Summer is finally here. This is the time of year when many people return home for the Obon holiday, but many of us struggle to come up with a thoughtful gift to take home. For those of you who are in this situation, we've compiled a list of "Tokyo souvenirs" perfect for summer, selected by the Isetan Shinjuku store's food team and available on the first basement floor of the Isetan Shinjuku store. From the sweets section, we have a refreshing treat that will make you feel the summer. "Hoshoju" (8 pieces for 2,200 yen), sold at "Raikangen Kitchoan" and available only in the store and during the summer, is a fruit confectionery made by encasing a fresh whole Muscat of Alexandria grape from Okayama in a thin layer of gyuhi (rice flour) and dusting it with sugar. This unusual treat, which is both fruit and Japanese confectionery, is meticulously crafted by artisans, piece by piece. Each piece is individually wrapped and packed in a heavy wooden box, making it the perfect gift. "It's a high-quality sweet, so it's sure to make a wonderful gift. It's also recommended for gourmets and those accustomed to receiving souvenirs," commented the floor attendant. While the sales period may vary, it's scheduled to run until mid-September.

For a gift for someone who loves alcohol, we recommend Mizubasho Pure, a sparkling sake from Gunma's Nagai Sake Brewery, available in the Ikinoza section. This sparkling Japanese sake is made using soft natural water from Oze and Yamadanishiki rice grown under contract in Hyogo. It's the world's first sparkling sake developed using the traditional Champagne method of "secondary fermentation in the bottle." It features a delicate effervescence and a refreshing flavor characteristic of sake. Its lack of strong acidity and sweetness makes it a perfect pairing with a variety of dishes, both Japanese and Western. "It's also great as an aperitif on a lingering summer evening," said the floor attendant. "It's also the perfect gift for a boss's visit," she added. Coffee, a recent trend that continues to evolve, is a stylish gift. Capital Coffee's "The First Cup at Hawaii Yamagishi Farm," available in the Chef's Selection, is Kona coffee grown at Yamagishi Farm in Hawaii, run by a Japanese couple. "This is a cartridge-type coffee that allows you to easily brew delicious coffee by simply pouring hot water over it, so it's a great gift for people who don't own coffee equipment. "I hope that people will enjoy the flavor, and be reminded that it was made by a Japanese person. It also pairs well with the Enkaten mooncakes, which are also sold in the store and feature the "gratitude" seal, so I often bring two together," says the buyer, giving this item his stamp of approval. Perfect as a gift for a seasonal treat, or as a way to share a drink and chat with the recipient. And, even when you're back home, you can enjoy the aroma of the coffee along with the story. This is a must-have selection for your summer souvenir checklist.