The Vino Buono Restaurant, located just across the street from the Aoyama St. Grace Cathedral, will offer a special blue-themed afternoon tea set from June 1 until July 31, 2022. The blue theme is meant to bring happiness, and guests will be able to enjoy treats inspired by the deep blue sea.

The summer lineup includes a grapefruit-flavored ocean jelly topped with meringue coral, lemon-flavored macaroons in the shape of pearl oysters, coconut mousse, a galette resembling a mussel, and other ocean blue and crashing wave white-colored sweets with coral and shell motifs. Seafood-infused savory treats such as smoked salmon sandwiches on croissants and seaweed salt french fries will also be served. Guests can also enjoy two types of scones as well as unlimited black and herbal tea.

An old European legend claims that women getting married in June will always be happy. During this wonderful wedding season, why not come enjoy a romantic afternoon tea experience?

Art collective NAKED is teaming up with Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras for a new version of the NAKED BIG BOOK. The new work is on display at LUMIX BASE TOKYO in Aoyama until May 29, 2022. 

LUMIX BASE TOKYO is a gallery inspired by the LUMIX brand of digital cameras. The location is meant to serve as a base for the next generation of creators and strives to bring tons of creative energy to those looking to hit it big as artists in the future. 

Naked and LUMIX have come together to make LUMIX BASE TOKYO not only a showroom but also a place where guests can experience creativity in a new way. The NAKED BIG BOOK,” the brand’s most famous work, has been decorated with seasonal flowers and will be exhibited for a limited time. 

NAKED BIG BOOK invites visitors to enter a storybook world with each turning page. The work uses projection mapping on a giant book sculpture to inspire audiences and wow guests with the wonders of technology. The book has appeared at FLOWERS BY NAKED and other locations throughout Japan in the past. 

The exhibition will also feature original artwork inspired by LUMIX’s marketing campaign for 2022, ‘COLORS OF LUMIX.’

Designer KEITA MARUYAMA has launched the first in a series of collaborations with the Chiyonofuji Project at the pop-up event ‘KEITA MARUYAMA Lucky Charms Market’ at Ginza Mitsukoshi. The items are also available at the KEITA MARUYAMA Official Online Store.

Chiyonofuji Mitsugu, nicknamed ‘The Wolf,’  was a professional sumo wrestler and the 48th yokozuna of the sport. Yokozuna is the highest rank one can achieve, and during his 21-year career, Chiyonofuji set records for most career victories and most wins in the top division, which earned him an entry in the Guinness World Records. The embroidery used in the new collection was supervised by Sawako Sakai, the creator behind the accessory and bag brand wild rose hips. These pieces will include cashmere blend organic cotton knitwear, velvet embroidered drawstring bags, and more.

On January 2, 2022, KEITA MARUYAMA and Chiyonofuji’s son Go Akimoto, welcomed customers at the Ginza Mitsukoshi store.

Message from Go Akimoto, Chiyonofuji Project

When KEITA asked me to collaborate with him, I instantly said “Yes!” Instead of the typical streetwear designs that have been made under the Chiyonofuji brand in the past, these couture-like designs use embroidery, which is KEITA MARUYAMA’s specialty. These products are like rare art pieces. I hope that tons of people will come visit the shop. 

Message from Designer KEITA MARUYAMA

Chiyonofuji was one of the biggest stars of the Showa era. Our generation was so enthralled by his incredible sumo skills, his figure, and his charm. We called him ‘The Wolf,’ and he inspired us. I’m so happy to be able to collaborate like this after all these years. I think everything turned out wonderfully, and the embroidery is top-notch.

For seven days only from January to April 2022, the Aoyama St. Grace Cathedral wedding hall will open its doors to those wanting their fill of Alice in Wonderland-inspired sweets! ‘Alice’s Tea Party’ will be an afternoon tea experience you’ll never forget, and reservations are required.

The limited-time-only afternoon tea will feature a variety of adorable sweets that look like they popped out of a picture book, from Berry and Pistachio Bunny Ears Mousse to the Queen’s Chandelier Butter Sandwich Cookies decorated like playing cards. Each sweet makes use of seasonal ingredients like strawberries, perfect with chocolate dips, petite tarts, and macaroons.

Luxury Italian brand FENDI is currently teamed up with the iconic Aoyama-based ANNIVERSAIRE CAFÉ OMOTESANDO to serve up a special Valentine’s Day themed menu at the cafe which it’s calling “FENDI CAFFE by ANNIVERSAIRE.”

Cake Set | ¥2,800 (Before Tax)

Tart Saison | ¥1,000 (Before Tax)

The cake set and tart saison are revamps of current menu items, now topped with in-season strawberries. The cafe has also been adorned with romantic red roses and multi-coloured decorations for this year’s Valentine’s Day.

Select shop LOVELESS has opened a pop-up store for Los Angeles native pottery maker Victoria Morris at their flagship store LOVELESS Aoyama in cooperation with Harajuku OS1 Gallery. It will run from December 5 to 10.

This is the first pop-up shop themed on flower vases to open at LOVELESS. To promote the shop, customers can pick up a limited-edition T-shirt featuring a photo of one of Victoria Morris works.

Additionally, those who purchase select products at the shop, or order a drink from the HADEN BOOKS cafe on the first floor of LOVELESS Aoyama, will receive an A2 poster featuring Morris’s pottery work. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Omotesando branch of VINO BUONO is now selling a special Aladdin-themed afternoon tea until September 1.

This luxurious tea set comes with a mix of light savoury food and desserts. But the savoury side of it isn’t your conventional assortment, instead coming with four different selections including tandoori chicken pitta bread sandwiches, a couscous and seafood salad, and more.

The scones contain sweet and fragrant rosemary honey which fill are sure to tickle your fancy.

The Pistachio Macarons and Arabian Night Blanc-Manger are glazed in a beautiful blue colour reminiscent of the world of Aladdin. And don’t forgot the cute Magic Lamp Cookie with its blue centre―it’s almost too good to eat!

Other delights include the Mango & Flower Verrine, Pyramid Mousse, and gorgeous tea that looks like it has had a spell cast on it.

Take your special someone to VINO BUONO this summer and show them the world with this limited-time Aladdin afternoon tea.

Ryogoku Edo Noren will have been open for 2 years on November 25, 2018. To celebrate, the restaurant and shopping complex will host a series of events over the course of three days.

The establishment is a restoration of the former Ryogoku Station building that was built in 1929. It was renovated and re-opened in November 2016 as a place for people to enjoy Edo-style cuisine.

To celebrate turning two-years-old, a range of events will take place at Noren from November 23 to 25 including sumo performances, as well as special discounts on the best sake at each restaurant inside. Select restaurants are also holding an all-you-can-drink service.

Join the celebrations and enjoy Edo culture at Ryogoku Edo Noren.

Healthy hamburger chain Jiyugaoka Burger opened its third branch in Aoyama on June 6.

The restaurant’s belief is that safe food that’s healthy for your body equals in a delicious meal. All of their burgers are handmade one by one. They make their own original patties and buns and strive to use as many fresh and organic domestic products as they can. The burgers shine through in their flavour which makes full use of the ingredients used.

Their original patties are handmade every morning out of 3 parts each with different coarseness. They ride on the strength of each part, and by altering the roughness, create a patty with a chewy texture that locks in the flavour of the meat and juice.

They are particular about their buns too. They have a winning texture that is irresistible even when you’re eating it with meat and veg between one. The restaurant uses no eggs or dairy products*, so those with allergies can rest assured you’ll be safe.

*The buns are made in a factory where there is bread made with eggs and dairy products.

The company is very much focused on the producing area of its vegetables and their quality. They used thick sliced sweet onions grown by Awaji Island producer Narui. Their organic potatoes are from Hokkaido Niseko Farm and are cooked with the skin on.

The new Aoyama branch of Jiyugaoka Burger has a white woodwork interior and the ceilings are high giving it a sense of space and comfort. There’s a large table in the middle which accommodates up to 12 people and can be used alone or for parties at night. There’s also 4-person tables for groups or business meetings. There’s also terrace seats that looks out onto Gaien-Nishi Dori, also known as Platinum Street.

Check out their healthy hamburgers for yourself!

Vogue is the world’s most influential fashion magazine. The Japanese edition, Vogue Japan, is once again holding Vogue Fashion’S Night Out (FNO) this year, a global event for shopping and fashion.

Hosting this year’s night out is Tokyo on September 15, Kobe on September 22, Nagoya on October 27, and Osaka on November 17 and 18.

FNO was created by editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour. It’s the world’s biggest fashion event that takes place in countries where Vogue is published and aims to invigorate the fashion industry.

The event began in Japan in the same year and grew rapidly across the country. This year marks its 10^th run.

The 10^th annual FNO will return to its origins of spreading the joy and depth that fashion brings to people and share the enjoyment of shopping.

Special guests will be invited again this year to host ceremonies, and in addition to plans in store from various shops, there will also be charity projects in place once more.

Comment from Mitsuko Watanabe, Vogue Japan Editor-in-Chief

“FNO is shows liveliness year by year and has become an annual event. This memorable 10^th year will take place in four cities, the biggest scale in FNO history. From the bottom of my heart I’m looking forward to getting to meet people in each of these places in Japan.”

FNO is a must-see for fashionistas. Get involved and come face to face with the world’s cutting edge styles!

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House operates as a café that lets you breathe in the seasons by promoting the fundamental principle of a lifestyle surrounded by flowers and greenery.

To celebrate the opening of the London branch of the café, Aoyama Flower Market Selfridges, the main branch in South Aoyama will serve a ‘flower afternoon tea.’

Aoyama Flower Market Selfridges is the first shop by Aoyama Flower Market to open in the UK, and the second to open overseas, following their store in Rue du Bac, Paris. They sell a mix of different item, including wicket baskets, mizuhiki (a type of decorative cord), pottery, not to mention lifestyle bouquets, a popular product in Japan.

The flower afternoon tea will run from April 23 to May 31. After enjoying mini sandwiches or scones you can tuck into ‘Flower French Toast,’ ‘Rose Jelly’ made with damask rose scent and extract which has a beautifying effect, and more.

There are also over 15 drinks to choose from, including fresh herbal tea made using a blend of 5 difference organically harvested herbs, flower tea, seasonal flavoured tea, and more.

Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea menu over at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House!

In this featured series, dog lover and model Yuna Yabe heads out with her trusty partner Mozuku to visit hot spots that people and their dogs enjoy, while deepening her bond with him. In this article, the two of them stopped by Café Kitsuné during a morning stroll which is a coffee shop developed by French fashion brand Maison Kitsuné.

The time is 9am. Mozuku has a spring in his step as he walks the streets of Omotesando. The two companions cross the pedestrian crossing at Omotesando Crossing and gaze at the show windows of the high fashion brands. After walking a little, they arrive at Café Kitsuné.

The entrance to Café Kitsuné has a traditional Japanese vibe to it, fenced in with bamboo. The café is designed as a Japanese teahouse from the perspective of a French person.

The ceilings are low. Do you know why? It’s a bit off topic, but if you don’t have a low posture in a Japanese tearoom you can’t enter. There’s a reason for this. It’s because when entering a tearoom, everyone is expected to be equal.

When you enter Café Kitsuné, there’s not much distance between people – you are close to them. That sense of relief might be the reason.

　The wallpaper has an arrow feather design known as yagasuri and a water design called seigaiha. Although it has a French pop feel to it, it’s relaxing, perhaps due to the traditional Japanese base décor.

You can also purchase souvenirs at the café, including original mugs and stationery. Is that a dog ear on the side of the mug?! … No, it’s a fox ear.

The barista was working quietly but nimbly at the sheet copper counter.

A vase was placed in the middle of the table. The flowers were arranged by the café staff and breathe seasonal life into the Japanese space.

The menu includes things like French toast, a ham and cheese sandwich, pound cake and so on, all of which go perfect with coffee.

The espresso machine is a Marzocco Linea. It’s a big machine with three portafilters. The taste of coffee changes depending on the day’s temperature and level of humidity. To tackle that, the barista changes the quantity of beans each day to maintain the same taste of the coffee.

To convert the coffee into Maison Kitsuné’s “New Classic” fashion theme, the espresso doesn’t have that common acidic flavour to it. Instead, it’s made with a classic taste and fragrance, making it stand out from the rest. The original blend coffee beans also has just a sweet touch of citrus fruits.

Yuna-chan ordered the iced latte (¥560). The sweetness of the coffee together with the milk was balanced perfectly. It had a mellow taste.

Dogs are allowed from the entrance all the way to the terrace. Here, Yuna popped Mozuku on her lap and enjoyed a short coffee break.

Mozuku climbed onto a terrace seat and stared at Yuna-chan sipping her iced latte. She had an expression on her face like she was immersed in the stylish, grown-up café.

This is the proper way to use an elegant café when taking a walk in the city. Enjoying stopping by a café with early summer budding before your eyes in the early morning with your dog is a wonderful thing. Yuna-chan, with her coffee in hand and Mozuku by her side walking the streets of Omotesando, looked like a polished, sophisticated Tokyo girl.

‘Let’s go out again, Mozuku!’