Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi is beckoning the spring once again this year with MIDTOWN BLOSSOM 2019 which is set to run from March 15 to April 14.
This will be the 12th time this event has taken place which is held to celebrate springtime. The annual event brings in many people every year to one of Tokyo’s many famous cherry blossom sites. Much is planned for this year’s event as the 200 meter long street Sakura-dori will be decked out with outdoor lounges and illuminated cherry blossom trees. The spring vibe will be felt both indoors and outdoors too with a range of beautiful decorations.
The 200 meter row of cherry blossom trees line the garden area of Tokyo Midtown. In the daytime their pink hues can be looked at from down below inside the building while at night the trees will be lit up, calling you to stand and gaze from underneath them.
Cherry Blossom Light-Up
The illuminations will take place during the full bloom of the cherry blossoms. Before the full bloom however pink coloured lights can be enjoyed earlier during the evening for people to get a feel of what’s to come when the blossoms bloom. When they do come out, the lights will switch to white to create a magical scene. The row of trees can even be enjoyed from some of the restaurants in Tokyo Midtown, so why not enjoy a romantic dinner while gazing down at Japan’s cherry blossoms?
Location: Tokyo Midtown Garden along Sakura-dori
Running: March 15, 2019 – April 14, 2019
Time: 17:00-23:00
Chandon Blossom Lounge
Enjoy luxurious and sophisticated service carried out by the staff at The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo with the Blossom Lounge. This experience is taking place once again in collaboration the premium sparkling wine brand Chandon. A special menu has also been prepared exclusively for MIDTOWN BLOSSOM. The fantastic food and striking desserts were chosen by The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo’s Chef de Cuisine William Khala. Enjoy a glass of rosé in the outdoor lounges or warm yourself in the Chandon Suite, the popular tent area returning from last year.
Location: Tokyo Midtown Garden area along Sakura-dori
Running: March 15, 2019 – April 14, 2019 (*Will close during bad weather)
Time: 12:00-20:00 (Last Orders 19:30)
*Open until 21:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and during the full bloom of the cherry blossoms. Last Orders: 20:30.
Spring Flower Display
There are still cold days leftover during this season and so a vivid display of flower art is being prepared to ring in the springtime warmth. Enjoy a range of striking artwork inside the warm building with pieces also by the past winner of the Flower Art Awards.
Location: Galleria Floor 1F, Tree Shower, Tokyo Midtown
Running: March 15, 2019 – April 14, 2019
Time: 9:30-Midnight
Basks in the sights of the nighttime cherry blossoms as the spring sunshine dims and turns to evening.
Information
MIDTOWN BLOSSOM 2019
Running: March 15, 2019 – April 14, 2019
Location: 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Website: https://www.gotokyo.org/jp/spot/ev201/index.html
Access
Directly connected to Exit 8 at Roppongi Station via the Toei Oedo Line.
Directly connected to Roppongi Station via the Hibiya Line.
3-minutes on foot from Exit 3 of Nogizaka Station via the Chiyoda Line.
10-minutes on foot from Exit 1 of Roppongi-itchōme Station via the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line.
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Keyakizaka Lights, a Tokyo Winter Tradition, to be Held Again in 2022
02.October.2022 | SPOT
From November 11 until December 25, 2022, Roppongi Hills Christmas will cover Tokyo in glittering lights once again. The Keyakizaka Lights, one of Tokyo’s most popular winter attractions, will also take place in 2022, with the 400-meter-long Keyakizaka street covered in over 800,000 blue and white LED lights.
For the first time in three years, the Mohri Garden will be covered in lights as well. The annual Christmas market will invite guests to experience an authentic German Christmas, and Christmas cakes and gourmet food unique to Roppongi Hills will be for sale.
The Roppongi Hills Christmas event utilizes LED lights and has done so since the first event was held in 2003. Clean power will be used again this year, and the lights will be switched on from 5 PM until 11 PM each night.
Information
Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Lights
Running: November 10 – December 25, 2022 *Daily from 5:00 – 11:00 PM
*Lights may begin at a different time on November 10 only.
Location: Roppongi Keyakizaka Street
Official Site: https://www.roppongihills.com
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Sailor Moon 30th Anniversary Museum to Feature Themed Cafe
30.June.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT
The Sailor Moon franchise’s 30th-anniversary museum will run from July 1 to December 30 at Tokyo’s Roppongi Museum. The series became a global phenomenon in the 1990s and remains incredibly popular with audiences around the world to this day.
Visitors to the museum can also enjoy the Sailor Moon Museum Cafe, which will offer delectable dishes inspired by the series!
Cosmic Heart Compact Dessert Plate: ¥1,730 (Tax Included)
This dessert plate features a colorful and fluffy recreation of Sailor Moon’s Cosmic Heart Compact. With raspberry mousse as a base, a crispy icing cookie sits on top.
Sailor Moon Museum Sliders: ¥1,850 (Tax Included)
The signature menu features sliders decorated with the museum’s logo along with a salad and soup inspired by one of the main character’s colors. Guests can enjoy two different sliders: steamed chicken basil sauce and shrimp and egg.
In the Name of the Moon, I’ll Punish You! Omurice: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)
This omurice features Sailor Moon’s classic silhouette and is finished with a rich and creamy white sauce. Served with a salad, this meal is well-balanced and very filling!
Sailor Soldier Rainbow Parfait: ¥1,480 (Tax Included)
This colorful parfait was inspired by Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, and Sailor Moon. Filled with fruits and jellies, this treat is filled with unique textures and tastes.Sailor Chibi Moon’s Pudding a la Mode: ¥1,630 (Tax Included)
This adorable arrangement of sweets inspired by Sailor Chibi Moon has a retro feel. Filled with strawberries, white peaches, and ice cream, this dessert will look great on social media!New menu items will be included during the second volume of the museum starting September 10, so stay tuned!
Come surround yourself with all things Sailor Moon! Which of these adorable treats do you want to try?
©Naoko Takeuchi
Information
Sailor Moon Museum
Running: July 1 – December 30, 2022
Vol.1: July 1 – September 4, 2022
Vol.2: September 10 – November 6, 2022
Vol.3: November 12 – December 30, 2022
*Closed September 5-9, November 7-11Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last entry at 17:30)
Venue: Roppongi Museum (5-6-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: sailormoon-museum.com
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Sailor Moon Museum Details Second Round of Exclusive Merchandise
25.June.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
The Sailor Moon franchise’s 30th-anniversary museum will run from July 1 to December 30 at Tokyo’s Roppongi Museum. The series became a global phenomenon in the 1990s and remains massively popular to this day.
The exhibition will feature the largest-ever exhibition of original illustrations by Sailor Moon’s creator Naoko Takeuchi, at over 600 pieces. The museum will have three phases, each swapping out different pieces, so fans can have a different experience depending on when they visit!The event will include an ‘immersive experience theater,’ which will display colored images on a massive 4.5 x 8-meter screen with special effects. Fans can also enjoy a ‘hologram manuscript exhibit,’ which will display the Sailor Scouts’ famous dialogue. Plenty of merchandise will also be available for purchase, with the second round of available goods just announced!
Original Merchandise (Second Lineup)
Clear Folder (’90s Anime Logo)
Clear Folder (Random, 5 varieties)
Masking Tape Holder
Masking Tape (Luna, Artemis & Diana)
Hat (’90s Anime Logo)
Cloth Shirt (’90s Anime Logo)
Aurora Sticker (Random, 10 varieties)
Reversible Cushion (Luna & Artemis)
Pochette (Luna)
Face Powder Collection (5 varieties)
The second round of original merchandise features many items utilizing the ‘90s anime logo, including a shirt, hat, and clear folders. A themed masking tape holder was made to resemble Sailor Moon’s Moon Stick, and the tape itself features the cats Luna, Artemis, and Diana.
The interior of the special store created for the exhibition was designed by Wataru LINDA Igarashi, an art director known for his cute pieces based on the concept of ‘window shopping.’
Come experience some serious nostalgia at the Sailor Moon museum later this year!
© Naoko Takeuchi
Information
Sailor Moon Museum
Running: July 1 – December 30, 2022
Vol.1: July 1 – September 4
Vol. 2: September 10 – November 6
Vol. 3: November 12 – December 30
Closed: September 5-9, November 7-11
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last entry at 17:30)
Venue: Roppongi Museum (5-6-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: sailormoon-museum.com
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Virtual Hanami Event MIKU LAND 2022 YOSAKURA Invites Guests to the Metaverse with Hatsune Miku
19.April.2022 | ANIME&GAME
MIKU LAND is Hatsune Miku’s official VR amusement park. The locale opens sporadically on the Virtual Cast platform, inviting fans of the virtual singer to interact with the star herself and other music lovers from around the world. From April 28 until May 1, the MIKU LAND 2022 YOSAKURA event will invite Vocaloid lovers to the metaverse to enjoy the cherry blossoms and a number of unique experiences.
Guests can visit Senbonzakura World, Miku’s Detective Agency, Rin & Len Kagamine’s Post Office in the Sky, and even a virtual haunted house during the event. VTubers Megu Shinonome, Tokino Sora, and Mirai Akari have been chosen as the official ambassadors of the event.
Senbonzakura World
Hatsune Miku’s iconic track Senbonzakura, written by Kurousa-P, turns 10 this year. What better way to enjoy it than beneath virtual cherry blossom trees? Even if you can’t visit Japan quite yet, enjoy the Japanese shrine atmosphere as you spend time with friends in this gorgeous virtual space.
Miku’s Detective AgencyThis puzzle-solving attraction invites guests to become assistant detectives by passing a test handed out by Detective Hatsune Miku! Those able to complete the challenge will also receive a limited-edition item.
Rin & Len Kagamine’s Post Office in the SkyThis post office in the clouds isn’t just a quiet place to relax. Visitors can take on a few different challenges, from mazes to more physical tasks.
Official Ambassadors
Megu Shinonome Comment
“I’ve been chosen as an ambassador for MIKU LAND! My name is Megu Shinonome, and I’m so excited to work with Miku! MIKU LAND keeps getting bigger and bigger, so I’m wondering what it will look like this spring…I’m looking forward to it! I’ll do my best along with my fellow ambassadors Tokino Sora and Mirai Akari to convey the many charms of MIKU LAND to as many people as possible. We can’t wait to see you!”Tokino Sora Comment
“I’m so excited to visit MIKU LAND again! I’ll do my best to make this another incredible event, and I’ll be sure to enjoy myself as much as possible!”Mirai Akari Comment
“I’ve been invited to MIKU LAND to act as the MC for this awesome event! During the SUMMER VACATION event, everyone on Virtual Cast was so kind to me. It was a blast, so I’m really looking forward to this too! I’ll be sure to bring some extra excitement, so don’t miss it!”Information
Dates: April 28, 19:00 – May 1, 21:00
Location: Virtual CastOfficial Site: https://mikuland.com/
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NAKED’s Popular Sakura Artwork Transformed into Company’s First NFT
29.March.2022 | FASHION
The NFT platform ‘Adam by GMO’ will offer the creative company NAKED’s first piece of NFT art. Sakura Ousai has been featured in the hands-on art exhibition NAKED FLOWERS held in Nihonbashi, Nijo Castle, Hong Kong, and Korea. The NFT will be available in late March and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support Ukraine.
Since its establishment in 1997, NAKED has constantly produced incredibly unique art installations to fit with the times. Starting with the projection mapping of Tokyo Station in 2012, the company has created unprecedented art and entertainment experiences by combining real space with virtual experiences. The current theme is ‘borderless creativity,’ and creating NFT art fits into this vision.
NAKED FLOWERS, one of NAKED’s signature events, has been held since the New Year 2016. The NAKED FLOWERS experience has now been converted into a piece of NFT art for the first time, and buyers can enjoy these cherry blossoms no matter their location!Information
Sakura OUSAI NFT Art
Adam by GMO Premium Category NAKED, INC.:
https://adam.jp/stores/nakedinc
Official Site: https://naked.co.jp
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Junkissa Journey Reveals Third Collaboration Menu Featuring Unique Cream Sodas
Key Coffee is teaming up with Junkissa Journey, a website helping people find the best cafes for a third collaboration. Guests are welcome to visit Almond Roppongi to test a new menu inspired by old-fashioned junkissa, or cafes that don’t serve alcohol. A selection of unique cream sodas in retro glasses and other tasty treats will be available from March 17 until April 10, 2022.
Blooming Cream Soda
Tokimeki Coffee Shop Plate A
Tokimeki Coffee Shop Plate B
Roppongi Pastry Ring with Anko & Butter
Strawberry Milk Sandwich
Morning Tea Set
Two different lunch sets, a scrumptious dessert, and a breakfast option will be available alongside colorful cream sodas and milkshakes. The drinks are inspired by spring and look just like cherry blossoms and violets! The Adelia Retro glasses are stamped with a Showa-era retro decal, allowing customers to enjoy the charm of a nostalgic pure coffee shop not only in taste but also in appearance. 10 other limited-edition menu items will appear at the event, so keep an eye out for more info!
Information
Junkissa Journey Collaboration Menu
Available: March 17 – April 10, 2022
Location: Almond Roppongi
Official Site: https://www.junkissa-journey.com/
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Cherry Blossom Drone Project 2022 to Bring Hanami to People Around the World
Wishing you could be in Japan to see the cherry blossoms? The Cherry Blossom Drone Project on March 27 will be live-broadcasting some of the most beautiful blossoms in the country to viewers around the world.
Incredible 4K aerial footage will be available to watch on YouTube LIVE for free from 12:00 until 19:00 on March 27, 2022. No matter where you are, you’ll be able to lose yourself in the feeling of spring.
Three Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots Chosen by Sakura Enthusiasts
Breathtaking Mountain Cherry Blossoms at Mount Yoshino in Nara
The First New Sakura Species in Over 100 Years Found in Wakayama Prefecture
A Sea of Cherry Blossoms at Takato Joshi Park in Ina, Nagano Prefecture
Information
Online Hanami
Date: March 27, 12:00-19:00
Fee: Free
Where to Watch: YouTube LIVE
https://www.youtube.com/channelUCb8WTSeDH2LcxPtkIrKwSEw
Official Site: https://drone-entertainment.co.jp/ -
McDonald’s Japan Offering Sakura Mochi Pie to Celebrate Springtime
23.March.2022 | FOOD
McDonald’s Japan will start selling the new Sakura Mochi Pie starting March 23, 2022 for a limited time only.
The new pie is inspired by sakura mochi, a traditional wagashi sweet popular during spring.Sakura mochi is typically made from mochi rice cakes filled with a sweet red bean paste and wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf. The McDonald’s pie is filled with azuki red bean paste and a chewy, sakura-flavored mochi that features bits of pickled sakura leaves.
The packaging will also feature spring designs and each pie costs just ¥150. They will be available until mid-April.
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Hoshino Resort Aomoriya Holds Cherry Blossom Viewing Event Under a Cozy Kotatsu
21.March.2022 | SPOT
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?
Information
Hanami Kotatsu
Running: April 1 – May 31, 2022
Hours: 15:00-18:00 (Last Entry at 17:30)
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: ParkOfficial Site:https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/aomoriya/
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Imagine the Future at a New Design Exhibition from NTT Docomo in Roppongi, Tokyo
20.March.2022 | FASHION / SPOT / Uncategorized
In order to explore a future made possible by telecommunications, NTT DOCOMO will hold the ‘Peek into the Future of Design: Imaginary Margins’ exhibition at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT Gallery 3 in Roppongi, Tokyo, from March 19 until March 27. The event will explore the future of technology through the lens of design.
The exhibition asks an important question: “Can people and technology exist in harmony in the future?” A number of product and device prototypes will be on display along with interviews with the designers and creators. All of these products are unfinished, which will allow for more unique perspectives!
Because these are unfinished products, we can see traces of the thought process that went into the shapes, colors, and materials used. These prototypes range from speakers to projectors and more. Along with the prototypes, keywords related to the inspiration, sketches, design drawings, and materials used in the conception process will decorate the space from the floor to the ceiling.
Information
Peek into the Future of Design: Imaginary Margins
Running: March 19 – March 27, 2022
Hours: 10:00-19:00
Admission: Free
Location: 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT Gallery 3
Official Site: https://design.idc.nttdocomo.co.jp/event/ -
Limited Edition Flower Miffy Goods Featuring a Cherry Blossom Theme Now on Sale
06.March.2022 | FASHION
Flower Miffy, a flower shop inspired by the popular Dutch picture book Miffy, has begun selling a new series of cherry blossom-inspired items! A limited number of postcard sets are also being offered as purchase bonuses.
Flower Miffy Glass – Sakura Gradient Pink / Pearl: ¥1,595 (Tax Included)
Flower Miffy Sakura Plate: ¥2,090 (Tax Included)
Flower Miffy Mini Towel – Sakura Pink / Ivory: ¥770 each (Tax Included)
The series features original artwork, and fans of Miffy can get their hands on unique glassware, cherry blossom plates, and mini-towels.
Those spending ¥3,300 (including tax) or more will receive a set of two limited edition postcards. The offer will end as soon as they’re gone!
*Offer does not apply to flower arrangements.
Illustrations Dick Bruna Ⓒ copyright Mercis bv,1953-2022 www.miffy.com
Information
Cherry Blossom Series
Release Date: February 10, 2022
Where to Buy: Flower Miffy Shops Nationwide, Flower Miffy Online Shop
Official Site: https://benelic.com/flowermiffy/
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Q-pot CAFE Introduces Cherry Blossom Inspired Seasonal Menu
To celebrate the arrival of spring, Q-pot Cafe is introducing a cherry blossom-themed menu for a limited time!
Cherry Blossom Romantic Dress Cake Plate with Drink: ¥2,100 (Tax Included)
Enjoy this pink cherry blossom mousse and pure white whipped cream to celebrate the end of the gloomy winter season.
Rich pistachio mousse, strawberry pulp, fragrant almonds, and fluffy genoise come together in a scrumptious melt-in-your-mouth explosion of flavor.
Romantic Berry Blossom Tea: ¥850 (Tax Included) / Set Menu +¥200 (Tax Included)
A play on Q-pot Cafe’s popular Flower Garden tea, the Berry Blossom Tea has a rich cherry blossom aroma with raspberries and milk added.
Romantic Berry Blossom Tea with Bottle: ¥1,296 (Tax Included)
Take-out drinks in patterned bottles are also available! By bringing the bottle with you, the Berry Blossom Tea will be discounted to ¥750 (tax included).
Information
2022 Q-pot Cafe Seasonal Menu
Location: Q-pot Cafe Omotesando
Available: March 1 – April 14, 2022
Online Reservations Open