#Japan #Tokyo #Strawberry Fair #Tochigi #Sunshine City

Discover the Strawberry Restaurant Fair at Sunshine City

From January 23rd to February 15th, 2024, Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, will host a unique Strawberry Restaurant Fair in collaboration with Tochigi Prefecture. This event runs alongside the largest flower exhibition in Japan, the Kanto Tokai Flower Exhibition, which takes place from January 30th to February 1st. As Tochigi Prefecture acts as the host for this prestigious exhibition, visitors can indulge in a variety of special menus featuring the freshest strawberries from the region.

An Array of Delectable Dishes

During the fair, attendees will find specially crafted menus at 11 restaurants within the Sunshine City Shopping Center, known as Alpa, as well as at the Tenbo Park Cafe atop Sunshine 60, the iconic skyscraper. These menus highlight the flavors of strawberries, particularly those produced in Tochigi, such as ‘Tochi Ai Ka’ and ‘Skyberry.’ From classic desserts to innovative savory dishes, there is something to delight every palate.

Featured Restaurants and Their Dishes:

• - JASMINE THAI: Strawberry Lassi Smoothie - ¥990 (featuring Tochigi-sourced ‘Tochi Ai Ka’)
• - Ducky Duck: Strawberry Chocolate Tart - ¥1,080 (featuring ‘Tochi Ai Ka’)
• - CHEESE & DORIA.sweets: Tochigi Strawberry Parfait - ¥1,419 (featuring ‘Tochi Ai Ka’)
• - Tsukiji Tamazushi: Strawberry and Prosciutto Sushi - ¥440 (limited to 30 pieces daily)
• - BanrikuyA: Strawberry Milk Dan Dan Noodle - ¥1,480 (limited to 10 bowls daily)
• - La Maison ensoleille table: Strawberry Custard Tart - ¥1,280 (featuring ‘Tochi Ai Ka’)
• - Creperie Kenny’s Cafe: White Chocolate Strawberry Crepe - ¥1,750 (while supplies last)
• - Chanabe Cafe Kagurazaka: Fresh Strawberry Mont Blanc - ¥1,595 (featuring ‘Tochi Ai Ka’)
• - Ichi-go Ame to Shiawase na Boku: Plain Strawberry Candy - ¥650 (featuring Tochigi strawberries)
• - Mame Monogatari: Strawberry-filled Taiyaki - ¥500 (limited daily)
• - LA VIGNE AKIKO: Strawberry and Dark Chocolate Croissant Millefeuille - ¥680 (limited to 15 pieces daily)

In addition to these, Tenbo Park Cafe will offer themed items such as Strawberry Pancakes and various strawberry drinks, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo while indulging their taste buds.

Bridging Strawberry Lovers and Local Producers

The fair also aims to promote the consumption of domestic strawberries in collaboration with other leading strawberry-producing prefectures: Saga, Kumamoto, Shizuoka, and Nagasaki. Local officials, including Takayuki Yamagita from the Tochigi Prefectural Agricultural Policy Department, express excitement about bringing together different stores with surprise strawberry menu items, from classic sweets to daring savory additions.

Unique Strawberry Varieties

• - Skyberry: Known for its large, beautiful berries, perfect for special occasions.
• - Tochi Ai Ka: A large, sweet strawberry with a unique heart shape when cut vertically.
• - Saga's Ichigo-san: Offers a gentle sweetness with refreshing juiciness.
• - Kumamoto's Yubeni: Celebrates its 10th anniversary with a balance of sweetness and acidity.
• - Shizuoka's Kirapika: Shines with its fruity aroma and elegant sweetness.
• - Nagasaki's Koi Minori: These adorable berries boast a rich fragrance and refined flavor.

Experience More Than Just Strawberries

During the fair, the Tenbo Park Observatory will celebrate all things strawberry with a themed decoration, including sky blue and snow-like white to create a winter wonderland. Guests can also participate in workshops designed for families, offering strawberry-themed activities. The unique strawberry hunting experience adds to the charm, making this a must-visit destination.

Special Events and Price

On February 1st, visitors can enjoy a unique greeting with Korilakkuma, the strawberry ambassador, alongside tastings of three popular Tochigi strawberries. Admission will include just the observatory entrance fee, and more details will be shared on the observatory's website once finalized.

Join us in savoring the flavor of Tochigi strawberries and celebrating local culture at the Sunshine City Strawberry Restaurant Fair. Come and experience the charm of the strawberry kingdom in a delightful setting that promises an unforgettable culinary adventure!

For more information and the latest updates on this event, visit the official website of Sunshine City.