Sign in with username / password Sign in with Facebook Create account with JapanTravel I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy. Email reset password link KitKat Chocolatory in Tokyo World’s 1st KitKat chocolate boutique, premium flavors Back home, KitKat was never really my go-to chocolate candy whenever my sweet tooth kicked in. I think that’s due in part to the wafer involved when, truthfully, I just need a solid piece of chocolate to satisfy my craving. And even though my preference has always been dark over milk chocolate, the only time I enjoyed a KitKat was when I had the urge to swoop in on the snack sized ones from my son’s trick-or-treat stash on Halloween. That is, until we landed in Japan! Once we arrived in Japan, we quickly noticed the familiar brand but were confused with the flavor assortment. Why is there a teddy bear face on this white & yellow KitKat wrapper? Oh, yeah, it’s Rilakkuma Maple Syrup (Rilakkuma is a popular Japanese character and pancakes are his favorite).

That totally makes sense, right? Sure, let’s try it! Our newfound attitude on the plethora of KitKat flavors in this innovative country. According to Nestlé, “KitKat has been the country’s favorite chocolate since 2012. KitKat fans in Japan have been able to choose from varieties including Purple Potato, Cinnamon Cookie, European Cheese, Bean Cake and Wasabi - unwrapping sticks of pale green, delicate pink and lilac chocolate that look and taste very different from those anywhere else in the world.” I haven’t been privy to the flavors mentioned above, but I can definitely vouch for the unusual selection available at convenience shops, grocery stores and the mother lode, Narita International Airport! Buzz about the grand opening of KitKat Chocolatory on January 17, 2014 quickly hit social media last week. Located on the ground floor of Seibu Ikebukuro, follow the signs for Seibu Exit from JR Ikebukuro Station. You’ll immediately notice the KitKat Chocolatory signs at Seibu’s entrance or eventually run into the vibrant display of advertising on the pillars.

Frankly, what I had envisioned was nowhere near reality. In fact, I was disappointed for several reasons. First, “Chocolatory” did not play out to be a chocolate factory (I guess that was already covered by Willy Wonka). Second, two of the three premium flavors were sold out. We ended up with “Special Chilli,” a combination of sweet & pungent kneaded pepper roasted carefully as cream between the layers of the wafer (it is actually pretty good!). Third, where are all of the other non-premium flavors? chandelier cake cuocoThat’s right, this is definitely not the store to visit if you’re looking for a one-stop shop for exclusive flavors, regional specialties or to admire the colorful artwork designs of each package.chandeliers penrith On the other hand, there were a handful of touches that made the exclusive trip worth visiting. chandelier alsacien noel

The KitKat chandelier and the KitKat cake immediately caught my attention. So, yeah, it’s a chocolate boutique! On a Monday afternoon, the wait time was only ten minutes. In the process of getting to the goods, you’re entertained with a promotional video that showcased the making of the KitKat premium flavors by renowned Pastry Chef, Takagi Yasumasa of Le Patissier Takagi. We learned a smidgen of history dating back to 1937 and its original packaging, but unfortunately could not read the descriptions in kanji. However, the name of the premium flavors were also written in English! For a limited time, you will receive a gift with purchase if you spend 4,200 yen. We ended up with a 12-piece mini pack of Amaou Strawberry from Kyushu island in southern Japan, known for their very sweet strawberries. If you’re already going to be in the Ikebukuro area, then definitely give KitKat Chocolatory a visit. I wouldn’t add this to my itinerary as a first time visitor to Tokyo either. Unless this chocolate boutique improves on stock of premium flavors, offers samples, or continues the gift with purchase, you’ll be just fine by visiting your nearest convenience store for that KitKat bar!

Written by Jessica A PajeCombine cocktails and books This could be the hippest ‘library’ you ever go to: browse around 3,000 books while sipping cocktails on retro sofas in a dimly lit bar atmosphere. Lounge around like a posh person It’s a little bit James Bond, a little bit 1900s New Orleans, and a little bit like a posh pub (when you look at its menu of onion rings and nachos, at least). On weekdays, it serves as a sophisticated mixology bar while on Fridays and Saturdays it turns into a lounge club for a discerning crowd. They claim that 99% of customers at this old-school eatery order the tofu steak, served with bonito flakes on a sizzling hotplate. Try it once and you might understand why. Stop by this local izakaya for a homely atmosphere and its popular yakiton, which means skewered-grilled pork guts (nicer than it sounds). Snack on green tea peanuts Once you’ve got your head around the idea of green tea-flavoured peanuts, take in the fact that Mamegen has around 90 other flavours for you to choose from.

Their roasted nuts and beans, which they've been selling since 1865, make great snacks and gifts. Dine out, Tarantino style Dominating the Nishi-Azabu crossing like a feudal Japanese castle, Gonpachi was supposedly an inspiration for Kill Bill, making it an essential stop for cinema junkies. Recommended dishes include the soba noodles and kushiyaki. Savour an intimate wine bar It's always a squeeze at Shonzui, a cosy bar that's been plying the denizens of Roppongi with natural wines and hearty bistro-style food since 1993. Fill up on veggie tempura Opened in 1931, this long-standing tempura restaurant uses fresh organic vegetables grown on its farm in Kanagawa Prefecture. Each piece is cooked fresh in front of you and served individually by the chef. Start your day with Eggs Benedict Gone are the days you couldn't find a decent breakfast in Tokyo. Eggcellent opens at 7am (8am on weekends) and has been satisfying early birds with a range of Eggs Benedict (made with organic eggs) since November 2013.

Sit in on a stylish concert This high-end supper club attracts some seriously big names from the worlds of jazz, pop and rock. Choose between reserved seating, table seating and casual seating sections spread out on three floors surrounding the stage. Nibble on some Nordic nosh Run by a chef who spent 15 years working in Northern Europe, Lila Dalarna offers a rare opportunity to sample the cuisine – and conviviality – of Scandinavia in Tokyo. Marvel at a museum with a view The exhibitions are world-class, focused mainly on contemporary art from in and out of Japan, but the secret of the Mori Art Museum's success is its location, on the 53rd floor of Mori Tower. Chomp burgers, American diner style Look forward to hamburgers with 100 percent beef patties, original tartar sauce and buns made with wild yeast, served in a ’60s American setting featuring vintage decor. Hover over the city sights What better way to see the sights of Tokyo/feel like a billionaire than with a helicopter ride?

Take the weight from your wallet with a Sky Charter Cruise, and view the likes of Roppongi Hills and the Skytree from the air. Feed your coffee craving Equipped with a state-of-the-art Steampunk machine, Maruyama teems with discerning coffee lovers every day, serving up speciality brews made with a range of single-origin beans. Admittedly a little pricey, but they do let you sample all varieties. Experience the Japanese version of a barbecue at this yakiniku restaurant where you grill your own meat over a bed of hot coals. The meat is top quality at affordable prices and they offer half portions so you can try plenty of different kinds. Go for fish and chips at all hours At this authentic British fish and chips shop, fresh cod from Japan is delivered each day before being fried in a secret batter mix, and then served with fries and mushy peas. The result is a deliciously rich and crispy comfort lunch – or late-night snack since the shop is open till 4am on the weekends.

Chug down a litre of beer Beer halls were never this civilised. Serving German beer with added class, Franziskaner has hearty food, an outdoor patio and over 15 varieties of suds on tap – and available by the litre. Meet some night owl cinephiles You wouldn’t normally hang out at a DVD rental shop – but this isn’t a normal DVD rental shop. Tsutaya also houses a café and bookshop, and stays open until 4am. Feel right at home The kind of place you could return to every night, Lucia serves up quality food at affordable prices, along with original sangria and a selection of exclusive wines. Pick up a pizza Roppongi's coolest pizzeria serves just a few varieties of pizza, prepared Napolitan-style and cooked in an oven that looks more like an industrial furnace. Party in a legendary atmopshere A leader in Tokyo’s nightlife scene since the ’80s, Nishi-Azabu is home to Berg, a club that brings together music, art and street culture at its atmospheric Onyx Lounge on the B1 floor and at Centro on the B2 main floor.

Add champagne to a flower arrangement It’s impossible to miss this florist on Roppongi's central drag, where bilingual staff help you pick the ideal flower arrangement, including ones incorporating champagne bottles. Feast on Peking Duck, 24/7 Where but Roppongi could you find a 24-hour Chinese restaurant that was actually good? Peking Duck is the speciality here, while the cheap tapas are surprisingly filling. Lounge among luxury cars The flagship shop for automaker Mercedes-Benz isn’t just about the cars: with ample table space, WiFi and seriously good coffee, it’s a plum perch for nomad workers. There’s a restaurant and bar on the second floor that’s perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. See what Tokyo's show pubs are all about Burlesque Tokyo is a 'show pub' with loud music, mirrored walls and shiny chandeliers. Oh, and girls strutting around in teeny denim shorts and cutaway crop tops. It's not a strip club but there will be G-strings and pole dancing.