Indulge in a Symphony of Strawberry Delights at DEK AOYAMA’s Afternoon Tea

A Celebration of Seven Strawberry Varieties

If you’re a strawberry aficionado, prepare for a truly unique experience. DEK AOYAMA, a cafe & restaurant renowned for showcasing the finest domestic fruits and vegetables, is launching a "Strawberry Afternoon Tea" that promises a delightful journey through the diverse world of Japanese strawberries. What sets this afternoon tea apart? The star of the show is not just one, but seven distinct strawberry varieties, each boasting its own unique flavor profile.

DEK AOYAMA, backed by over a century of experience in the fruit and vegetable wholesale business, has carefully curated a menu that highlights the natural sweetness and nuanced flavors of these exquisite berries. From the refreshing acidity of Tochigi Prefecture’s "Sky Berry" in a delicate mousse to the rich, juicy sweetness of Fukuoka Prefecture’s "Amaou" in a decadent tiramisu, each bite is a celebration of the strawberry’s versatility. You’ll even have the chance to savor the rare and luxurious Saitama Prefecture "Amarin" strawberry, known for its exceptional sweetness.

Menu Highlights:

Sweet Treats:

• Tochiaika Pavlova: Sweet and fragrant Tochiaika strawberries atop a light and crispy meringue, served with strawberry sauce and Hokkaido cream.
• Sky Berry Mousse: A refreshing mousse infused with the bright, sweet-tart flavor of Sky Berry strawberries, layered with Sky Berry jam.
• Tochiaika Financier: Moist, melt-in-your-mouth financier baked with Tochiaika strawberries and strawberry paste.
• Benihoppe Macaron: Adorable strawberry-shaped macarons filled with tangy Benihoppe strawberry sauce and cream cheese.
• Amaou Tiramisu: Creamy mascarpone cream layered with juicy Amaou strawberry jelly, topped with freeze-dried strawberry powder and fresh Amaou strawberries.
• Koiminori and Vanilla Marble Chiffon Cake: Fluffy vanilla chiffon cake layered with Koiminori strawberry cream and fresh berries, balancing sweetness and acidity.
• White Sesame Kuzumochi with Brown Sugar Strawberry Sauce: Chewy white sesame and soy milk kuzumochi paired with Amaou strawberry and brown sugar sauce – a delightful fusion of Japanese flavors.

Savory Bites:

• Awayuki White Bean Curd Salad: A refreshing salad featuring the pale pink Awayuki strawberry and seasonal spinach.
• Fried Chicken with Flavored Vinegar Dressing: Crispy fried chicken tossed with fresh Benihoppe strawberries and a strawberry-flavored vinegar dressing.

Seasonal Domestic Fruit:

• Saitama Prefecture Strawberry "Amarin"

Drinks (All-You-Can-Drink):

Homemade Fruit Vinegar Drinks (Various Seasonal Fruits) / Iced Coffee / Hot Coffee / Black Iced Tea / Earl Grey / Darjeeling / Ginger Twist / Chamomile Tea / White Orchard / Oolong Tea / Ginger Ale / Cola

The Seven Strawberry Stars:

1. Tochiaika (Tochigi): Large, fragrant, and intensely sweet with low acidity.
2. Sky Berry (Tochigi): A perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with a refreshing acidity.
3. Benihoppe (Shizuoka): Classic strawberry sweet-tartness with a firm texture.
4. Amaou (Fukuoka): Large, juicy, and rich with a harmonious blend of sweetness and subtle acidity.
5. Koiminori (Nagasaki/Saga): Balanced sweetness and acidity with a firm, crisp texture and rich aroma.
6. Awayuki (Saga): A pale pink white strawberry with a surprisingly high sugar content and low acidity.
7. Amarin (Saitama): A luxurious strawberry known for its shocking sweetness and minimal acidity.

*Variety and origin may change depending on production status and availability.

Event Details:

• Location: DEK AOYAMA, 2nd floor (DEK DINING), MAP near Omotesando Station. DEK Aoyama
• Address: 〒107-0062 Tokyo, Minato-ku, Minami-Aoyama 5-4-41 Glasselia Aoyama 1・2F
• Period: January 6, 2025 – February 2, 2025
• Time: 11:00 – 16:30 (Last Entry 14:30)
• Price: Strawberry Afternoon Tea: ¥7,000 (tax included), Strawberry Afternoon Tea with Champagne or Craft Gin: ¥8,500 (tax included)
• Inquiries: 03-6803-8507
• Website: DEK Aoyama

All photos are for illustrative purposes only. Menu items are subject to change depending on availability. For the latest information, please check the official website.

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What is DEK AOYAMA?

DEK AOYAMA is a dining venue in Tokyo’s Aoyama district, offering a mix of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. The restaurant uses fresh, high-quality ingredients, often sourced locally, to create flavorful and visually appealing dishes. Its afternoon tea events, such as the 2025 Strawberry Afternoon Tea, highlight its creativity and commitment to unique culinary experiences. DEK AOYAMA is a popular choice for locals and tourists interested in Tokyo’s diverse food scene.

Kick Off 2025 at Tokyo Dome City’s New Year’s Celebration! 🎉

Get ready to welcome 2025 with a bang at Tokyo Dome City! From lucky bags brimming with surprises to incredible sales, a thrilling lottery, a vibrant lion dance parade, side-splitting comedy, and much more, this New Year’s celebration is packed with fun for everyone.

Score Big with Exclusive Deals and Lucky Bags 🛍️

Looking for incredible value? Snag the Tokyo Dome City e-Ticket New Year’s Lucky Bag Set 2025, available exclusively at the "TOKYO DOME CITY e-Ticket STORE." This set is your passport to a world of fun, granting access to various attractions and shops within Tokyo Dome City.

But the deals don’t stop there! Prepare for deep discounts on popular items at Tokyo Dome City shops. Plus, participate in the Lucky Bag New Year’s Gift Project: every lucky bag purchased at participating shops and restaurants (some exclusions apply) has a chance to contain a free Spa LaQua admission ticket! Don’t miss the big lottery with its impressive lineup of luxurious prizes.

Unforgettable New Year’s Events 🦁

From January 1st (Wed/Holiday) to 5th (Sun), Tokyo Dome City transforms into a hub of exciting New Year’s festivities:

• Lion Dance Parade: Experience the energy and excitement of a traditional lion dance parade.
• Warm Kotatsu Plaza: Cozy up in a traditional kotatsu and enjoy a special event collaborating with the popular Japanese TV series "The Solitary Gourmet."
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling Talk Show: Wrestling fans, rejoice! Kick off the Tokyo Dome 2-Day Series with the "Makabe & Honma’s Tokyo Dome 2-Day Series ‘Kick-Off’ Rally!" talk show.
• Yoshimoto Hatsuwarai Stage: Start the year with laughter at the Yoshimoto Hatsuwarai comedy stage.
• Tokyo Dome City Art Project: Unleash your inner artist with a hands-on art experience presented in collaboration with the Tokyo University of the Arts. Fun for all ages!

For detailed information on each event, including specific times and locations, be sure to check the official website.

Event Details ℹ️

• Venue: Tokyo Dome City
• Nearest Stations: Suidobashi Station (1-minute walk), Kasuga Station (3-minute walk), Korakuen Station (3-minute walk)
• Address: 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 〒112-8575 Map
• Event Period: January 1st, 2025 (Wed/Holiday) – January 31st, 2025 (Fri) (Specific event dates may vary.)
• General Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Specific event times may vary.)
• Inquiries: Tokyo Dome City Wakuwaku Dial 03-5800-9999
• Official Website: Tokyo Dome City Website
• Weather Information: Events may be canceled in case of severe weather.

Please note that published content is subject to change. Always refer to the official website for the latest information.

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What is Tokyo Dome City?

Tokyo Dome City is a well-known entertainment complex in central Tokyo, offering a mix of attractions suitable for all ages. At its core is Tokyo Dome, a large stadium that hosts sporting events, concerts, and exhibitions. Around it, you’ll find an amusement park with various rides and activities.

The area also has numerous shopping and dining options. Visitors can try different cuisines at many restaurants and cafes or shop in stores featuring fashion items and unique souvenirs. LaQua, a spa and hot spring complex, offers a relaxing break from the city’s fast pace.

Entertainment venues like Tokyo Dome City Hall present various performances and the J-Culture Museum provides insights into Japan’s cultural history. With its diverse range of activities and amenities, Tokyo Dome City is a popular draw for both locals and tourists, especially during events like New Year celebrations.

Embark on Nagoya’s Heroic Pilgrimage: Collect Family Crest Seals!

Calling all history buffs and travel enthusiasts! From December 10th, 2024, to March 9th, 2025, embark on the "Nagoya Eiketsu Sacred Site Pilgrimage" and collect family crest seals of legendary warlords! This unique stamp rally invites you to explore Nagoya through the lens of its rich samurai history, focusing on iconic figures like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu – the Three Heroes.

Nagoya Eiketsu Sacred Site Pilgrimage "Family Crest Seal" Tour (712.88KB)

How to Participate: Your Quest for Family Crest Seals

Step 1: Gather Your Stamps

Journey through Nagoya, visiting key locations tied to these powerful warlords. Collect five unique family crest stamps at the following sites:

1. Okehazama Battlefield Tourist Information Center: Stamp of Oda Nobunaga
2. Toyokuni Shrine: Stamp of Toyotomi Hideyoshi
3. Nagoya Castle: Stamp of Tokugawa Ieyasu
4. Maeda Sokunenji Temple: Stamp of Maeda Toshiie
5. Hideyoshi Kiyomasa Memorial Museum: Stamp of Kato Kiyomasa

Step 2: Claim Your Prize

Once you’ve assembled all five stamps, present your completed sheet at one of the redemption locations: Oasis 21 i Center or Nagoya City Kanayama Tourist Information Center. Be among the first 1,500 participants to receive an exclusive set of five original family crest seals!

Bonus Prize: A Reward for the Dedicated

As an added bonus, the first 1,000 participants who complete the stamp rally will receive an exclusive Maeda Keiji family crest seal and a special family crest seal book! Claim your bonus at the Nippon Castle Festival 2025 Nagoya City booth on March 1st and 2nd, 2025. (This bonus is exclusively for those who have collected all five stamps.)

Redemption Locations and Hours

Family Crest Seal Set (5 seals):

• Oasis 21 i Center: 10:00-20:00 (10:00-18:00 on December 31st. Closed January 1st.)
  Oasis21i Center
• Nagoya City Kanayama Tourist Information Center: 9:00-19:00 (9:00-17:00 on January 2nd and 3rd. Closed December 29th to January 1st.)
  Nagoya City Kanayama Tourist Information Center

Completion Bonus (Maeda Keiji Seal & Seal Book):

• Nippon Castle Festival 2025 Nagoya City Booth (Admission fee required)
  • Dates: Saturday, March 1st, and Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
  • Venue: Nagoya City Industrial Promotion Hall, Fukiage Hall
  • Access:
    • Public Transport: ~5 minutes walk from Exit 5 of Sakura-dori Line "Fukiage" Station
    • Car: ~3 minutes from Nagoya Expressway Haruoka I.C., ~2 minutes from Fukiage-Higashi I.C.
      Nippon Castle Festival 2025

Pamphlet & Stamp Sheet Locations

Pick up your stamp sheet (pamphlet) at these locations:

• All five stamp locations listed above
• Nagoya City Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center
• Oasis 21 i Center
• Nagoya City Kanayama Tourist Information Center

Event Details

• Dates: December 10th, 2024 – March 9th, 2025
• Hours: See individual location hours above.
• Location: Nagoya City
• Fee: Free participation (excluding Nagoya Castle admission fee)
• Contact: Tourism and Cultural Exchange Bureau, Tourism Promotion Division, TEL: 052-972-2406
• Website: https://nagoya-eiketsu.jp/

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Individual Location Hours:

• Okehazama Battlefield Tourist Information Center: 10:00-16:00 (Closed December 31st – January 3rd)
• Toyokuni Shrine (Shrine Office): 8:30-16:00 (No closing days)
• Nagoya Castle (Nagoya Castle General Information Center): 9:00-16:30 (Closed December 29th – January 1st)
• Maeda Sokunenji Temple (Front right of the main hall door): 9:00-17:00 (Closed January 1st – January 2nd; Stamp stand will be available)
• Hideyoshi Kiyomasa Memorial Museum (Nakamura Park Cultural Plaza 2nd floor): 9:30-17:00 (Closed every Monday (following weekday if Monday is a holiday), every 4th Tuesday of the month (excluding holidays), December 29th – January 3rd)

What is an Eiketsu Sacred Site?

An Eiketsu Sacred Site is a location of historical, cultural, or spiritual importance, associated with renowned warriors or notable figures from Japan’s history. These sites are linked to stories of bravery, loyalty, and honor. The Nagoya Eiketsu Sacred Site Pilgrimage includes these places, allowing participants to connect with the past and experience the legacy of those who influenced the region’s history.

Visiting these sites offers an opportunity to honor the contributions of historical figures and understand the cultural heritage they represent. The pilgrimage invites reflection on their stories and achievements, with participants collecting family crest seals as a symbolic gesture of the insights and inspiration gained from each site.

Discover Your Next Literary Treasure at the Winter Hanshin Used Book Fair

Unearth hidden gems and celebrate the joy of reading at the annual Winter Hanshin Used Book Fair, returning to Osaka this winter!

From December 25th to January 7th, bookworms can explore a vast collection of pre-loved books spanning diverse genres, from literature and art to subculture and lifestyle. With a wide array of vendors from across Japan, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest.

This year’s highlight? The special New Year’s Gift Sale! Starting January 3rd, discover a treasure trove of books for just ¥300 each (including tax). This is the perfect opportunity to find your yomizome – your first read of 2025 – without breaking the bank.

Participating Bookstores: A Literary Journey Across Japan

Explore the offerings from these fantastic used bookstores:

Osaka:

• Used Books Yuraku
• Shiaru
• Shiori Bookstore
• Sunsindo Bookstore
• Daikichido
• Yano Bookstore
• Yano Bookstore Temmabashi Branch

Kyoto:

• Akibin Books
• Used Books Dandelion
• Mayaruka Used Bookstore

Hyogo:

• honeycombBOOKS*
• World’s End Garden

Mie:

• Used Bookstore Poran

Ishikawa:

• Oyoyo Bookstore

Toyama:

• Used Bookstore Saito
• Used Bookstore Irufu

Event Details:

• Dates: December 25th, 2024 (Wed) – January 7th, 2025 (Tue)
• Time:
  • 10:00 – 20:00 (General)
  • Until 16:00 on December 31st (Tue)
  • Closed on January 1st (Wed/Holiday) and January 2nd (Thu)
  • 9:30 – 19:00 on January 3rd (Fri)
  • Until 17:00 on January 7th (Tue)
• Location: Hanshin Umeda Main Store 8th Floor, Hall Culture 3, 4, & 5 (1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
• Admission: Free
• Contact: 06-6345-1201 (General Inquiries)
• Website: https://web.hh-online.jp/hanshin/contents/hsst/hsst05……

Please note: During peak hours, there may be a waiting time and numbered tickets may be distributed.

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What is Yomizome?

Yomizome is a Japanese tradition that encourages starting the new year by exploring fresh literary options. The term combines "yomi," meaning read, and "zome," meaning beginning. It involves selecting new books or genres to set the tone for your year’s reading.

At the Osaka Winter Hanshin Used Book Fair, Yomizome becomes a central theme. Visitors can explore a wide range of second-hand books, from classics to rare finds that might pique their interest. It offers readers the chance to discover new interests and establish new reading habits. By participating, attendees not only select their next read but also enjoy the prospect of beginning anew, making reading a meaningful part of their year.

Dive into a World of Adventure and Media at the "Tokyo Journal meets MISSION100" Exhibition

Witness the Japan Premiere of All 284 Tokyo Journal Covers!

Get ready for an unprecedented journey through media and adventure at the "Tokyo Journal meets MISSION100" exhibition, held at the Creative Space Akademeia 21 Harajuku from December 19th to 27th, 2024. This unique event blends the rich history of Tokyo Journal with the thrilling exploits of adventurer Touhei Kosaka’s MISSION100.

Explore 43 Years of Tokyo Journal History

For the first time in Japan, all 284 covers of the international magazine Tokyo Journal will be on display. This visual archive offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving trends and culture since the magazine’s launch in 1981. Delve deeper with student-produced articles, part of an exciting collaboration with the 21st Century Academia educational institution, and uncover the behind-the-scenes process of Tokyo Journal’s coverage of MISSION100. Witness the dynamic intersection of media and education firsthand.

Experience the Thrill of MISSION100

Prepare to be captivated by the story of Touhei Kosaka, an adventurer who takes on giant Pacific bluefin tuna exceeding 100kg using only a spear and freediving. Unpublished photos and footage bring Kosaka’s daring, record-breaking challenges to life, offering a visceral understanding of his philosophy of confronting nature. Don’t miss the chance to attend a talk show featuring Kosaka and special guests!

A Unique Fusion of Media, Education, and Adventure

The exhibition utilizes the two-story open-ceiling space of Creative Space Akademeia 21 Harajuku to create an immersive experience. The historical depth of Tokyo Journal merges seamlessly with the adrenaline-pumping world of MISSION100, resulting in an innovative exhibition where different genres collide. Gain new knowledge and inspiration as you explore the interwoven narratives of media and adventure.

Special Events

Mark your calendars for these exciting events during the exhibition:

• "Adventurer of the Sky × Adventurer of the Sea" Crosstalk: December 20th (Fri), 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Featuring aerial photographer Naohiro Yamamoto and spearfisher Kunpei Kosaka. Admission: ¥1000 for adults, free for elementary school students and younger. Capacity: 40 people.

• "Were 100kg Tuna Caught in 2024?" Expedition Report Screening: December 21st (Sat) and 22nd (Sun), 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Admission: ¥1500 for adults, free for elementary school students and younger. Capacity: 50 people.

• "Whale People × Tuna People" Crosstalk: December 23rd (Mon), 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Featuring documentary film director Bon Ishikawa and spearfisher Kunpei Kosaka. Admission: ¥1000 for adults, free for elementary school students and younger. Capacity: 40 people.

※Check the official website for event details.

Exhibition Information

• Venue: Creative Space Akademeia 21 Harajuku (Near Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) Station)
• Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 5-27-7 Albore Jingumae 1F/2F MAP
• Dates: December 19th (Thu) – December 27th (Fri), 2024 (No closures)
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Admission: Free (Some paid events at the 1st-floor MISSION100 Exhibition)
• Official Website: https://creativespace.akademeia21.ac.jp/exhibitions/2024/12/000079.php

※Content may be subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

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What is MISSION100?

MISSION100 is an exhibition that combines art, technology, and cultural stories to explore themes of adventure and exploration. Located in Harajuku, a center of youth culture and creativity in Tokyo, it invites visitors to engage with contemporary media and storytelling. Through interactive installations, digital art, and live performances, MISSION100 tackles topics like sustainability, innovation, and the relationship between humanity and nature.

A central feature of MISSION100 is its focus on "tuna hunting," used as both a literal and metaphorical discussion point about environmental conservation and traditional industries amidst technological progress. The exhibition provides insight into the lives of coastal communities while showcasing technology designed to meet today’s ecological challenges. Virtual and augmented reality experiences aim to educate and encourage action for a sustainable future.

MISSION100’s carefully curated content connects the past with the future, prompting visitors to consider the interconnected global ecosystems and their own roles in preservation. Whether you’re familiar with art or exploring Harajuku’s lively scene for the first time, MISSION100 offers an engaging experience that informs and inspires.