Universal Studios Japan, Sanrio Puroland and Tokyo Disney Resort are packed full of Christmas events for this year’s holiday season. Let’s take a look at what’s going on at each park right now.
Universal Studios Japan – “Universal Wonder Christmas”
Universal Studios Japan has added a new daytime program titled Yellow Christmas to its “Universal Wonder Christmas” winter event which is running until January 6, 2019.
The main event of Yellow Christmas is seeing the cheeky Minions from the Despicable Me film franchise come together for the Minion Hacha Mecha Christmas Party. This party is bigger, better and crazier than last year’s hugely successful run. Expect to see Minions donning Christmas attire as well as appearances from Gru and Santa Claus. Yellow balloons float across the event and bubbles are blown as everyone comes together for festive merry making. The event finale sees Minion-yellow confetti shoot across the whole area. The decorations give rise to a completely new kind of Christmas aesthetic from the usual red and green combination. Embrace your inner Minion!
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Meccha Minion! Yellow Christmas
Running: November 9, 2018 – January 6, 2019
Location: Universal Studios Japan
Event Page: https://www.usj.co.jp/christmas2018/minion/
Sanrio Puroland – “Puro Christmas”
Sanrio Puroland’s white Christmas-themed event “Puro Christmas” is currently being held up until Christmas Day.
“The Puro Christmas” is a brand new musical that has arrived at the park to warm the hearts of its guests this Christmas. It will is centred around Hello Kitty and the Little Twin Stars (Kiki and Lala) who are joined by some other familiar Sanrio faces. The show contains lots of Christmas songs, and guests are pulled into a winter wonderland as gorgeous flurries of snow fall before them.
Magical Snow is a new attraction at the park made in collaboration with NAKED that is running for a limited time only. It takes place at Kiki & Lala Twinkling Tour, an attraction based on the Yume Star-Cloud where Kiki and Lala were born. The attraction has been turned into a snowy world for this Christmas only.
Enjoy Christmas as you never have before this year at Sanrio Puroland.
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Puro Christmas
Running: November 9, 2018 – December 25, 2018
Event Page: https://www.puroland.jp/2018_christmas/
©1976,1996,2001,2009,2018 SANRIO CO.,LTD.
NAKED Inc. Official Website: http://naked-inc.com
Tokyo Disney Resort – “Disney Christmas”
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are now hosting a special Christmas event this year which is running up to December 25.
Tokyo Disneyland is celebrating its 35th anniversary this Christmas. At Celebration Street, which is open at the park’s World Bazaar to commemorate 35 years, it is holding a very special performance you can only see during this holiday period. Christmas music, visuals and lights carry the Christmas spirit through the bazaar centred around Celebration Tower which is decorated in all the colours of Christmas. And for the first time ever, this year sees a Christmas tree behind Cinderalla’s castle with the 35th anniversary logo on it.
Over at Tokyo DisneySea they are hosting a range of festive events. This includes the new daytime harbor show “It’s Christmas Time” at the Mediterranean Harbor which sees Mickey Mouse and friends together with tap dancers and line dancers backed by breathtaking singers.
There are plenty of other Christmas themed events at the park too for the whole family to enjoy to be sure to check out their website.
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Tokyo Disney Resort “Disney Christmas”
Running: November 8, 2018 – December 25, 2018
Tokyo Disneyland Christmas 2018: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tdl/event/detail/tdl_christmas2018/
Tokyo DisneySea Christmas 2018: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tds/event/detail/tds_christmas2018/
Which of these theme parks do you want to spend your Christmas at the most?
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ARK HILLS CHRISTMAS 2018 is set to take place at Ark Hills in Akasaka, Tokyo from November 16 to December 25.
This year's theme is "‘EVERGREEN’ Christmas for ARK HILLS." The building complex's Ark Canyon plaza will be home to a 7 meter tall fir Christmas tree which will give off the beautiful scent of fir. The tree was grown over several years in Tokachi District by Tokachi Santaland Tree. After the event it will be used again by Toride Art Project in Toride, Ibaraki. Other Christmas decorations include countless lights strung up in the building, and in the coridoor next to hose mini trees and ice lights. A weekend Christmas market will also run for four weeks starting from the end of November where you can get your hands on a range of miscellaneous items and food. There will also be a Christmas workshop where you can make ornaments and wreaths, and they'll even be selling fir trees. Winter at Ark Hills this year will give rise to an authentic evergreen Christmas as celebrated in Europe. Information
ARK HILLS CHRISTMAS 2018
Location: Ark Hills, Ark Canyon Plaza / Ark Hills South Tower Sunken Garden, Ark Kitchen
Running: November 16, 2018 – December 25, 2018
Time: 16:00-23:00 (subject to change)
Website: http://www.arkhills.com/events/2017/11/003106.html
Akasaki Nomi no Ichi in ARK HILLS ~Evergreen Christmas Market~
Time/Dates:
November 25 @ 11:00-17:00
December 9 @ 11:00-16:00
*Taking place at Ark Canyon Plaza
Hills Market in ARK HILLS ~Christmas Market~
Get your hands on local vegetables and fruit to make the perfect Christmas dinner. There will also be rare wines and sweets, miscellaneous items and more which will make for perfect presents or an addition to parties.
Time/Dates:
December 1 – December 15 @ 10:00-14:00
December 14 @ 11:00-19:00
*Taking place at Ark Canyon Plaza
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P&G released the new Dual-Active Oil Serum from Pantene's Miracle series in Japan on September 15. In line with the release, the company are currently holding a project entitled Ren'ai Hikiyose Project which says that "trust your feelings and miracles will happen." The 6th installation of the project is the new Pantene Miracles Xmas Ribbon Tree, an event that will consolidate the vision of the Miracle line. It will run from November 19 to December 25.
The feat of this Christmas tree is that the colours change in line with two people's pulse. Those who visit the tree will also be given a commemorative photo taken from an angle you wouldn't be able to take yourself. There will also be a booth where you can have your hair styled for Christmas by a hair stylist as well as a range of other boots. Special guests will also be in attendance. Information
Ren’ai Hikiyose Project
Running: November 19, 2018 – December 25, 2018
Location: Tokyo Midtown, 1F Plaza, Canopy Square -
Christmastime is coming to Ginza's biggest shopping complex GINZA SIX this year with an event that translates to GINZA SIX CHRISTMAS 2018 "Fantastic Gift": The Tale of the Kingdom of Winter and the Kingdom of Summer. It will run from November 12 to December 25.
Photo by Imagen Subliminal (Miguel de Guzman + Rocio Romero)
Christmas art by French artist Nicolas Buffe will be used for the event, with a huge piece being displayed in GINZA SIX's symbolic open space that runs down the center of the building as well as at the front entrance facing Ginza Chuo-dori Street, the show window on floor B2F and elsewhere. There will also be an immersive piece that makes use of the latest cutting-edge AR technology.A "tale" is always at the core of Buffe's work, the charming visuals of which pull both kids and adults alike into their unique worlds. The theme of this year's tale is "gift." The Kingdom of Summer and the Kingdom of Winter are both at their wits' end trying to solve problems caused by both of their children. To resolve the quandary the two countries, they both send gifts to each child. To open up the cold heart of the princess of the Kingdom of Winter, she is sent the Kingdom of Summer's elephant of light. To calm the hot-tempered prince of the Kingdom of Summer, he is sent some refreshing ice cream. Both countries are met with peace as a result. The radiating elephant that appears in the story will also appear in the middle of GINZA SIX as a huge 4 meter plus art piece. Drones will be used to create a flying scene. At various locations including the front entrance an app can be downloaded and used which when put up to different art pieces will make use of AR tech. A range of items made in collaboration with Buffe will also be sold including tote bags featuring characters from the tale, four different ice candies based on the countries and more. There will be plenty of things perfect to pick as a present for someone. ・Ginza Tsutaya Books (Floor 6F): From December 1, 2018 - TBA ・SIXIÈME GINZA (Floor 2F): From November 28, 2018 - February 28, 2019 ・PALETAS (Floor B2F): From November 12, 2018 - February 24, 2019 ・PHILIPPE CONTICINI (Floor B2F): Date TBA Spend a fantastical Christmas at GINZA SIX where the season for giving will be played out in the form of Nicolas Buffe's newest creation. Information
GINZA SIX CHRISTMAS 2018 “Fantastic Gift”: The Tale of the Kingdom of Winter and the Kingdom of Summer
Running: November 12, 2018 – December 25, 2018
*Art installation in the middle of GINZA SIX scheduled to stay until late February 2019.
Bonuses
①Those who spend ¥3,000 or more including tax can receive a free cube ice cream from PALETAS on floor B2F of GINZA SIX. Available on a first-come, first-served basis. One per person.
②Those who arrive at GINZA SIZ will receive a balloon of the radiating elephant. Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Running: December 15, 16, 22, 23 and 24 from 12:00-17:00
GINZA SIX
Address: 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Shops/Cafes (B2F-5F) 10:30-20:30 / Restaurants (6F, 13F) 11:00-23:00
*Business hours differ from shop to shop.
No Fixed Holidays.
Access: Directly connected to Ginza Station via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line and Hibiya Line.
TEL: 03-6891-3390
Website: http://ginza6.tokyo/
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The Mine City Tourism Association has announced a Christmas & Valentine’s Day event at Akiyoshido Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan. The event will see the natural wonder illuminated by a number of colorful lights. The Christmas event will run from December 21 to 25, 2022, while the Valentine’s Day event will run from February 10 to 14, 2023. Akiyoshido Cave is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions. The interior will be decorated with colorful lights and unique soundscapes, creating a once-in-a-lifetime setting for visitors. These illuminations and sounds were directed by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, known for her work on Tokyo Tower and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.
Information
Christmas & Valentine Theater ~ Akiyoshido Cave ‘Fantasy of Light and Echoes’
Dates:
Christmas Theater: December 21 – December 25, 2022
Valentine Theater: February 10 – February 14, 2023
Times: (1) 10:00-11:00 (2) 12:00-13:00 (3) 14:00-15:00
3 events per dayVenue:
Akiyoshido Cave, Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Mine, YamaguchiTickets/Details: https://karusuto.com/event/christmas-valentine-theater-2022/
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Eve has announced a special YouTube LIVE scheduled to take place on December 24 at 19:00. The stream will take place on the artist’s official YouTube channel and those with YouTube Premium memberships will be able to take place in an Afterparty starting at 19:30. Starting at 19:00 on Christmas Eve, fans can enjoy a rare live studio performance complete with a full band. The Afterparty will include a special chat with Eve in which the artist reflects on the past year and gives hints on what’s to come. Fans won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity!
Information
Christmas EVE Live on YouTube
Supported by YouTube | SoftBank
Streaming December 24 at 19:00~
Streaming URL: https://youtube.com/live/SX34pDlkGrQ
Christmas EVE YouTube Premium Afterparty
Supported by YouTube | SoftBank
Streaming December 24 at 19:30~
Streaming URL: https://youtube.com/live/xnpUGzqKjU4
*YouTube Premium Required to Join the Afterparty
https://www.youtube.com/premium
Official Site: https://eveofficial.com/
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SPYxFAMILY continues to take the world by storm. In 2023, fans will be able to test their skills as part of the Forger family at Universal Studios Japan! From February 17 until July 2, the SPYxFAMILY Secret Mission will be underway at the Osaka location. Guests will need to decipher a mysterious code to take part in an immersive experience with the popular characters. SPYxFAMILY is the fastest-selling comic in the history of Shonen Jump. It ranked in the top spot in the animation category of the Yahoo! Search Awards 2022, pulling in audiences with its blend of hard-hitting action and sweet family comedy. This special attraction is the first-ever interactive experience inspired by the series. Guests can enjoy two separate instances: a puzzle-solving rally taking place at different locations around the park, and a live show that only those completing the rally can enjoy. During the rally, guests will act as rookie WISE agents as they decipher mysterious codes around the park. Of course, fans can expect to see Loid, Yor, and Anya while on their mission! ※1 The first-ever puzzle-solving rally & live show in the history of the series!※2 Shonen Jump+, which began publishing the series in 2014, has announced that for the first time in its history, the total number of copies sold, including digital copies, has exceeded 10 million as of the release of the seventh volume.※3 SPYxFAMILY won first place in the animation category of the Yahoo! Search Awards 2022, seeing a sharp increase from the previous year.
SPY x FAMILY Secret Mission - Attraction Details
The SPYxFAMILY Secret Mission will allow fans of the hit series to step into the shoes of a WISE agent as they seek to unravel a mystery at Universal Studios Japan! Guests will take on a top-secret mission with the Forger family as a new WISE agent connected to Operation Strix. Using their wits, they must decipher a series of codes hidden around the park. Successful spies will be granted a top-priority mission from Loid to participate in a live show featuring all three members of the beloved family. Come enjoy the world of SPYxFAMILY at Universal Studios Japan in 2023! ©遠藤達哉／集英社・SPY×FAMILY製作委員会原作／青山剛昌｢名探偵コナン｣(小学館｢週刊少年サンデー｣連載中)© 2023 青山剛昌／名探偵コナン製作委員会© SCRAP All Rights Reserved.©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin EntertainmentUniversal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.Information
Universal Cool Japan – SPY x FAMILY Secret Mission
Running: February 17 – July 2, 2023
Venue: Universal Studios Japan, Park-wide
Official Site: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
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There are plenty of events going on in Tokyo to celebrate the holiday season, but this one might be the most peculiar. Elemis, a skincare brand from England, has teamed up with bus operator Upstar for Japan’s first bus tour featuring afternoon tea! This extremely limited event will drive guests around the city to see some of the most impressive Christmas lights in Shibuya, Roppongi, Omotesando, and other spots. Only 60 seats are available each day and the bus will run from December 1 until December 25, 2022.
5 Unique Features of the Elemis Special Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
① Enjoy a Special Christmas Afternoon Tea Menu by ElemisA special Christmas menu will be available on board, including a Santa Claus shortcake and a party popper-inspired sandwich.② Travel on a Bus Filled with Elemis Christmas DecorationsInside the bus, guests can enjoy fir trees and original decorations inspired by the Elemis holiday collection! ③ Best-Selling Elemis Goods will be Gifted to Guests!Guests will receive a trial size of Elemis’ best-selling Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm as a Christmas present! ④ A Special Gift Campaign will run from November 15 until December 25Prior to the start of the bus tour, a campaign will be held on Instagram and Twitter. Winners will snag tickets for the bus tour and an Elemis makeup set worth over $12,000! ⑤ Travel on a Special Route to Enjoy Tokyo’s Christmas Lights!The bus tour will take visitors to some of Tokyo’s best Christmas locales, from Shibuya and Omotesando to Keyakizaka and Roppongi. The 90-minute journey starts and ends in Omotesando. How would you like to enjoy Tokyo’s Christmas lights on a British bus enjoying some of the best beauty products on Earth? Get into the holiday spirit with this unusual and unique tour! Information
Elemis Christmas Afternoon Tea
Running: December 1 – December 25, 2022 *Not running December 12, 13
Times:
1st Service / 15:00~16:30
2nd Service / 17:00-18:30
3rd Service / 19:00-20:30Length: 90 minutes
Departure Point: In front of the Shioda Building (5-10 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Price: ¥6,800 (Adults, Tax Included) / ¥3,000 (Children, Tax Included)
Reservations: https://www.upstar-londonbus-travellingnewtokyo.com/booking
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Over the past few decades, Star Wars has become one of the most beloved properties with fans around the world. Grogu, known by many fans as Baby Yoda, first appeared in The Mandalorian, a series on Disney+ currently celebrating its third anniversary. With his mysterious background and incredible use of the Force, the tiny and adorable character became a hit with fans around the world, quickly making him one of the most popular characters in the recent Star Wars series. World-renowned Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli recently produced a short animation starring Grogu and Makkuro Kurosuke, also known as the Wandering Soot or, in the title for the short, Dust Bunnies. The characters first appeared in the film My Neighbor Totoro. Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki have long been friends with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, who readily agreed to produce the short as a symbol of their longstanding friendship. The short was directed by Katsuya Kondo. Will you give this a watch on Disney+? （C）2022 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.（C）2022 Studio Ghibli.
Information
Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies
Streaming: November 12, 2022
Available on Disney+
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The Metaverse event that was a smash hit in 2021 will be returning in 2023! Sanrio Virtual Festival 2023 in Sanrio Puroland, one of the world’s largest music festivals blending both the real and virtual worlds, will be held starting January 13, 2023. A lineup of high-profile performers has been announced, including Airi Suzuki, SKY-HI, Yabai T-Shirts Yasan, and Aoi Fuji. Popular Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi will also appear, and visitors will be able to experience the virtual Puroland by utilizing unique avatars and taking part in a number of exciting events. The 2021 event was incredibly popular, and the 2023 version will increase the duration and amount of content available. To do this, Puroland has joined forces with VRChat, a well-known US company and social platform. Artists, VTubers, and Sanrio characters will perform in a massive space on B5 of Virtual Sanrio Puroland, and fans can enjoy live performances while also communicating with other guests!
Highlights of SANRIO Virtual Festival 2023 in Sanrio Puroland
・Inspired by PURO VILLAGE at Sanrio Puroland, VIRTUAL PURO VILLAGE is now available in the Metaverse!・The popular Sanrio Puroland parade will be performed in the virtual space with an original story! ・Starting January 13, 2023, visitors will be able to chat and play in an open space before the concert, and special events–like radio calisthenics–will be held. ・Guests can enjoy mini concerts featuring Sanrio characters every day from January 14 until January 20 (*Fee required.) The event can be accessed via smartphone, PC, or other devices. Guests can have fun creating their own unique avatars and immersing themselves in the Sanrio Puroland atmosphere no matter where they are! Come experience this state-of-the-art Metaverse space while you can. Experience Mini Live Shows Featuring Popular Sanrio Characters Every Day
A daily mini concert will be held daily from January 14 until January 20 with a different Sanrio character appearing each day. The mini-concert ticket allows guests to watch all seven mini-concerts and also includes digital items to use with your avatar, including a fan and a T-shirt.17 Artists Announced (So Far) to Perform During Virtual Music Festival!
Artists like Airi Suzuki, SKY-HI, and Yabai T-Shirts Yasan will take to the LUNA STAGE (*fee required), with virtual artists including Aoi Fuji appearing on the FUTURE STAGE (*fee required.)Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters will also appear at CHILL PARK, each giving a mini live performance. The second artist lineup and performance timetable will be announced in early December. Free areas will be open to the public. More details and ticket information is available on the official website. Information
SANRIO Virtual Festival 2023 in Sanrio Puroland
Running: January 13 – January 22, 2023
Venue: Virtual Sanrio Puroland
Official Site: https://v-fes.sanrio.co.jp