Tokyo Gazette-Journal

Best Noodle in Japan

2011-07-21T12:08:00.002+09:00

There are so many ramen (noodle) shops in Tokyo. Yes, so many!

But, don't forget to try CUP NOODLE!

It is sold outside of Japan, but taste different here.
Regular, seafood, and curry are the most popular flavors that you can find anywhere.

CUP NOODLE
regular flavor (343 kcal)
price: around 160 yen

In addition to those flavors, seasonal and limited flavors are also introduced once in a while. Convenience stores are the best place to check new items!

By the way, the cup noodle's official web site offers cool downloads. One of them is desktop plugin called "Cup Noodle Timer" which alarms three minutes.

can be download here!

[How to download/install]

For windows:
  OS: Windows XP
  CPU: Pentium 4 /above
  Memory: 512MB /above

For Mac:
  OS: Mac OS X 10.3.9 ~ 10.4.11
  CPU: PowerPC G4 /above
  Memory: 512MB /above

After download the file, double crick "CUP NOODLE TIMER.exe."

Mister Donut Summer Sale

2011-07-19T12:56:00.004+09:00

Mister Donut now offers very cute summer donuts!

It's named "Angel Teddy Pan" with two yummy flavors of green tea and white chocolate. It is recommended to cool in fridge a couple hours before eat.

Summer Donuts

Angel Teddy donut is 147 yen each.

During the promotion of "Cool Misdo Fair," you can get 20% off those summer donuts.

1) July 15 - July 19
2) July 25 - July 31

Also, there is another BIG sale between July 20 and July 24.
Some selected donuts are just 100 yen, and pies are 120 yen.

Sticky Green tea Azuki French
regular price 147yen (now 100yen)

Pone de Green tea dark syrup
regular price 126yen (now 100yen)

Mister Donut stores in Tokyo:

Akihabara
3-13-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku

Shinjuku
3-24-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku (at Alta near Shinjuku station East exit)

Shinjuku (Kabukicho)
1-2-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku

Asakusa
1-7-16 NishiAsakusa, Taito-ku
1-33-10 Asakusa, Taito-ku

Ueno
4-8-3 Ueno, Taito-ku

Tokyo-the condition after the earthquake

2011-03-13T20:01:00.000+09:00

The biggest and powerful earthquake hit Northeastern Japan on Friday, March 11.

It was reported 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit near Miyagi prefecture. Strong tsunami destroyed coastline towns in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima.

The massive quake, intensity of five hit in Tokyo too.
It was big earthquake so that all trains had to stop their operation.

Two days after the earthquake, Tokyo is getting back to normal. Though stores close at 6:00 p.m. to cooperate the energy saving requested by Japanese government.

Shinjuku Takashimaya and Tokyu Hands.

TOKYU HANDS announces the closing hour for 6:00 p.m.
affected by the earthquake.

Earthquake information: See Japan Meteorological Agency updates!

Organic Restaurant: ciao bella

2011-03-01T18:34:00.000+09:00

Italian restaurant, Ciao Bella provides authentic organic cuisine.

For dinner, there are five courses.

Seasonal course A

6,300yen

Seasonal course B

8,400yen

Seasonal course C

12,600yen

Veggie course

5,250yen

Macrobiotic course

5,775yen

When I visited last time, I had the seasonal course A.

It comes with two appetizers, two different pastas, main dish (fish or meat), dessert and coffee.

Also, I enjoyed bio wines form Italy and France.

Antipasto
Sea urchin mousse

Appetizer sampler

Wild yeast bread

Gnocchi with tomato sauce

Tagliolini with oyster and veggies

Pan fried fish

Coffee/Tea and dessert

[Ciao Bella]

1-11-10 Nishiazabu, Minatoku Tokyo

Hours (18:00 - 23:00/21:00 LO)

Closed: Monday

Phone: 03-3479-0046

Near the Nishiazabu intersection.

Sakura Season is Coming

2011-02-27T09:18:00.000+09:00

Starbucks Japan now offers seasonal special.
That is SAKURA beverages. Yes, cherry blossom season has come.

Sakura Creme Frappuccino and Sakura Latte!

	Short	Tall	Grande	Venti
[Sakura Latte]	400yen	440yen	480yen	520yen
[Sakura Creme Frappuccino]	450yen	490yen	530yen	570yen

It will be served limited time between February 15 and March 15.
Along with special beverages, there sakura flavored pastries are also offered.

This Sakura promotion is celebrating the tenth consecutive year.

There are 877 stores in Japan as of the end of March 2010.
To find Starbucks stores in Japan: check here.

Mister Donut SALE

2011-02-26T17:26:00.001+09:00

The best doughnuts in Japan is MISTER DONUT!

It celebrates 40th anniversary this year.
So there will be more events coming after.

SALE!
100 yen each for the selected doughnuts.
120 yen for the selected pies.
February 23 - 27, 2011

The doughnuts product ranking shows that "pon de double chocolat" is the best doughnut among their customers.

Pon de Double Chocolat
136 yen

I love pon de doughnuts series. There are five different flavors. (check it here!)

Here are some outlets that easier to access.

There are two Mister Donut stores in Shinjuku. And, I made a list for other area below.

Shop Info:

[Mister Donut/Shinjuku Alta]

3-24-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Tokyo

Hours (8:00-23:00)

Near Shinjuku station

Shinjuku Alta building B2F

see bigger map

[Shinjuku Yasukuni st.]
1-2-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku Tokyo
Hours (6:00-26:00)

see bigger map

Akihabara:
3-13-9 Sotokanda, Chiyodaku Tokyo

Asakusa:
1-7-16 Nishiasakusa, Taitoku Tokyo
1-33-10 Asakusa, Taitoku Tokyo

Ueno:
4-8-3 Ueno, Taitoku Tokyo

End of Cherry Blossom Season...

2010-04-26T20:39:00.001+09:00

Because of cold weather, the condition of cheery blossom this year was better than usual.

People could enjoy viewing them longer days. The first week of April was the best time to see cheery blossom when SMEIYOSHINO sakura was at full bloom.

I thought the cherry blossom season has ended, but I found this last weekend.

The YAE sakura!

This is YAE SAKURA.

I guess this gonna be the last viewing of sakura this year.

Free Internet Access In Tokyo

2010-02-09T09:51:00.000+09:00

If you need a quick internet access in Tokyo, Tully's offers it for 30 minutes free.

It depends on a store, but usually this small card is provided around the drink pick-up area.

The free 30 minutes internet access service called "Wifine" is valid once each day. You may need a quick user registry to begin with.
(Service is provided from November 30 2009 to February 28 2010.)

Tully's Japan
Wifine (http://wifine.jp/internet/#shoplist)

Kanda Myoujin (Kanda Shrine)

2010-02-07T14:41:00.002+09:00

Kanda Myoujin is one of the famous shrine which benefits success and prosperity.

It is located near Ochanomizu and Akihabara. Though Ochanomizu station is a bit closer to the shrine.
→　Access (in English)

It is known that Tokugawa paid high respect to the shrine. Ieyasu Tokugawa received a KACHI-MAMORI (charm) from Kanda Myoujin before the battle of Sekigahara, and he won.

We can buy one here. Also, there are over 60 different charms that fit your needs. (They even have a IT charm!)

This is KACHI-MAMORI.

A charm for IT security.

I've never seen this kind before.

Maybe because of the location of Kanda Myoujin (near Akihabara)?

Before praying a wish, wash your hands and mouth at Temizuya. (LEFT)

[Kanda Myoujin]
2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 101-0021
(Access)

Big Hit McDonald's Texas Burger

2010-01-22T20:19:00.001+09:00

McDonald's Japan introduced "Texas Burger" as a part of "Big America" promotion on January 15.

Texas Burger

420 yen (640 kcal)

It made a big debut!
It has been reported that 4,130,000 Texas Burgers were sold in the first four days. McDonald's Japan increased double the number of Texas burgers, and set the number of sales in each outlet. (Around 250 Texas burgers for each store? The numbers are vary in each store.)

It's a bit smaller than I thought, but tasty and succulent!

Texas Burger is seasoned with double source, Spicy BBQ source and whole-grain mustard relish, on the quarter pound beef. It is garnsihed with fried onion, cheese and bacon.

Since Texas Burger was sold unexpectedly well, McDonald's Japan had to set quantity adjustment to control the promotion period. The Texas Burger will continue to be sold until January 31.

French galettes cafe

2010-01-12T17:28:00.004+09:00

Galettoria is a french country style cafe that offers crepes and galettes. It was opened in November 2007.

Galettoria uses organic ingredients, fresh vegetables and fruits.

Salty butter caramel

700 yen

French style crepe is so yummy!!
They uses a famous brand flour "Haruyutaka" from Hokkaido. It is said one of the best.

Menu

Course 2,000 yen
a choice from two galettes (ham, egg and cheese/today's special)
a choice from five crepes (butter&sugar/butter&sugar with lemon/salty butter caramel/cinnamon/chocolate)
a choice of coffee, apple earl gray tea, or cider

Galettes
Ham & cheese buckwheat galette 850 yen
Egg & cheese buckwheat galette 850 yen
Ham, egg and cheese buckwheat galette 900 yen
Raw ham & Gruyere cheese salad style 1300 yen
Seasonal galette from 1300 yen

Crepes
Butter & sugar 600 yen
Butter & sugar with lemon 650 yen
Salty butter caramel 700 yen
Japanese honey 700 yen
Maple syrup 700 yen
Vanilla beans milk jam 850 yen
Chocolate 700 yen
plain 550 yen
Seasonal from 850 yen

Coffee (Hot 400 yen/ Ice 450 yen)
Organic coffee (Hot 450 yen / Ice 500 yen)
Cider 600 yen
Organic beer 700 yen

[Galettoria]
1-26-1 Shotoh Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150-0046

Hours: 11:30 - 21:00 (Last order at 20:15)
Phone: 03-3467-7057
Closed on Tuesday

Long seller sweet pastry

2010-01-11T16:06:00.000+09:00

Everyone's favorite sweet pastry, Mini Snack Gold by Yamazaki Baking Company is one of megahit pastries in Japan. (It says "Super long-selling product" in its label.)

The whorl-like danish with sugar icing is a trade mark of this pastry. Also, the size is a big enough to satisfy men's appetite.

Mini Snack Gold

105 yen (598 kcal)

Mini Snack Gold was introduced in 1970. And average 320 million packages are sold every year!

Good-looking tofu bread!?

2010-01-06T11:20:00.019+09:00

Otokomae Tofuten that is well known its unique naming and stylish tofu products and PASCO are collaborated!

Otokomae-Tofuten's cream bread

126 yen/open price (296 kcal)

Otokomae Tofuten's rich tofu was used in dough and cream.

This product is offered limited time; between November 1, 2009 and February 28, 2010.

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-03T17:05:00.000+09:00

Happy New Year!

Best wishes for everyone!

I found this interesting McDonald Japan ad. The text says "Ahaann." We say this when asking someone to open his or her mouth.

Buy one large fries, and you have chance to get one of the 100 yen menu; hamburger, shaka-shaka chicken, small size of coca-cola. This promotion starts from New Year day until supply is last.

Melon-Pan (5)

2009-12-14T22:22:00.000+09:00

This is a melon pan from am/pm store.

Melon pan

Price is 105 yen. (392 kcal)

The cookie dough is very crunchy, but the inside is soft and fluffy.

[Melon-pan list]

Melon-Pan (4)

2009-11-04T18:38:00.003+09:00

This is a freshly baked melon-pan from KOBEYA (Fresh Bakery by KOBEYA).

KOBEYA is one of the biggest bread-making company after Yamazaki Baking Company, Shikijima Baking Company (known as "Pasco" brand), and Fuji Baking Company.

Melon pan

168 yen (295 kcal)

This melon-pan is a bit smaller than one from convenience stores. But, the taste and texture are much better.

Fresh Bakery KOBEYA will celebrate its 91 anniversary on this Friday, November 6. The 100 yen voucher will be given when you purchase bread at a store.

Also, all breads will be 20% off on November 13.

[Melon-pan list]

Sun Tsugaru Apple

2009-10-27T22:01:00.000+09:00

Tsugaru (sun tsugaru) is one of the tasty early apples. It is very juicy, not too sours, and texture is soft.

It is originally produced (hybrid Golden Delicious and Jonathan) at Aomori lab in 1930. And Tsugaru was named in 1973.

Sun Tsugaru

average price is 100 yen

Season: mid August to mid September
Best to eat: mid September

Tokyo Is Bakery Paradise!

2009-10-18T22:28:00.002+09:00

Tokyo is a center of quality bakeries. There are so many bakeries including internationally renowned stores, and its number is expanding each year.

Le Petit Mec is opened April 2009 as a part of remodeling of Marui Honkan in Shinjuku.

Le Petit Mec's home store is in Kyoto, and this Tokyo brunch is opened as the third store. (Two are in Kyoto, and one is in Tokyo.)

Baguettes

262 yen each

The signatures are baguette, campagne and croissant.

They are baked with traditional french recipe.

Apple Tart Fin

315 yen

This apple tart is so good!

[Le Petit Mec TOKYO]

3-30-13 Shinjuku Marui Honkan 1F

Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo

Le Petit Mec is on the Shinjuku street.

Best Hit burger at McDonald's Japan

2009-10-12T20:29:00.004+09:00

McDonald's Japan brought back its Japanese original burger, Chicken-Tatsuta from September 25 until October 15, 2009 as a part of "NIPPON ALL STARS" promotion.

However, this limited time offer hit so well and sold out earlier than it had planned. (The offer ended in October 10.)

Chicken Tatsuta

Price: 300 - 320 yen

Therefore, the company decided to resale Chicken Tatsuta between mid-December and early January 2010. It's a good news for those who missed it.

Dessert TOFU?

2009-10-11T20:22:00.001+09:00

TOFU is a perfect food for health conscious people.

There are so many kinds of TOFU in Japan.
Recently I found very interesting TOFU. It is soft-boiled Tofu, named KINARI.

KINARI by Minosuke TOFU

Price: 250 yen

(This is sold only at ISETAN-SHINJUKU store.)

The texture is very soft like a pudding. It is made of aomame (blue color soy bean) and used small amount of bittern. That's why it is called soft-boiled Tofu.

Price is a bit expensive, but all ingredients are domestic.
It was soooo good!!! I will definitely buy this again.

Too bad, no Tokyo Olympic 2016

2009-10-03T18:17:00.008+09:00

This is a photo of Tokyo Tower before the Olympic host city was chosen.

UNIQLO X Jil Sander

2009-10-02T14:27:00.010+09:00

The UNIQLO's newest line, +J is the collaboration with Jil Sander. It started to sell clothes from today.

Pricing is very reasonable. For example, wool coat is only 12,900 yen.

Most shirts and skirts are at 3,990 yen.

These items are sold at selected stores.

Celebrating 100th anniversary after named Yamanote-sen

2009-10-01T22:50:00.000+09:00

The most popular train in Tokyo, Yamanote-sen (or Yamanote-line) was named 100 years ago.

There are 29 stations within Yamanote-line.
And it covers most sightseeing spots in Tokyo such as Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Yurakucho(Ginza), and Akihabara.

Some special events are started from today. (For detail, get this brochure at stations.)

The special limited train pass, Yamanote-sen pass is selling at 480 yen. It is a free pass within the yamanote-line and only used on weekend and holidays in October.

Yamanote Train Watch

2009-09-28T09:30:00.010+09:00

For train maniacs, this is next item for your wishing list!

LED WATCH is a digital list watch that is reproduced the electric display of yamanote line in Tokyo. Yes, the electric display in the platform. There are four types; Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Shinagawa versions. (The name of four major train stations.)

The display shows time and calendar by switching the text message.
Time will be displayed when the text is appeared as "Denshya ga mairimasu (The train is coming)." And, you can check calendar by switching the message to "Denshya ga tsukashimasu (The train is passing)."

This product is sold at Narita International airport (Termainal 1), TiCTAC shop. The shop is located on 4th floor of central building.

The price is 25,200 yen.

Yakiimo (Baked sweet potato)

2009-09-23T17:00:00.000+09:00

It's getting cooler everyday in Tokyo. Fall is a good season for those who love eating!

Around this time, stores start selling the new crop of sweet potatoes. Three major kinds of sweet potatoes which are good for Yakiimo are BENIAZUMA, NARUTOKINTOKI(or KINTOKI), and BENIOTOME.

Yakiimo is a popular snack for fall and winter. You might find a mini truck that sells this sweet snack. (the average price is 100 yen per 100g.)

Or you can bake your own Yakiimo at home!

It's easy. Just put a sweet potato into oven at 250℃ for 30 minutes.