!
Pokémon Double Cup
Pikachu has arrived at Baskin Robins in the form of a sorbet, which is appropriately coloured yellow. The fruity sorbet flavours include pineapple, yellow peach, banana, apple and orange. This is decorated with bright red studs of delicious popping candy which look like Pikachu’s cheeks. This is the first ever Pikachu sorbet to ever be sold at Baskin-Robbins.
BR also introduced a promotion scheme where those who purchase a Small Double-size ice cream (￥490 after tax) can upgrade it to a Regular Double size for just an extra ￥100. Your ice cream will be served in a Pokémon-themed cup and you can even pick your favourite cup design out of the three available to maximise your ice cream experience.
Customers who order the Double Cup will receive a Pikachu spoon for each cup ordered. There are three different Pokémon spoon designs. Which one will you get? Hurry over to your nearest Baskin-Robbins to collect them all!
Pokémon Variety Pack
Small 6 pack: ￥1,550 Small 12 pack : ￥2,990 Regular six pack: ￥2,130 Regular 12 pack: ￥4,140 *All prices tax included and are subject to change.
Want them all? The variety pack is perfect for those of you who want a selection to eat while on the go. The Pokémon-themed box is filled with rainbows of colours and all your favourite Pokémon, however, it is only available for a limited time. When you and your friends need a break from catching Pokémon, this is the perfect way to get refreshed.
Finally, don’t miss out on BR’s legendary Pikachu and Eevee ice cream cakes. The Pikachu Cake features BR’s popular “Popping Shower” ice cream, which is a fusion of white chocolate and popping candy. This is wrapped in yellow strawberry-flavoured whipped cream. Pikachu’s rounded chocolate eyes and red cheeks are enough to charm you.
Pokémon Ice Cream Cake (Pikachu/ Eevee): ￥3,300 after tax *prices may vary, a variety of sizes are available
The Eevee Cake will stare at you with cute chocolate eyes. Eevee is wrapped in milk chocolate whipped cream and is wearing a caramel ribbon. Complete your cakes by placing the ears on by yourself.
Maximise your Pokémon experience by watching the new Pokémon movie and indulging in Baskin-Robbin’s legendary Pokémon ice creams.
©Nintendo・Creatures・GAME FREAK・TV Tokyo・ShoPro・JR Kikaku ©Pokémon ©2019 ピカチュウプロジェクト
Information
Baskin-Robbins Pokémon-themed Ice Creams
Avaialble: August 1 ー 30, 2019
Official Website: https://www.31ice.co.jp/contents/topics/190731_01.html
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On July 16 this year, a new branch of Moomin Stand―a drinks shop inspired by the Finnish children’s books The Moomins―opened in Asakusa, one of the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo.
Moomin Stand serves original fruity beverages, drinks with rich milk bases and more, all with chewy tapioca-like pearls.
Moonmin Stand is produced by Moomin Café. The first branch opened in Kichijoji and proved popular with women in their 20s and 30s, high school and university students, and families with children. It continues to enjoy flurries of customers; you’re guaranteed to be lining up on weekends.
Strawberry Daifuku Milk – ¥700 (Before Tax)
The newly-released Strawberry Daifuku Milk drink is exclusive to the Asakusa branch. Its mix of sweet and sour strawberry flavour with the chewy pearls gives a texture reminiscent to daifuku, a traditional Japanese confection which takes mochi and stuffs it with a sweet filling. The drink has a delicious white bean paste base and is topped off with fresh pieces of strawberry.
The café interior is decorated with beautiful illustrations from The Moomins making for plenty of great photo opportunities. There is also a bar to lean on as well as spaces on the wall to rest your back on to relax with your drink after walking around.
All drinks also come with a cute Hattifattener straw toy that bites onto straws and pens which you can take home with you.
After you’ve taken a stroll around Asakusa and seen the Kaminari gate, Nakamise Shopping Street and Sensō-ji temple, why not stop off at Moonmin Stand for refreshments?
Information
Moomin Stand Asakusa
Address: 1-1-12 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-19:00
Moomin Stand Branch List: http://www.benelic.com/moomin_cafe/moominstand/Stawberry Daifuku Milk (Cold)
Price: ¥700 (Before Tax)
Released: July 16, 2019
*Comes with Hattifattener straw toy -
The real heat of summer has finally hit us. As a result, it is getting harder to resist those delicious ice creams in the convenience store that are so easy to get hold of. Convenience stores are constantly refreshing their frozen dessert flavours and it is just too hard to decide which one to go for.
Wondering what tastes good? Don’t break a sweat. Dessert-eating professional Yukko is here to help. Check out her Instagram which has plenty of information on the most irresistible frozen desserts at convenience stores.
CREAM CHEESE MACARON ICE
Seven Eleven sells a macaron ice cream sandwich series which is massively popular every year. You just have to head there now to try the Kiri® cream cheese filling macarons which are collaboration-limited!
Just by looking at the refreshing colour of the macaron is enough to splash life back into your parched body. Sinking your teeth into the crispy macaron sure is fun.
The luxurious ice cream filling is made using 100% Kiri® cream cheese. The ice cream covers a juicy core of passion orange sauce that is thick like treacle. Its sharp, citrusy flavour is bound to instantly revitalise you. The rich cream cheese makes for the perfect balance.
▼ CREAM CHEESE MACARON ICE
Price: ￥257 (after tax)
Available at: Most Seven Elevens countrywide (excluding Okinawa)Strawberries & Condensed Milk Shaved Ice
This is part of Seven Eleven’s flavoured ice series.
When you open it, you will be instantly hit by the revitilizing red colour of the strawberries. The strawberry sauce is sweet yet sour and the ice is crunchy. Allow it a bit of time to melt first and the texture will turn syrupy.
The sweet and sour strawberry sauce is a perfect match with the condensed milk flavoured ice, which is both slightly sweet and refreshing. This is a flavour that adults will love just as much as children.
▼ Strawberries & Condensed Milk Shaved Ice
Price: ￥149 (after tax)
Available at: Convenience Store: Most Seven Elevens countrywide.White Peach Shaved Ice with Peach Pieces
This is yet another dessert from Seven Eleven’s ice Series, and this one is bursting with peachy goodness! Despite being just ￥300, it is full of flavour.
Open the lid and you will discover that it is full of delicious fruity pieces of white peach.
Starting from the top, there are large pieces of peach followed by white peach jelly, white peach shaved ice and then white peach sauce. The peach will immediately melt in your mouth the moment you take a bite. Its juiciness will spread all over your tongue and you will be enlightened with the true refreshing taste of summer.
White Peach Shaved Ice with Peach Pieces
Price: ￥300 (after tax)
Available at: Seven ElevenEssel Super Cup Mango
Having heard all the stories about just how delicious this ice cream is, I just had to try it for myself.
There are four layers to this ice cream. The moment you open the lid, the tropical fruity mango sauce layer will be enough to revitalize you. Once you make it through the mango sauce which is enriched with mango fruit pieces, you will make it to the layer of tofu ice cream. Dig a little deeper and you will arrive at a layer of passion fruit sauce.
If you reach the very bottom, you will hit the mango-flavoured ice cream. If you wait a little while for the ice cream to melt before digging your spoon in, you will be able to truly appreciate the rich-flavoured mango. This ice cream even has a special ingredient; mango pulp. This mango pulp enhances the flavour in an extraordinary way. The discovery of this new flavour will fascinate you to no end. The passion fruit sauce at the bottom has an element of crunchiness to it that resembles sorbet. The mango and mango pulp is an exquisite accent to the flavour, making it deliciously moreish as well as refreshing.
▼Essel Super Cup Mango
Price: ￥238 (after tax)
Available at: Convenience stores and supermarkets across the country.All these convenience store ice creams are just too delicious to miss out on. There are many frozen desserts that will always be available, however, those listed above won’t always be around, so try them while you can!
Mogu Mogu Yukko introduces lots of desserts and sweets that are easily found in convenience stores and supermarkets on her Instagram so please check out her other posts.
Writer and Photographer: Mogu Mogu Yukko
RELATED ENTRIES
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Cafe Accueil Ebisu is currently offering a limited Sakura-themed menu featuring pancakes, afternoon tea, and drinks until April 10, 2022.
Sakura & Strawberry Pancakes
Sakura Afternoon Tea
Special Latte with Cherry Blossoms
The seasonal menu includes Sakura & Strawberry Pancakes with pale pink and strawberry red accents, and savory items such as a croissant with cherry cheese cream. Guests can also enjoy Sakura Afternoon Tea, a colorful 12-item menu featuring cherry and strawberry delights. Come enjoy the coming of spring at this gorgeous Tokyo cafe!
Information
Cafe Accueil Ebisu Sakura Season Special Menu
Available until April 10, 2022
Address: 2-10-10 Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-22:00 (Last Order at 21:00)
Official Site: http://accueil.co.jp/ebisu/
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People flock to Kanda Myojin to pray for good luck at the start of the new financial year, surrounded by beautiful pink blooms. The shrine offers beautiful sights during the day, and this year, it’s collaborating with digital art collective NAKED to host a beautiful light-up event every evening from March 26 until April 10, 2022.
Kanda Myojin is a hidden cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo. This spring-only event is held in the hope that people will pray at Kanda Myojin, one of the most popular power spots in Tokyo, for a great start to the new year.
Guests will be able to see cherry blossom trees lit up in iridescent lights with pink petals projected on the ground. Some of the digital sakura are interactive and change shape and color when you’re nearby. Digital art is even incorporated at the hand sanitizing station, where you’ll see vivid pink sakura projected onto your palms. Visitors will also be handed a special Naked Distance Lantern, which naturally creates distance between others as you hold it up.
Information
NAKED Sakura Pilgimage
Location: Kanda Myojin Shrine
Running: March 26 – April 10, 2022
Hours: 18:00-20:30
Admission: FreeOfficial Site: https://myoujin-sakura.com/
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Lake Biwa Canal, one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Shiga, will be completely illuminated each night from March 25 until April 10! The nearby Onjo-ji Temple will also be lit up during the duration of the event.
Lake Biwa, Otsu Spring Illumination – Cherry Blossoms on the Lake Biwa Canal
The Lake Biwa Canal carries water from the biggest lake in Japan to Kyoto and was built during the Meiji era using the best civil engineering technology of the time. Both sides of the bank are lined with almost 200 cherry trees, making it one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots with a spectacular view leading to Onjo-ji Temple.
Onjo-ji Spring Illumination 2022
Over 600 lights will be set up around the temple grounds to illuminate the cherry blossoms. The national treasures and designated cultural properties will be completely open to the public for nighttime viewing.
Information
Lake Biwa, Otsu Spring Illumination – Cherry Blossoms on the Lake Biwa Canal
Running: March 25 – April 10 (Dates may change depending on when cherry blossoms bloom)
Hours: 18:00 – 21:30
Location: Lake Biwa Canal
Sponsored by the Lake Biwako Otsu Tourism AssociationOnjo-ji Spring Illumination 2022
Running: March 25 – April 10
Hours: 18:00 – 21:30 (Last Entry at 21:00)
Location: Onji-ji Temple
Admission: Adults ¥1,000 / Children ¥500
*Public transportation is recommended due to heavy congestion on surrounding roads during the event period. -
Wishing you could be in Japan to see the cherry blossoms? The Cherry Blossom Drone Project on March 27 will be live-broadcasting some of the most beautiful blossoms in the country to viewers around the world.
Incredible 4K aerial footage will be available to watch on YouTube LIVE for free from 12:00 until 19:00 on March 27, 2022. No matter where you are, you’ll be able to lose yourself in the feeling of spring.
Three Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots Chosen by Sakura Enthusiasts
Breathtaking Mountain Cherry Blossoms at Mount Yoshino in Nara
The First New Sakura Species in Over 100 Years Found in Wakayama Prefecture
A Sea of Cherry Blossoms at Takato Joshi Park in Ina, Nagano Prefecture
Information
Online Hanami
Date: March 27, 12:00-19:00
Fee: Free
Where to Watch: YouTube LIVE
https://www.youtube.com/channelUCb8WTSeDH2LcxPtkIrKwSEw
Official Site: https://drone-entertainment.co.jp/ -
Creative company NAKED has opened its popular annual spring event NAKED Sakura Aquarium at Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa until April 17, 2022.
Since winter 2015, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa and NAKED have held a number of collaborative events each season based on blending the concepts of sound, light, images, and living things. The centerpiece of this spring event is the immersive area titled ‘Patterns.’ The walls of the aquarium are decorated with fluttering cherry blossoms as petals dance across the ground, pulling guests into a virtual Japanese garden.
The Garden of Dancing Sakura
Fluttering Sakura
Flower Lantern
Nighttime Dolphin Performance ‘Sakura Story’
NAKED Tsukubai – Sakura Version
Guests can also enjoy a cherry blossom version of NAKED Tsukubai, a virtual hand-washing experience. Why not come experience spring in a whole new way?
Information
NAKED Sakura Aquarium
Address: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa (4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Running: March 12 – April 17, 2022
Details/Tickets: http://www.aqua-park.jp/special/sakuraaquarium2022/Official Site: www.aqua-park.jp
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Flower Miffy Juice Garden, a drink stand featuring Dick Bruna’s popular character Miffy, is now offering a limited-time cherry blossom beverage at its Asakusa location!
Strawberry
Green Apple
Cherry Blossom Season with Miffy
The Slightly Sakura Drink is inspired by springtime and features a sweet whipped topping with cherry blossom-colored copeau de chocolat. The base of the drink is sakura-colored milk available in green apple and strawberry flavors. Each beverage comes with a Miffy cookie for added cuteness!
A Cherry Blossom flower arrangement is also available for purchase at the Flower Miffy online store.
Illustrations Dick Bruna Ⓒ copyright Mercis bv,1953-2022 www.miffy.com
Information
Flower Miffy Slightly Sakura Drink
Available Now
Location: Flower Miffy Juice Garden Asakusa
Cherry Blossom Season with Miffy
Locations:Flower Miffy Net Shop: https://www.benelic-flower.com/
Product Page:https://bit.ly/3BHpNEL
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Hoshino Resort Aomoriya, an inn where visitors are invited to fully enjoy Aomori’s culture, will begin its Hanami Kotatsu event from April 1 until May 31, 2022. Guests can enjoy local sake while warming themselves beneath a cozy kotatsu. In the chilly Aomori spring, a kotatsu) will be set up beneath the blooming trees for visitors to comfortably view the cherry blossoms. Hot-water bottles will also be available for rent if guests can a little too cold!
April in Aomori is spring according to the calendar, but it’s still quite chilly. Nevertheless, the people of Aomori look forward to flower viewing to overcome the cold winter and enjoy the long-awaited arrival of spring.
Three Fun Additions to Make Cherry Blossom Viewing More Fun
1 A Traditional Umbrella with a Sakura Pattern
Next to each kotatsu is a row of Japanese umbrellas with cherry blossoms painted on them, spreading the pink cherry blossom imagery all around. When opened, the umbrellas are covered with cherry blossoms, making you feel as if you are under the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
2 Choose a Local Sake and Sake Cups for a Flower Viewing Sake Tower
Choose your favorite local sake and three sake cups to make a sake tower! Guests can choose from 10 Aomori sake brands, each with unique aromas and flavors.
3 Cherry Blossom Patterned Cotton-Filled Hot Water Bottle for Extra Warmth
To keep extra warm beneath the kotatsu, a cotton blanket with a cherry blossom pattern and a hot-water bottle are available for rent. Doesn’t it sound heavenly?
Information
Hanami Kotatsu
Running: April 1 – May 31, 2022
Hours: 15:00-18:00 (Last Entry at 17:30)
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: ParkOfficial Site：https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/aomoriya/
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From March 16 until April 20, Maison Marunouchi at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Marunouchi will offer a special spring-only cherry blossom afternoon tea set!
The restaurant’s head chef, Daniel Calvert, is also the executive chef of the French restaurant Sezanne, which was listed in the Michelin Guide last year. Starting in mid-March, visitors can enjoy a variety of cherry blossom-themed sweets created by executive pastry chef Elwin Boyles.
Covered in bright marzipan, the Princess cake was created by Boyles by combining the image of a princess cake, a Swedish cake traditionally eaten on special occasions, and the image of cherry blossoms, which symbolize the coming of spring and new beginnings.
The Pink Gateau Opera combines the image of cherry blossoms with green tea buttercream and almond cream. The Sakura Choux Bombe combines the sweetness of cherry cream and sour lime juice, while the Preserved Sakura Macaron will serve as the perfect Instagram photo.
Information
Spring Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea
Available: March 16 – April 20, 2022
Location: Maison Marunouchi, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi 7F
Reservations/Details: https://www.fourseasons.com/jp/tokyo/dining/restaurants/maison-marunouchi/ -
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is known for highlighting the best of Japanese culture, with some rooms used for art exhibitions. To celebrate the coming of spring and the cherry blossoms in full bloom, the location is offering some sakura-themed menu items and a room with a sweeping view of Meguro River and the many sakura trees that line it.
Special Sakura Kaiseki: ¥6,050 (Tax Included) / Available Weekdays from March 15 – April 8
Sakura Afternoon Tea: ¥4,950 / With Champagne: ¥6,820 (Tax Included), Available from March 14 – April 10
Lunch Set: ¥4,950 (Tax Included) / Available from March 14 – April 10
The hotel’s four restaurants are each offering limited-time cherry blossom items. The Japanese restaurant Tofutei will offer the Special Sakura Kaiseki Set, while the New American Grill Kanade Terrace has added cherry blossom petals to its popular seasonal afternoon tea. The Chinese restaurant Shun Yuki has a themed lunch set,
Spaghettini with Shrimp, Bamboo Shoots and Sea Urchin: ¥2,200 (Tax Included) / Available from March 1 – March 31
The Italian restaurant Ristorante Canoviano is offering guests a spring-inspired course using seasonal ingredients.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Bento: ¥4,320 (Tax Included) *Limited Availability
The hotel’s patisserie is selling a limited number of Cherry Blossom Viewing Bento sets perfect for taking on a picnic.
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Viewing Room: ¥89,000~ (Tax Included) / 1 room, 2 guests / Available from March 18 – April 7
For overnight stays, guests can enjoy cherry blossom viewing from the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Suite. The executive lounge, exclusively for guests, also overlooks the river and is open for afternoon and evening tea. The food and drink menu changes every hour.
Information
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
Address: 1-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Official Site: https://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/
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Tohouen, a Japanese confectionary maker in Gifu Prefecture, has begun selling a springtime version of its popular cat-inspired manju. Inspired by the many cats that like to stroll around the shop’s headquarters, the new release includes cherry blossom-colored cat paws.
A traditional sweet in Japan, Manju is made from flour, rice powder, and buckwheat, with a tasty sugar and anko (red bean paste) filling.
Do you think these are too cute to eat?
Information
Cherry Blossom Cat
Release Date: March 2, 2022
Where to Buy: Tohouen Stores, Tohouen Online Shop
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Flower Miffy, a flower shop inspired by the popular Dutch picture book Miffy, has begun selling a new series of cherry blossom-inspired items! A limited number of postcard sets are also being offered as purchase bonuses.
Flower Miffy Glass – Sakura Gradient Pink / Pearl: ¥1,595 (Tax Included)
Flower Miffy Sakura Plate: ¥2,090 (Tax Included)
Flower Miffy Mini Towel – Sakura Pink / Ivory: ¥770 each (Tax Included)
The series features original artwork, and fans of Miffy can get their hands on unique glassware, cherry blossom plates, and mini-towels.
Those spending ¥3,300 (including tax) or more will receive a set of two limited edition postcards. The offer will end as soon as they’re gone!
*Offer does not apply to flower arrangements.
Illustrations Dick Bruna Ⓒ copyright Mercis bv,1953-2022 www.miffy.com
Information
Cherry Blossom Series
Release Date: February 10, 2022
Where to Buy: Flower Miffy Shops Nationwide, Flower Miffy Online Shop
Official Site: https://benelic.com/flowermiffy/
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On February 25, TAVOLA TAVOLA by ZILLION opened at Hotel InterContinental Tokyo Bay. The restaurant offers courses featuring seasonal ingredients while each round table is decorated to suit a certain theme.
‘Tavola’ means ‘table’ in Italian, with the restaurant’s concept being to enjoy Italian cuisine with friends around a large round table. Three entertainment options will be available to create the best possible memories for guests.
Large Round Table Decorated with Cherry Blossoms
Dinner Course
Hors d’oeuvres
Pasta
Fish Main Course
Risotto
The first theme is ‘cherry blossoms,’ which is fitting for the soon-to-be spring season. Artful flowers are arranged in the center of each table to set the scene, and guests will enjoy a blend of authentic Italian cuisine and Japanese style. The main course features grilled Spanish mackerel and a cherry blossom-colored cream sauce, as well as an Italian veal filet and prosciutto. At the end of the meal, guests will enjoy a risotto made with seasonal strawberries and a cherry and berry ice cake!
Information
TAVOLA TAVOLA by ZILLION Limited-Time Spring Course
Running: February 25 – April 17, 2022
Location: InterContinental Tokyo Bay 1F
Details/Reservations: https://www.interconti-tokyo.com/restaurant/zillion/tavolatavola/index.html
