Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, a highly prestigious and magnificent 4-star hotel located in Shinjuku, is now serving an all-new “luxurious” family package which includes a tea ceremony experience and much more. It is currently running from July 20 to September 1.

The rooms offered in the accommodation plan are the hotel’s popular Wide Twin Rooms located on the Premier Grand club floor. Use of the Club Lounge is included in the package. The Wide Twin Rooms include two roomy queen-size beds which span 1.53 meters wide which allow parents to sleep comfortably with their children. Rooms also feature their own bathroom facilities.

The package also includes a check-in simulation for children aged 6-12 years where they can get a feel for what it’s like to check-in. They will fill in their own check-in cards with parents and receive a ticket for the tea ceremony experience. They will be able to take their card home with them and take a commemorative photo.

The tea ceremony experience will be held on the hotel’s 10th floor in the “Shofuan,” an authentic tearoom that has been in the hotel since it opened in 1971. Parents and children will receive proper instruction from the tea ceremony teacher before pouring their own tea, allowing them to learn about traditional Japanese culture and etiquette. They will receive a special certificate of completion at the end.

If you’re travelling to Japan as a family this summer then enjoy it in luxury at Hotel Keio Plaza Tokyo.

The three-day Hamarikyu Oedo Cultural Festival will take place at the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo from August 23 to 25. It will be produced by international fashion designer and stylist Junko Koshino.

The boisterous festival is a coming together of Japan’s traditional Edo period and modern times which will be celebrated with a myriad of exciting experiences.

The centrepieces of this year’s event are the DJ performances and Yukata Fest which will take place around the two 6-meter tall pillars in the garden’s plaza. DJ KOO will appear as a special guest on Friday August 23rd while Japanese models Arina Urahama, Sayaka Shimizu and YORI will take the spotlight on Saturday 24th wearing Edo-style outfits with a contemporary pop spin all made by Junko Koshino.

During the Yukata Fest, there will be taiko drumming along to the DJ performance. Three people from the Eitetsu Fu’un no Kai―a group supervised by famous Japanese musician Eitetsu Hayashi―will be the drummers. The Fest will mash together traditional Japanese music with modern DJing.

Expect to be thrilled with an up-close performance of kendo swordsmanship, iai―the art of drawing one’s sword―and a showcasing of naginata, a type of long pole weapon. There will also be a play area where you can play karuta with the Hyakunin Isshu one-hundred poems which was popular during the Edo period, blow bubbles, and more.

And of course, there’ll be plenty of Japanese food to tuck into as well served at one of the many booths. This includes namie yakisoba, a local speciality soba noodle dish adored by the people of Fukuoka which will be served as part of maintaining the culture, a Fukushima no Sake standing bar which has won the top award in the Shinshu Kanpyokai 7 years in a row, and so on.

Specially prepared traditional Japanese wagashi confections produced by Junko Koshino will also be sold as part of a collaboration project with Ito En who are sponsoring the event and holding a special tea party. They are limited in availability, and those lucky few who do get a spot will be able to enjoy tea and sweets while enjoying a view of the spectacular Japanese-style gardens at the Nakajima No Ochaya cafe.

Visitors will also be able to pick from a wardrobe of bright and colourful yukata, including some designed by Junko Koshino, at one of the booths at the festival and have them fitted on from them. Those who arrive already dressed in a yukata will receive free entry to the festival!

You’ll completely forget you’re in the boisterous city of Tokyo while at this traditional x modern fusion of a festival. If you’re in Japan this summer, then don’t miss out. More details of the festival and its content can be found on the official website below.

Hi everyone, this is Midori from MMN’s Editorial Department!

Do you know what a Yukata is? It’s a long, casual garment that resembles a kimono. As they are made of light and breathable material, this traditional Japanese clothing is usually worn in the summer. A beautiful yet refreshing garment is the perfect clothing for a summer festival and other summer events. How would you like to try one on? Today, I’ll be introducing you to this year’s latest Yukatas.

KIMONOMACHI: Polyester Yukata Perfect for a Hot Summer’s Day

These yukata are made from polyester which is breathable and ventilating. From subtle and mature patterns for adults to large, modern and vivid patterns, there is a wide range of fabric designs to choose from.  

Cream Water-Colour Camellia Flower Yukata: ￥11,880 (after tax) 

You also do not have to worry about coordinating your outfit as you can putchase a set that includes a Sash (obi) and Japanese wooden clogs (geta). This is recommended for those of you who are completely new to yukata-wearing.  

▼ KIMONOMACHI main shop

Official Website: https://www.kimonomachi.co.jp/

Cayhane Yukata: Easy to Wear By Yourself 

Cayhane sells yukata that are made from materials sourced from all over Japan. 

Reiría Minana Yukata: ￥7,128

The Yukata sold here consist of a top and bottom half, which makes it easy for anyone to put on.

You can also get yukata with a separate skirt too, meaning that you can wear the skirt with your other normal clothes on a regular day too.

▼ Cayhane

Official Website: http://www.cayhane.jp/shop/c/c01

kyomadoka: Wear a Yukata Designed By an AKB48 Graduate　

Haruna Kojima, who graduated from Japan’s world famous idol group AKB48, created the designs for a collection of kyomadoka Yukata.

￥45,360 (after tax)

Not only are the designs made with lots of care and attention, but the materials used have been carefully sourced. The patterns are mature yet cute. 

▼kyomadoka: Haruna Kojima Original Design Yukata

Purchase here: https://isetan.mistore.jp/onlinestore/brand/006180/list?categoryId=01_061604&rid=24098c5b16c840e39ea3dddf42efd3ad

Sales Start: June 5, 2019

Felissimo Neko-Bu™: Fill Yourself With Feline Fabulousness

Cat-Themed Retro Modern Yukata ￥8,400 (before tax)

Notice the cute, round eyes of a cat amongst beautiful camellia flowers. Felissimo Neko-Bu™ sells cat-themed goods that are also perfect for adults. This retro-modern design is both cute and mature.

Look closely and you will also notice a striped pattern. Felissimo are selling many other cat-themed Yukata besides this so please check them out.

This is a design of a tiger playing with green foxtail grass.

▼Felissimo Neko-Bu™

Official Website: https://www.nekobu.com/

RiLi.tokyo Sells Yukata That Look Like Japanese Sweets

RiLi.tokyo sells Yukata that are perfect for walking the streets of Asakusa, Kyoto and other traditional-style streets that are full of dark and mature colours.

RiLi Yukata: ￥11,990 each (before tax)

The sash is a waist band with wrinkles so that it does not hurt when you put it on. You will notice that it is incredibly easy to wear these. All Yukata in this series use similar colours, so it is easy to coordinate your outfit with other friends and family members. ♡

Official Website: https://rili.tokyo/#new

Furifu and Touken Ranbu-ONLINE- Collaborative Yukata

Furifu is dedicated to creating new styles of traditional Japanese fashion. They have released a retro-modern style kimono brand through a collaborative effort with the game Touken Ranbu-ONLINE- . This includes three Yukata themed around the characters Kashuu Kiyomitsu, Tsurumaru Kuninaga and Kasen Kanesada.

 Kasen Kanesada　￥62,640 (after tax )

Tsurumaru Kuninaga: ￥62,640 (after tax)

Kashuu Kiyomitsu: ￥62,640 (after tax )

▼Furifu Touken Ranbu Collaborative Yukata

Official Website: https://mgos.jp/furifu/index.html

All these Yukata are available online. This would be the perfect way to stay cool and beautiful during the summer. Wearing one to a summer event would be a wonderful experience. ♡

Keio Plaza Hotel is expanding their yukata experience service plan “Easy Kimono”. The plan, which allows guests to wear Japanese traditional clothing called yukata, was originally a weekday-limited plan. Now, the plan will be expanded to include the weekends and national holidays. The plan was launched in June 2017 through a collaboration with Keio Department Store’s dressing rooms. Keio Plaza Hotel’s objective is to spread Japanese culture and offer guests the opportunity to fully experience Japan. The hotel also offers tea ceremony and Ikebana flower arranging classes.

There are two yukata plans on offer: a standard plan available for men and women and a women-limited premium plan which includes top quality cotton yukata that have a mature feel to them. Both plans come with wooden clogs, an ornate kanzashi hairpin, a drawstring purse and a map of wonderful locations to take a stroll in Shinjuku. Head to the third floor lobby in the South Building of the hotel to arrive at the Keio Department Store Dressing Rooms. Here, you can choose your favourite yukata. Once you put it on, the staff will take a commemorative photo with a camera or your smartphone.

You can rent these yukata for a maximum of six hours, during which time you can take as many selfies as you want, enjoy a meal in Tokyo, and have a relaxing stroll around the streets of Shinjuku. This luxurious plan is a chance to experience the great feeling of wearing a yukata.

Laforet Harajuku is holding a yukata event on its second floor CONTAINER area from June 25 to July 24 where you’ll be able to pick from a wide range of different yukata designs.

This marks the 5th run of the event, and this year, it is being split into three separate periods. A total of 9 shops are participating including the popular kimono brand Roccoya Summer Shop which fuses the traditional with the modern as well as MICOPARADE which is managed by designer and Japanese clothing model Maria Kawahara.

The event’s main visual was conceived by art director Tomoko Katayama, a designer at airlinesinc. and president of kimono teaching company Airport Lounge. There will be a photo spot as well as displays created by Katayama.

Period 1: June 25, 2019 – July 4, 2019

Roccoya Summer Shop

Roccoya is a brand popular for fusing together traditional and modern designs. The company is returning to Yukata IN LAFORET once again to sell a variety of new yukata, kimono and accessories. Pick anything from cute to contemporary to sophisticated couture. They also sell head accessories and customers can order specific sizes.

MICOPARADE

MICOPARADE is a kimono brand led by designer and Japanese clothing model Maria Kawahara which offers contemporary twists of traditional ideas. Expect kimono like you have never seen as modern fashion. This event will be MICOPARADE’s first unveiling of their new products.

Period 2: July 5, 2019 – July 14, 2019

MIKI SAKURA & Sakura Maison

Sakura Maison focuses on “Japanese kawaii” kimono, accessories and obi sashes while MIKI SAKURA’s concept, conceived by designers at Sakura Maison, is “dignified women wrapped in beautiful fragrances.”

These two brands will come together to showcase an array of feminine yukata including yukata made from lase. They will also sell headdresses, ornate hairpins and other accessories. Expect to get your fill of kawaii♡

Asobiya Meets yuminique

Asobiya is a brand that adds a bit of fun to traditional Japanese motifs. They will collaborate with the “nostalgic and cinematic” brand yuminique for the very first time. Asobiya will have their popular paper crane series of items while yuminique will showcase their “SECRET” themed line-up this summer with an assortment of handmade head accessories with rose and lily of the valley designs. You’re sure to find the right decorative accessories for your yukata look here♡

Period 3: July 15, 2019 – July 24, 2019

AYAKONAGAHASHI

Ayako Nagahashi’s select shop is associated with many different kimono and yukata brands. The new yukata and accessory collection by KIIRO, which Nagahashi is the director of, and Furifu will be on show. New Yukata and obi sashes the likes of which the industry has never seen before from Nagahashi’s private brand Fruttarossa will also make an appearance. There will also be plenty of other pieces like geta shoes and obi clips.

Shigemune Tamao

Unique and innovative kimono creator and artist Shigemune Tamao is opening her first ever store where she will sell original kimono, obi sashes, and a selection of items made in collaboration with guest brands that transcend traditional and contemporary clothing.

Find the yukata for you at this year’s Yukata IN LAFORET.

Japanese museum and hotel Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is currently offering its new “Yukata Plan” until September 30. The plan includes a yukata service, lunch or dinner, and a chance to witness the Hyakudan Kaidan, or ‘100 Step Staircase,’ which was registered by Tokyo Prefecture as a Tangible Cultural Property in 2009 for its exceptional architecture and artistic beauty.

The plan lets guests wear a beautiful and colourful yukata allows them to get a feel for the Japanese spirit. After enjoying a special food course specially prepared by the hotel’s chef, you will head on over to observe the Hyakudan Kaidan, something offered in the hotel’s popular summer plan. Yukata are available for men, women and children, making it perfect for groups, couples and families. What’s more is that you can take home the yukata, obi sash and geta shoes you choose.

Once you chance into your yukata you can stroll to some of Meguro’s famous spots such as Meguro River as well as Ryūsenji temple and Ōtori-jinja Shrine, both of which are just a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

Enjoy a real Japanese time this summer at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo.

Disney Store Japan has announced that it will begin selling a range of original yukata and miscellaneous items for summer. Sales in-store begin on June 18 with pre-sales hitting the online store a week earlier on June 11.

Ariel/Rapunzel

The line-up sees the return of the Ariel and Rapunzel Disney princess yukata which were a hit in Japan last year as well as the new Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse versions. This year’s assortment of accessories and miscellaneous items to co-ordinate with the yukata is also even bigger than last year.

Mickey Mouse/Minnie Mouse

The designs are chic and subtle while still celebrating the characters of the Disney world. The Mickey and Minnie yukata in particular feature retro patterns which can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The obi sash that come with the outfits also play into the story of each character.

The other items in the mix include fans, bags, and a range of cute accessories to make your yukata even more glamorous.

It would be super fun to co-ordinate the yukata together with friends. So if you’re heading to Japan this summer then why not pay a visit to the Disney Store and ready yourself for the fireworks and festivals?

©Disney

For a three-day period from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th March 2019, There will be an event to celebrate a traditional Japanese glass craft called “Kiriko”. The event will be held at Tokyu Plaza, Ginza in the Kiriko Lounge. Kiriko is glass craft that was manufactured from the end of the Edo period to the beginning of the Meiji period of Japanese history.

The exhibition will feature many creative Edo Kiriko crafts and a lineup of crafts made in the past five years. This new generation of Kiriko crafts will take to the stage at Ginza for all to see!

From 13:00 on each day of the event, there will be a gallery talk that explains the story of the crafts, particularly focussing on a selected prize-worthy craft. There is also a chance to get involved with Kiriko craft-making. To take part, check out Fujimaki select shop’s official website as the website is currently accepting reservations.

From works and goods to taking part, come learn the different aspects of Edo Kiriko crafts at this event in Ginza!

Setsubun is an annual event in Japan that takes place on February 3. It is the day before spring and is a time when Japanese people perform a ritual called mamemaki in which beans are scattered to ward off evil.

Another element of Setsubun is the consuming of ehomaki. These large sushi rolls are to be eaten facing a set direction each year for good health all year round. This year’s direction is East-Northeast.

We have created a list of ehomaki to be enjoyed in 2019 that includes classic rolls and more unique ones.

AEON’s ehomaki can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike

AEON Retail has announced 22 varieties of ehomaki to be sold at nearly 400 branches of AEON and AEON Style on February 2 and 3. This includes Sushi Yoshitake’s Goku Ehomaki―made by a Michelin 3-star restaurant that has ranked in the Michelin guide for 8 consecutive years―which incorporates sushi techniques from before the Edo period; as well as the Doraemon Ehomaki.

Thick ehomaki stuffed with sea urchin, caviar and more at Daimaru Tokyo

Daimaru Tokyo is now serving over 150 varieties of egomaki until February 3. This includes a fully-packed ehomaki made with 19 ingredients including sea urchin, caviar, tuna, fugu and more. There’s also a red king crab ehomaki that lovers of crab won’t be able to resist.

Strawberry-filled ehomaki roll at InterContinental Yokohama Grand

InterContinental Yokohama Grand’s “Ehomaki Rolls” sell out every single year, and they’re set to return once more in 2019 for a limited time. Available from January 26 until February 3, this dessert ehomaki is pumped with 2 varieties of high quality fresh cream and 5 whole sweet strawberries.

Matsuzakaya Nagoya’s Heart-shaped ehomaki♡

The Nagoya branch of Matsuzakaya is serving 140 types of ehomaki in 40 of its stores on floor B1F. One of the most eye-catching options is the cute heart-shaped ehomaki that’s filled with shibazuke, flying fish roe and shrimp tempura. There are only 50 of these being sold so be sure to get your hands on on quick!

Feeling hungry yet? When in Japan, do as the Japanese do and get your hands around a delicious ehomaki.

The Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Festival will take place from October 4 to 7 this year. The festival first began in 2013 and this will be its sixth run. It is an event inviting the public into the factories of the Tsubame-Sanjo area of Japan to experience the art of product making.

Japan House London is teaming up with the festival at this year’s London Design Festival taking place in England’s capital in September 2018. That collaborative project is titled “BIOLOGY OF METAL: METAL CRAFTSMANSHIP IN TSUBAME-SANJO” and it will run at Japan House London from September 6 to October 28.

©Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Festival Committee

This is the first showcasing of its kind in the UK of Japan’s most prestigious artisans of product making expertise.

©Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Festival Committee

Guests will have the opportunity through insight to discover how this craftsmanship, art and small industry is embedded in history.

©Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Festival Committee

It will also show how it has incorporated and advanced new technologies in order to adapt to a changing society.

There will be workshops at the event as well as products for sale in ‘The Shop’ in Japan House London. If you’re in the UK then this is a fantastic opportunity to be up close and learn about traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

UMEBOSI is an original brand by tool shop WISE・WISE tools that seeks to breathe life into traditional Japanese craftwork in today’s modern age. The second line of products in the brand series to be released makes use of traditional Edo Kiriko cut glass and it will arrive in October 2018.

Interest in products made in Japan has been deepening in recent years in both Japan and overseas. However, there is still discussion there being a lack of successors in inheriting traditional methods, and the topic of spreading its use still remains.

KIGI was been appointed to help tackle these issues, an art director who receives tremendous support from the young generation in Japan. The project was started to promote these creative crafts to more people in a new light. The first line of products was announced in October 2015. The most popular amongst them was the Edo Kiriko glass series. Five new designs from that range have now been released.

UMEBOSI Edo Kiriko Glasses – 5 New Designs

These usuhari glasses are made using a traditional Edo Kiriko method called hana kiriko. The five designs include a tree leaf and acorn, a horse, a dragonfly, a chrysanthemum, and a dandelion. They have also brought back the rabbit and cherry designs from the 2015 line.

These glasses are a fusion of traditional craft and modern skill. Why not get your hands on one?

Bubble Festival -Osaka Bon 2018- is a huge outdoor festival scheduled for August 25 and 26 that will combine music, dance and traditional culture. To promote the festival, Cool Japan TV released a music video in collaboration with Room39 two weeks ago titled Once In Your Life -Osaka Bon- which has already broken 1 million views on YouTube.

Cool Japan TV released another viral hit titled Tokyo Bon in collaboration with Malaysian hip-hop artist Namewee last year which currently has over 34 million views. The video acted as a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world, prompting people to post videos of themselves performing the traditional bon odori dance themselves.

Bubble Festival -Osaka Bon 2018- is the first collaboration between producers Afro&Co. and Japan’s largest influencer marketing company Cool Japan TV. The festival is focused on ensuring foreign tourists can enjoy the event too by offering information and services in multiple languages.

The music video for Once In Your Life In Osaka -Osaka Bon- features popular Thai artist Room39 as well as bon odori choreography by Ukon Takafuji. The colourful video captures the excitement of Osaka tourism and the bubble festival as they sing in English, Japanese, Thai and Chinese.

At the festival you can catch performances from DJ KOO, Ukon Takafuji, CYBERJAPAN DANCERS, SPICY CHOCOLATE, Have a Nice Day! who are known for their exciting live performances, calligrapher Bisen Aoyagi, DJ Afromance, and more.

Check out the video for yourself to witness the charm of Japanese culture.