Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru, a hot-spring hotel located in Owani, Aomori Prefecture, will hold a special snow and sake event from February 1 until February 28, 2022. Hotel guests will be invited to enjoy drinks before dinner with a special winter twist–under a kamakura! A kamakura is the Japanese equivalent of an igloo, and local sake will be cooled by the snow as guests enjoy a glass while taking in the gorgeous scenery.

Famed author Osamu Dazai described the seven types of snowfall found in the Tsugaru region in his work Tsugaru. To allow visits to enjoy the many different types of snow in Aomori, seven unique sakes will be prepared and depending on the snowfall each day, the sake guests are served will change. This unique experience is sure to leave an impression. Who would you like to bring along?

 

Tsugaru Snow Lanterns

Seven lanterns designed by Iemasa Yamahata will be placed on the inside of the kamakura. Each has a different color and pattern and each is based on one of the seven types of snow: powdery snow, large snowflakes, grainy snow, watery snow, granular snow, sleet,  and crusted snow.

Hoshino Resort Aomoriya, an inn where visitors are invited to fully enjoy Aomori’s culture, will begin its Hanami Kotatsu event from April 1 until May 31, 2022. Guests can enjoy local sake while warming themselves beneath a cozy kotatsu. In the chilly Aomori spring, a kotatsu) will be set up beneath the blooming trees for visitors to comfortably view the cherry blossoms. Hot-water bottles will also be available for rent if guests can a little too cold!

 

April in Aomori is spring according to the calendar, but it’s still quite chilly. Nevertheless, the people of Aomori look forward to flower viewing to overcome the cold winter and enjoy the long-awaited arrival of spring.

 

Three Fun Additions to Make Cherry Blossom Viewing More Fun

1  A Traditional Umbrella with a Sakura Pattern

Next to each kotatsu is a row of Japanese umbrellas with cherry blossoms painted on them, spreading the pink cherry blossom imagery all around. When opened, the umbrellas are covered with cherry blossoms, making you feel as if you are under the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

 

2 Choose a Local Sake and Sake Cups for a Flower Viewing Sake Tower

Choose your favorite local sake and three sake cups to make a sake tower! Guests can choose from 10 Aomori sake brands, each with unique aromas and flavors. 

 

3 Cherry Blossom Patterned Cotton-Filled Hot Water Bottle for Extra Warmth

To keep extra warm beneath the kotatsu, a cotton blanket with a cherry blossom pattern and a hot-water bottle are available for rent. Doesn’t it sound heavenly?

UNITED ARROWS has released its first craft beer in collaboration with Be Easy Brewing, located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. The brew is available at the UNITED ARROWS BOTTLE SHOP, which sells select alcoholic beverages from both Japan and abroad. ‘Apple Pie Ala Mode’ went on sale starting January 2 at the UA BAR on the first floor of the UNITED ARROWS Harajuku flagship store, H BEAUTY AND YOUTH, and the California General Store. 

 

Be Easy Brewing offers a selection of unique and constantly changing beers using ingredients found in Aomori like apples, strawberries and Tsugaru rice. From IPAs to wheat ales, the company is always experimenting with different styles. This strange collaboration was born after UNITED ARROWS expressed a fascination with the high quality and incredible taste of Be Easy Brewing’s beers.

 

‘Apple Pie Ala Mode’ is a Berliner Weisse with a slightly sour taste combining apple juice, cinnamon, and vanilla. 

BEAMS Japan has collaborated with 13 businesses to develop nearly 100 unique products to highlight the wonders of Aomori Prefecture. Under the title ‘BEAMS EYE on AOMORI,’ these products are now available to purchase from the BEAMS Official Online Store. They will be available at the BEAMS Japan shop in Shinjuku starting January 19, 2022. 

 

BEAMS EYE on AOMORI Products at a Glance

BEAMS Japan travelled to Aomori to search for inspiration and to learn more about the prefecture famous for its blue skies and apple orchards. The areas rich nature and traditions come to life in this new line of merchandise, so why not enjoy some of these products for yourself?

The ‘Inaichō General Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization,’ a group striving for regional revitalization, has announced that the Oirase Gorge Ice Falls Tour will be available to tourists between December 17 2021 and March 6 2022. This will be the fifth year of the tour, which was first held in 2017. 

 

Winter Oirase Waterfall Night Tour© Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization

 

Winter Oirase Nature Guided Tour© Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization

 

 

The Oirase Gorge, which stretches for 14km between Lake Towada and Yakeyama, lies between Aomori and Akita prefecture. The gorge is located in Towada Hachimantai National Park and has been designated a protected area.

During Winter, the mountaintop waterfalls freeze over and become powerful icefalls, decorated with icicles. Time seems to stop as the river stops flowing and the area becomes still. On this bus tour you can enjoy the silvery-white Oirase scenery during the day, or be awed by the illuminated icefall and icicles at night. 

 

During the Night Tour, a dedicated light car runs alongside the bus to light up five spots along the Oirase Gorge, including the gorge icicles and the icefall itself. Each viewing spot has been carefully produced, using changing colors and lighting to set the scene.

 

Why not visit this beautiful icy scene, which can only be enjoyed in Winter? 

 

Japanese anime, game, and hobby merch site CharaAni released a new collection of Sakura Miku merchandise on Monday in collaboration with the Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri 2021 festival.

 

Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri 2021 x Sakura Miku Line-Up

Folders | ¥450 Each (Tax Included)

 

Tapestries | ¥3,500 Each (Tax Included)

Acrylic Stands | ¥1,500 Each (Tax Included)

Holographic Pins | ¥550 Each (Tax Included) *Blind box, designs are random

Reversible Blankets | ¥5,500 Each (Tax Included)

Scarf Towel (Art by iXima) | ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

Happi (Art by iXima) | ¥6,000 (Tax Included)

Hand Towel (Art by Mamo) | ¥1,000 (Tax Included)

Motel Key Ring (Art by iXima) | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

Teacups | ¥1,700 Each (Tax Included)

Flat Pouch (Art by iXima & Mamo) | ¥2,500 (Tax Included)

Drum Bag (Art by iXima) | ¥6,500 (Tax Included)

Full Graphic T-Shirt (Art by Morichika) | ¥5,500 (Tax Included)

Full Graphic Zipper Hoodie (Art by Hechima) | ¥9,900 (Tax Included)

Fashion Mask (Art by iXima) | ¥2,200 (Tax Included)

Desk Mat (Art by iXima) | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

Shitakawa Rayaki Dove Whistle | ¥2,200 (Tax Included)

Music Box: “Haru o Matsu Hito” – PolyphonicBranch feat. Hatsune Miku

The Sakura Miku x Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri 2021 collection invites on board four artists: iXima, Mamo, Hechima, and Morichika who have created original artwork for the line-up. The items can be bought both at the festival and online.

 

The collection also includes Sakura Miku-inspired dove whistles made by Shitakawa Rayaki Tsuchi Ningyo, a clay doll company that has been around for over 200 years. The company began in the latter half of the Edo Period when Takaya Kanegura, who had learned how to make ceramics in the town of Chikuzen in Fukuoka, was employed by the Hirosaki Domain to build a furnace.

 

Miku fans can also get their hands on a music box which features an original song created for the festival called Haru o Matsu Hito (“Person Waiting For Spring”). It features artwork by iXima.

 

Art by iXima / Mamo / へちま / もりちか © Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net

If you’re looking to experience Aomori’s culture, then Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya is the hotel to stay at. Every year throughout the year the accommodation hosts many festivals. This summer, guests can look forward to the Goldfish Festival which will run from June 1 to August 31. Inspired by local tradition, the hotel will be decorated with paper goldfish floats—including one towering 3-meters tall—known as kingyo nebuta or kingyo neputa in Japanese. Shaved ice will also be served to help guests cool off.

 

Kingyo Nebuta goldfish floats, a summer tradition of Aomori

Aomori is synonymous with its myriad of goldfish festivals. The must-have decoration at these festivals are their goldfish floats which are lit up in the evenings. Their origin lies in the tsugaru-nishiki, a species of goldfish found only in Aomori’s city of Tsugaru. People revered them back in the day and so created the floats to showcase that. They are a symbol of summertime Aomori and adored by locals and tourists alike.

 

Kingyo Sukui Yatai: Challenge yourself to Japanese festival goldfish scooping

A new stall arrives at Hoshino Resorts’ Goldfish Festival this year: the classic Japanese goldfish scooping experience, a common sight at summer festivals. The goldfish you catch can be ‘rented’ and taken to your hotel room. Guests have to meet certain requirements if they want to be able to take the fish home with them. The staff look after the fish every day so guests can rest assured they are treated well. Goldfish scooping will be held with social distancing measures in place, with only one group allowed in the stall per turn.

 

 

4 Exciting Things to Look Forward to

Surrounded by over 450 ningyo neputa goldfish floats

 

Goldfish ice cream made in the form of traditional Japanese amezaiku candy art

Time: 19:00-22:00

Where: Yottemare Sake Bar

Price: ¥900 (Before Tax)

 

Take your scooped fish to your hotel room

 

Time: 16:00-21:00

Where: Jawamegu Plaza

Price: ¥500 (Before Tax)

Includes: 2-3 fish, fishbowl, air pump

 

Over 30 summer yukata to pick from with goldfish designs

 

Time: 15:00-20:00

Where: Jawamegu Plaza

Price: Adults ¥500 / Kids ¥300 (Before Tax)

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is littered with countless leafy spots to enjoy the autumn colours. Here’s a list of must-visit, little-known good spots in the city that enjoy all the visual treats of the seasonal, all of which are carrying out proper social distancing and anti-COVID-19 measures.

 

Forgot about the time and enjoy the scenery with few people around

 

Soak up autumn with a boat ride | Hozugawa River in Kameoka

Ride the Hozugawa River along the 16km valley from Kameoka to Arashiyama. The autumn spectacle in this area is a grand sight to behold. Visitors can enjoy two hours along the valley stretch with the colours of the maple trees reflected off the water’s surface, allowing them to fall into nature and forget their stresses for a while.

 

Hozugawa River
Peak Autumn Time: Mid November – Early December
Address: Shimonakajima-2 Hozucho, Kameoka, Kyoto
Boat Times: 09:00-15:00 (Changes depending on season)
Price: Adults ¥4,100 / Children ¥2,700
TEL: 0771-22-5846 (Hozukawa River Boat Service)
Official Website: https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/

 

Shrouded amongst it all | Kuwayama Shrine in Kameoka

Planed on the grounds of Kuwayama Shrine are around 1,000 individual trees which give rise to vivid colours during autumn. Since the shrine is located among the mountains, the site enjoys an earlier bloom than other parts of Kyoto, with trees blossoming from early to mid November.

 

Kuwayama Shrine
Peak Autumn Time: Early to Mid November
Address: Kamigaichi-22-2 Kamiyadacho, Kameoka, Kyoto
Viewing Times: Any time
Price: ¥300
TEL: 0771-22-1023
Official Website: http://www.kuwayama-jinjya.jp/

 

Walk the autumn carpet | Komyo-ji in Nagaokakyo

Komyo-ji Temple, also known as Autumn Colour Temple (Momiji-ji), is famous for being the head temple of Seizan Pure Land Buddhism. Easily accessible from the city proper, the temple site is home to hundreds of towering trees which dye the area vibrant reds and yellows around this time. One of the main paths at the temple in particular has been nicknamed Autumn Colour Road (Momiji Sando) as the overhead trees and fallen leaves on the ground create a tunnel and carpet of brilliant colour.

 

Komyo-ji
Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November
Address: 26-1 Aosaijonai, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto
Viewing Times: 9:00-16:00
Price: ¥500 (Free outside autumn season)
TEL: 075-955-0002
Official Website: http://www.komyo-ji.or.jp/

 

Thousands of fiery trees burn red and yellow | Kongoin in Maizuru

Kongoin is famous for its autumn scenery and is nicknamed Autumn Temple of Tango. The temple is home to thousands of maple trees all of various ages from decades to hundreds of years old. It faces Kahara Park which itself boasts incredible autumnal sights and is also home to a 3-storied pagoda which makes for a picturesque snapshot together with the trees.

 

Kongoin
Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November
Address: 595 Kawara, Maizuru, Kyoto
Viewing Times: 09:00-17:00
Price: ¥300
TEL: 0773-62-1180
Official Website: http://www.maizuru-kanko.net/spot/sightseeing/kongoin.php

 

Contrasting beauty of red maples and ordinary greens | Omoto Shinen in Ayabe

Omoto Shinen is a popular sightseeing spot in Ayabe, home to several must-sees including a wooden structure called “The Palace of Eternal Life,” the Konohana-an building which is listed as an Important Cultural Property, and more. Its expansive grounds are also home to a garden where the autumn colours collide with the greens of ordinary trees, creating a beautiful contrast.

 

Omoto Shinen
Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November
Address: 1-1 Hongucho, Ayabe, Kyoto
Viewing Times: 09:30-16:30
Price: Free
TEL: 0773-42-0187
Official Website: https://www.ayabe-kankou.net/spot/omotoshinen/

 

A magical scene at an Important Cultural Property | Gansen-ji Temple in Kizugawa

Gansen-ji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple that was built in 729. It’s home to a three-storied pagoda which is is a registered Important Cultural Property which nestles amongst the trees. If you visit the temple this year by November 30, you will be treated to a very rare look at one of its treasures which is normally closed to the public.

 

Gasen-ji
Peak Autumn Time: Mid November – Early December
Address: Kaminomon-43 Kamocho Iwafune, Kizugawa, Kyoto
Viewing Times: 08:30-17:00 (09:00-16:00 from December to February)
Price: Adults ¥500 / Junior High School Students ¥400 / Elementary School Students ¥200
TEL: 0774-76-3390
Official Website: http://gansenji.or.jp/

 

The garden of special scenic beauty | Joruri-ji Temple in Kizugawa

Joruri-ji is a temple of the Shingo Ritsu school of Buddism. It’s also home to a famous garden which is listed as a Place of Special Scenic Beauty. The vibrancy of the reds trees is truly an overwhelming delight to the eyes which is enhanced by the bright-red three-storied pagoda.

 

Joruri-ji Temple
Peak Viewing Time: Mid to Late November
Address: Futaba-40 Kamocho Nishio, Kizugawa, Kyoto
Viewing Times: 09:00-17:00 (Last Entries 16:00)
Price: Adults ¥400 / Children – Free
TEL: 0774-76-2390
Official Website: http://0774.or.jp/temple/jyoruriji.html

 

Red and yellow hue fusion | Choanji in Fukuchiyama

Choanji’s autumn colours make for a truly staggering experience as the dazzling reds and yellows complement each other. There’s a 600-year-old tree in near the temple which throws in another huge chunk of yellow to the red dye of the temple grounds.

 

Choanji
Peak Autumn Time: Early to Mid November
Address: 577 Okunobe, Fukuchiyama, Kyoto
Viewing Times: 09:00-16:30
Price: Adults ¥300 / Children ¥100
TEL: 0773-22-8768
Official Website: http://www.chouanji.jp

 

Evening illuminations for a late-night autumn experience

 

Breathtaking in the day or night | Nariaji Temple in Miyazu

Nariaji is an ancient temple huddle among mountains that overlook Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views. The five-storied pagoda there is an example of Kamakura Period architecture and offers an unmissable view together with the hundreds of trees during autumn. On November 14 and 15, the area will be lit up in the evenings.

 

Nariaji
Peak Autumn Time: Early to Late November
Light Up Times: 17:20-21:00 (Regular viewing times are 08:00-16:30)
Address: 339 Nariaji, Miyazu, Kyoto
Price: Adults ¥500
TEL: 0772-27-0018
Official Website: http://www.nariaiji.jp/

 

Autumn reflected on the water | Keihanna Commemorative Park in Soraku

Keihanna Commemorative Park is split into several areas such as the Suikei-en (Japanese garden) and Mebuki-no-Mori (Budding Tree Forest). There’s also the Momijiya, a garden designed in a valley where maple trees grow. Talking a stroll along the bridge and looking down at the 80 trees in their autumnal garbs reflecting off the water surface is a sight to not be missed. especially at night when the lights are turned on.

 

Keihanna Commemorative Park 

Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November

Light-Up Period: Fridays, weekends, and holidays from November 3, 2020 – November 29, 2020

Light-Up Time: Sunset to 21:00 (Last Entries 20:30)

Address: 6-1 Seikadai, Seika, Soraku District, Kyoto

Price: Adults ¥200 / Children ¥100
TEL: 0774-93-1200
Official Website: https://keihanna-park.net/

Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park is set to host an autumn illumination event from November 14 to 29 where around 500 individual trees of 20 species will be lit up with beautiful lights. The best time to see the park’s autumn colours is dated at November 20.

Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park opened as Japan’s first national government park in 1974. This enormous park spans 5km between its north and south entrances. It’s home to many fun family activities including trampolines, an athletic course, and more. It also offers gorgeous natural scenery throughout the year.

 

500 maple trees lit up at night

The park will be open in the evenings for this event when red, yellow, and orange maple trees will be illuminated in breathtaking lights. There will also be art installation illuminations for visitors to enjoy too.

There’s no better way to embrace autumn in Japan than to take a relaxing stroll in the autumn leaves. There are so many spots around Tokyo where the autumn leaves make for a breathtaking sight you just can’t miss. Today we’ll be introducing you to six spots around Chiyoda Ward which would make for the perfect autumn stroll.

 

Hibiya Park

The 160,000㎡ park is home to maidenhair trees, Japanese maple trees and flowering dogwood. When autumn arrives, the park turns a yellow and red tinge. There is a spectacular row of maidenhair trees in the shape of an “S” which extends from the side of the tennis court near Kasumigaseki. Make sure to also visit Kumogata Pond where the red and yellow leaves reflect off the water’s surface with a relaxing effect.

 

Address: Hibiya Park 1-6, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

 

Yasukuni Shrine

Enter through the shrine’s main gate known as Ōtorii and continue down the path to the main shrine. The 240 metre-long path is lined with beautiful maidenhair trees and stone lanterns, creating a gentle amber path for you to follow. Make sure to visit Kamiike Garden located at the back of the main shrine for a breathtaking scenery of autumn leaves.

 

Address: 3-1-1, Kudankita, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

 

National Diet Building

The eight-lane road facing the National Diet Building is lined with graceful maidenhair trees in perfect symmetry. Enjoy a peaceful stroll around the garden joined to the National Diet Building which is filled with a variety of species of trees. The park changes colour from season to season.

 

Address: Nagatachō 1 Chōme, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

 

Gyōkō-dōri Avenue

This road connects the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station. It represents the gateway to Japan and its rich history and culture. The road is pedestrian-friendly and is lined with an abundance of trees. As autumn falls, the trees turn to yellow and amber, brightening the streets with warm colours.

 

Address: Kokyogaien, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

 

Kitanomaru Park

This park is located among the Edo Castle ruins. The west side of the garden is home to a large area of Japanese Maple trees of different varieties. The autumn leaves pile so high that it was nicknamed the “Momiji-yama” (mountain of autumn leaves). At the peak of autumn, the scenery makes for one of the most beautiful spots in Tokyo.

 

Address: Kitanomaru Park 1-1, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

 

Shimizudani Park

Shimizudani Park is a breath of fresh air hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of busy Tokyo life. You can reach it in just a three-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station or a five-minute walk from Nagatachō station. The bright red maidenhair leaves create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation. The park is also home to Ōkubo Toshimichi Memorial which celebrates the life of Ōkubo Toshimichi – a great samurai from the 1800s who is regarded as one of the main founders of modern Japan.

 

Address: Kioicho 2-1, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

 

If you’re in Tokyo and need a break from busy city life, head to one of these spots to put your mind at ease.

The marvel that is the 375m-long Ryujinotsuri Bridge in Ibaraki, is a must-see this autumn season as maple trees, sawtooth oaks, and other autumnal spectacles dye the area in breathtaking reds from mid to late November.

 

Ryujinotsuri Bridge: Japan’s biggest suspension bridge

Ryujinotsuri Bridge is located in Okukujichanosato Park in Ibaraki Prefecture’s city of Hitachiota. From atop the towering bridge one can overlook at the expansive gorge 100m down below where the misty Ryujin Lake flows. Trees stretch to a horizon in this incredible breathtaking environment, offering beautiful vistas throughout all four seasons.

 

Bungee jump over Ryujin Lake

Ryujinotsuri Bridge is the biggest suspension bridge in Japan, and so of course it has to offer something special to visitors. And that would be bungee jumping which is sure to excite thrill-seekers travelling to Japan.

 

Outdoor activities galore

Visitors can enjoy the surrounding nature by taking a canoe or boat on top of Ryujin Lake.

 

BBQ and camping facilities

There are also BBQ and camping facilities in the area for people to enjoy the outdoors and see the stars at night.

 

A full hiking autumn experience at Ryujinotsuri

There are several hiking courses on offer that cater to both beginners and pros. Get close with nature and see the autumn colours, hear the birds sing, and breathe in that fresh air.

The Fujikawaguchiko Tourism Association will host this year’s Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, which will be the 22nd run, to help support the tourism industry in the northern region of Fuji which has seen a great impact as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

With much less people travelling to Japan during the pandemic, and the virus having continued for a long time, the Fujikawaguchiko Tourism Association is instead focusing on travellers within the country by hosting various events that can be enjoyed at Fujikawaguchiko.

 

All the necessary precautions will be taken at this year’s festival, including taking people’s temperature upon arrival, the mandatory wearing of face masks, alcohol gel being available at the site, and more. This will protects not only the locals but sightseers too, and so cooperation is being asked of everyone visiting.

At this year’s festival, visitors can look forward to the popular Momiji Tunnel of maple trees which will be lit up at sunset until 10:00pm. The beautiful autumn colours can be enjoyed with Mount Fuji in the background. There will also be food, souvenirs, and a variety of activities to be enjoyed.

The Momiji Tunnel is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Yamanashi during autumn and is nothing less than Instagram-worthy.