When Eiichi Kunitomo’s beloved Omotesando Koffee announced it was closing back in December 2015, fans went into veritable mourning, forming long queues outside the backstreet shop in the blistering cold, all desperate to savour one last cup.
Even after Tokyo’s favourite koffeeshop had shut its doors for good a little over a year ago, the ever-jovial Kunitomo continued his caffeine-fuelled activities further east at Toranomon Koffee and opened a Hong Kong outpost of his original joint in 2016, but there was still something missing. Now, he’s quite literally gone back to where it all started with a bean-specialist shop named Koffee Mameya – set in the exact same location as the old Omotesando Koffee, albeit in a new building – opened on January 27.
We caught up with Kunitomo for a quick chat about both the new concept (beans rather than drinks) and the old location, and the koffee master was bubbling with excitement: ‘Omotesando Koffee originally closed because the building was a bit past its due date, but we managed to reopen in the same place. Until now, our work centred on serving visitors great coffee through the efforts of our baristas, but this time we’d like to focus on giving people the chance to have the same experience at home – let you be the barista.’
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The second Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand event opened in Omotesando on November 1, 2022. Paying homage to the classic snack first released in 1978, the cafe features a number of tasty snacks inspired by the thin animal-shaped cookies popular around the world. This second event will run through January 9, 2023. Reservations are required, and many dates were completely sold out prior to the event’s start date, particularly on weekends. We decided to visit, anxious to see what the fuss is all about.
We were first shocked to see the popular animals enjoying oden! Original goods featuring the characters enjoying the quintessential Japanese winter dish are only available at the cafe. From acrylic keychains to figures, visitors can snag some adorable merchandise to commemorate their trip to the exclusive event. Why not snag some items that would be useful on a daily basis, like a notebook or an apron? For food, visitors can snag a special Oden Set and Chinese Dumplings, both perfect for the winter. The oden features popular ingredients like egg, daikon, fish cake, and mochikinchaku, each branded with the popular animal characters. Drinks include soy milk, green tea milk, and milk tea. In addition to the exclusive Lion Cake which is limited to 25 servings a day, guests can find chocolate bananas and other sweets on the menu, including a Sweets Set limited to those reserving special seats at the venue. For every ¥1,000 spent on food and drink items, customers will receive one Tabekko Doubutsu trading card! The exhibition space is a must-see for fans of this legendary snack, filled with rare works including an adorable and very colorful print of every animal holding a bowl of oden. Of course, a photo spot has been set up for visitors to take some prime shots for social media! Don’t miss the animal meet and greet, which is making its triumphant return from the last event! Visitors can interact with different animals on different days, so check the official Twitter page (@tabekko_cafe) for the schedule and more information! The number of visitors per day is limited, so make a reservation as early as you can. Come enjoy these heartwarming treats while you have the opportunity! Information
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand Omotesando
Running: November 1, 2022 – January 9, 2023 *Reservation required
Closed: December 28, 2022 – January 3, 2023
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
Address: SPAGHETTI Cultural Space 1F
5-3-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Closest Station: Omotesando
Reservations: https://t.livepocket.jp/p/tabekko_omotesando
Official Twitter: @tabekko_cafe https://twitter.com/tabekko_cafe
*Please see the official Twitter page for the latest information! -
Burberry has announced a collaboration with the popular art manga Blue Period! The unlikely pair will team up on an original story featuring a new character Lola, who is an anthropomorphic version of Burberry’s iconic Lola bag designed by Riccardo Tisci. This original story booklet will be gifted exclusively to visitors to Burberry stores nationwide starting August 20, 2022. Fans can also enjoy the digital version on Burberry.com.
This story depicts the emotional journey of Yatoria Yaguchi and Ryuji Ayukawa as they meet and are progressively more influenced by Lola. Hachitaro is inspired by Lola's boldness, inner strength, purity, and free self-expression, and is inspired to free himself from everything external and internal holding him back. To commemorate this partnership, a special wallpaper featuring an illustration by Tsubasa Yamaguchi, the author of Blue Period, will be available exclusively from Burberry's official LINE account starting on the first day of the collab. The Burberry Omotesando takeover event will also run through September 5, so come enjoy a fashionable manga world! ©Tsubasa Yamaguchi／Kodansha Information
Burberry Omotesando Takeover
Running: August 20 – September 5, 2022
Venue: Burberry Omotesando
Hours: 11:00-20:00
*Original Story Booklets are only available in limited quantities.
Details: https://jp.burberry.com/c/collaborations/blue-period-anime/ -
The Strings Omotesando will hold the Violet Masquerade sweets buffet at GRAMERCY HOUSE, a banquet venue on the second floor, on select dates from September 7 until October 27, 2022. Guests can enjoy a selection of desserts featuring chestnuts, grapes, and other autumn treats in calming violet space. Why not come enjoy the feel of a masquerade while eating your fill of sugary delights?
The event will feature jewel-like tarts lavishly decorated with figs and grapes, strawberry cheesecake inspired by a courtly flower garden, and lemon mousse shaped like a fanciful headdress. The buffet itself will be decorated with masks and glittering ornaments. The buffet will also include lunch with a lineup of savory dishes such as spiced grilled chicken, black curry made with charcoal, and purple sweet potato potage. Visitors showing up to the buffet wearing violet will receive an original purple mocktail called Fancy Violet. Why not come for a girls’ night out or a family dinner this Halloween season? Information
Violet Masquerade Sweets Buffet
Running: September 7 – October 27, 2022
*On select dates only. These dates will be announced on the website.
*Weekdays only.
Venue: GRAMERCY HOUSE / The Strings Omotesando 2F
Hours: 12:00-14:00 *120-minute seatingsDetails / Reservations: https://www.strings-hotel.jp/omotesando/event/sweetsbuffet/#next
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A new concept cafe for the popular snack Tabekko Doubutsu will be opening in Omotesando for a limited time, from July 5 until August 21. The snack is similar to animal crackers in the west, though these little creatures are a little cuter. Korean-style Macaron Set
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe - Omotesando Goods Set (4 varieties) Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe - Omotesando Mini Drawstring Pouch (9 varieties) Tabekko Doubutsu has been hugely popular with young children and adults alike since the snack was first released in 1978. Guests visiting the collaboration cafe can enjoy themed sweets and new merchandise along with a special photo spot perfect for social media! Information
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Omotesando
Running: July 5 – August 21, 2022 *Reservations required
Hours: 11:00-19:00
Venue: 5-3-13 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo (1F)Reservations: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/tabekko-cafe/reserve
Official Site: https://twitter.com/tabekko_cafe
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Italian luxury fashion brand Fendi has teamed up with Harajuku Omotesando Keyaki-kai on a new street art project! 'TSUNAGU - Omotesando Street Art Project' was unveiled on April 29, 2022. The project, which aims to improve the city’s scenery and share positive messages, is on display in Omotesando, a popular area with young people. The canvas is the formal site of the Oriental Bazaar, an iconic part of Omotesando for over four decades. Under the theme of ‘hope,’ three young artists will be displaying their artwork in a massive temporary enclosure on the site. Hopefully, Japan really will open tourism soon so that guests from around the world can enjoy these inspiring pieces!
The first piece of art was unveiled on April 29 and was drawn by Dai Tamura, a young Japanese artist who has attracted worldwide attention after becoming an illustrator for the NBA. The dynamic and powerful compositions vividly depict endangered animals and plants alongside delicate flowers to symbolize hope for the futures of these beautiful creatures. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next installation coming soon! Information
TSUNAGU – Omotesando Street Art Project
Location: Oriental Bazaar Former Site
Address: 5-9-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Official Site: http://www.fendi.com
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The popular idol group Shuritsu Ebisu Chugaku will open a one-day-only cafe in Omotesando on May 1, 2022! The location will open in conjunction with CookpadTV, which hosts the popular show ‘Shiritsu Ebisu Culinary Institute.’ The members of Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku are passionate about cooking, making this the perfect project. Since October 2021, the girls have streamed their cooking stories and ideas on CookpadLive, and now, they’re ready to put their hearts and souls into each and every item on this cafe menu. Visitors will also be able to purchase original merchandise on-site and see some of the member’s costumes! Reservations for the cookpadLive Ebisen cafe are required, and the lottery for reservations is open now. Some of the menu items and original goods offered at the cafe are also available for purchase on cookpadLive's official E-commerce site, so don’t worry if you aren’t able to attend in person on May 1! The cookpadLive Ebisen Cafe will feature a special lunch time, dinner time, and cafe time. The nine members of Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku will appear in three teams for each session.
Information
cookpadLive Ebisen Cafe
Address: cookpadLive cafe Omotesando
Open: May 1, 2022
Hours:
Lunch 12:30 – 13:30
Cafe 16:00 – 17:00
Dinner 19:30 – 20:30
Reservations: https://fortune-cookie.cookpad-tv.com/events/86/lotteries/yPvScr
E-commerce Site: https://cookpadtv.stores.jp/