As 2017 begins to draw to a close, it’s time to look back at the year that was, and for Tokyo Station it was a year filled with glorious sweets.
Tokyo Banana (Page 2)
Tokyo Banana is getting into the panda spirit as Ueno Zoo gets ready to present six-month-old baby panda Xian Xian to the public.
With queues out the door for the new limited-edition Tokyo Banana Kit Kat, we grab a pack to see if it’s really worth all the hype.
It’s the first Japanese-flavored item they’ve released in 16 years, so sweets fans have good reason to expect it to be delicious.
Visitors to Tokyo may be aware of a popular local sweet called Tokyo Banana sold here in the city. They’re cute, yellow, banana-shaped sponge cakes with banana custard cream filling inside. And yes, they’re as good as the description sounds, which is why the cakes are a well-loved treat in Japan, and seemingly in other parts of the world as well, as I’ve actually heard people from Singapore and Malaysia mention that they’re fans of the cake.
One of the reporters at our sister site Pouch is also apparently a big fan, so when a new version of Tokyo Banana came out this month, she naturally had to get her hands on some! And what’s so special about the new Tokyo Banana cakes? Well, to start with, they’re only sold at one location — Tokyo Station to be exact — and not only do they come in a different flavor from the regular cakes, they come in beautiful, colorful prints!
MOST POPULAR
Now
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Watch “My Neighbor Totoro” short sequel “Mei and the Kittenbus” at Studio Ghibli’s theatre
What Hayao Miyazaki’s Mei would look like if Studio Ghibli released My Neighbor Totoro in 3-D
Sapporo lowers age at which kids are barred from opposite sex’s bath at hot springs, public baths
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
We tackle a titanic bowl of pork cutlet katsudon and (just about) live to tell the tale
Weekly
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements- Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- 7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace- Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Monthly
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes- 7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
- Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer- Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Watch “My Neighbor Totoro” short sequel “Mei and the Kittenbus” at Studio Ghibli’s theatre
What Hayao Miyazaki’s Mei would look like if Studio Ghibli released My Neighbor Totoro in 3-D
Sapporo lowers age at which kids are barred from opposite sex’s bath at hot springs, public baths
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
We tackle a titanic bowl of pork cutlet katsudon and (just about) live to tell the tale
Japanese Cabinet to officially announce new romanization spelling recommendation next week
Ichiran ramen vs. Ichiran instant ramen: The ultimate taste test right outside the store
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Yoshinoya sells frozen beef bowl topping packs, but are they as good as the restaurant kind?
We take a ride on Seibu Railway’s futuristic luxury liner: the Limited Express Laview
McDonald’s Japan releases Doraemon anime movie Happy Meal toys, and we’ve got the whole set【Pics】
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
-
