The Mino region of Gifu is famous for its traditional pottery called Mino Ware, its Gifu lanterns, and much more. Recently, an empty building located in front of Minokamo station in Gifu prefecture was renovated by a company called IDENTITY, who transformed it into a community building called MINGLE. MINGLE is now home to the Japanese tea shop Minokamo Chapo. This tea shop proudly represents the culture of tea and pottery that still remains in the Mino region. In order to share this wonderful culture, they are now offering a new accommodation plan to provide guests with the chance to experience the world of Japanese tea and the rich culture of Mino.

You can also experience tasting and comparing different Japanese teas that are offered by Minokamo Chapo. During your stay, you will also encounter lots of Mino Ware, and be surrounded by a traditional Mino interior decorated with Mino washi paper.

1st floor: Café and Bar

You can order the Japanese tea tasting selection at the counter. This space is used as the Minokamo Chapo tea shop from 11 am to 4 pm on weekends and national holidays.

2nd floor: Rooms

The rooms are approximately 22m². On top of this space, there is also a shower room and toilet in their own separate rooms.

3rd floor: Lounge

This is an area of free space for the guests. There are future plans to decorate this space with paintings and pottery according to the season.

The interior of the guest rooms are also packed with the wonders of the Mino region, so we are going to introduce you to a few of its special features. 

Upon entering your room, you will be greeted by the warm light of an Akari lantern. This is a kind of lantern which is recognized as a traditional craft of Gifu prefecture. This lantern design was created by famous artist Isasmu Noguchi, who named it Akari which means “light”.

In the bathroom, you will spot a few stylish mugs which belong to the brand “3rd-ceramics”.  

 The rooms are affixed with paper sliding doors (shoji) and bear beautiful Mino washi paper that is a traditional turquoise-blue colour. 

This is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional experience like no other. 

Get ready for some spooky fun as Tokyo Disney Resort® transforms for the 52-day-long horrifically exciting Disney Halloween from September 10 to October 31. Head to DisneySea to be captivated by the new harbor show Festival of Mystique, or get spooked out of your skin at the Spooky “Boo!” Parade at Disneyland. Today, we will be revealing the spooky looks of both parks.

Tokyo DisneySea Festival of Mystique Costumes

Working with the main theme of a medieval European halloween, inspiration has been taken from the living creatures and waves at the port town Porto Paradiso. 

Mickey Mouse’s costume inspiration comes from the the bones and scaly body of a sea creature. He will also be seen wearing a broach decorated with beautiful jewels. 

Minnie Mouse’s costume resembles that of a medieval princess. You will see her in a fancy hat that bears beautiful pearls. Her costume is covered in scales on the chest and on the back which really suits her.

Tokyo Disneyland’s Spooky Boo! Parade Costumes

Disney friends have joined forces with a group of spooky spirits. You just can’t miss out on this rare chance to see your favourite Disney characters disguised as ghosts and skeletons. The strange and unusual atmosphere is sure to send a chilling shiver down your spine. 

Mickey and Minnie will be completely refreshing their colourful look. Mickey’s necktie and Minnie’s skirt are very mysterious and particularly intriguing.  Please come check them out!

Enjoy the beautiful costumes and the fun range of events this Halloween at Tokyo Disney Resort.

©️Disney

Tokyo Disney Resort has announced this year’s Disney Christmas which will take place at Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea® from November 8 to December 25. This is the Tokyo DisneySea® event line-up. For the Tokyo Disneyland® schedule, click here.

‘Tis the season to be jolly this year at Tokyo DisneySea, where the Christmas spirit is set to fall and settle like December snow across the park with a fantastic line-up of festive entertainment programs, magical decorations and more. Guests are invited to join the Disney cast in welcoming a very merry Christmas at this year for Disney Christmas 2019.

It’s Christmas Time!

The “It’s Christmas Time!” show returns again this year to Mediterranean Harbor to wrap guests in the Christmas spirit, featuring Mickey Mouse and friends along with singers and dancers who will perform to classic Christmas tunes.

Colour Of Christmas

This magical performance takes place at nighttime on the water at Mediterranean Harbor, featuring a huge 15-meter tall shimmering Christmas tree. Held annually, this will mark the show’s eighth and final run. Disney characters including Mickey will also be present for the performance.

The whole of Mediterranean Harbor will be wrapped in the Christmas spirit, with the huge tree in the centre and little trees all around, and onlookers all with their own wishes for the holiday season. Snow will also fall during the performance to create a romantic atmosphere.

Special Christmas Merchandise

Pouch – ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

Around 65 very special pieces of merchandise will be available for guests to pick up, many themed on the It’s Christmas Time! show. The pouch features the cute scene of Mickey and Minnie line dancing which you will see in the show. The available plush toys also have a Christmas-y gold bell on them. All of these items will be available from November 1.

There will also be adorable Duffy and Friends merchandise to pick up. Some of these items are themed on Cape Cod Village in winter, an area in the park which serves as a greeting spot for Duffy and his friends. These Christmas items will be available from November 6.

Christmas Food & Drink

A festive feast of 15 drinks and dishes will be served for Disney Christmas, from seafood pasta to roast beef sandwiches and more. There will also be a reindeer-inspired dessert as well as alcoholic cocktails and much, much more.

Enjoy a very merry Christmas this year at Tokyo DisneySea.♡

Hakone Yutowa is a new hotel in the town of Gora, Hakone that opened on August 11, 2019. This hotel renovation is aimed at millennials (those in their 20s and earlier 30s) and families, offering various different rooms include your typical hotel-type as well as condos. There are also multiple shared public spaces full of fun and relaxation.

Part of the enjoyment at Hakone Yutowa is getting to walk around the site leisurely finding all the little things it has to offer, from the hot spring with its own hot spring source to a communal room so stylish you can’t help reaching for your camera to snap photos. The hotel aims to offer guests “an experience in remote Hakone you can’t get anywhere else” and it does so by presenting a new style of hotel accommodation.

Hakone Yutowa is about a five-minute stroll along a flat-level path from Gora Station, which is accessed via the Hakone Tozan Railway, meaning it can be accessed easily by those without a car. “Yutowa” is has a combination of meanings: the yu in Japanese means “hot water” which conjures up not only the hot springs but also a warm and welcome stay at the hotel. It is also word play with the word “you.” The to means “and” in Japanese and wa is “circle” like a circle of friends. In other words, at Hokone Yutowa, you’ll be spending a nice time together with someone special.

The hotel is split into three buildings: the East Wing, West Wing, and Condominium Wing. Each offers “a new style of travel accommodation.”

New Style ①

Spa Lounge Nakaniwa and Lively Lounge are two public spaces in the hotel that anyone is free to use at their leisure. Nakaniwa is home to a footbath at the outdoor wooden deck which makes use of the hotel’s natural spring source, as well as an open-air fire. Lively Lounge houses around 700 books which guests can pick from before finding a little spot to sit down and relax.

New Style ②

There are two types of rooms: Hotel and Condominium. The Condominium rooms are the first hotel rooms of their kind to be offered in the Gora area. These fancy rooms have their own hot spring bath with a beautiful view. The water in the bath flows directly from the hot spring source.

New Style ③

The all-inclusive plan includes breakfast and dinner as well as free drinks and free use of the communal spaces. Guests do not need to worry about any extra fees as everything is included. There are also other baths available in the hotel including one that makes use of colourful lights.

If you’re looking for a hotel with freedom in Japan then take your family, friends or loved one to Hakone Yutowa.

Tokyo Disney Resort has announced this year’s Disney Christmas which will take place at Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea® from November 8 to December 25. This is the Tokyo Disneyland® event line-up. For the Tokyo DisneySea® schedule, click here.

Disney Christmas Stories

Disney Christmas Stories celebrates the holiday season with a magical parade which will bring together the Disney cast members with their loved ones. The characters will dress in festive outfits and deliver to guests their own Christmas stories. Seven joyous Christmas stories will unfold before guests’ eyes, from a merry family outing with Donald Duck, his beloved Daisy Duck and his three nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, to the star couple Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

The parade will seemingly stop all of a sudden which will be followed by ringing bells, signalling the start of a Christmas party. Snow will fall along the parade route, and the cast members will invite guests to join them in celebrating a heart-warming Christmas.

Christmas Decorations

An enormous 15-meter tall Christmas tree will tower over World Bazaar and illuminate the streets with its brilliant lights together with dazzling projections, combining with the festive music to create a romantic atmosphere.

The plaza in front of Cinderella’s Castle will glimmer with Christmas adornments as well as Christmas presents, Winnie the Pooh decorations, and more. Each themed land across the park will also be embellished in Christmas colours, bringing a merry little Christmas to the park.

Special Christmas Merchandise

Glass Set – ¥2,200 (Tax Included)

Around 65 special Disney Christmas themed items are set to go on sale from November 1, from glasses to cushions and more, all of which can be used for Christmastime at home. Featuring designs of the Disney characters, each item is sure to bring an air of that nostalgia we all feel at Christmas.

Christmas Food & Drink

Also available from November 1 is a very special Christmas menu made up of 15 dishes and drinks. There’s the seafood cream bread packed with melted cheese, a hot dog dressed in the colours of Christmas with its eye-catching red bun and white cheese, and more. There’s also a dish inspired by the Disney film Beauty and the Beast who are set to appear in the parade.

Enjoy a very merry Christmas this year at Tokyo Disneyland.

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.

NIPPONIA Kosuge Genryū no Mura is a new hotel opening in the village of Kosuge in Kitatsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture on August 17. The hotel is renovated from an old Japanese-style house that was originally used for local personages and was constructed over 150 years ago.

Kosuge is about two-hours from Tokyo and is completely enveloped in the natural environment with 95% of the land occupied by trees and nature. Its population is around 700 which is a mere third of its peak population. It is currently faced with a serious depopulation problem due to its ageing population.

The hotel will open in an effort to pass on the beautiful landscapes and culture of the village to the next generation. It hopes to aid in solving the problem of its declining population and empty houses while acting as a means to bring in tourism and sightseeing.

The hotel serves as just the first part of this village revitalisation project. It features 4 guest rooms called OHYA as a restaurant that seats 22.

There are three rooms in the main building and one in the basement. Each is designed with privacy in mind and each has its own concept.

OHYA 1

From the rooms guests can enjoy the view of the gorgeous Japanese-style gardens surrounding the hotel.

The restaurant menu concept is titled 24 Sekki, which denotes the twenty four seasonal turning points of the old Japanese calendar, and is made using carefully local ingredients so that guests can enjoy an authentic Kosuge experience.

All the staff at the hotel are local villagers. The majority of the ingredients used in there are grown and produced by the farmers of Kosuge. The hotel also offers other services for guests to  get to know the area better such as nature walks and bike rides through the village. You are made to feel like one of the locals.

A second building will be renovated in May 2020 to accommodate two more rooms. There are 70-100 vacant buildings in Kosuge, so there are plans in place to receive permission from landlords to make further repairs, improvements and renovations.

If you’re travelling to Japan and are looking for a truly remote experience then why not visit the quaint little village of Kosuge in Yamanashi Prefecture?

To celebrate the 1st anniversary of the PEANUTS HOTEL, which opened on August 1, 2018, the hotel has released a collection of original commemorative merchandise.

The PEANUTS hotel is home to 18 rooms each with its own unique design. The merchandise collection is themed on each of these rooms.

PEANUTS HOTEL “Happiness is a warm puppy..” (Room 64) – ¥3,500

The theme of Room 64 is “Happiness is a warm puppy,” so the PEANUTS HOTEL has made that a reality by creating a huggable Snoopy plush toy which is so cute and soft you’ll never want to let him go. He is a smaller version of the big Snoopy you can hug in Room 64, meaning you can take him anywhere with you!

PEANUTS HOTEL 1ST ANNIVERSARY Postcards (5 Designs / 2 Included With Each) – ¥2,200

The hotel’s postcard sets are popular with guests, and to celebrate the 1st anniversary, it is selling limited edition designs. Using special manufacturing methods, the hotel has released sets themed on Rooms 44, 57, 61 and 62. They are packaged in a beautiful box that looks like the outside of the hotel and its windows. They are great for both sending to someone with a message or for simply using them as decoration in your own room.

PEANUTS HOTEL x tegoto “solarsystem” (Room 42) – ¥49,000 (Only 30 Available)

PEANUTS HOTEL has teamed up with the internationally popular product brand tegoto to release mobiles inspired by Astronaut Snoopy which is the theme of Room 42. Each mobile is handcrafted individually and features Snoopy, Woodstock and the planetary system. Perfect for both kids and adults alike!

*Only 30 available. Each comes with its own unique handwritten serial number.

PEANUTS Cafe Nakameguro and PEANUTS DINER Yokohama are also joining in the celebration with their own pop-up corner which will run for the whole month of August. For this limited time only, they will sell items which are usually exclusive to the PEANUTS HOTEL.

“Lila” Aroma Essential Oils – ¥2,300 / Aroma Air Mist – ¥2,200 / Aroma Stone Diffuser – ¥2,200 / PEANUTS HOTEL Bath Towel – ¥3,200, Face Towel – ¥1,800, Amenity Set – ¥3,400 / Compression Bag (Contains 5) – ¥1,500

These items are also available over on the PEANUTS Cafe Online Shop. Join Snoopy and his friends in celebrating the 1st anniversary of the PEANUTS HOTEL by picking up some cute merch!

*All listed prices are pre-tax.

© 2019 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

If you’ve had the chance to visit Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea you will have tried the many delicious dishes and drinks on offer at its variety of restaurants. But did you ever know that Tokyo Disney Resort also offers afternoon tea?

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel serves the only afternoon tea set across the entire resort on occasion in line with certain events.

We had the pleasure of joining Disney mega fan Kanako as she went to visit the hotel to try this very special afternoon tea.

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel is the closest hotel to the entrance of Tokyo Disneyland. The first thing you will notice upon stepping inside is its use of Victorian decor. The ceiling also stands tall, opening the entire hotel up to give it a sense of space.

The afternoon tea is sold at the Dreamers Lounge in the lobby. In line with the Donald’s Hot Jungle Summer event currently taking place at Tokyo Disneyland until September 1, the tea set is also “hot jungle summer” themed.

The first thing to note about the three-stack set is how refreshing and summery it looks – a perfect selection for the hot season. It comes with sandwiches, hors d’oeuvre, scones, desserts, and a choice of tea or coffee.

Kanako started with the very top plate. The plate itself is decorated with what is supposed to look like Donald’s footprints and splashes of water.

The dessert on the left is haupia, a traditional Hawaiian dessert made with macadamia paste and roasted coconuts. It’s crunchy and has an incredible flavour.

Sitting temptingly next to it is the panna cotta and melon coulis. It contains a single sage leaf which adds flavourful herb notes. The entire dessert itself has a satisfyingly refreshing taste which covers your taste buds with a single mouthful.

The middle plate features two types of scones: plain and pineapple. They come with separate servings of clotted cream and honey to lather the scones in. The latter scone is cute in that it’s actually shaped like a pineapple. It’s crunchy and delicious and goes exquisitely with the accompanying tea.

The tea menu has many options. Kanako went for the “Darjeeling Summer” from the premium tea selection. When you order from the premium menu your tea is prepared in a sleeping pot that is both cute and extravagant as you would expect with an afternoon tea set.

The bottom plate contains a bunch of different appetisers including tuna and okra tartar, mango and mascarpone canapé, tomato and fish capellini, keema curry quiche, and an ethnic pork sandwich.

Kanako was very happy with her hors d’oeuvre, saying: “Everything is delicious, but I really like the combination of the pork and the slightly chewy bread for the pork sandwich!”

The chilled cone cream scoop was very refreshing and a perfect palate cleanser.

Finally, the cute hot jungle summer dessert plate which caught our attention from the very start. It comes with a tropical cream cheese and passion fruit mousse, white grape and shiikuwasha jelly, and Peach Melba which looks like flowing magma.

You might be surprised to find out that the jungle leaves on the plate aren’t actually part of the plate’s design but in fact green chocolate carefully sprayed on.

Even the Goofy, Mickey and event logo on the plate are delicately made from chocolate. Once you know that you’ll definitely be reaching for the camera straight away!

The Peach Melba is a lovely combination of peach compote and vanilla ice cream topped with raspberry sauce and almonds. Its mix sweet and sour flavours remind one of summertime.

It’s not everyday you see a cream cheese mousse, is it? The one that Donald is sat on. Kanako especially enjoyed its passion fruit scent and velvety texture. It’s made even more delicious when eaten together with the jelly surrounding it.

So, which was your favourite, Kanako-chan?

“Everything tasted amazing, but my favourite was the haupia♡ It’s moderately sweet, and I really liked the flavour of the coconut! Everything in the afternoon tea set is cute down to the tiniest details, so it’s perfect for taking photos for social media. I definitely wanna go again!”

The Donald’s Hot Jungle Summer themed afternoon tea set is being served from 11:30-17:00 until September 1, 2019. Places are limited so I recommend making a reservation in advance.

Enjoy your summer to the fullest with this tropical afternoon tea set!

©️Disney

Universal Studios Japan is set to open several new rooms at its official hotel “Liber Hotel by Universal Studio Japan” in collaboration with various franchises on November 13, the same date as the hotel opened.

The rooms include the first ever Peanuts rooms to open at an official hotel, Jurassic World and Sesame Street™. Each room has 4 different designs. Guests can look forward to enjoying a hotel stay like never before as they immerse themselves in their favourite franchises after an exciting day out at USJ.

Jurassic World Adventure Room

The Jurassic World concept room includes decorations of the dinosaurs out to catch you while the beds are inspired by the tour vehicles from the movies. The thrilling adventure continues right in your own hotel room.

Snoopy House Room

Home Sweet Home, somewhere where Snoopy, his friends, and we ourselves gather. Next to Snoopy’s giant bed are colourful stained glass windows with Snoopy and the gang on them. Dive into the world of Peanuts!

Peanuts Jazz Room

Everyone is in relaxation mode in this jazz themed room, and you will be too if you stay here. It has the same atmosphere as a jazz bar!

Sesame Street™ Big Face Room

As its name suggests, this room features giant faces of various Sesame Street characters. The red and blue colour scheme of the room is really cute!

Guests staying at any of these new rooms will receive some exclusive merchandise. The spa bag and towel can be used at the hotel’s spa too making them super useful. The card key and case will also have the name of the guest on it too with a special design. Take them home with you for memories of your trip!

Be sure to check the official homepage for mode details.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)

Despicable Me, Minion Made and all related marks and characters are trademarks and copyrights of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC. All Rights Reserved.

TM & © 2019 Sesame Workshop © 2019 Peanuts Worldwide LLC TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2019 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. TM & © 2019 Universal Studios. CR19-2433 © LIBER HOTEL AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

Tokyo DisneySea fans have been waiting in excited anticipation for the opening of the park’s new attraction Soaring: Fantastic Flight on July 23. But did you know that an all-new show also started on the same day?

I visited Tokyo DisneySea together with models Saki Shibata and Kanako to see this new show. It’s called Song of Mirage and features Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as the cast.

The show takes place at the Hanger Stage in Lost River Delta. Mickey and the rest of the cast are led to the mysterious city of  Rio Dorado by a cane that Donald found.

From the very start of the show the characters are sucked into this magical place by the mysterious cane. During this time Donald ends up getting himself in trouble. Mickey also takes part in a dance battle where he shows off his cool moves which leaves Minnie positively in awe. Each character has their own performance which guests can look forward to seeing.

The most overwhelming part of the show however is the voice of the diva who appears during the set. She sings beautifully yet powerfully and it gave me goosebumps.

The singing and dancing throughout, as well as the realistic projection mapping were all spectacular. We were completely drawn into the story and the vibrant and dynamic performances that tied it together.

The performers singing and dancing in their golden costumes too were a sight to behold.

Saki’s reactions were really charming as her face changed every single second while she laughed, clapped and really got into the show. Kanako, who loves Disney, was extremely pleased to see her favourite characters on stage too.

There is both reserved and free seating at the show. Reserved seating must be booked in advance but is allocated through a lottery system where people are chosen randomly. The schedule for bookings can be found on the official website.

The Disney cast wear adventurer costumes during the performance, and you can buy plush toys of them wearing them too!

If you’re visiting Tokyo DisneySea then be sure to catch the show during your breaks between attractions and parades.

©Disney

Tokyo DisneySea will open their new attraction Soaring: Fantastic Flight on July 23. This ride is an immensely popular attraction at theme parks around the world. DisneySea has created a new adaptation of this ride, offering a brand new and original experience to visitors.

Model Saki Shibata from MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Editorial Department headed to DisneySea with model Kanako for an exclusive opportunity to experience this attraction before it opens to the rest of the public!

Climb up the stairs next to the Mediterranean Harbor and the attraction will lie right before your eyes. 

Before you enter the building, you will notice that there are lots of photo spots outside. 

You will also spot Camellia Falco; a keen flyer who became the first woman to be accepted in the Society of Explorers and Adventurers in 1851.

The Museum of Fantastic Flight located in the Mediterranean Harbor is celebrating Camellia Falco’s innovation in the field of aviation by holding a special commemorative exhibition dedicated to her and her research. 

The final room of the museum is a gallery filled with Camellia’s outstanding achievements.

Finally, it was time to climb aboard the invention of Camellia and her colleagues; an aircraft called the Dream Flyer.

The Dream Flyer was a magnificent trip. We soared through the sky, through the nature and around famous places of the world.

We were propelled from one place to another, experiencing a range of new atmospheres and surroundings in so many ways. At each location, we felt the wind and temperature of each country on our skin and could even smell a mix of intriguing smells unique to each location. 

The final destination we arrived at was our most favourite… 

This DisneySea original attraction is overflowing with imagination. It was like flying through an imaginary world. You absolutely must check it out. 

Fantastic Flight Churros (Pineapple): ￥400

Fantastic Flight Drink (Lychee Bubble Tea): ￥450

To celebrate the opening of the new attraction, new Fantastic Flight-themed merchandise and foods have been released. Zambini Brothers’ Ristorante is even selling pineapple flavoured churros and bubble tea. Just looking at the blue sky colour of these delicious treats will leave you feeling refreshed.

Postcard: ￥200 

Origami Notebook: ￥400

Socks (22 ー 25cm/ 25 ー 27cm): ￥700

Please check out the full goods range!

It has been quite a while since DisneySea has opened a new attraction, so the park is booming with excitement in anticipation for its grand opening to the public! Climb aboard the Soaring: Fantastic Flight ride and embark on a worldwide adventure! 

©Disney