More than 10 Character Cafes in Tokyo, Japan to visit! *updated 21 Dec 2015

Featuring some of the cutest food served in Japan.

If you love kawaii food like me, you must take the opportunity to visit these super cute and fun character cafes in Tokyo, Japan.

After lots of eating and travelling, I have finally compiled this list of character cafes to visit in Japan. Some of these are permanent stores (yay!!), short term cafes, or limited time/pop up  cafes which I have also indicated.

I have visited some 11 character cafes this time, the last two (no. 12 and 13) I didn’t manage to catch them cause one was opened on the day I was leaving and the other was located a little far off at Odaiba. Save for next trip!

Stay tuned for my next upcoming post, Character Cafes in Osaka and Kyoto.

Have fun!

1. Character Foodcourt @ Sanrio Puroland

(Permanent *menu may change seasonally)

Address: Japan, 〒206-0033 Tokyo, Tama, 落合1丁目31番地

Website (English) Website (Japanese)

Nearest train station: 5mins walk from Tama Center Station on Keio Line (http://en.puroland.jp/access_en/)

One of the best places to visit (and for Sanrio fans) for cute character food is at Sanrio Puroland. Plus not only can you eat cute food, you can go do loads of shopping at the stores as well as meet the Sanrio mascot characters, watch their parade shows etc.

The menu at their Character Food Court (located at Level 1) is also very extensive, unless you bring a huge group, or seriously can eat a lot, it is quite impossible to try out all the cute food.

I ordered their My Melody Curry, Cinamonroll Curry, Gudetama Omu Curry Rice, My Melody Eclair and My Melody Daifuku.

Out all the food, I enjoyed the Gudetama Omu Curry Rice the most. The egg is cooked fresh, fluffy and delicious.

The other two curries felt a little salty and not enough ingredients (just rice and gravy) but nonetheless, who can fault the experience of eating cute food. haha.

The good thing is that the Character Food Court is spacious with ample seating. Water dispenser is also available if you choose not to order their drinks.

Tip:

1. Buy tickets for Sanrio Puroland before heading to Japan at authorised travel agencies such as JTB. This makes it much easier for you and enjoy concession on the ticket price. 
2. Go get your food just before 12 noon to miss the lunch crowd, as queues might form (but seating are still available).
3. If you order their bento boxes or pudding cup desserts, you can get to take home the bento box or the ceramic cups FOC!

My Melody Dream Cafe @ Sanrio Puroland

(limited time)

While you are at Sanrio Puroland, you should also quickly check out this limited time My Melody Dream Cafe on level 2.

The prettiest cutest desserts and sweets featuring My Melody and Kiki and Lala from Little Twin Stars.

2. Pompompurin Cafe at Yokohama

(Permanent)

Address: 横浜市西区南幸2-1-5 YOKOHAMA SOTETSU SQUARE

Opening hours: 10am to 9pm (last order 830pm)

Website (Japanese)

Directions: 5 mins walk from Yokohama (JR), or 2 mins walk from Yokohama (Sotetsu Line)

For those who follow my blog, you would know that I have visited the Pompompurin cafe at Harajuku last year and faced cray queues.

The good news is that both the queues for their Yokohama and Harajuku branches seemed to have subsided. Just maybe try to avoid peak days like Friday or Saturdays.

I went on a weekday so it was a breeze to get a seat in the restaurant.

Their Yokohama store has a bigger wow factor for the entire store front and store interior deco, as compared to their Shibuya restaurant. They even have a section of ‘beds’ where you are can sit/lie down.

The menu at the Pompompurin Cafe at Yokohama is slightly different from their Harajuku store, with items exclusive to this store.

And of course, those exclusive items were the ones I ordered when I went.

I had their Dim Sum set as well as the French Toast dessert. The steamed buns were surprisely yummy with soft bun encasing juicy minced meat in the large Pompompurin and black sesame filling for the Muffin character bun (Muffin  is a friend of Pompompurin).

The noodles were nothing to shout about, but at least they were served hot :)

I also tried their french toast which was pretty okay except that they really ought to improve the vanilla ice cream.

They also have a small section that retails Pompompurin items as well as items exclusive to the store.

Tip: If you would like their limited edition pompompurin ceramic cup, select items on their menu (such as the one below) that is marked with the cup, you will get one clean one to take home FOC after the meal! 

3. Pompompurin Cafe at Harajuku

(Permanent)

Address: 東京都渋谷区神宮前1-7-1 CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 3階

Opening Hours: 11am to 9pm (last order for food is at 8pm)

Directions: 3 mins from Harajuku (JR), 7 mins walk from Mejijingumae

Website (Japanese)

Read my earlier blog post on this cafe and see more photos here.

Pretty similar to Yokohama, except smaller and less menu items. This is great if you prefer to stay in Shibuya/Harajuku area and not venture out to Yokohama.

They also have a small section that retails Pompompurin items as well.

Tip: If you would like their limited edition pompompurin ceramic cup, select items on their menu (such as the one above) that is marked with the cup, you will get one clean one to take home FOC after the meal!

4. Snoopy Cafe @ Meguro

(permanent) * reservations accepted via website

Address: 〒153-0042 東京都目黒区青葉台2-16-7
Opening hours: 10:00 to 22:00
Tel: 03-6452-5882

Website/Reservations (Japanese)

Facebook Page 

Naturally I first learnt of the opening of this permanent Snoopy Cafe in October 2015, I was so excited.

What awaits is a character quite unlike the others. A beautiful white cafe space, located in an equally tranquil neighbourhood of Meguro and just next to Meguro river. Just imagine during the cherry blossom season!

This Snoopy Cafe has lots of natural lighting in the cafe, a joy to take photos of food and a lovely place to relax.

Reservations remain popular at this 2 month old cafe. To avoid disappointment, I would suggest making reservations instead of walking in. On the day of my visit, I saw several being turned away as the cafe was fully booked and that was despite it being a weekday morning.

The reservations option is also awesome for those who are travelling and want to make sure that they get a space to dine in at this Peanuts Cafe.

Menu wise, instead of a strong focus on cutesy kawaii food, the Snoopy Cafe seems to focus more on actual cafe food from salads to pasta. The cutest character item on the menu are these mini sliders.

The in house peanut butter was the bomb though. I was literally licking the jar :P

They also have quite a wide range of retail goods, I got the Snoopy cotton sling bag.

Tips:

1. Make reservations!
2. You can also order the cute Snoopy bread buns as extra side top tup with other main course orders. 

5. Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe @ Jiyugaoka

ピーターラビットガーデンカフェ自由が丘本店

 (permanent) *Reservations accepted

住所：〒〒152-0035 Tokyo, Meguro, 自由が丘1丁目25-20 

Opening hours: 11am to 10pm  (daily)
Tel/Reservations: 03-3725-4118

Website (Japanese) 

Nearest train station: less than 5 minutes walk from Jiyugaoka station

I stumbled upon this Cafe accidentally when shopping tat Jiyugaoka area.

Jiyugaoka, just 10 minutes away from Shibuya is a stylish and chic neighboughood at the southern part of Meguro. I highly recommend a visit here especially if you love a laid back neighbourhood with lots of cafes, zakka stores and stylish shops.

I spent quite a significant part of my time in Japan in this lovely neighbourhood.

While working and shopping for zakka items, I noticed a cafe with a beautifully decked up alfresco garden setting and realised that it was a Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe.

Lighting was rather poor as day was short during winter, so please pardon me for the less than ideal photos taken. I couldn’t take the garden as it as too dim and I was not equipped with my camera. 

I ordered their cheese omelette salad set that came with their in house cheese filled bread buns (yummy!) . Presentation was 100% effort, there was even dry ice with the salad when they first served me the plate. Pretty magical I must say.

They also retail some small pastries and their bread buns for takeaway. I say skip the hard dry scones and go for their cheese bread buns instead.

Like most character cafe, there are some some Peter Rabbit merchandise on sale here to satisfy the shopping urges! :)

I would imagine during the day, this cafe with the natural lighting will be beautiful and great for photos!

6. Nicolas House @ Omotensando

ニコラハウス

(permanent)

Address:東京都渋谷区神宮前4-26-5 神宮前426ビル 1F・2F

Opening hours: 11am to 8pm (Mon – Fri, Sun) 10am to 8pm (Sat)

Website (Japanese)

Directions: 3 mins walk from Mejijingumae (exit 5) , OR 7 minutes of Harajuku (JR) station, or 10mins walk from Omotensando station on Ginza line

This cafe is for all bunny and miffy lovers. A cafe inspired by Miffy, expect a menu of both pastries and savoury items featuring bunnies.

When I was ushered to the shop, I was handed a bunny headpiece which I could wear while dining. Don’t be afraid, everyone does that here. Even guys!

The waitress shared with me that upon repeat visits, you can stamps on the member card and get ‘promoted’ in member status, giving you the chance to wear different type of bunny headpieces. haha.

I ordered a savory item for lunch, which was their Adult lunch set. You can choose from a variety of sides, mine was salmon.

Food wise, granted I only ordered one item, was sadly quite disappointing in taste. Salmon was overcooked and pies were really dry and cold.

As I didn’t really feel like eating choux that day, but saw that most diners came in for their pastries and desserts. So perhaps that could have been a better choice instead.

7. Gudetama Cafe Gudetama and Kirimi chan Cafe@ Skytree, Solamachi (Updated)

(Limited time: March 2015 to Nov 2015) 21 Dec 2015 to 14 Feb 2016)

The Gudetama Cafe was located on the 4th floor of the West Yard of the Skytree.

Website (Japanese)

This is for all Gudetama fans (like me)!

While this was just a small diner/takeout store located at Solamchi, the shopping zone of Skytree. It was enough to get me totally excited.

The menu changes seasonally so the one that I tried was different from what they offered when they first opened. The previous menu was cuter though. See pictures below.

launch menu. Source: http://jpninfo.com/12457

This was the new menu when I went.

Skip the sad look and tasteless Oyakodon and go for the buns instead.

The pork bun (nikuman) and curry steam bun not only looked cute, tasted pretty decent too. And nice to have some warm food when the weather is cool.

Hope they will bring back this pop up cafe or introduce more Gudetama cafe to Tokyo soon (when I am there :P).

The good news is that Sanrio has just announced that the cafe is coming back this December and will be extended to Feb 2016. Best part is that not only will you find Gudetama food, there will be Kirimi chan too. 

Check out their new menu!

8.　Snoopy X Tower Records Cafe Shibuya

(Limited time: 17 Nov 2015 to 31 Dec 2015)

Tower Records Website (Japanese) Snoopy Website (Japanese) 

Address: TOWER RECORDS CAFE（タワーレコード渋谷店2F）〒150-0041東京都渋谷区神南1-22-14

Opening hours: 10am to 1130pm

Tel：03-3496-3672

Directions: about 3 mins walk from Shibuya (JR) station

Lucky stars upon me, I was shopping in Tower Records to buy time as I was waiting for another store next door to open and realised that there was a limited time Snoopy x Tower Records Cafe on Level 2!

A spacious setting with a cute menu to match. The whole place was also nicely decked with with Snoopy plush toys and comics that one can browse and read.

The long operating hours of the Tower Records cafe (rare in Japan) also mean that this could be the place to head to after a day or activities or before.

I ordered the meatball Snoopy lunch with a Snoopy hot chocolate. Food was pretty decent and service was great.

Go visit if you are in Shibuya or are a Snoopy fan. Missed out the limited time period? Check out the permanent Snoopy Cafe (See No. 4 above).

9. My Little Pony X Sunday Jam Cafe

(Limited time 13 Oct to 29 Nov 2015)

Address: Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingu-mae 4-28-28, Lucessimo Building 2F

Website (Japanese)

This is touted as the world’s first My Little Pony Cafe is actually a collaboration between My Little Pony with Sunday Jam restaurant and Japan Racing Association.

While I am not a major My Little Pony fan now, I loved the cartoons when I was a child. But of course, the cartoon series and even the looks of My Little Pony have changed much over the years.

I realised that they took reservations but lucky me, it was a weekday morning and I could easily get a seat.

I ordered the Sandwich set, wished I have more space to stomach the pancakes though. As I only read online later that the restaurant is supposedly famous for pancakes. haha.

The sandwich came with a (sort of) My Little Pony print, fries, vegetables and a pink looking liquid – which was actually potato soup. The pink potato soup was actually really yummy. haha

Since I didn’t eat the pancakes, here is a picture from Twitter user @mimori_suzuko on the cute magical looking pancakes.

10. Kapibarasan 10th anniversary cafe

(Limited time: 3 Nov to 25 Dec 2015)

Address：「Sign 外苑前」〒107-0061  東京都港区北青山2-7-18 山崎ビル1・2F
Cafe opening hours: 11am to 9pm (last order 8pm)
Website (Japanese)

Directions: Just next to Gaienmae station, or 8 mins walk from Omotensando station

Do you know Kapibarasan character?

I came here for desserts only, so I ordered the chocolate pie and a hot tea. The pie and cream tasted really artificial (how sad). Would not recommend this item on their menu.

The tea and little Kapibarasan snack was okay though.

I saw in their menu that they also had this really kawaii drink but did not think I could stomach candy floss sugar high that day. haha.

Their new Xmas menu actually also looks so much better and more promising.

The fun part about this pop up store is that it is quite comprehensive, apart from the 2 storeys cafe, it also has a bar as well as a workshop area (at level 5) where you can make our own Kapibarasan key chains etc.

11. Ojipan Cafe at Harajuku

(Limited time till 10 July to 31 Dec 2015)

Address: 〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前1丁目7番1号 CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 3F
Tel: 03-3408-0050
Opening hours: 11 am to 9 pm (last order 8.30pm)

Website (Japanese)

Directions: 4 mins walk from Harajuku (JR) or 5 mins walk from Mejijingumae station. 

I was attracted to Ojipan Cafe when I spotted their cute menu outside the Harakjuku store.

Plus I got to learn about this new character Ojipan. This cafe is actually a collaboration between the character Ojipan and Pomu no Ki, a Omlette Rice (omuraisu) chain store.

The menu though limited was filled with Ojipan and Omurainu characters.

And kudos to the deco of the cafe with lots of Ojipan goods.

I chose the spaghetti set cause I wanted the Ojipan panda but since this is supposed to be a Omurice store, the omurice might taste better I think.

12. Pop Up at THE GUEST cafe＆diner of Shibuya PARCO

Cinnamonroll Cafe　（シナモロールカフェ）- Limited time: 4 Dec 2015 to 25 Jan 2016

THE GUEST cafe＆diner, 渋谷パルコ　パート１・７Ｆ

Opening hours: 11am to 1030pm (Last order for food is at 10pm)

Tel: 03-3477-5773

Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

Website (Japanese)

THE GUEST cafe & diner is the place to keep your eyes peeled. There has been a string of character pop up cafes from Little Twin Stars to the current Cinnamoroll cafe.

Sadly I missed out both as I was not back in Japan when they happened. But if you are travelling to Japan anytime soon, do check this this super cute Cinnamoroll Cafe.

Just look at the menu (swoons)

13. Cafe de Miki with Hello Kitty

(Permanent)

Address: 〒135-0064 東京都江東区青海1-1-10 ダイバーシティ東京プラザ4F
Opening hours: 10am to 9pm (last order 8pm) 　
Tel:　03-6426-0516

Website (Japanese)

I didn’t manage to go to this Cafe de Miki with Hello Kitty this trip. Probably will do that in my next visit back to Japan.

Image source: Sanrio Japan http://www.sanrio.co.jp/news/cafe-de-miki-kitty-201411/

The post Over 10 Character Cafes in Japan (Tokyo) to visit appeared first on Little Miss Bento.

Matsutake Mushroom Bento

Matsutake mushrooms (also known as pine mushrooms) are one of the most prized and highly sought after mushrooms.

Reason for this is because Matsutake are havested in the wild and are rare to find , causing it to be highly priced. The cost of Matsutake mushrooms also differ depending on its source of origin. The prices differ a great deal depending on whether it is domestic (Japan) or foreign imports.

Autumn month is the season known for Matsutake mushrooms, so it is common to see these prized mushrooms, carefully boxed up for sale at supermarkets and vegetable markets. A well known Japanese fall recipe using these mushrooms is the Matsutake Takikomigohan which is a pine mushroom rice dish.

Read this interesting article on Japan’s love for Matsutake mushrooms here.

I was really excited to spot some Matsutake mushroom going for only about half its usual price at 1300yen (about SGD15) for a box, and quickly grabbed one to try.

For this Matsutake Mushroom Bento, I grilled these matsutake mushrooms and seasoned them with some salt, pepper and soy.

Of course to match the mushroom theme, I made two simple mushroom characters by coloring the rice with some deco furikake and shaping them.

Side note: this is a super backlog bento post – I actually made this  bento while I was in Japan last year over last autumn season. haha

Matsutake mushrooms when cooked retains the crunchy-ness and has a really unique smokey spicy aroma with earthy notes.

So happy to try this special mushrooms.

Follow my food art and bento creations on my Facebook my page here or my Instagram here.

More information about my bento cookbook title ‘Kawaii Bento’  here. 

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Cuteness to the max! Check out these kawaii Totoro Cream Puffs sold by Shirohige’s Cream Puff Shop in Tokyo!

These Totoro Cream Puffs are so super delicious!!

I will definitely go back to have them again, and they are so irresistably cute! If you are visiting Japan, you do not want to miss out this delicious sweets!

Located within walking distance of about 3mins from Setagaya-Daita train station on the Odakyu line, this store is not difficult to find. I mark it out on Google Map here. You can use Hyperdia to plan your trip, just search and add in your start location and ending station (Setagaya Daita) and it will plan the different possible routes for you.

Nestled within a sweet looking cottage like house, Shirohige’s Cream Puff Shop has a take-away counter on level 1 and some alfresco sitting.If you are travelling during the cooler months, it will be really nice to enjoy the cool breeze outdoors too.

On level 2, it belongs to a cafe space named Toro Cafe where lovely cafe food is served. The cafe also allows diners to take orders and eat the Totoro Cream Puffs from Shirohige’s Cream Puff Shop.

Upon entering the store, you will see cute Totoro decorations and displays. Even the toilet has a Totoro plush toy!

Check out the super cute Totoro Cream Puffs lining up in the takeaway counter. They offer seasonal flavours, so do check out what they have when you visit. Some of the mainstays include the Custard and Chocolate flavours etc.

If you have no time to dine in the store, you can buy some and bring back to the hotel or along with you. The store provides ice packs for your journey.

The Totoro Cream Puffs are really cute, see the different ‘headgears’? They represent the different flavours!

I also took a sneak peak into the kitchen (naughty me). They use egg trays to hold the puffs – how creative and smart!

I decided to dine at the cafe and chose to be seated upstairs. Take the flight of stairs and head up. There will be staff to take your orders (including the Cream Puffs) upstairs.

Since it was meant to be brunch and I was feeling greedy :P haha I ordered a salad (small size) and two Totoro Cream Puffs, the original custard and the seasonal limited edition Marron (Japanese chestnut) flavours.

The salad came first, and was pretty good, very fresh and light Japanese wafu dressing.

But the most important part of my meal was the Totoro Cream Puffs.

Here we have the Totoro Cream Puff (Original) Custard flavour on the right and the Totoro Cream Puff Marron flavour on the left.

The cream puffs were nicely chilled and the exterior was crisp with generous amounts of fillings inside.

And look at those vanilla beans specks!!! I love to see that in sweets ;D The custard was so creamy and delicious.

But what impressed me the most, was actually the Marron (chestnut) flavour. While the colour is plae and looked so similar to the Custard flavour, wow, that chestnut flavour really popped! I also love the chestnut bits in the cream.

Highly recommend both of them and definitely the Totoro Cream Puff Marron flavour!

I also did buy the Chocolate Cream flavour as take away but the chocolate flavour was mild. I prefer the Custard and Marron flavours.

So yes, if you are travelling to Tokyo, I highly recomend you find some time to check out Shirohige Cream Puff Shop and enjoy the delicious Totoro Cream Puffs!

Blog post disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I paid for the meal at Shirohige Cream Puff Shop and all views expressed are my own. 

Shirohige’s Cream Puff Shop

Address: Tokyo Prefecture, Setagaya Shirota 5-3-1 (東京都世田谷区代田５−３−１)

Tel: 03-5787-6221

Website

Opening hours: 10am to 7pm

Closed on Tuesdays. If a public holiday falls on a Tuesday, the store will remain open on the holiday but will close next day on Wednesday.

Follow my food art and bento creations on my Facebook my page here or my Instagram here.

More information about my bento cookbook title ‘Kawaii Bento’  here. 

The post Shirohige’s Totoro Cream Puff appeared first on Little Miss Bento.

I did it! I made a set of tempura food sample in Tokyo!

I have always wanted so badly to try my hands to make Japanese food samples. Thanks to travel specialist TripleLights, a tourism website that help matches visitors with professional licenced guide for varied tours in Japan.

Read my earlier introduction blog post on TripleLights here.

Majority of their licensed guides are natives (Japanese) but they conduct the tours in English language. This makes it great for tourists and visitors who sometimes find language barrier an issue in Japan.

It is also wonderful as the tour can be customised to your needs and budget.

Access TripleLights website, search for tours based on interests or locations (etc), and you can read the details, costings etc. You can then book the tour or you can also contact the guide if there are additional enquiries.

Many of the tours are great if you are travelling as a pair or small group, as it will be very value-for-money! Since the amount quoted is sometimes charged as a group (please check individual tours as some pricing are for per pax).

Once the booking is done, you can check the details under your account page – bookings.

If you prefer customised tours, you can contact the guide directly and communicate with them on your needs.

On their profile page, you can read about their bio brief, language of tours offered and also ratings/reviews. It also shows you all the existing tours that the guide offers, which gives you an idea on whether the guide would be suitable for your desired activity.

After getting in touch with Yuka-san, one of the most popular guide under TripleLights, she had helped me plan out a wonderful whole day of activities in Tokyo.

Throughout our communication, she was so quick in responding, ever so sweet and polite and open to my requests. It was such a pleasure to have her as my guide.

She is also very clear and upfront in sharing the itinerary planned for the day as well as the cost involved.

It was also through Yuka-san that I was able to arrange for that exclusive meeting and hands on session with 3D latte art artist Kazuki san, which you would have read on my blog earlier on.

Yuka-san picked me up at my rented apartment and we headed over to Kappabashi street.

The famous kitchen street in Tokyo, Japan. One can literally find anything and everything relating to Japanese cooking and restaurant business needs there. The street is also known for its several fake food/food sample stores that sell super realistic food samples.

Read more about Kappabashi here.

None of the food items you see below are real food. Yes, they are all sample food! :D

We arrive at the food sample store – Ganso Shokuhin Sample Store (元祖食品サンプル屋). Even after visiting Kappabashi so many times, I didn’t know about this store that offers workshop experience to make food samples if not for Yuka san’s arrangements.

The workshop experience requires pre-reservations and is very popular. In fact, it was almost a full group that day, and all were Japanese except me! :p Japanese people are just as fascinated by the awesome food samples!

The fees are very reasonable, only 2160yen per person, and you get to make the food samples and bring it home. The session is about 60-75 mins long.

We headed upstairs to the classroom space where the tools and packaging were laid out nicely for each of us. They provide bags and packaging for you to pack away your food samples at the end of the class – thoughtful :)

The teacher went through the steps to make the tempura and cabbage, we were all so excited.

Then it was our turn to make!

First up, it was my tempura prawns! How do they look? :) So yummy right!!

We then made cabbage!! Gosh, this is exactly like those cool Youtube videos on Japanese food sample making!

This was so so awesome! I was really happy and quite proud of my creation!

If you don’t have the time to go for the workshop experience, you can even pick up a DIY food sample pack, where you can bring back and try making food samples.

TripleLights

A tourism platform that connects tourists and tour guide professionals.

Website

Tour guide – Yuka (profile page)

*******

Ganso Shokuhin Sample Store (元祖食品サンプル屋)

Website

Workshop experience (Kappabashi store)

Blog post disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, part of the tour package is compliments of TripleLights. 

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(Part 2)

In my recent visit to Japan, I was very priviledged to be received and hosted by Nippon Restaurant Enterprise Co Ltd to visit their Ekiben-ya Matsuri store at Tokyo station (read Part 1) and also an exclusive behind-the-scenes trip to their Daimasu Factory.

Nippon Restaurant Enterprise Co Ltd (NRE) is the comprehensive food business of JR East Group.

I was really excited to check out what goes behind the making of these beautiful yummy delicious ekibens and bento!

We arrived at the Central Kitchen of NRE Daimasu which is located just 30 mins away from Tokyo station by car. There is a good reason for this – to ensure short delivery time to ensure the freshness of the ekibens and bento sold at Ekiben-ya Matsuri retail store.

I was introduced to the background of the company and their driving principles behind their successful business. The 3 pillars are: 1.hygiene and safety 2. delicious food 3.beautiful presentation.

Check out the wide variety of bento packaging/boxes of their ekibens and bento. These are just tip of the iceberg as they have produced so many ekibens and bento.

One that caught my eye was this cool vintage style aluminium bento box. On the cover is an image of a very old anime. 

To enter the kitchen area, we were required to change into the special clothing and shoes to avoid any contamination of the food. We also had to wash our hands four times using two three types of washing liquids. Right before entering the facility, we had to stand in front of the blower too!

Can you tell which one is me?

What awaited behind the doors were so many delicious food prepared and carefully arranged and packed into the ekibens and bento.

One of my favourites! Inari-zushi!

To ensure that the food are thoroughly cooked through and are safe to consume, special gadgets are used to check the temperatures and even the PH levels of the food.

What I was most impressed with was how many people were involved in carefully preparing and arranging the ekibens and bento. I counted that there wereactually 17 to 20 persons just for one type of bento!

So when you are enjoying the ekiben, know it that there has been about of ‘heart’ and effort put into making their beautiful boxed meal!

Want to eat ekiben? Head over to Tokyo train station to Ekiben-ya Matsuri, one of the largest retailers of ekiben boxed meals sold on trains and at stations for travelers. It offers a lineup of over 170 specialties from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south. Part of their appeal is that they invite regional bento makers to come and cook at the shop so that customers get to taste regional specialties in the freshest way possible.

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(Part 1)

In my recent visit to Japan, I was very priviledged to be received and hosted by Nippon Restaurant Enterprise Co Ltd to visit their Ekiben-ya Matsuri store at Tokyo station and also an exclusive behind-the-scenes trip to their NRE Daimasu Factory (read Part 2).

Nippon Restaurant Enterprise Co Ltd (NRE) is the comprehensive food business of JR East Group.

It was such an amazing day to be able to exchange our thoughts on bento and ekiben culture.

I mentioned very briefly about Ekiben on my blog about one and half years ago. Ekiben ‘駅弁’ translated into English means train bento (eki= train station and ben=is the short form of bento). Some of you who have been to Japan might have been seen some of these stores around at train stations, especially at Shinakansen (bullet train) stations.

The variety of ekiben solds across Japan is in the range of thousands, in fact over 3000 different types of ekiben! And new ekibens are added to the menu and plus seasonal limited editions mean that it is quite impossible to taste all the ekibens in Japan!

There are even guidebooks about ekibens too, in which the more famous/unique ekibens across Japan is introduced to the readers.

As shinakansens and trains are very much an integral part of many living and working in Japan, it is common to enjoy ekiben lunchbox meals during the journey.

Next time when you are taking the shinakansen, remember to check out the ekiben sold and get some for yourself.

It is also very interesting as the different prefectures/train stations have their well-known and popular ekibens!  Many of these ekibens also showcase the local food produce and specialities. For instance, you will find crab ekiben at Hokkaido, or unique Persimmon Leaf Sushi ekiben at Nara. There are also seasonal options like sakura theme ekiben during the spring season. Some of the ekibens are also made by famous old established restaurants in that area.

Not to mention that some of these ekiben comes with really cool and unique boxes, some of which can even be reused! Some of their wrapping paper also depicts the scenery, season or a specialty of the particular town.

I remembered that being so excited when I first visited Ekiben-ya Matsuri back in 2013. A trip to Japan is never completed until one has tried ekiben.

Ekiben-ya Matsuri is one of the largest retailers of ekiben boxed meals sold on trains and at stations for travelers. It offers a lineup of over 170 specialties from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south. Part of their appeal is that they invite regional bento makers to come and cook at the shop so that customers get to taste regional specialties in the freshest way possible. 

Check out the delicious looking ekibens in the sample display! I want to eat all of them!
Open as early as 530am selling freshly made ekibens and bento, this store is always so busy and popular with customers.  An interesting board that charts the different ekibens and where they are from.
Each bento comes with a small write up and visual explaining the contents, price and a visual representation of what to expect in the yummy lunch box.

Want something warm? Pick up warm bottled miso soup or warm drinks to go along with your bento. Some of the bentos can also be reheated up, please check store for assistance. 

What to eat? I personally like to go for the seasonal limited edition ekibens, or popular ones.

One must-try is this special Tokyo Station 100th anniversary bento.

This special lunchbox was created in collaboration with restaurateurs and employees working at Tokyo station. For just ¥1,800 ou will get to enjoy 9 Edo dishes, including kasuzuke (pickled in sake) flounder and traditional umani (sweet simmered vegetables and fish).

Want to see more ekibens?

Just check out these mouthwatering pictures of the beautiful ekibens by NRE. Photos are courtesy of  NRE.

What I appreciate the most is the amount of effort and care put into to ensure freshly made, hygienic, yummy ekibens and bento. Check out what goes behind making these delicious beautiful ekibens and bento!

Ekiben-ya Matsuri

Website 

Menu site (selected listings, there are so many more in the actual store)

Address：Central Street, 1st floor inside the ticket gates of JR Tokyo Station 
Hours：5:30–23:00
TEL03-3213-4352

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I have been making wagashi on my own but have always wanted to refine my skills.

Since I was visiting Kyoto, the beautiful city that have been known for its strong traditional and heritage roots, as well as their many stores selling wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) and of course, matcha sweets and tea. I wanted very much to learn from a native expert.

I was really lucky and thrilled to be able to meet Miyazaki sensei in Kyoto who was so gracious to arrange a session for me to learn 4 types of wagashi.

They were Sakura Mochi, Yaki Ayu, Inokomochi and Kanoko. It was such a wonderful experience and I highly recommend her lessons to everyone! (Note: lesson is conducted in Japanese)

Look at what I made!! I made all these yummy wagashi sweets~~

Her wagashi studio, called Wagashi Salon Ichi Sachi is conveniently located along Rokkaku-Dori and is accessible from both Karasuma-Oike or Karasuma subway train stations.

Check out her beautiful cosy studio, the photos don’t do justice as the studio looked even better.

I love the whole Japanese modern set up, lots of white color, bright and wooden furniture. Plus I loved how she arranged the wagashi tools and ceramics on the wall and they literally doubled up as wall decor.

Her recipes were clear and was of nice small doable portions.

The lesson was conducted in Japanese but she had even provided some of the recipes in English kindly for me.

A hands-on class where each of us (me and other student) got to watch her make the sweets and made them ourselves too.

Fees also included the food ingredients and was very reasonably priced. I can’t wait to go back again!

After the lesson, like many Japanese lessons I have been, we all sat down and enjoy tea and some of the sweets we made. We then took back the rest of the sweets we made.

I cannot wait to be back to meet her again next year.

If you are going to Kyoto and have a couple of hours to spare, I highly recommend that you take a class with Miyazaki sensei.

She is a well-known expert in her wagashi making and many Japanese locals take regular lessons from her.

Wagashi Salon Ichi Sachi

*Please confirm availability and book your lesson prior. Fees apply and menu changes on a monthly/seasonal basis

Map

Website

Facebook Page

Blog post disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I paid for the lesson and all views expressed are my own. 

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What does one do when in Japan? Eat Haagen Dazs ice-cream in Japan!

Not just any flavours, but the seasonal edition Haagen Dazs ice-cream and Limited edition Haagen Dazs ice-cream found only in Japan.

They can be found in combini (convenience stores like 7-11, Family Mart etc). but I noticed that 7-11 seems to stock more and more varieties too.

So on this lovely Friday morning (when I bought them), I had a Haagen Dazs ice cream party in my apartment. I bought from a 7-11 in Kyoto, some of Japan’s limited flavours Haagen Dazs ice-cream:

• (Top, from left to right) Pumpkin, Waguri (Japanese chestnut), Nagomi Azuki (red bean)
• (Bottom, from left to right) Japonais, Rum Raisin, Vanilla Cookie Raspberry

Which one did I like best? How did each of them fare? Keep on reading~

1. Pumpkin Haagen Dazs

This flavour was a winner.

I was bowled over and definitely surprised that this vegetable gave that lovely caramelised scent to the ice-cream and one can taste the pumpkin flavour without it becoming overwhelming.

The ice cream was also creamy and did not met too quickly. If you have a chance, I would highly recommend this and personally will buy this again.

2. Waguri Haagen Daz ice-cream

Retaining Haagen Dazs signature creamy texture, this ice cream however was rather mild in terms of the waguri (chestnut) flavour. I would have hoped that the flavour was more pronounced.

On the plus side, the ice cream was not too sweet and was rather light on the palatte.

3. Nagomi Azuki Haagen Daz ice-cream

I love how you can find azuki beans (red beans) in the ice cream, it did however felt a little too sweet to finish the entire cup on my own.

But what I liked was that the azuki flavour did not taste fake, it truly tasted like I added some sweetened Japanese red beans to my creamy vanilla ice-cream.

4. Japonais Haagen Daz ice-cream

This was my other top favourite, aside from Pumpkin flavour. The Japonais flavour was so uniquely Japan.

The ice-cream consists of a top layer of kuromitsu (black honey), matcha (green tea) ice cream, azuki (red beans) and vanilla.

It reminded me of lovely Japanese french cake pastries with the layers. Overall the different flavours complemented well with one another and it was not too sweet. I will buy this again.

5. Rum Raisin Haagen Daz ice-cream

Love rum? then you will like this lovely creamy Rum Raisin flavour. I could definitely taste the rum flavour in the creamy ice-cream, I did however felt that the ice-cream melted a little quicker than the others, prob due to the milk fat content.

There are also raisin bits found in the ice-cream, but the raisins did not tasted as though they were soak in rum though.

6. Vanilla Cookie Raspberry Haagen Daz ice-cream

This was the most disappointing of all. Flavour wise, it did not come across as really special or different. It tasted like I mix some raspberry (found in peanut butter) with some cookies and cream ice-cream. It was also too sweet. My personal opinion? Better to try the other flavours.

I hope you like this blog post on the Haagen Dazs ice-cream found in Japan.

As mentioned, these are seasonal/limited edition ice-cream, so you will find different flavours available during different times of the year. You can also check their website to see their latest seasonal products.

I hope that I will get to eat some Sakura ones in spring next year~~

Haagen Dazs Japan

Website (Japanese language)

Blog post disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I paid for the ice-cream and all views expressed are my own. 

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