LEGS COMPANY opened two cafes themed on the hit anime film Weathering with You in Tokyo and Osaka on October 8 and October 10 respectively. The cafes will run for a limited time only.

We paid a visit to the Tokyo branch which opened inside OMOTESANDO BOX CAFE & SPACE which is only a 7-minute walk from Omotesando Station.

The new blockbuster hit from internationally-acclaimed animator and film director Makoto Shinkai Weathering with You dropped back on July 19 and has since amassed over 13 billion yen (approximately US$131 million) in the box office. It was seen by 7.5 million people in the first 34 days of its release, and over 10 million after 75 days. Its huge success has cemented itself in the Japanese animated film industry as another monumental masterpieces from Shinkai. The film has also been nominated for Best International Feature Film for the upcoming 92nd Academy Awards set to take place on February 9, 2020.

While sat in the cafe you can watch scenes from the film on the giant screens while the main songs performed by RADWIMPS play.

The cafe menu features a line-up of drinks, dishes and desserts inspired by the characters and moments in the series, including the chahan set prepared by Hina for Hodaka, the Hodaka Welcome Party Set, and more.

Teru Teru Omurice – ¥1,490

This is the dish I ordered to eat. I couldn’t resist how cute it was. It’s inspired by the teru teru bōzu that Nagi makes, a traditional Japanese doll used to prevent rain and bring good weather. The doll’s head is made of mashed potato. He’s sat on a bed of ketchup rice filled with vegetables and bathed in a delicious sauce. This one’s too cute it almost seems a waste to eat♡

Nagi’s Teru Teru Bōzu À La Mode – ¥1,490

For dessert I ordered another teru teru bōzu treat. This one is made from gyūhi, a type of Japanese confection made from rice flour. Its head is filled with vanilla ice cream, and if you turn it over, you’ll find Japanese pudding underneath, and under that granola. It’s finished with a lining of bright blue lychee jelly around the outside for a hint of freshness.

The cafe offers plenty of other dishes that will leave any Weathering with You fans spoiled for choice.

Hina’s Handmade Sesame Oil Infused Pea Sprout Potato Chahan Set – ¥1,490

A chahan set lovingly prepared by Hina for Hodaka. Chop up the spring onions that come on the side and add them to the soup just like Hina does in the film! This is a hearty set sure to fill you up.

Hodaka’s Welcome Party Set – ¥1,590

This one-person set was made lovingly by Natsume when Hodaka comes to work at the same company as her, K&A. If you’re looking for a healthy green meal packed with veggies then you’ll love this one.

Clearing Up Weather Tiramisu – ¥1,490

This refreshing matcha tiramisu is inspired by the scene when Hina and Hodaka reunite, with the sauce representing the sunlight and the cotton candy the rainy clouds. Pour the sauce over the cotton candy and watch the clouds clear up.

Acai Bowl of the World’s Secrets – ¥1,390

Enjoy the main key visual of the film right on top of your plate. The mild flavour of the yogurt coupled with the refreshing kiwi is a mouth-watering combination. The colours are really beautiful, too.

Swirling Snow Whipped Latte – ¥990

Inspired by the immense snow that spirals around Tokyo in the film, a cup of this whipped cream latte is perfect as a post-meal wind-down.

Left: The Fine Weather That Day (Grapefruit) – ¥1,690 / Right: The Sunset That Day (Cranberry) – ¥1,690

These two drinks are for takeout, and are based on iconic scenes in the film, specifically when the turns fine and the sunset. They are served in exclusive cafe-original bottles. Both flavours are sweet, sour and refreshing. Plus, you can reuse the bottles.

If you order one of the many drinks from the menu you’ll receive one of six possible coasters chosen randomly.

The cafe has plenty of exclusive merchandise on their shelves too.

Sparkly Rain Smartphone Case (7/8 Ver. & X Ver.) – ¥3,900 Each

When you shake these iPhone cases, it looks like the rain is falling.

Raindrop Stickers (10 Designs) – ¥400

Don’t you just want to collect all of these cute raindrop stickers?

If you book a seat in advance (¥650 before tax per person) you will receive one of six possible bromide pictures chosen randomly, so don’t forget to reserve in advance.

Plunge yourself into the world of Weathering with You at either one of these cafes, now running until November 17.

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only. All listed prices are pre-tax prices.

©️2019 “Weathering with You” Production Committee

KAI is a hot spring ryokan brand of Hoshino Resorts which provides the perfect Japanese accommodation experience to enhance your stay. This autumn, KAI is providing guests with an enhanced seasonal experience to fully embrace the beautiful golden and amber autumn atmosphere. Spend some time soaking in the hot springs, taste the finest ingredients of the autumn season and even explore the unique features of the area through art. Hoshino Resorts is offering you a completely unique trip this autumn.

KAI Autumn Plans are being implemented at the following resorts: KAI Hakone, KAI Sengokuhara, KAI Aso, Kai Alps, KAI Kinugawa River, KAI Tsugaru and KAI Kawaji.

Hoshino KAI Japanese Autumn Onsen Ryokan Plans 2019

Hoshino Resorts released a video to show how their different accommodation features allow for guests to maximise their Japanese autumn experience. Today, we will be introducing just one autumn activity that you can experience at each of the resorts.

Autumn Leaf Illumination at KAI Hakone Miyanoshita, Kanagawa

Estimated best time to visit: Late November to early December

From September 6 to December 7, 2019, there will be a beautiful autumn leaf illumination display taking place around the open air baths, which is the perfect opportunity to relax under the auburn atmosphere of autumn. The autumn leaves fall at different times all over the Hakone region due to the mountainous and hilly terrain. This prolonged autumn season provides plenty of opportunities to watch the beautiful illumination display as you enjoy a moment of serenity, soaking in the soothing springs surrounded by the stunning scenery. 

Illumination Times: 16:00 – 01:00

Paint the Picturesque Autumntime at KAI Sengokuhara, Kanagawa

Estimated best time to visit: Mid November- End November

Enjoying a relaxing soak at KAI Sengokuhara Hot Springs is the perfect way to appreciate the picturesque view of any season. On September 1, 2019, they introduced the perfect accommodation plan to fully relax their guests. 

The guest rooms are equipped with traveller’s art supplies. From the gorgeous terrace view to the outdoor hot spring view, guests are provided with the opportunity to capture the beauty of the surrounding nature in their own way wherever they feel like it. The autumn view outside every single guest room is breathtaking ― the perfect opportunity for the guests to refresh and relax their minds with a beautiful painting. 

Autumn Leaf Artwork

Available to customers who check in between September 1, 2019 – November 30, 2019 

Price: From ¥43,400 

*Price based on the price per guest per night for a two-person room. Tax and service charge not included. 

Includes: Room fee, dinner, breakfast, rental art set and art museum tickets

Reservations: https://kai-ryokan.jp/sengokuhara/

Your Own Private Outdoor Natural View at Okomori Koyo Onsen KAI Aso (Senomoto Hot Springs, Oita Prefecture)

Estimated best time to visit: Mid October – early November 

KAI Aso is located in Kuju National Park. Each guest room is surrounded by a lush forest, creating the perfect opportunity to soak in the hot springs and take in the beautiful view of the autumn leaves with lots of privacy. 

In the outdoor hot spring, guests can enjoy the beautiful faint yellow Mongolian oak and the natural red leaves. Guests can also get a Japanese citrus bathing set which is scented using a range of Japanese citrus fruits to further enhance your natural autumn colour experience. The guest rooms are equipped with coffee sets which you can enjoy whilst bathing. 

Available to customers who check in between October 1 and 31.

Price: From ¥46,480

*Based on the price per person per night in a 2-person room. Tax and service charge not included. 

Includes: Room fee, dinner, breakfast, bathing set (1 set per room), coffee beans, Aso spring water pet bottle and a range of hot spring rental items: (Pillow for hot spring use, waterproof book cover, coffee mill and coffee dripper)

KAI Reservations Telephone Number: 0570-073-011

Please check KAI’s official website to find out more about the wide range of autumn plans on offer.

It has been 30 years since Disney’s The Little Mermaid came to theatres. To celebrate, The Little Mermaid cafe has dropped its anchor in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Hokkaido and will be around for a limited time only.  Curious travellers are sure to fall in love with this world filled with Disney magic.

As a big Disney fan, curious model Kanako just could not miss the opportunity to visit, so we headed over to Tokyu Plaza, Omotesando (Tokyo) to create a tongue-tantalizing report just for you. 

The entrance was a treasure trove of exciting 30th anniversary celebratory designs.

Venturing deeper, we came across illustrations of the exciting underwater world. 

Seeing all the images of the characters, memories of the film will come floating into your mind. Just how many wonders can one cafe hold?

There are five delicious meals and five delicious drinks on the menu. Everything was so cute that it was difficult to decide what to order. Time to dive in!

Ariel Vegetable Pasta with Genovese Sauce: ¥1990

This dish particularly caught Kanako’s eye. A graceful print made of powdered spices and sauce depicts Ariel gliding through the sea. It went perfectly with the salad. Feel free to take the beautiful paper mat home with you as a souvenir. 

Cream Beach Risotto: ¥1,990

This creamy risotto depicts a beautiful beach. Look closely and you will spot Ariel’s most prized treasure: a dinglehopper.  Feel free to take the dinglehopper home with you and add it to your collection of treasure. A layer of shrimp sauce lies hidden between the rice and mountain of salad. Can you spot Sebastian keeping a careful eye on Ariel? 

Seven Princesses of Atlantica Colourful Tartine Plate: ¥2,290

 This plate of tasty tartines depicts the seven sisters and will send you on an exciting flavour journey. The fruity tartine will fill your mouth with a fresh fruity burst of blueberries and strawberries. Next on the plate is a luxurious cream cheese tartine, followed by a chunky vegetable tartine and finally, a filling boiled egg and potato salad tartine. The tartines are surrounded by colourful sauces such as blueberry sauce, pumpkin sauce and carrot sauce. 

 Sebastian’s Strawberry Smoothie: ¥890 (with themed drink coaster: ¥1,790)

This yoghurt smoothie is dedicated to King Triton’s royal court composer Sebastian. Mix in the strawberry sauce before tucking in to enhance the flavour. You can also take the decoration on the glass back home with you. 

Upon noticing the coaster that came with her drink, Kanako’s eyes were sparkling with desire. The drink coaster is a sure way to add some magic to all your drinks at home. Unfortunately, they are in limited supply, so make sure to get one before they are all sold out.

Next, the curious Kanako explored the merchandise corner. The illustrations on the merchandise have been specifically designed for this special cafe.

Canvas Art A/B  (two designs): ¥3,500

Now you can decorate your room with your own collection of whose-its, whats-its, and thingamabobs.

Letter Writing Set with Case (1 design): ¥800

BIC Ballpoint Pen (2 designs): ¥500 each (Flounder/Seahorse)

The pink-themed gadgets and gizmos are very cute too.

Spend over ¥1000 (before tax) in the merchandise corner and you will receive a special Little Mermaid 30th anniversary shopping bag. There are a limited number of these and they are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, so we recommend you go to the cafe as soon as possible if you want one.

This cafe is a whole world waiting to be discovered. Reservations cost ¥500 per person (before tax). Just ordering from the menu will grant you the special gift of an A5 clear file and you can even pick your favourite from 30 designs. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance and get ready to plunge straight into the fun!

©️Disney

LEGS COMPANY, LTD. has announced that it will open six Sailor Moon cafes for its Sailor Moon Cafe 2019 event across Japan this year. The opening dates differ from branch to branch, but the first two will open in Tokyo and Osaka on October 3. See all the opening dates in the Information section below.

LEGS held the Sailor Moon Cafe 2017 event back in September 2017 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Sailor Moon. The event’s theme focused around adulthood imbued with a hint of cuteness. The cafes were so popular that they had a second “encore” run in December of the same year.

This year, LEGS has created an entirely new concept.

The theme this year is “Girls Night Out,” and the menu line-up stays true to it, featuring food and drinks all ladies are sure to enjoy on a night out.

5 Sailor Tortilla Wrap Sandwiches – ¥1,590 (Not available at the Saitama cafe)

Pretty Girl’s Brunch Pancakes – ¥1,590 (Available at lunchtime only)

Girls Night Out (Chicken Steak Plate) – ¥1,990 (Available at dinnertime only)

Cosmic Heart Berry Sandwich – ¥1,690

Moon Night Parfait – ¥1,490 (Available at dinnertime only)

Girls Night Out Drinks (10 Flavours) – ¥890 Each (Usagi Tsukino/Ami Mizuno/Rei Hono/Makoto Kino/Minako Aino/Chibiusa/Haruka Tennou/Michiru Kaiou/Setsuna Meiou/Hotaru Tomoe)

This is just a select look at what’s on the menu―there are many other themed foods and desserts too!

Acrylic Key Ring (12 Designs Chosen Randomly) – ¥650

Clear Bag (1 Design) – ¥1,800

Plate (1 Design) – ¥2,200

The artwork for select cafe-exclusive merchandise was done by popular creator Etoile et Griotte who makes items for girls who love cute things, and Japanese illustrator Jenny Kaori, who creates cute, fashionable and alternative works.

Every person who books a seat in advance (¥650 before tax) at the cafe will receive one of the 5 above-pictured ticket holders chosen randomly.

If you dine at the cafe, you’ll get one of the 4 above-pictured lunch mats chosen randomly.

And if you order a drink, you’ll get one of the 10 above-pictured coasters chosen randomly.

*All prices are pre-tax prices. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

©Naoko Takeuchi・PNP・Toei Animation

Two cafes filmed based on the hit anime film Weathering with You will open in Tokyo and Osaka on October 8 and 10 respectively for a limited time. The cafes are being opened by LEGS COMPANY.

The new blockbuster hit from internationally-acclaimed animator and film director Makoto Shinkai Weathering with You dropped back on July 19 and has since amassed over 10 billion yen (approximately US$101 million) in the box office. It was seen by 7.5 million people in the first 34 days of its release. Its huge success has cemented itself in the Japanese animated film industry as another monumental masterpieces from Shinkai. The film has been nominated for Best International Feature Film for the upcoming 92nd Academy Awards set to take place on February 9, 2020.

The cafes have a beautiful menu lined up inspired by the world of Weathering with You. In addition to the themed decorations set to line the cafes, fans can also get their hands on a range of exclusive cafe merchandise and bonus items.

Menu

The Most Delicious Dinner in Your Life – ¥1,590

This dish is a complete recreation of the dinner Hodaka eats in the film which he describes as the most delicious he has ever eaten in his 16 years of living. Enjoy a hearty burger together with clam chowder soup and fries.

Hodaka’s Welcome Party Set – ¥1,590

This one-person set was made lovingly by Natsume when Hodaka comes to work at the same company as her, K&A. Complete the set together with one of the “Dreamy” beverages from the drinks menu.

Hina’s Handmade Sesame Oil Infused Pea Sprout Potato Chahan Set – ¥1,490

A chahan set lovingly prepared by Hina for Hodaka. The soup becomes even more delicious with the spring onions.

Nagi’s Teru Teru Bōzu À La Mode – ¥1,490

The teru teru bōzu is a traditional Japanese doll used to prevent rain and bring good weather. This assortment includes candy, fruits, and the doll itself holding a cute umbrella.

Clearing Up Weather Tiramisu – ¥1,490

This refreshing matcha tiramisu is inspired by the scene when Hina and Hodaka reunite, with the sauce representing the sunlight and the cotton candy the rainy clouds.

Dreamy Peach Soda – ¥790

The Dreamy drink is an original beverage based on the drink that appears at Hodaka’s welcoming. The one in the film is alcoholic, but this is a non-alcoholic peach soda. Enjoy together with the Hodaka’s Welcome Party Set.

Sweet Growth Drink – ¥1,090

A fruity soda based on the small cat that Hodaka meets in an alleyway and names “Ame” (Rain).

Original Merchandise

Raindrop Stickers (1o Designs/Chosen Randomly) – ¥400

Tote Bag – ¥2,400

Bonus Items

If you book a seat in advance you will receive one of six possible bromide pictures chosen randomly.

And you’ll also get one of six possible coasters if you order from the drinks menu.

There are lots of other gorgeous-looking menu items and merchandise available in addition to the ones we have shown. If you loved Weathering with You, then be sure to visit one of the cafes!

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only. All listed prices are pre-tax prices.

©️2019 “Weathering with You” Production Committee

Miyako Hotel Hakata will have its grand opening on September 22, 2019. To help spread word of the luxurious secrets behind its doors, an official report was released detailing everything there is for guests to look forward to.

Its metropolitan exterior is inspired by the spectacular natural landscapes of Kyushu

Miyako Hotel Hakata can be found by taking the Tsukushi Exit of Hakata Station where it stands directly in front, towering above the surrounding buildings. The basement floor of the hotel is directly connected to the station for ease of access. This floor is also home to a convenience store, restaurants and more and can be used by non-guests too.

The building is a gorgeous eye-catching glass cube which offers an abundance of natural light during the day. At night, the hotel exterior is illuminated with 168 LED lights, giving it an metropolitan appearance. The building rooftop has a running ‘waterfall’ which is inspired by the majestic rural environments of Kyushu. Its iconic design makes it instantly-recognisable, with hopes in mind that this will make it a new landmark of Hakata.

The lobby houses a gorgeous cafe lounge serving food and drink

Up on the 3rd floor is the clean, bright and spacious front lobby where staff are waiting to greet guests warmly. In addition to the reception desk, there is CAFÉ EMPATHY, a cafe and lounge which can be used by both guests and non-guests. The cafe is produced by Transit General Offiice which is known for having produced the The Rail Kitchen Chikugo―a restaurant train―amongst a host of shared offices, hotels and more.

The spectacular menu line-up includes an array of delicious drinks from herbal teas to flavoured lattes, as well as an assortment of light meals made using ingredients from around Kyushu. They also serve an original afternoon tea that’s served from 14:30. Everything on the menu is nothing short of Instagrammable and perfect for those who love to wine and dine on drinks and food that is both cute and fancy.

The colourful flavoured lattes come in four flavours and can also be ordered for takeout. One of them is the Beets Latte which is a pink colour which comes from the beetroot used to make it. It has a subtle sweetness and smooth flavour.

The stocked teas include those made by Paris-based tea company KUSMI TEA, such as the Anastasia which is a mix of standard black tea and citrus, as well as an array of decaffeinated fruit teas.

Spend your time in luxury in your room

Floors 5 through 12 are all lined with guest rooms. There are four types of rooms, all large, including Twin and Double. Each and every room has been given the same level of care and attention to create the most comfortable experience for guests.

The Deluxe room is the perfect package if you’re looking to indulge in a little extravagance, whether as a treat to yourself or together with that special someone. The room design is stylish and simple, allowing for optimal relaxation. The bed is roomy and is ideal for watching the television or chatting.

All guest rooms are also equipped with tablets from which you can control the air con, lights and so on. The TV can even tell you whether the restaurant is full or not which is a super convenient feature.

A restaurant and bar menu created by a Michelin-starred chef & dreamy terrace pool

On floor 13―the top floor―you will find Miyako Hotel Hakata’s must-see feature: the SOMEWHERE RESTAURANT & BAR. This all-dining restaurant’s concept is “A Beautiful Place Somewhere.” Its dinner menu was conceived by Michihoro Haruta, the chef at Crony, a Michelin 1-starred restaurant in Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo. The innovative menu is made with local ingredients from Fukuoka and across Kyushu. The wine menu was created by Kazutaka Ozawa, a sommelier at Crony. The restaurant enjoys a laid-back atmosphere that isn’t overly formal or strict, with a glass exterior including the roof, allowing diners to enjoy the romantic evening atmosphere.

Breakfast is served to both guests and non-guests and is served as a western-style buffet packed full of assorted foods such as freshly-baked bread, omelette, Eggs Benedict, and more. They serve an original Japanese-style breakfast too for those who fancy Japanese food. The tall windows allow natural light to pour into the restaurant.

Right next to the restaurant is the hotel’s very own spa, offering a natural hot spring pool, jet bath, footbath and more. As part of the hotel’s grand opening, the spa is free for all guest until March 31, 2020. The hotel offers rental swimsuits too so you can freely and easily enjoy a nighttime dip. And when night truly sets in, you can gaze an unbroken view of Hakata from the roof, and the ‘waterfall’ next to the pool will also be lit up.

There’s even a special poolside menu so you can order cocktails and light food from the terrace. With everything illuminate in beautiful lighting, your cocktail in hand, you can certainly snap some Instagram-worthy shots. And if you’re looking for a warm bath, there is a large public bath and even a sauna indoors.

Kenshi Yonezu released his new single Uma to Shika on September 11 and it has soon become a new record-breaking sensation. The song served as the main theme for the TBS Sunday drama No Side Game, which just aired its last episode. The Oricon Weekly Single Rankings revealed that the single has so far been sold 412,000 times, which is Yonezu’s largest sale yet.

The first ever solo Japanese artist to make over 400,000 sales within the first week of a release was achieved by Tomohisa Yamashita in June 2006 with his song Daite Señorita. After 13 years and 3 months, a new record has been set by Yonezuー the perfect way to start the brand new Reiwa Era.   

The Download Chart shows that the rank for Uma to Shika is remaining steady. The Oricon Digital Single Ranking Chart shows that the single was downloaded 74,178 times in just one week, earning the top place. Since the single’s advanced sales which started on August 12, the single has remained at No.1 for five whole consecutive weeks. 

In the drama No Side Game, Hayato Kimijima (played by Yo Oizumi) works as the general manager of the company’s rugby team named Astros. He puts up a rigorous fight to keep the team from falling apart so that they can face off against their arch rival team known as the Cyclones. Despite suffering an injury, team player Jo Hamahata, who carries the spirit of the team, rises to the challenge of the fierce battle with every ounce of energy to ensure victory, gambling his sports career by wagering everything on his last shot.

The team members, staff and even the team supporters joined forces as one to ensure the team’s win, putting every ounce of their body and soul into the match. The theme drama’s theme song Uma to Shika is perfect for summing up this heated moment. The overwhelming feelings of the drama resonate in Yonezu’s song and has even stretched out to inspire many viewers. Many fans are still sending in messages about their lingering feelings towards the final episode. 

A café based on the popular anime Sarazanmai is coming to Tokyo on September 19 and Osaka on September 26 and will run for a limited time only. The café designs were produced by Sanrio. 

Sarazanmai is a TV anime which was produced by animation studios MAPPA and  Lapin Track. The anime became incredibly popular when it aired between April and June 2019 on the Fuji TV programming block Noitamina. The last episode was met by an undying stream of grateful messages from fans and even those involved in the creation of the series. 

Sanrio produced Sarazanmai designs which are perfect for the traditional coffee shop theme and the retro Asakusa atmosphere of the series. The collaboration cafés will open in Ikebukuro in Tokyo and Nipponnbashi in Osaka.

Menu

Football Curry of Youth: ￥1,380 (before tax)

Football is what connects the three main characters Kazuki, Kuji and Enta. Come taste the delicious flavour of budding friendship in the form of a delicious curry at the café.   

Pudding a la Mode of Friendship: ￥1,280 (before tax)

The three middle schoolers are represented in the form of colourful fruit. This is a delicious dish easily enjoyed by anybody. 

Sparkling Jelly Juice (Kazuki/Kuji/Enta): ￥650 each (before tax)

These jelly drinks are also themed around Kazuki, Kuji and Enta. The jelly lurking at the bottom of the cup adds a wonderful accent to the flavour.  

Original Goods

Badge (10 random designs): ￥450 (before tax)

Special Bonus Goods

Those who book seats in advance (￥500 + tax) and order from the menu will receive an original design sticker. You will be presented with one of four designs at random. 

For each item ordered from the menu, you will receive an original design drink coaster. One of six designs will be given to you at random. 

This café is the perfect place to relax at your own pace this autumn. 

© イクニラッパー／シリコマンダーズ

Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring resort in Gunma Prefecture that is one of Japan’s three principle hot spring locations. The site opened its new Japanese custard dessert (known as ‘purin’) shop, Kusatsu Onsen Pudding, on August 24, which serves the most incredibly smooth purin you have ever tried, each inspired by the hot springs.

Once you’ve stepped out of the nice warm hot springs of Kusatsu Onsen you can refresh yourself with a delicious purin packed full of love from the shop which has created a flavour you can only try by travelling to Gunma and going there. Each and every dessert is made fresh in the shop to further elevate its exclusivity as a local speciality.

Kusatsu Onsen Pudding also makes sure to use local and regional ingredients where it can to help support manufacturers and producers. Their purin is also made with a special type of milk sourced from in Gunma known as Haruna milk. The milk is made as delicious as can be by ensuring cows are raised on a healthy natural diet of grass on green pastures in Gunma bathed in plenty of sunlight.

Yuhata Purin

The Yuhata purin is inspired by the hot spring areas where mineral deposits are harvested, its jelly taking on a gorgeous emerald green colour. It’s lemon and lime flavoured, the perfect flavour to enjoy when stepping out of the hot water, and one which goes surprisingly well with purin.

Yumomi Purin

The staple purin of the store, this purin is based on yumomi, a method used for cooling the hot water with paddles from which cold water gushes forth. This velvety delight is made with lots of fresh cream and high-quality vanilla beans from Madagascar for added punch.

Furomage

A pun on the word fromage, with furo in Japanese meaning “bath,” the Furomage purin uses a rich cream cheese base which has a seriously smooth texture. It’s topped off with strawberry jelly for the perfect combination, packing a perfect balance between sweet and sour.

Yuhata Soft (Milk/Yuhata/Mixed)

Choose from the Yuhata soft serve ice cream which is ramune flavoured and inspired by the flowing water of the hot springs or the Haruna milk-mixed vanilla flavoured Milk soft serve. If you can’t pick, then choose mixed for a bit of both. A satisfyingly refreshing pick for when you’re done in the hot springs.

The shop has plans to sell purin made using bamboo steamers in the near future, so you’re pudding can be steamed like yourself after a dip in the water! The wooden spoons used to eat the desserts are also made in the image of the paddles used in yumomi too.

Located in the beautiful little town of Ichikawamisato in Yamanashi Prefecture is Mitama Hot Spring, a “day-trip” type hot spring, which has just received a double award: it has been listed as one of Japan’s Top 100 night views for the first time, and as a Night View Heritage of Japan.

Mitama Hot Spring is built on the southern tip of the Kōfu Basin―Kōfu being Yamanashi’s capital city－which can be viewed in a breathtaking 180 degree panoramic view from the northern side of the open-air baths. The majority of the hot spring also faces the south which means a breathtaking nighttime view of the city, picturesque against a resplendent sky, as you soak in the warm embrace of the hot spring.

During the day, one’s eyes can roll their gaze across the Yatsugatake Mountains at the front, and in the direction of west is Mount Kita, the second tallest mountain in Japan after Mount Fuji.

Mitama Hot Spring should absolutely be on your bucket list of things to do when visiting Yamanashi Prefecture.

Osaka’s landmark shopping centre HEP in Umeda is just a short 3-minute walk from Umeda Station, meaning you don’t have to worry so much about looking over your shoulder to see if Michael Myers or Dracula is following this Halloween as you make your way to “HEP FIVE HORROR×HORROR AUTUMN.”

This bone-chilling event is set to deliver horror, beauty and fashion all in one place.

Junji Inagawa’s Horror Ferris Wheel

The Horror Ferris Wheel was such a hit last year that it’s set to return again this Halloween, better and scarier than ever. There will be two Ferris wheels, each inspired by two of ghost story writer Junji Inagawa’s masterpieces. Incorporating an all-new horror system, the Ferris wheels will take riders up 106 meters high for a hair-raising experience they cannot escape. Once you’re in, you’re in until the end.

Monster Food

Of course, no Halloween party is complete without some fang-tastic food. HEP FIVE’s restaurants have each whipped up their own unique dishes for the holiday.

Lulu Hashimoto’s Doll World

Lulu Hashimoto has garnered attention both in Japan and overseas as the “living doll” for her doll costume. She will be present at HEP FIVE where you can get a photo with her at the first floor entrance atrium.

Date: October 12, 2019

Time: Slot ① 13:00 (Floors 5F-6F), Photos at 13:30 / Slot ② 15:00 (Floors 3F-4F), Photos at 15:30 /  Slot ③ 17:00 (Floors B1F & 2F), Photos at 17:30

Locations: The initial fan greeting will take place at various places across the shopping centre, and photos will take place on the first floor atrium

Getting a Photo: Tickets will be handed out from 11:00 on the day. 15 people per slot on a first-come, first-served basis.

Horror Show Time

Ghost performed Sadawo is set to take on the form of Japan’s most famous horror icon Sadako from Ringu while riding a Segway. Look forward to a whole host of terrifying performances.

Date: October 19, 2019

Times: ①12:00 (Floots 6F-7F) / ②14:00 (Floors 4F-5F) / ③16:00 (Floors 2F-3F) / ④18:00 (Floors B1F-1F)

Locations: Various places across the shopping centre

Guillotine Photo Spot

Get your photo taken at the guillotine photo spot at the first floor atrium and look like something straight out of a slasher movie. Make it even better by dressing up in cosplay or Halloween outfits with friends!

Enjoy a horror experience like no other this Halloween at HEP in Umeda, Osaka.

Ariel is swimming to Japan this September as four branches of OH MY CAFE turn into cafes inspired by The Little Mermaid. The Tokyo and Osaka branches will open on September 21, the Hokkaido branch on September 22, and the Nagoya branch on September 27. The collaboration is being carried out by LEGS COMPANY, LTD.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid was released back in 1989 as the 28th Disney animated feature film. It tells the story of the internationally-beloved Disney mermaid princess Ariel and her curiosity about the world above the sea.

The cafe’s concept is “independent girl.” Each cafe will take on a stylish look and be inspired by Ariel’s unwavering heart and her strength to make her dreams come true.

Menu Line-Up

<Ariel> Veggie-Packed Pesto Pasta – ¥1,990

If you’re vegetarian, you won’t be disappointed with this healthy, vegetable-packed pasta dish. The plate it is served on features an illustration of Ariel swimming elegantly in the ocean.

Seaside Cream Risotto – ¥1,990

Based on sandy beaches is this creamy risotto. If you look closely you’ll see one of Ariel’s priceless treasures from her endless collection of whose-its, whats-its, and thingamabobs. Sebastian is hiding on the plate too, can you spot him?

<Kiss The Girl> Romantic Fruit Bowl – ¥2,190<Kiss the girll>

This romantic dish speaks for itself. Inspired by the breathtaking boat date between Ariel and Eric, the bowl includes assorted fruit, a cookie with the two lovers on it, and a side of jelly with Flounder cheering them on.

Drinks Line-Up

<Flounder> Stripey Yogurt Drink – ¥1,090 / With Coaster – ¥1,890

Flounder is Ariel’s closest friend, so he had to be included on the menu. This cute yogurt-flavoured smoothie takes on the same colours as our stripey fish companion.

<Sebastian> Strawberry Smoothie – ¥890 / With Coaster – ¥1,790

Servant of King Triton and music composer, everybody’s favourite Jamaican crab Sebastian gets his very own yogurt smoothie too. Mix the strawberry sauce in well for the best flavour.

Exclusive Original  Merchandise

Acrylic Badge (5 Designs) – ¥800

Lunch Mat (Set of 2) – ¥800

Bag – ¥1,500

Bonus Items

Every person that books a table in advance (¥500) and orders something from the food menu will receive one of 30 possible A5 folders.

Additionally, if they spend over ¥1,000 at the merchandise corner of a cafe, they’ll receive the above-pictured The Little Mermaid 30th shopper bag. These are limited in stock and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are lots of other character-themed food and drinks to be enjoyed at the cafes besides these ones too. To see everything, you’ll need to visit yourself! Immerse yourself in the magical world of The Little Mermaid with cafe decorations featuring Instagrammable illustrations drawn exclusively for this collaboration.

*All listed prices are pre-tax.

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual products may differ.

©Disney