Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store

Good Coffee Fest is one of Hanshin Umeda department store’s signature pop-up food events, and this year, it’s bringing together 19 of Japan’s most popular roasters for a two-week caffeine extravaganza. This edition focuses on highlighting exceptional coffee for everyday drinking, and it’s divided into two halves, each with its own lineup of roasters. Alongside these coffee experts, you’ll also find stalls offering brewing equipment, coffee lifestyle merchandise, as well as sweets and treats that pair well with coffee such as canelés and bean-to-bar chocolate. The first half of the festival runs from Wednesday June 24 to Monday June 29. It features roasters highly regarded for their expertise, such as Ethicus Coffee from Shizuoka, Rec Coffee from Fukuoka, Kent Coffee Makers from Kagoshima, and Appartement from Kumamoto (known for its Peruvian Inca Geisha coffee), just to name a few. Then, in the second half between Tuesday June 30 and Monday July 6, you’ll find a selection of roasters known for their innovative approaches. Highlights include Keyaki Coffee from Miyagi, Ignis from Tokyo, Nomad Coffee from Shizuoka, and Baristart Coffee from Hokkaido, which serves a mean latte made with Jersey milk from Chiyoda Farm) To fully enjoy the festival, get the ¥2,530 starter kit. It comes with an event-exclusive mini mug plus four tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets are available in sets of two at ¥880. The participating coffee shops will also be selling regular-sized coffee...

In Japan, summer is for fireworks – and kakigori, as the lip-smacking shaved ice dessert is the ultimate remedy for the punishing heat. This season, Sesame Street Market, the franchise’s official merchandise store and café in Hanshin Umeda Main Store, is turning our childhood nostalgia into adorable icy cool treats. The lineup features seven beloved Sesame Street characters – Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Oscar, Abby, Ernie and Bert – plus a special rainbow version. Each kakigori is made with natural spring water ice and syrups free of artificial colouring, plus a variety of toppings including fresh fruit, ice cream, sorbet, red beans, rice cakes and coconut. You can expect a vibrant mix of colours and textures. Highlights include Ernie (chestnut and hojicha roasted green tea), Oscar (matcha and milk), Big Bird (mango and coconut), Elmo (strawberry and milk) and Bert (custard pudding syrup and caramel sauce). Note that the first release (June 25–August 31) and the second release (September 1–30) will each feature a different set of characters. Prices range from ¥1,480 to ¥1,980.