With the Obon holidays approaching, many people will soon be heading back home to their hometowns. During this time of year when people gather together more, you'll want to send a special gift that stands out. This week, we'll introduce sweets and foods that are only available in Tokyo, selected by trend-conscious press!
■Portland coffee beans distributed at the KINFOLK launch party
Location: Rainbow Building 3, 1F, 4-5-13 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
These coffee beans are from Stumptown Coffee Rotors, a coffee roaster in Portland, USA, the birthplace of Kinfolk. In Japan, they can only be purchased at Puddler's Coffee, a coffee stand in Sangubashi, Tokyo.
■ Pretzels from Kate Spade Saturday, beloved by New Yorkers
Location: 4-26-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Sigmund Pretzel, a cafe space on the second floor of the Kate Spade Saturday Harajuku store, which opened in Harajuku last year, is a pretzel specialty store with a flagship store in New York's East Village. Made with natural ingredients, their chewy texture will have you hooked after just one try.
■ Organic cookies from Vulcanize, a London brand that even British customers will be impressed with
Location: 5-8-5 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Steady Study, which handles PR for popular domestic and international brands, chose the cookies and shortbread served at the cafe on the first floor of Vulcanize London as the food for their press exhibition. All of them have a subtle, gentle sweetness and simple flavor, making them popular with both men and women.
■ Dorayaki from Ishii, a long-established shop in Tokyo's downtown area, chosen by Vivienne Westwood
Location: 7-6-20 Shibamata, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo
Dorayaki from Ishii, a long-established Japanese confectionery shop in Shibamata, Tokyo, were distributed as souvenirs to guests at the anniversary event for the Vivienne Westwood Aoyama store, which celebrated its 10th anniversary. The fluffy, hand-baked dough, with its gentle egg aroma, is filled with a generous amount of dainagon bean paste that has been carefully cooked over two days and nights. It's such a popular item that it sells out as soon as it's baked.
■ Additive-free tart from Le Pain Quotidien, delicious for both your body and soul
Location: 3-3-1 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, and others
Catering was provided by the Belgian bakery restaurant Le Pain Quotidien at an exhibition for Coronet, a company that specializes in high-end imported casual wear. Tarts made with fruits such as lemon and berries have a refreshing taste, with a crisp crust and the perfect balance of fruit acidity.
Enjoy a wonderful holiday with a gift that expresses your gratitude.
