Kit Kats – Raspberry Flavor (Part 1 of 5)

Today we begin a new five part series of unique snacks. Instead of chips, this time we will focus on Kit Kats. As we have posted several times, Kit Kats are a huge phenomenon in Japan. Introducing new flavors seasonally and carefully controlling the exclusivity of regional flavors has proven greatly successful.

In just the last couple weeks, our regular visits to convenience stores resulted in the acquisition of five unique varieties that were at least new to us.

Today’s offering is raspberry flavor. Subtle it is not. These Kit Kats scream RASPBERRY and in a good way. The flavoring goes quite well with the imbedded cookie and the taste lingers nicely, long after the treat is gone.

This one we’d buy again…that is, if we ever see it again.

Gatorade in Japan

As you know, it is very complicated and hard to get US products to/in Japan. Gatorade is one of those products that, up until recently, I had never seen any sign of (other than the US compound or military families whom have access to the US base). But while climbing up the many steps of the Nori Shrine, one of the vending machines had Gatorade Run. The flavor was spot-on compared to the American Gatorade. But this appearance wasn’t the last; there was some in one of the vending machines near school (although not on campus); there was even some on the street somewhere but I can’t remember. It just seemed cool to me how US products, if they’re popular enough, will show up in Japan with a Japanese label and everything.

Azaleas in bloom

One of the consolation prizes that comes when the cherry blossoms leave, is that azaleas will follow in their place.

Well, the azalea season has peaked and the city is covered with these lovely flowers. Those pictured just happen to belong to the Emperor, located around the Imperial Palace Gardens.

Spring Ice Cream

At Family Mart, there was a White Peach ice cream cone. The pink triangular shaped parts are almost like peach flavored ice while the lighter part is peach ice cream. I very much liked this new found ice cream treat. I have no idea how long it will stay available for purchase, but I hope it stays for a while longer. The peach flavors weren’t harsh, the flavor was quite sweet. If you aren’t a fan of very sweet dessert, then I wouldn’t recommend this for you.

A Kit Kat Boutique! In Tokyo!

Ever since we discovered that Kit Kats are a “thing,” we have kept an eye out for those special red boxes. Yes, it is a borderline obsession.

A few weeks ago, we heard about a new outlet that opened up earlier this year in Ikebukuro (in the northwest corner of Tokyo), on the “food floor” of the Seibu Department Store. Of course, we embarked on the quest to find it. And, of course, we did.

There were three flavors offered when we visited: Sakura Green Tea, Cream Cheese, and Chile (from the Nagano prefecture). Unfortunately, the special “bitter dark” chocolate flavor, sold exclusively at this location, was sold out for the day.

Inside the Garden

Part of Tokyo’s charm is that around every turn, in every alley and corner there is something surprising, something to be appreciated. This is true of the city, including the gardens.

This is one of the ponds in the heart of the Institue of Nature Study.

Institute of Nature Study

In Minato-ku, Tokyo, about three train stops from our home station, in the middle of the city, is a very quiet branch of the National Science Museum, the Institute of Nature Study. This 200,000 square meter garden features forest, marsh and ponds which have been well conserved for many years and represents the pre-Edo habitat of Tokyo. Or, what things looked like 500-600 years ago. During the Edo period, one of the lords lived on this land, and during the Meiji period, gunpowder was warehoused here for the army and navy. Around 1917, the land became an Imperial estate and has been maintained as a natural environment ever since.

This is one of the paths leading into the central area of the garden.

Impact Mints

At 7-Eleven, there is a new series of minutes called Impact Mints. There are three flavors stocked there currently: peach (pictured below), muscat, and honey melon. Impact Mints creates a wonderful blend of mint and fruit flavor. When you open the lid of the container, there is a divider so that only a few mints come out at a time. I like the simple packaging and sleek design. Impact Mints are unique and flavorful.

Seasonal Snack Trio

On a recent trip to the convenience store (again, Family Mart; or “FamiMar” to the locals) we hit a jackpot of seasonal/limited time snacks to try. Not one, not two, but three new offerings.

First up, pasta flavored ruffled potato chips. While not an ‘in your face’ smack of flavor, they did have a hint of a spaghetti-like taste and were definitely consumable. But, we probably wouldn’t reach for this bag again if we happen to see it return to the shelves someday.

Second, sliced pork and scallion flavored chips. These were the thin, Lay’s-style chips and clearly came coated with the advertised tastes. The balance was pleasant, with the scallions not overpowering the pork. All in all, a decent chip.

Lastly, but the one that drew our attention first, what they called “terimayo egg” flavored chips. Let that sink in a bit…these chips were designed to taste like a teriyaki hamburger with mayonnaise and egg. And you know what? They did!

Of course, as usual, by the time of our next visit (literally just a couple days later) they were all gone!

More Ice Cream Vending Machines

Ok, over a year ago there is a post about ice cream vending machines and in that post there is a mentioning of ‘I can’t wait to see what else is hiding in the vending machines here!’ and through a bunch of posts we have showed you all sorts of drinks and whatnot in vending machines but this time, there is just more ice cream. Häagen-Dazs ice cream; the vending machine includes 5 flavors: chocolate, cookies and cream, vanilla, strawberry, and green tea. Each serving of ice cream sells for 280¥ or about $2.80. You never know what the next vending machine post will have in store, do you?