TokyoTreat Reviews: Starbucks Japan’s Tokyo Jimoto Frappuccino

From June 30th 2021, Starbucks Japan is running a truly awesome campaign – the Jimoto Frappuccino campaign! ‘What is the Jimoto Frappuccino campaign?’, we hear you asking.

Starbucks Japan is famous for its constantly rotating selections of special-edition Frappuccinos, often only available for a short period of time – much like the TokyoTreat monthly Japanese snack box. From sakura to Valentine's Day chocolate – there is no end to the interesting flavors available. And quite often they sell out quickly, so if you want to enjoy it for yourself you can’t hold off!

To be added to the list is the Jimoto Frappuccino series. They are a new series of Starbucks’ famous blended coffee frappes topped with whipped cream sold at their coffee shops worldwide. But this series is not just one or two drinks strong. It consists of 47 different drinks that represent the delicious flavors of Japan’s 47 prefectures, highlighting the best of Japan just in time for the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

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The only way to try all of these limited-edition Frappuccinos is to visit all 47 prefectures of Japan. And the flavors vary greatly depending on the region, ranging from Hokkaido Corn flavor in the north, Kobe’s rich chocolate syrup version in central Japan, and Chinsuko cookie flavor in the southern prefecture of Okinawa.

Jimoto literally means ‘local’, and Starbucks Japan is truly living by that name. Many people are hoping to try all 47 prefectures’ drinks, while other people are simply happy to taste the flavors that best represent their home.

Being TokyoTreat, we had to try the Frappuccino from our home prefecture of Tokyo, Japan. Read on to see what we had to say about this limited-edition drink.

Just like Starbucks Japan's creations, there's no end to the interesting flavors available year-round in a TokyoTreat Japanese snack box!

The Inspiration

Starbucks Japan opened its first store in 1996, right here in Tokyo, in the fashionable shopping district of Ginza. The Jimoto Frappuccino that we tried was inspired by Tokyo’s cafe culture, and in particular, the somewhat old-school but always satisfying summer dessert: coffee jelly. This is used as a base of the drink, combined with an icy espresso coffee blend, finally being topped off with plenty of caramel syrup and whipped cream. The drink captures the refined and elegant feeling of Tokyo coffee culture.

The Appearance

While the Japanese summer has definitely sped up the melting process, the caramel sauce and creamy espresso blend mixed pretty quickly. The coffee jelly is sitting prettily at the bottom, although it is a little bit camouflaged by the icy coffee beverage itself.

While the coffee jelly gives the drink an overall unique twist, the final version doesn’t exactly seem to scream Tokyo, and it might more closely resemble a mocha Frappuccino or caramel Frappuccino.

The Flavor

What it lacks in appearance is certainly made up for in flavor. The rich shots of espresso are working their magic to give the flavor a little edge, perfectly balanced out by the mellow yet creamy milk base and sweet caramel topping. But the star of the show is truly the coffee jelly hidden at the bottom of the drink. Creating diversity within the textures of the drink, the classic creamy and sweet Frappuccino is balanced out by the slightly bitter and rich coffee jelly.

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That unique texture and flavor is what ties this limited-edition Frappuccino to its home of Tokyo. You can truly feel the refreshing and stylish flavors that Tokyo has on offer to anyone who visits.

Our Conclusion

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While on a first glance it may not look like the Tokyo Jimoto Frappuccino is especially noteworthy, upon considering both the flavor and the history behind the ingredients of the drink it’s clear to see how Tokyo is truly represented by this concoction.

Enjoying the stylish flavors is a huge treat – and we are glad to be able to enjoy a little taste unique to Tokyo. Why don’t you join us for some Tokyo snack goodies of your own? Check out what awesome Japan-exclusive drink and snacks are coming in this month’s monthly snack box and enjoy a taste of Japan wherever you are in the world!

Let us know in the comments if you'd like to try this drink, and if there are any particular Jimoto Frappuccinos from other areas of Japan that you'd love for us to review!