For travelers visiting Japan, the convenience of railway stations is a constant source of surprise. A new sensational product will debut on March 31, 2026, in the “Ekinaka” (in-station commercial spaces) that symbolize this convenience. JR East Cross Station will release the “Vanilla Affogato Latte,” a collaboration between the convenience store “NewDays” and the beverage vending machine brand “acure.” This drink features a luxurious flavor where the bitterness of coffee and the sweetness of vanilla melt together, transforming your daily commute into a special moment.
The Ultimate “Snack Beverage” from Two Major Brands Leveraging Railway Strengths
This new product was developed through a partnership between two powerful brands of the JR East Group, which supports Japan’s railway network. One is “Newtas,” a new private brand from the station convenience store “NewDays.” The other is “acure made,” the original brand of “acure,” a vending machine brand popular for its unique lineup.
Both brands, which have consistently provided high-quality products in the limited spaces of Japanese stations, have poured their respective expertise into this project. “acure made,” in particular, has created numerous hit products that leverage the flavors of ingredients, such as the “Fukushima Akatsuki Peach” and the rich “Luxury Vanilla Milk.” This high developmental capability is now being showcased in the new realm of “coffee x dessert.”
Purchase Locations and Pricing: Check the Sales Schedule
Here is the information you need to get your hands on this luxurious cup. While it will be available throughout the JR East area across Japan, please note that the release dates vary by location.
- Product Name: VANILLA AFFOGATO LATTE
- Price: 200 yen (approx. $1.33 USD, including tax)
- Volume/Container: 180 ml (approx. 6.1 fl oz) / Cup with cap
- Advance Release Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
- Advance Sales Locations: NewDays and NewDays KIOSK throughout the JR East area in Japan (excluding some stores)
- General Release Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- General Sales Locations: “plus acure” vending machines located on station platforms, etc.
The affordable price of 200 yen (approx. $1.33 USD) makes it a perfect little treat between sightseeing or commuting. Despite being a cup beverage, it offers an authentic cafe-like taste.
The Golden Balance of Espresso and Hokkaido Cream
The “Vanilla Affogato Latte” aims to perfectly recreate “Affogato,” the classic Italian dessert featuring hot espresso poured over vanilla ice cream. This commitment is reflected in the carefully selected ingredients.
The base coffee beans are 100% aromatic Arabica. They are characterized by a powerful aroma, deep richness, and a pleasant bitterness that lingers in the aftertaste. Combined with this authentic coffee is cream from Hokkaido, one of Japan’s leading dairy regions. It is blended at an exquisite ratio of 1.4% within the product.
The gorgeous aroma of vanilla spreads the moment you take a sip, followed by the rich depth of Hokkaido cream and finally the sharp bitterness of the espresso. This multi-layered flavor is the essence of the “authentic snack feel” pursued by the development team. It doesn’t just quench your thirst; it provides a luxurious lingering finish that satisfies the soul.
Revealed by a Survey of 600 People! The Magic of Coffee Demanded in Japan’s Spring and Summer
Why was this product developed at this time? There was a clear strategy reflecting the voices of Japanese consumers.
A survey regarding “cup beverages people want to drink in spring and summer” (600 respondents) conducted by the developer revealed a surprising fact.
As the graph shows, there was an overwhelming demand for “coffee-based drinks” over “tea-based drinks,” which often have a refreshing image. Especially as temperatures rise, there is an increased demand for beverages that allow people to enjoy both the bitterness of coffee and a dessert-like sweetness simultaneously.
To meet this need, the development team adopted the concept of “a luxurious feeling like tasting a dessert, not just quenching thirst.” This added value of a “snack-style beverage” perfectly matches the needs of modern people who busily utilize stations.
The Brand Power of “NewDays,” the Mightiest Convenience Store Supporting Japanese Stations
NewDays, the primary sales location, is an indispensable part of Japanese station culture. Based on the theme “Always near you, coming and going,” its store operations are characterized by maximizing the use of narrow spaces.
Its sales power is phenomenal. In a 2025 survey, it ranked first in the Japanese convenience store industry for “average daily sales per store.” This is proof of the support for its product selection, which accurately captures user needs, and its speedy service that allows customers to finish shopping in the short time before their train arrives.
With the launch of the new brand “Newtas,” NewDays is further strengthening its uniqueness. The “Vanilla Affogato Latte” is expected to become a product that symbolizes the momentum of this brand.
Deploying at Major Stations in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area! The Evolved Vending Machine “plus acure”
Let’s also introduce the other purchase route, “plus acure.” This is a concept-based, evolved vending machine that differs from standard ones.
With the message “An exciting new proposal for a cup made with carefully selected ingredients,” approximately 390 “plus acure” machines are currently installed, mainly at major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
The greatest feature is the “freshness and authentic taste” maintained by chilled delivery at temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Its strength lies in its ability to provide milk-based drinks and chilled cafe lattes with short expiration dates, which are difficult to handle in standard vending machines. From April 7, the “Vanilla Affogato Latte” will also be available for purchase at these “plus acure” machines. Having an authentic dessert experience while waiting for a train—this is the new Japanese Ekinaka experience.
A Small Moment of Rest Found at Japanese Stations in Busy Daily Life
Travel time between sightseeing, work, or appointments. In such moments, the “Vanilla Affogato Latte” you find on a station platform or concourse becomes like a switch that instantly refreshes your mood.
The flavor of an Italian-style affogato is concentrated into a 180 ml (approx. 6.1 fl oz) cup. The aroma that spreads the moment you insert the straw has enough impact to make you forget you are in a station.
First, check out its quality at NewDays starting March 31. Then, from April, try it at “plus acure” vending machines. We want everyone traveling in Japan, especially in the JR East area, to taste this ultimate “snack experience.” Once you pick it up, you will surely be captivated by its rich aroma and bittersweet aftertaste.
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