bnb+ is a design concept hostel that is holding a free campaign for guests staying there for three nights that offers them the third night for free. The campaign is running from July 25 to August 31.
bnb+ has branches in Tokyo, Mejiro, Otsuka and Tamachi. bnb+ Secret Base Mejiro is located in the corner of a quiet neighbourhood. It’s easy to get to as it’s close to major stations such as Ikebukuro and Shinjuku. The hostel’s ‘communication space’ has relaxing facilities like that of a cafe.
bnb+ Ninja Otsuka is about a 3-minute walk from Otsuka Station. The hostel is ninja themed, and the communication space takes on the form of a traditional tatami room.
bnb+ Tokyo Tamachi opened in June this year. It’s easily accessible being just a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station, 15-minutes from Ginza Station and about 20-minutes from Shinjuku Station.
These hostels are all affordable and have their own theme, so be sure to check them out if you’re planning to travel in Japan.
■Information
bnb+ Secret Base Mejiro
Address: Muramatsu Bldg. 2F, 3-2-9 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6908-3345
E-mail: info_mejiro@bnbplus.jp
Access: 1-minute on foot from Mejiro Station
bnb+ Ninja Otsuka
Address: Prosperity Kita-Otsuka 3F, 2-7-11 Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6903-6466
E-mail: info_otsuka@bnbplus.jp
Access: 3-minutes on foot from Otsuka Station
bnb+ Tokyo Tamachi
Address: Bright Bldg. 3F, 3-20-9 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 050-5329-2450
E-mail: info_tamachi@bnbplus.jp
Access: 5-minutes on foot from Tamachi Station
Website: http://bnbplus.jp
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
-
We all know that staying in a hotel can be pretty expensive. But if you’re looking to stay somewhere that is stylish and clean with the benefit of being cheap, then look no further. Here are 5 affordable hostels and capsule hotels located in Tokyo.
BOOK AND BED TOKYO (Asakusa)
“BOOK AND BED TOKYO” is a hostel designed around the concept of being able to stay in a bookshop. There are 4 branches of BOOK AND BED TOKYO, with the fourth and latest set to open in Asakusa. The hostel comes with an authentic cafe bar menu serving original cocktails, coffee and more from bookshelves to both overnight and daytime guests. From just ￥3,800, you can look forward to the pleasure of books and rest in the very special experience of staying overnight at a book store.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/67896
■Information
BOOK AND BED TOKYO (Asakusa)
Address: 6F of Pagoda Asakusa, 2-16-9, Kaminarimon, Taitoku, Tokyo
Hours:
Check In – 16:00 to 23:00
Check Out – By 11:00
Access:
3 minutes by foot from Asakusa Station via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
5 minutes by foot from Asakusa Station via the Toei Asakusa Line
7 minutes by foot from Asakusa Station via the Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station
Homepage: http://bookandbedtokyo.com/
IMANO TOKYO HOSTEL
IMANO TOKYO HOSTEL is located 10 minutes from Shinjuku station and 3 minutes from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station by foot, right by the Hanazono Shrine. The hostel has both normal rooms and traditional Japanese style rooms. A big highlight of the hostel is the cafe & bar on the first floor. (Cafe – 8:00-17:00 / Bar – 18:00-23:00). Accommodation prices from ￥3,500.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/34372
■Information
IMANO TOKYO HOSTEL / CAFE＆BAR
Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku ward, Shinjuku 5-12-2
Hours:
Check-In – 16:00-23:00
Check-Out – By 11:00
Open all year.
Nearest Station: JR Shinjuku Station / Shinjuku Sanchome Station via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Fukutoshin Line, Toei Shinjuku Line / Higashi Shinjuku Station via the Toei Oedo Line.
Access:
9-minute walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit.
3-minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station Exit E2.
8-minute walk from Higashi Shinjuku Station Exit A2.Telephone: 03-5362-7161
Official Homepage: IMANO TOKYO HOSTEL / CAFE＆BAR
IMANO TOKYO GINZA HOSTEL
“Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel” is also located in Shinjuku. The hostel features a comfortable lounge for guests staying the night where they can enjoy chatting together. It’s a place that recognises and seeks to preserve that “one-in-a-lifetime encounter” while on a trip. As well as a female-only floor, Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel offers a wide range of different bedding types and room types, from family rooms which the whole family can enjoy together to cost-effective dormitory rooms. Accommodation prices begin at ￥3,400.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/59036
■Information
IMANO TOKYO GINZA HOSTEL
Address: 1-5-10 Shintomi, Chuo, TokyoAccess:
Located 2-minutes’ walk from Exit 2 or 6-minutes’ walk from Exit 6 of Shintomichō Station via the Tokyo Metro Yūrakuchō Line.
Located 7-minutes’ walk from Exit A1 of Takaracho Station via the Toei Asakusa Line.
Located 5-minutes’ walk from Exit A3 of Hatchōbori Station via the JR Keiyō Line.
Located 10-minutes’ walk from Exit A3 of Hatchōbori Station via the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.Facilities: Café & Bar
Official Website: https://imano.jp/ginza
GLANSIT AKIHABARA
“GLANSIT AKIHABARA” is a capsule hotel located just 3 minutes’ walk from Akihabara Station, making it easily accessible, standing at 10 stories high. At every turn of the hotel, from the earthen-coloured bedding area and lounge, is placed materials associated with nature, showing the hotel’s hospitality not just in its functional aspect but its make up too. Beds are fitted with original mattresses provided in joint development with bedding manufacturer Tokyo Nishikawa. Accommodation prices start at ￥3,500.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/58782
■Information
GLANSIT AKIHABARA～COMFORT CAPSULE HOTEL～
Grand Opening: October 17, 2017
Address: 4-4-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021
Closed: Never
TEL: 03-3526-3818
※Until the rooms are prepared and the hotel opens, please enquire at the number below.
03-6858-6090 (available weekdays 10am-5pm)Official Website: http://glansit.jp
FromScratch TOKYO
“FromScratch TOKYO” is an accommodation aimed at foreigners located close by Sumiyoshi Station, a 20 minute train journey from Shinjuku Station via the Toei Shinjuku Line. It includes a shop that rotates services – during the daytime it’s a cafe that serves Japanese tea, while at nighttime it turns into a bar serving Japanese alcohol. Artists are invited to display their latest works and live events are also hosted. FromScratch TOKYO enables guests to immerse themselves in Japanese culture with Japanese tea and alcohol served with with art, music, or on its own.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/60179
■Information
FromScratch TOKYO
Address: 2-4-4 Ogibashi, Kotoku, Tokyo, 135-0011
Access: Board the Toei Shinjuku Line and alight at Sumiyoshi Station. Located 7-minutes’ walk from Sumiyoshi Station.
Telephone: 03-6666-3534
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pg/fromscratchtokyo/about/?ref=page_internal
Do any of these hotels and hostels peak your interest? Each one of them serves up their own slice of originality, promising a unique experience to whichever you visit. Pick which one suits your needs most during your travels to Japan!
-
EAST BLUE Kasai Tokyo is a new hostel opening on June 29, 2018. It’s located just a five-minute walk from Kasai Station and houses 88 beds.
The concept behind the hostel is ‘Meet-Up & Casual Stay.’ Guests can smell the sea breeze from the stylish facility which has a naturally retro feel to it. Its highlight is the hospitality which brings about a gentleness.
Its location makes it very easily accessible. You can walk there from Kasai Station via the Tozai Line exit in just 5-minutes, get a limousine bus from Haneda Airport in 25-minutes or Narita Airport in an hour. It’s also close to Nihonbashi in Tokyo.
Kasai is an area surrounded in nature, including places like Edogawa, Arakawa and Tokyo Bay. It’s also close by Kasai Rinkai Park and an aquarium which not only gives you that feeling of being at a resort, but it also means you get to experience the seasons and all they have to offer all year round. There’s even a shuttle bus there that can take you to Disneyland and DisneySea in just 15 minutes! It can be used from the early morning into the evening.
The building underwent renovation to offer a ‘casual stay.’ The first floor front and public lounge uses beach house natural wood to match the area around Kasai and Rinkai. There’s also a space for kids.
The accommodation plans cater to a variety of guests and offers rooms for 2-4 people which are perfect for couples and families.
The logo of the hostel is a clover which expresses destiny and bonding. Head to EAST BLUE Kasai Tokyo and meet all kinds of people of different ages and from different countries.
■Information
EAST BLUE Kasai TokyoAddress: 3-12-13 Nakakasai, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo
Time: Check in 3pm / Check out 10am
Access: 5-minutes on foot Kasai Station via Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
Website: http://www.eastblue-kasai.com
-
Get to Know People at the New Sociable Hostel, Café & Diner Establishments Opening in Asakusa & Higashi-Kanda
Universal Hostel SEVEN GARDEN and Sustainable Hostel KIKKA are two hostel, café and diner fusions opening in Asakusa and Higashi-Kanda respectively on August 1, 2018.
The concept behind the establishments are to get people socializing with each other regardless of what country they’re from, their sex, age, culture and values. They hope to create lots of opportunities and chances for people to bond and make a connection.
The café and diner areas are open to the public and not limited to guests, meaning people can easily and freely feel closer to one another.
Universal Hostel SEVEN GARDEN @ Asakusa
The café and diner at the Asakusa is named Well and is the first ever branch. There you will be greeted by the hospitable Digi Mama, a digital character and snack mama. The more she interacts with customers the more her experience will grow and in turn lead her to grow and mature every day. ‘Mingle Drink Tickets’ will also be handed out which aim to get people talking and making friends. As for the hostel, there’s everything from dormitory rooms to individual rooms that can hold up to 4 people max. The beds are by Simmons so you can expect a comfy and cozy night.
Sustainable Hostel KIKKA @ Higashi-Kanda
The theme of this establishment is ‘sustainable’ which hopes to have people engaging in a natural environment without effort through dining and accommodation. Food, drinks, events and the use of amenities are linked to the Table for Two service provides meals for children in Africa. Additionally, items used by staff go towards a project by apparel brand Salasusu which supports the activities of Cambodian women. KIKKA will be home to Salasusu’s first permanent sales area in Japan.
All the architecture and products used on the ground and first floors of KIKKA was made in collaboration with Suppose Design Office. They made full use of the existing building framework to further develop its design and functionality. The café is run in collaboration with well-established chef and author Shiori. They sell rice balls in the café using specialty products and ingredients from all 47 prefectures in Japan to tie the country’s culture together in one place.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Tokyo and what to get to know people then consider staying at Universal Hostel SEVEN GARDEN or Sustainable Hostel KIKKA.
■Information
Universal Hostel SEVEN GARDEN @ Asakusa
Address: 1-34-2 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo
Price: ¥4,800 per night
Rooms: Dormitory – 24 / Individual – 4
Website: https://seven-garden.com/ja/hotel/SEVENGARDEN
Sustainable Hostel KIKKA @ Higashi-Kanda
Address: 1-3-3 Higashi-Kanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Price: ¥3,800 per night
Rooms: Dormitory – 60 / Individual – 16
RELATED ENTRIES
-
Hoshinoya Tokyo, a traditional ryokan in Otemachi, has announced the New Year’s Kabuki Plan, a two-day, one-night stay from January 5 until January 7, 2023. During the Edo Period, citizens enjoyed watching Kabuki plays during the New Year’s holidays, often sipping tea at connected teahouses. This event will invite visitors to experience what this was like, complete with traditional food and decorations.
Watching Kabuki was a chic way for those in Edo to ring in the new year. Theater teahouses were also a popular gathering place–along with arranging tickets, the teahouses offered plot notes, tea, sweets, boxed lunches, snacks, and other drinks.*
*Hiroshi Fujita, Yoshihide Tomizawa (2012) / The Updated Kabuki Dictionary, Kashiwa Shobo
Relax Before Enjoying Tea and a Play
Guests are invited to relax in the Ochanoma (Living Room) Lounge, decorated to look like a traditional teahouse with fans, ukiyo-e prints, and formal curtains. Hanabiramochi, or rice cakes with flower petals, will be served with green tea. These rice cakes are said to date back to the New Year’s tradition of eating hard foods like daikon and rice cakes in the hopes of prolonging one’s life. Characterized by its curious burdock root aroma, the cakes are sweetened with white miso bean paste.
Enjoy a Post-Viewing Mont Blanc Shaped like Soba with Sweet Dessert Wine
At theater teahouses in the Edo period, sake, snacks, and desserts were served one after another. During this special event, a menu inspired by this practice and prepared by Hoshinoya Tokyo Executive Chef Noriyuki Hamada will be served! Soba noodles were often served after a play in the past. Inspired by this tradition, Mont Blanc made with chestnut paste and sponge cake will be served up to look like this popular dish. Paired with a dessert wine aged in oak barrels, the sweet will be served in a traditional lacquerware basket. In addition, the dish will be paired with Wasabi Pralines, Shichimi Meringue, and Ginger Pate de Fruits.
Take a Rickshaw to the Kabuki-za Theater
Guests will be taken on an Edo-style tour on their way to the Kabuki-za Theater. Passing through the Nihonbashi area, the first stop will be the Fukutoku Shrine. It’s said that Hidetada Tokugawa paid a visit to and praised the shrine on New Year’s Day in 1614. The next shrine on the docket, Hodo Inari Jinja, was enshrined in Edo Castle during the Edo period to protect the heir to the Tokugawa family. It’s said that the shrine provides blessings for child rearing, matchmaking, and business prosperity.
This tour will provide a more elegant way to explore Tokyo as guests enjoy exposition from their chauffeur. To make the rickshaw ride even more enjoyable, guests can rent kimonos for an extra charge.
Would you like to take a step back in time this New Year?
Information
New Year’s Kabuki Plan
Running: January 5 – January 7, 2023
Capacity: 1 couple per day (1-2 people)
Price: ¥110,000 per person, ¥180,000 for 2 people (Including Tax & Service charge, excluding accommodation charge)
Reserve/Details – Official Site: https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo
*Reservation required at least 14 days in advance
**Exclusive experience for Hoshinoya Tokyo guests
-
The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022.
[Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project
■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku
・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023
・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas
■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition Event
Over 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter!
・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki)
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate)■Snow Miku Photo Spot
Snow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths.
・On Display: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki)
JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)
■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi App
A number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!
・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka Information Center,
Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village
(Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower,
Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video
The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!
・On Air: December 1, 2022~
・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu)
■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc.
A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!
・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities
■Snow Miku Filters Using AR
When each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.
・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
Information
Hirosaki x Hakodate x Snow Miku Tourism Campaign
Beginning December 2022
Details: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=hirohako
-
Shin Yokohama Prince Hotel will be offering a special room and collaboration menu inspired by the popular anime series The Vampire Dies in No Time from September 22 until November 30, 2022. Reservations will open on the hotel’s official website starting September 12 at 1:00 PM.
The Vampire Dies in No Time follows the hilarious adventures of the vampire Draluc and the vampire hunter Ronaldo. Set in the city of Shin-Yokohama, it makes sense that this collaboration would be taking place!
Original Goods
Collaboration Menu
Guests and fans of the series will be able to enjoy a fully-decorated room and collaboration menu inspired by characters from the popular anime series.
The concept room, located on an upper floor overlooking the Shin-Yokohama cityscape, is decorated with illustrations of Draluc, Ronaldo, and other characters. The guest-only goods feature newly-drawn illustrations.
Sweets plates and drinks will be served at the restaurant on the top floor of the hotel. Guests can enjoy desserts shaped like Ronaldo’s red hat and Draluc’s ashes, so don’t miss it!
©盆ノ木至（秋田書店）／製作委員会すぐ死ぬ
Information
Shin-Yokohama Prince Hotel x The Vampire Dies in No Time
Available: September 22 – November 30, 2022Collaboration Menu
Available: September 22 – November 30, 2022
Venue: Top of Yokohama Bar & Lounge (42F)
Hours: Weekdays 4:00-7:00 PM / Weekends & Holidays 2:00-5:00 PM
Reservations Open: September 12, 1:00 PM
https://www.princehotels.co.jp/shinyokohama/plan/contents/94 -
Art subscription service Casie is collaborating with HOTEL SHE, KYOTO! A special art exhibition titled GALLERY HOTEL SHE, will be held from September 17 until October 16, inviting guests to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of staying in a gallery overnight!
During the event period, guests of HOTEL SHE, KYOTO will be able to select their favorite piece of artwork from an on-site gallery. The piece will then be hung in their guestroom, and visitors can spend the night appreciating it at their own pace. This is a great way to learn more about art appreciation, and guests can enjoy discussing the art world with their friends and family.
“Although we may view art in museums and other venues, it is rare to have the opportunity to select and display a work of art of our own choice,” the project description reads. “Through this unique experience, we aim to provide guests the chance to actively engage with art and inspire them to make art a part of their daily life going forward.”
Information
‘Stay in a Gallery’ HOTEL SHE, KYOTO
Running: September 17 – October 16, 2022
Works on Display: https://casie.jp/features/404?notrented=0&order=added_at_desc
*No fee required, works on display for all guests of HOTEL SHE, KYOTO during the event period.
HOTEL SHE, KYOTO: https://www.hotelshekyoto.com
Address: 16, Higashikujo-Minamikarasumacho, Minamiku, Kyoto
Details/Reservations: https://www.hotelshekyoto.com/
-
The Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa in Tokyo will offer a special suite inspired by the upcoming Toshio Suzuki Studio Ghibli Exhibition from July 1 until August 31, 2022. This will include tickets to the exhibition, which will take place at Warehouse Terrada in Shinagawa from July 1 until September 7.
Toshio Suzuki, a producer at Studio Ghibli, has worked with both Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata on a number of beloved masterpieces. The exhibition will feature a large bookshelf housing 8,800 of Suzuki’s publications and favorite tomes. Many of these were published before Suzuki joined Studio Ghibli, and guests are invited to see how the producer was inspired to join the legendary studio after working as an editor at a manga magazine. To commemorate the exhibition’s opening, this special suite is filled with books written by Suzuki along with other books that visitors may enjoy during their relaxing stay.
In the suite, guests will find a list of 106 books that influenced Suzuki the most. This list will be available to take home. Visitors will also find reproductions of Suzuki’s calligraphy.
©TS ©Studio Ghibli
Information
Toshio Suzuki Studio Ghibli Exhibition Special Suite Package
Venue: Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
Available: July 1 – August 31, 2022
Reservation: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/takanawa/plan/ghibli_conceptroomToshio Suzuki Studio Ghibli Museum Accommodation Plan with Ticket
Available until September 6, 2022
Reservation: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/takanawa/plan/ghibli/
-
Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading independent hospitality groups, held the grand opening of Galleria Nijo Castle Kyoto, on Friday, June 17, 2022. This is the first of the group’s hotels to open in Japan.
Hotel Exterior
Located south of Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site, and named after the beautiful winter flower, Galleria Nijo Castle Kyoto is a small, modern, and minimalist luxury hotel that offers simple guests a chance to recharge themselves.
Wellbeing Room
For the grand opening, a new Wellbeing Room has been opened where visitors can experience quiet meditation.Visitors can stroll through nearby gardens, temples, and shrines, take a tour of Kyoto’s many historical sites, or spend time in the Wellbeing Room meditating or practicing yoga to recharge their batteries away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The French Restaurant Singular will also offer up healthy and tasty meals with a focus on local ingredients and producers.
Enjoy a visit to Kyoto in this peaceful space perfect for resting both body and soul.Information
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto
Address: 180-1 Ichinocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 2-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai LineOfficial Site: https://www.banyantree.com/ja/japan/garrya-nijo-castle-kyoto
-
Mizu to Takumi, a company associated with the Toyama West Tourism Promotion Association, has teamed up with SKYTREK to offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit the area via private jet. Reservations for the incredible experience began on June 17, 2022.
Offering an entirely new tourism experience in Toyama Prefecture, visitors can see the area’s natural wonders from miles above the Earth. The program also aims to share local culture and more about traditional craftsmanship and cuisine.
Toyama Prefecture boasts dramatic topography, from the massive peaks of the Northern Alps and the Tateyama Mountains to the deep waters of Toyama Bay. To better allow visitors to see the sights, these private jet tours will be chartered on special courses different from standard airlines.
After the flights, guests will be welcomed to explore Takaoka’s deep history and culture. Kane no Sanzun, a restored and preserved inn, will welcome visitors, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating time.
Visitors can also book optional excursions to further explore the area, such as a Zen meditation experience at a famous temple in Takaoka, a traditional crafting workshop, and a tour and tasting of the only whiskey distillery in the Hokuriku region.
Come enjoy a trip to Toyama with a whole new perspective!
Information
Travel to Toyama by Private Jet
Available: June 17 – October 26, 2022
Travel Period: June 22 – October 31, 2022
Details: https://www.skytrek.co.jp/tours/toyama-private-jet-plan
-
Airbnb boasts one of the largest travel communities in the world, filled with users offering up lodging and those eager to visit somewhere new. The Japanese subsidiary of the company has revealed the top spots added to Japanese users ‘Favorites (Wish Lists)’ from May 1 to May 17, 2022. Where will travelers in the country be headed this summer?
Golden Week is long gone and users are starting to think about where to visit during the hottest part of the year. This national ‘Wish List’ might make it easier to pick a spot, with many locations highlighting lesser-known areas!
Gujo Hachiman Villa, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Gifu)
This completely private rental villa was made for sauna enthusiasts. One lucky pair per day can book this suite along the Yoshida River flowing through Gujo Hachiman, known as the “City of Water and Dance.” Currently booked through the end of August, reservations for September and beyond will be available in early June. Book a stay to enjoy the gorgeous autumn foliage!
A House Surrounded by Lush Greenery in the Countryside (Tottori)
Hosted by a family of musicians and architects, this guesthouse invites guests to enjoy gorgeous Nordic-inspired interiors and the serene quiet of the countryside. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect spot.
Hoshina Satomachi, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Nagano)
There’s nothing like spending the summer in a traditional Japanese home. Enjoy a barbeque on the terrace and relax on the massive lawn. This is the perfect spot for families with children or pets!
Coastal Cabin (Chiba)
You can’t have summer without a pool. This luxurious coastal retreat boasts a 15-meter pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, bonfire space, and a barbeque. Relax by the pool while listening to your favorite songs or soak in the outdoor bath as you watch the waves crash along the shore.
An Elegant and Peaceful Log Cabin (Nagano)
Located at 1,300 meters above sea level on the Iizuna plateau, this log cabin is situated in the midst of a dense forest. A perfect space for couples, families, or small groups of friends, guests are welcome to enjoy hiking through this gorgeous landscape in the center of Japan!
-
Buffet Inspired by ‘Moominvalley Turns Jungle’ to be Held for the First Time at Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji
From June 1 until August 31, Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji is inviting guests to travel to the adorable world of Moomin by partaking in two tasty buffet events at the Le Clair Restaurant on the second floor. In Moomin’s home country of Finland, people start enjoying the summer following the solstice in June. The theme of this project is ‘Moominvalley Turns Jungle,’ inspiring the hotel’s chefs to create a spectacular original menu. A tasty lunch buffet will be held Tuesday through Friday during the event period, while a sweets buffet will take place on weekends and holidays. The restaurant’s interior will be decorated with artwork from Tove Jansson’s 1956 comic Moominville Turns Jungle.
The Moomin Lunch Buffet is titled ‘Jungle Party in Moominville,’ and will depict a fun summer lunch get-together in the titular character’s home village. The lineup of foods includes smoked salmon canapes, marinated herring, and sardine sandwiches, all typical of Scandinavian cuisine. Plenty of spiced dishes and veggies will be available, the latter looking like they came from Moominmamma’s garden. August 9 is Moomin Day, and the chefs will be preparing some extra goodies for each guest on that day only.
The Moomin Sweets Buffet will feature adorable desserts created by expert pâtissiers and will be inspired by Moomin and his friends enjoying the summer. From red velvet cake made to look like Little My’s dress to chocolate mousse in the style of Moominpappa’s Silk Hat, fans of the series will want to snap plenty of pictures before they dig in! Tons of sweets will include popular Scandinavian ingredients like red currants, raspberries, and blueberries. The welcome plate, limited to one per person, will change monthly, with a Tropical Parfait coming in July and an Edible Jungle coming in August. Light meals will also be available to compliment the sweets.
The Sweets Buffet will also include a special table plan limited to three per day, using plates and mugs included in the Moomin by Arabia 2022 Summer collection. Guests participating in this plan can order a special non-alcoholic cocktail created by the restaurant’s bartender and made with rose-colored ice inspired by Moominmamma’s love for flowers.
Information
Moomin x Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji
Moomin Lunch Buffet ~Jungle Party in Moominvalley~
Running: June 1 – August 31, 2022 [Tuesday-Friday only]
Location: Le Clair Restaurant, 2F
Hours: 11:30-15:30 (2-hour seating) *Last order 30 minutes before reservation ends.
Moomin Sweets Buffet ~Moominvalley Turns Jungle Fun Summer Time~
Running: June 4 – August 28, 2022 [Weekends and Holidays only]
Location: Le Clair Restaurant, 2F
Hours: [1] 11:30-13:00 [2] 12:00-13:30 [3] 14:30-16:00 [4] 15:00-16:30Buffet Bonuses: https://www.fujibi.or.jp
Advanced Reservations begin on May 17, 14:00 for hotel email subscribers, LINE Friends only
Standard reservations begin May 19 at 10:00
Details/Reservations: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/hachioji/event/moomin/Moomin by Arabia Product Information:
https://www.arabiajapan.jp/products/list.php?category_id=61
Sekiguchi Product Information: https://www.sekiguchi.co.jp/collection/ -
Starting July 1, guests visiting the five-star Conrad Tokyo hotel can enjoy a new peach-filled afternoon tea menu for a limited time. Designed in collaboration with the British luxury brand Wedgwood, the lineup includes both savory and sweet items perfect for summer. The afternoon tea will be available on the 28th floor at the aptly named Twenty Eight Bar and Lounge.
In collaboration with Wedgwood, a 260-year-old porcelain and fine china brand used by the British royal family, this special service will feature an afternoon tea plate with a tempting array of sweets. The plate itself is from Wedgwood’s world-renowned Gio collection and features a honeycomb pattern embossed on fine bone china. The contrast between the modern setting, the classic and refined shape of the white tableware, and the beautiful pink treats will come together to create the most memorable summer moment imaginable.
Coconut & Earl Grey Panna Cotta / Rose Jelly / Peach Compote
Wine and Peach Gelatin / Vanilla Mousse
White Peach Mousse / Raspberry Gelatin
White Peach and Soy Milk Sandwich
Apricot Tart / Peach Cream
Peach Soup / Lobster Consomme Jelly
White Peach and Chicken Mousse Tart
Pork Rillettes and Peach Slider
Highlights from the sweets menu include coconut & Earl Grey Panna cotta served with rose jelly and peach compote, peach gelatin infused with red wine and vanilla mousse, and a delectable white peach and soy milk sandwich. For those with less of a sweet tooth, the afternoon tea service also offers delectable dishes like a white peach and chicken mousse tart, a pork rillettes and peach slider, and more. Guests can also enjoy a selection of scones in either plain or coconut, each served with clotted cream and either peach or guava jam. Over 20 beverages will be on offer, including Wedgwood teas.
Information
Glamorous Peach Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood
Running: July 1 – August 31, 2022
Hours: Daily from 11:00-16:30 *2-hour time slots
Location: Twenty Eight Bar and Lounge (28F)
Details: https://conrad-tokyo.hiltonjapan.co.jp/plans/restaurants/afternoon_tea/twentyeight-2207 -
JR Tokai Tours has released a new travel plan for fans of Laid-Back Camp Season 2, which aired from January to March 2021. The tour will take place in the Izu area, which was heavily featured in episodes 10, 11, and 12. Guests can enjoy a travel plan with single lodging and original goods starting May 23 until June 29, 2022.
Original Stickers
The slice-of-life series Laid-Back Camp is currently serialized in COMIC FUZ.
Set in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Laid-Back Camp is a relaxing series following a group of high school girls going camping and enjoying their daily lives. The series is based on the author Afro’s personal experiences and interviews, and since serialization in 2015, the series has attracted fans from around the world. The original comic has sold over 7 million copies. In 2018, the first anime series premiered, inspiring a spin-off Room Camp in 2020 and a second season in 2021.
Four years after it was announced in 2018, a Laid-Back Camp animated film will arrive in theaters this summer.Information
Laid-Back Camp Season 2 Model Trip Plan
Release Date: May 16, 2022
Trip Dates: May 23 – June 29, 2022 *Some dates are excluded.
Shop: https://www.jrtours.co.jp/plan/shizuoka/yurucamp/Official Site: https://www.jrtours.co.jp/
-
The EMOCAL project aims to support small-town areas of Japan. As a new initiative in the project, specific soundscapes only found in certain areas of the country have been combined with music to create some unique tracks. A selection of musical artists have collaborated with the project to bring these songs to life!
EMOCAL was created by ZOWA’s original label, CatchyStuck. The project supports local regions and communities by using ASMR soundscape videos recorded in each region to convey their particular charms to all of Japan. The sounds recorded in each place are considered to be very valuable and are intended to serve two purposes: to bring tourism back after the pandemic and to provide fans of ASMR a way to experience these areas from afar.
Check out each of these unique ambient tracks created by four up-and-coming musicians! Each song is available on viviON’s ASMR platform ZOWA and on Spotify.Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture / Ikkyuu x Hige Driver, I Love Ikkyuu
Beard Driver created this ambient track with sounds recorded inside of Ikkyuu, a ramen shop.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20019
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1RP4RcpJwMrFzoYQbnfDYm?si=f1f1e816adb14db0
Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture / Miyuki no Hama x Powerless, Seiren
Powerless created this track, inspired by the sounds of waves crashing at Miyuki no Hama, a seaside recreation area 20 minutes from Odawara Station.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20016
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5DkQ9FeM7jQBacUf7Nbuxc?si=c7d771e73ddd44b6Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture / Wasabi Field x baker, On the silent hill
Utogi in Shizuoka city is surrounded by incredible nature. Known as the birthplace of wasabi cultivation, baker used sounds recorded in the area to create this ambient track.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20017
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0oIU4x7MjVKmpouRwEPaXZ?si=04dcb805cea540b7Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture / Cape Tara x SeA0, Akushu
Cape Tara is a popular spot featuring an 800-meter-long sandbar at low tide. The sounds captured here were used by artist SeA0, and this track is sure to make you miss the water.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20018
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1Utz5j0oB4GmSDOMVdUcXU?si=eafa1949b3ea44d0
