Japan is a haven for bubble tea and tapioca-based beverages. Here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON we have covered many shops selling these tasty drinks in Harajuku―the town which started the tapioca boom in Japan―but today we will be heading to the ancient city of Kyoto.
We are joined by Kyoto café life tiara who posts photos of the best drinks and desserts they have tried around the Kansai region of Japan. They have provided us with photos of two must-try bubble teas and two must-try desserts in Kyoto.
ROCCA & FRIENDS PAPIER KYOTO in Shijo
ROCCA & FRIENDS PAPIER KYOTO is just a 5-minute walk from Shijo Station. The cafe is made from a traditional townhouse along an old-fashioned Kyoto-esque street.
It takes a little while for your drink to arrive placing your order, but that’s because each beverage is carefully handmade from fresh. I ordered the mango smoothie soda and the strawberry smooth soda. Both are fruity and super refreshing and full of chewy tapioca pearls.
▼ROCCA & FRIENDS PAPIER KYOTO
Address: 735-2 Shinkamanzacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Mondays
Official Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/rocca.papier/
&Hana in Shijo
&Hana is located at the back of Kyoto Daimaru. The cheese rose tapioca milk tea I bought is a cute pink colour. It’s a mix of rose which is good for skin and relaxation, sweet brown sugar tapioca, and sour cheese.
Draped at the back of the cafe are bunches of dried flowers which provide an Instagrammable background for your drinks.
▼&hana
Address: 619 Nishiuoyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00-22:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00-22:0
No Fixed Holidays
Official Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/and_hana_/
KISSHOKARYO KYOTO in Gion
This honey and tea parfait is special because they only serve 20 of them a day. Tapioca pearls go well not just in drinks but in desserts like this one too♡
The fluffy shaved ice is a perfect match with the homemade Earl Grey tea syrup. The rest of the parfait is made up of milk tea flavoured jelly, tapioca pearls, tea ganache, and other delightful surprises.
I enjoyed mine with lots of syrup and roasted soybean flour!
▼KISSHOKARYO KYOTO Gion Honten
Address: 306 Ishibashicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Last Orders 18:30)
No Fixed Holidays
Official Website: https://kisshokaryo.jp/
MASHOLA in Kawaramachi
MASHOLA is a South Korean-style cafe which of course sells tapioca pearl drinks, but also this delicious capo egg brulee tart as well. As soon as you put the order in their fire up the tarts fresh along with hot tapioca pearls for a heavenly melt-in-the-mouth experience.
They also sell bottled strawberry milk packed full of fresh strawberries, and for an extra ¥80 you can top if off with tapioca.
▼MASHOLA
Address: 406 Sakuranocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00
No Fixed Holidays
Official Website: https://mashola.business.site/
Did you enjoy this list? Kyoto café life tiara has lots of other tempting recommendations of drinks and desserts on their Instagram page too, so if you’re looking for something to try while in the Kansai region of Japan be sure to give them a follow.
Text & Photos: ＠happy_pinkrose_tiara
Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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Kiyomizu Cheese Kobo opened at Kiyomizu Gojozaka at the foot of the famous Kiyomizudera Temple as Kyoto's first ever cheesecake shop to sell its delicious cheesecakes in a cute jar. On August 13, they released a mouthwateringly rich Matcha Cheese Tea which will enlighten you with a new way to enjoy matcha.
The Matcha Cheese Tea harnesses Kyoto's unbeatable Uji matcha which is full of rich and fresh flavour. A light cloud of fluffy cheese foam floats on top of the drink, adding a salty accent to the overall flavour. A traditional tea combined with a sweet and salty cheese flavour ー this brand new flavour discovery will leave you feeling refreshed and enlightened. The recipe for the cheese foam consists of cream cheese carefully selected by the cheesecake shop's specialists. This is then blended with a small amount of salt to accent the flavour. If you mix the matcha milk tea with the cheese foam, the rich matcha mixes with the saltiness of the cream cheese, creating a sweet salty flavour that you will not be able to get enough of. As the flavour is not too overpowering, you can enjoy this drink endlessly and will feel refreshed even on a hot summer's day. Matcha Cheese Tea: ￥460
Kiyomizu Cheese Kobo recommends three different ways to drink the Matcha Cheese Tea to enjoy three different levels of flavour combinations. ① First off, drink just the matcha milk tea so you can experience the true authentic flavour of Kyoto's famous rich Uji matcha tea. ② Next, move your straw so that you taste just the cheese foam on its own. The fluffy foam will gently slide over your tongue and spread a mild and sweet flavour all over your mouth. ③ Finally, it's time to mix everything. The saltiness of the cheese foam and the sweetness of the matcha milk will create a new salty sweet flavour that you will want to try again and again. Whether you are a Japanese local or a foreigner, this drink is a fun new way to enjoy matcha. If you are new to matcha, this is a good way to try the flavour without being too overwhelmed.Information
Kiyomizu Cheese Kobo (清水チーズ工房)
Address: 569-10, Shiraitocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 11:00 ー 17:30
No fixed closed days.
Official Website: http://kiyomizu-cheese.com/
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Eggs ’n Things, Shijo Street, Kyoto will be selling luxurious Uji matcha pancakes from August 1, 2019. Eggs 'n Things Shijo Street first launched their delicious uji matcha pancakes back in February 2017. The pancakes quickly became a big hit among the locals as well as the tourists, appealing to visitors who wanted to discover more about Kyoto. This summer, Eggs 'n Things is packing their Kyoto-limited pancakes with even more Kyoto goodness. These pancakes are luxuriously covered with rich matcha custard cream and garnished with rice flour dumplings, adzuki bean paste, chestnuts and a mini monaka wafer cake. Matcha is even kneaded into the pancake dough, maximising its mellow flavour. If you visit Kyoto, be sure to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of matcha ordering these matcha pancakes at Eggs 'n Things Shijo Street, Kyoto.
Information
Kyoto-limited Uji Matcha Pancakes
Price: ￥1,580 (before tax)
Limited sale period start date: August 1, 2019
Restaurant: Eggs ’n Things Shijo Street, Kyoto
Eggs ’n Things Shijo Street, Kyoto
Address: 47-4, Motoakuojicho, Higashinoroindori Shijo Sagaru, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 9:00 ー 22:00 (last orders: 21:00)
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Kyoto―also known as the "old capital" and said to be the birthplace of Japanese culture. In its 1,200 year history, this ancient city has given rise to much of what can be considered quintessential Japanese culture. Fireworks are a monumental feat of summer in Japan with countless festivals up and down the country dedicated to them, and Kyoto is no exception. If you're in Kyoto this summer then you mustn't miss these 4 fireworks festivals.
Kameoka Peace Festival Hozugawa River Fireworks Festival - A Magnificent Arsenal of 8,000 Beauties
This long-running event is held every year to pray for world peace. Its spectacular display features a lineup of fireworks specially selected by the Japan Fireworks Artist Association which aims to evolve the tradition of firework culture. Expect to see the night sky illuminated with a rainbow of colours from the festival's launch of 8,000 fireworks, including the Starmine which shoots a cloud of bright stars into the overhead abyss, as well as some original fireworks crafted for the festival such as the "Kamemaru Hanabi." ▼Kameoka Heiwasai Hozugawa Fireworks Festival (Kameoka Peace Festival Hozugawa River Fireworks Festival) Date: August 11, 2019 Time: From 19:30 Location: Hozubashi Bridge Official Website: http://kameoka-hanabi.jp/ Kyoto Nantan City Fireworks Festival - The Spectacular Starmine
Held by the riverbed of the Katsura River, the fireworks festival in Nantan makes use of the opposite shore from the viewing point which makes the fireworks look like they are raining down from the sky like a waterfall. The finale of this festival welcomes the behemoth of all Starmine fireworks which rips across the night sky in a blazing spread. The festival is also held as part of the Bon Festival and so lanterns are let loose down the Ōi River, creating a sight of subtle grace and beauty. ▼Kyoto Nantan City Fireworks Festival Date: August 14, 2019 Time: From 19:30 Location: Katsura River Official Website: http://www.yagi-hanabi.com/ Miyazu Toronagashi Fireworks Festival - Floating Lanterns & Fireworks For 400 Years
Held in the city of Miyazu, this festival combines fireworks with floating lanterns and shoryobune―boats adorned with tanzaku paper slips that are sent out to light the way for the deceased as part of the Bon Festival. Floating lanterns on the water (known as toronagashi in Japanese) in Miyazu began 400 years ago. This year, it was counted as one of Japan's three biggest toronagashi events. Together with the boat, around 10,000 lanterns are sent into Miyazu Bay, creating a beautiful and majestic atmosphere. Close to 3,000 fireworks are set to illuminate the sky above, leading to an indescribable beauty as the fireworks and lights give off their own light. ▼Miyazu Toronagashi Fireworks Festival Date: August 14, 2019 Time: From 19:30 Location: Shimasaki Park Official Website: https://www.kyo.or.jp/miyazu/hanabi/ Ine Fireworks - Fireworks Galore Envelop Ine Bay
Around 1,200 fireworks climb up and over Ine Bay, lighting the calm water surface and the funaya boat houses of Ine with their brilliance. The boat houses themselves are also strung and lined with hanging lanterns. ▼Ine Fireworks Date: August 24, 2019 Time: 20:15 Location: Ine, Kyoto Official Website: http://www.ine-kankou.jp/inehanabi/ Did you enjoy our pick? It isn't summer in Japan without fireworks. If you're travelling to Kyoto to catch some sun this year, finish the day off with one of its many fireworks festival―from traditional Kyoto-esque events to large-scale ones with 8,000 fireworks ready to be deployed.
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Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijinkan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its selection of tasty sweets!The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture. Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious treats, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON went along for the ride! Here are some of the singer's favorite spots around town.
Kobe, known as a city where East meets West, is lined with sweets shops that are unique to the area. The tea salon TOOTH TOOTH Dekoboko Sabo opened in 2019 in the Kobe City Museum and offers a menu that mixes Western food and sweets with tea and ingredients from traditional Japanese cuisine. Kyary ordered the Dekoboko Sabo Afternoon Tea Set, a collection of western sweets blended with the essence of traditional Japanese flavors. Guests are invited to enjoy their tea and sweets in a one-of-a-kind space filled with Meiji period flare and retro Western furniture. Those interested will need to make a reservation, so be sure to remember the next time you’re in Kobe. TOOTH TOOTH Decoboco SaboAddress: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30) Closed MondaysOfficial Site: https://toothtooth.com/restaurant/decoboco-sabo The next stop was Kobe Nankin-machi, one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. Kobe MILK is known nationwide for its Apricot Pudding, which is made with local ingredients. The raw apricot pudding is mixed with milk brought from the foot of Mt. Rokko and other ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture. Of course, Kyary ordered some, and was amazed by its fluffy texture. You can only enjoy it in Kobe–also, the shop sells other puddings mixed with seasonal fruits, so don’t miss those either! Kobe MILKAddress: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30Official Site: https://kobe-milk.com For Kyary’s final stop, the singer visited the Moore House, a cafe located in a building with over 100 years of history. Guests are surrounded by greenery, and the Western-style building is incredibly elegant. The Strawberry Mille-feuille Kyary ordered was created by an expert patissier and based on the strawberry mille-feuille recipe from the legendary French restaurant Maxim’s de Paris in Ginza. A generous amount of custard cream complements the crispy pie crust and enhances the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. We’d recommend it with a glass of champagne–if you’re of age. Kitano Ijin-kan Moore HouseAddress: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, KobeHours: 11:00-17:00Closed TuesdaysOfficial Site: https://www.kitanomoore.com/cafe/ The streets of Kobe are packed with sweets that you can only enjoy if you visit. Why not come experience these incredible spots like Kyary did? Kobe Sweets Trailer: https://youtu.be/Sx9B1ZdAvlI -
Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project from November 23 until December 8 at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto.
On the first day of the event, the venue, decorated with autumn leaves, was crowded with visitors including foreign tourists, who marveled at the fantastic space filled harmoniously with gold and blue. The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy. After the exhibition, the main art piece by Yoshitaka himself will be converted to 3DCG, and a Virtual Golden World will be developed in collaboration with the Yoshitaka Amano VR Museum. By integrating traditional and modern art methods, guests will be able to engage more deeply in the art by enjoying digital works, the metaverse, and NFTs. Don't miss this curious exhibition! Information
Golden World: Infinite Light by Yoshitaka Amano
～GOLDEN VIEW OF THE WORLD～
Running: November 23 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Myoshin-ji
Hours: 9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00
Tickets on sale until 15:30 each day.
Official Site: https://www.myoshinji.or.jp/
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The NFT marketplace HINATA will start selling collaborative pieces on November 25, combining classical drafts of Kyoto printed silk images with modern art pieces by up-and-coming creators. Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Modern Ukiyo-e Artist Ono Tako
Draft (Left) and Spring Dreamland - Sunshine by Ono Tako
Ono Tako is a modern-day ukiyo-e artist who creates unique paintings combining Eastern and Western elements. A beautiful woman stands in front of lush spring scenery in this gorgeous piece. Although this is clearly an ukiyo-e piece, it has a more modern flare, expressing a more universal standard of beauty while also infusing traditional elements. A total of six works will be available in two variations: the soft and warm Sun and the calm and tranquil Shade. Ono Tako: https://twitter.com/ono800 Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Illustrator OmulettomatoDraft (Left) and Full Moon by Omulettomato
Omulettomato is an illustrator who is rapidly gaining popularity for their feminine portraits. Three different drafts depicting beautiful Japanese nature have been combined and transformed into a modern lady with moe elements. A total of eight works will be available in three variations: Daybreak, Sunrise, and Full Moon. Omulettomato: http://omutoma.tumblr.com Enjoy this curious collaboration and own a piece of classical and modern Japanese culture.Information
NFT Marketplace HINATA
Release Date: November 25, 2022
Official Site: https://hinata-nft.com/company
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From December 10 until December 18, 2022, creative company NAKED will hold NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO at Ninna-ji! The event is part of a larger next-generation art project being held around Kyoto until Christmas Day. This exhibition marks the first metaverse-centered event at Ninna-ji, and guests will be able to enjoy a virtual fashion show in collaboration with Jotaro Saito, a kimono designer from Kyoto. Participants will begin by creating their own avatar by snapping a photo of their face. After that, they will be able to choose a kimono by Saito to use as clothing for their avatar before taking to the runway with other visitors from all around Japan. NAKED’s goal is to bring traditional Japanese kimono culture into the digital space, and the company believes that this is only the beginning. In the future, NAKED hopes to bring other artists into the metaverse as well. NAKED Distanced Lanterns
NAKED Tsukubai Five-Storied Pagoda Projection Mapping DANDELION PROJECT Virtual Fashion Show Limited Edition Paper Goshuin This year’s event also includes the DANDELION PROJECT, popular with art fans around the world. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace. This year, the participatory art piece was installed in the main temple. Why not visit this stunning exhibition in Kyoto this winter? Information
NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Ninna-ji
Venue: Ninna-ji (Five-storied Pagoda, Main Temple)
Running: December 10 – December 18, 2022
*No admission on December 17 due to a private event.
Hours: 17:30-21:30 *Last entry at 21:00
Official Site: https://garden.naked.works/kyoto/ -
monopo Collaborates with Kyoto-Based Brand Shokuraku Asano to Share Traditional Japanese Textiles with the World
Global creative agency monopo is teaming up with Shokuraku Asano, a 100-year-old obi maker from Kyoto! The company is working to create a digital experience for interested viewers, sharing each artisan’s personal story. Those who love Japanese culture are welcome to enjoy traditional Japanese crafts in an entirely new way! Using a one-of-a-kind QR obi, a new storytelling method is showing off the hard work and love that goes into the company’s textiles. A special website and video allow interested viewers to experience the process of making an obi digitally, simply by using their smartphone. Even those unable to visit Japan to see these obi in person can dive into the history of the area’s textiles and become more acquainted with one part of Kyoto’s manufacturing culture.Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan. The city is known for its history and preservation of Japanese culture, and prior to the pandemic, the city was constantly filled with visitors from around the world anxious to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, it changed the city forever–tourists disappeared and the city became much quieter. Now that Japan has opened its borders, however, tourists are returning in droves. While Shokuraku Asano upholds tradition, it also seeks to leave a mark on new generations by embracing new technology. This unique project is worth noting, so get your smartphone out and start learning! We applaud monopo's attempt to share this incredible traditional Japanese craftsmanship with people around the world. Information
monopo × Shokuraku Asano
Official Site: https://obiproject.monopo.net/
Video Link: https://vimeo.com/724915502 -
From November 11 until December 8, a series of Kyoto-inspired Jujutsu Kaisen goods will be on sale outside the West Gate at JR Kyoto Station! Along with the merchandise, fans will also be able to snag local foods at the exhibition. Collaborative Packaging: Local Products from Kyoto
*The products shown are under development and may change slightly. Purchase Bonus: Limited Edition Kyoto Postcard *The postcard's design will change during the first and second halves of the exhibition.*Postcards from the Sendai venue will not be available.*Postcards will only be available while supplies last. Be sure to grab some of these Jujutsu Kaisen products packed with Kyoto charm! ©芥見下々／集英社・呪術廻戦製作委員会 Information
Jujutsu Kaisen Product Exhibition: Kyoto
Running: November 17 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Special event space in front of West Ticket Gate at JR Kyoto Station
Official Site: https://bussan-ryoikitenkai.com/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/bussanryoiki
*More information will be shared on the official website, so check back often.