SO COOL!Tokyo Banana cake tastes even better frozen, and you can buy it at Haneda Airport with Alipay

Nowadays, it’s trendy for major brands to engage in cross-industry collaborations, no matter how unrelated they may seem. Tokyo Banana cake, which has won the hearts of foodies both in Japan and abroad for many years, is encouraging everyone this summer to try eating it frozen—talk about a new twist on turning a dessert into ice cream.

Look at the official images: popular designs like the sea otter, panda, bear, and leopard print series, all mounted on sticks and lined up—they give off such a strong summer vibe, don’t they? Each adorable animal shape seems to be playfully calling out to you: “Come on, eat me!” They’re so cute you can’t bear to eat them, yet you also can’t wait to devour them.

Many Japanese foodies couldn’t wait to try this creative way of eating, and here’s what they’re saying on social media: “It feels like eating banana milkshake”; “Why didn’t I think of this earlier? Once frozen, it really does taste like ice cream, and the soft outer layer is even more delicious”; “I can’t help but freeze all my Tokyo Banana cakes before eating them—the texture is amazing”…

So, the editor just had to give it a try too.

Actually, freezing it is super simple—just pop the Tokyo Banana into the freezer. If you want it just slightly chilled, freeze it for 30 minutes; for a mildly cold yet still soft texture, freeze for 1 hour; for a slushy texture, go for 1.5 hours; for a firmer feel, freeze for 2 hours; and if you’re aiming for that ice cream-like consistency, we recommend freezing it for 2.5 hours.

Here’s what it looks like after 2.5 hours in the freezer—the creamy banana filling inside is completely solidified, but not as rock-hard as you might expect. Instead, the cool, creamy center is even more addictive, and the banana aroma is even richer.

If you’re also tempted to give it a shot, we recommend trying the long-necked giraffe banana pudding flavor (reminder: this flavor will be discontinued in early July), panda banana yogurt flavor, classic original flavor, bear honey banana flavor, heart-shaped maple flavor, sea otter coffee milk flavor, and leopard print chocolate banana flavor designs.

When summer hits, many people can’t help but sigh, “My life is saved by air conditioning.” This summer, why not enjoy that AC while savoring a frozen Tokyo Banana cake? We bet this brand-new texture will make your summer a lot less unbearable.

It’s finally here—the limited-time Tokyo Banana store at Haneda Airport, co-created with Alipay. Located in the Edo Event Hall on the 4th floor of the International Terminal, the super deal runs from July 1 to September 30 for a sizzling summer. During the promotion, get an instant 10% discount when you pay with Alipay—up to ¥30 off per user (limit one discount per person). Just pull out your phone, hear that “beep,” and you’re done—no need to worry about running out of exchanged yen or fumbling for your bank card.

As the official slogan goes, “Pay with Alipay, and grab must-buy Tokyo Banana in Tokyo.” The collaboration between Alipay and Tokyo Banana brings this delicious treat closer to Chinese travelers. Don’t forget to check it out if you’re heading through Haneda Airport this summer vacation.