Experience the Essence of Matcha with New Seasonal Dessert from Kukuku

Indulging in Seasonal Japanese Sweets: Introducing Matcha Shigure

As summer approaches, the celebrated tea room Kukuku (株式会社はらぺこ), located in Tokyo's Minato Ward, unveils a new seasonal delight, Matcha Shigure, available exclusively from June 3, 2026. This innovative dessert captures the essence of matcha in a unique, refreshing way, perfect for enjoying the warmth of early summer.

Kukuku has quickly garnered attention since its opening, becoming a selected restaurant in the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2026’s creative dining section merely ten months after its debut. Known for their uncompromising choice of ingredients and meticulous artistry, Kukuku has already enchanted customers with previous seasonal offerings such as Kuri Shigure (chestnut) in the fall and Sakura Shigure (cherry blossom) in spring. The Matcha Shigure promises to be another exquisite entry into their celebrated Shigure series, designed to reflect the beauty of Japan's changing seasons.

A Culinary Journey Through Early Summer

The new creation, Matcha Shigure, is an invitation to taste the essence of early summer. The dessert features a rich and aromatic matcha flavor, skillfully blended to evoke a sense of coolness and tranquility associated with the lush greenery of the season. This treat is crafted with various elements, including:

- A rich matcha paste that highlights the depth of the flavor.
- Edamame paste, as fresh edamame hits its peak season during the summer, adding a green, savory layer.
- Aosa seaweed, incorporated delicately to enhance the umami depth of the dessert.

Matcha Shigure consists of intricately layered components, including:

- Crunchy Aosa chocolate, giving a delightful texture.
- Edamame cloud jelly and matcha cloud jelly, creating a dual sensation of sweetness and bitterness.
- Fresh cream infused with matcha liqueur, providing a creamy richness ideal for a summer treat.
- Matcha crumb, adding a final touch of flavor that lingers on the palate.

Each bite of Matcha Shigure transitions through varied textures and flavors, evoking different aspects of summer nature. When served chilled, the dessert exudes a refreshing sensation that’s further elevated when paired with traditional Japanese tea, coffee, or even wine.

A Seasonal Celebration with Every Bite

The launch of Matcha Shigure is part of Kukuku’s broader initiative to provide customers with seasonal experiences through their dessert offerings. This series of Japanese sweets artfully captures the essence of each season, promoting an appreciation for Japan’s rich culinary traditions.

“In recent years, matcha has surged in popularity, both domestically and internationally,” said Miemon Mitomi, CEO of Kukuku. “With a rising demand for authentic flavors and a desire to experience Japanese culture, we aimed to create a dessert that showcases matcha's true richness without overwhelming sweetness or lacking in aroma.”

The Matcha Shigure reflects this vision as it embodies the tranquil beauty of early summer. It is designed for matcha lovers and offers a delightful alternative as a birthday cake or unique gift.

Practical Information and Reservations

The Matcha Shigure will be available from May 23 to the end of July 2026 (dates may vary). Pricing is set at:

- Whole cake: 4,500 JPY (tax included)
- Cut piece: 1,200 JPY (tax included)

Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made up to three business days in advance via Kukuku's reservation site or through platforms like OMAKASE, Tabelog, and Table Check.

Kukuku Details

- Location: Roppongi 7-5-11, Casa Grande Miwa 2F, Minato, Tokyo
- Hours: 12:00-14:00/15:00-18:00 (last entry at 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
- Instagram: @999_kukuku

Come and savor the flavors of summer with Matcha Shigure at Kukuku, where every dessert tells a story of Japan's seasonal beauty.