Nestlé Japan is collaborating with popular Japanese illustrator Misaki Tanaka to release a new series of chocolate packaging on April 15 at KitKat Chocolatory. The concept behind the packaging is to have people choose the chocolate they want based on the words and pictures branded on the single chocolate boxes.

 

The KitKat Chocolatory is a direct-to-consumer chain, serving premium, handcrafted KitKats made with top quality ingredients and production methods under full direction by Takagi Yasumasa―the owner and chef of LE PATISSIER TAKAGI. Its luxurious line is endless, with products ranging from the elusive ruby chocolate, whose cocoa beans give the finish product its pink colour, to volcanic chocolate made from rare cocoa beans sourced from volcanic islands.

KitKat Mekakushi Chocolatory – ¥300~¥400 (Before Tax)

There are 15 different package designs in total which will be sold for a limited time. None of the boxes have information of the flavour or name of the chocolates; instead you pick which you want based on how the packaging looks. They make for a great gift to yourself and others.

The words chosen on the packaging reflect the feelings one goes through in love or everyday life. Misaki Tanaka has provided the perfect illustrations to better picture those times.

KitKat Mekakushi Chocolatory Full Box (15 Included) – ¥5,100 (Before Tax)

Those who want all of the flavours can purchase the assorted box of 15. The box lid features another original illustration by Miskai Tanaka. And if you roll up to KitKat Chocolatory Ginza between April 15 and May 17, they will have a special exhibition of the illustrations on show.

Pascal Le Gac Tokyo is the first overseas branch of internationally-recognised French-based chocolate company Pascal Le Gac which released some breathtaking new desserts to its menu on Wednesday.

Chocolate Parfait Flurry / Phrase Parfait Flurry

The original Parfait Flurry desserts are made in the image of a bloomed flower. When they were released back in April 2019, they instantly garnered attention across social media and news websites for their gorgeous design. Pascal Le Gac Tokyo has brought them back to the menu, this time in the form of cakes.

 

Cakes that are like parfaits

The new desserts take the same concept of the original parfaits, but instead turns them into cakes. But that doesn’t simply mean taking the parfait ingredients as they are and turning them into a cake. Rather, the cakes recreate the taste of the parfaits, so it’s like eating the real thing. The wine glass that the parfaits were served in have been recreated using icing to give that shiny effect, and the chocolate flowers have been cut thin so they are easy to eat.

Chocolate Flurry – ¥864 (Tax Included)

Starting from the bottom upwards, the Chocolate Flurry is layered with chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate flavoured almond sponge, chocolate cream, chocolate mousse, cacao flavoured vanilla cream, more chocolate cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and chocolate glaçage. Every part of this art piece is made with cacao.

Phrase Flurry (Tax Included)

Starting from the bottom upwards, the Phrase Flurry is layered with pistachio cookie pieces, almond sponge, pistachio mousse, strawberry mousse, lychee jelly, strawberry compote, raspberry flavoured fresh cream, strawberry chocolate, and red glaçage. The marriage of strawberry, lychee, and pistachio flavours is nothing short of heavenly.

 

*Please note that opening hours and closures are subject to change depending on the situation of the coronavirus outbreak. Check the cafe’s official website for the latest details.

Kyo no Ondokoro Marutamachi is set to open in the Goshominami area of Kyoto on April 25, 2020. The single-accommodation hotel is a complete renovation of a traditional Kyoto-style townhouse.

Kyo no Ondokoro Marutamachi comes as the 7th branch of hotels from Kyo no Ondokoro. It’s a single building to rent for up to 4 people, who can enjoy taking a soak in the man-made carbonated spring bath which is kind to the skin and hair, using the soft water shower, and getting ready in the spacious makeup corner. It’s the perfect getaway for girl groups travelling together.

The hotel is in a convenient location for sightseeing in the ancient capital of Kyoto. The building has been completely renovated to adapt to modern lifestyle while still retaining those traditional elements of a Kyoto townhouse that was built during the Meiji Periodーand in an area that’s rich in traditional scenery.

The lounge space sofa seats are inspired by Japanese rock gardens

The lounge space, which connects the second-floor bedrooms and the washitsu Japanese-style room, are furnished with unique round sofas. All the rooms open up to each other so guests can enjoy the company of each other during their travel stay.

Hinoki cypress artificial carbonated spring bath

Amenities

The round bath is made from hinoki cypress, and the carbonated water lets you stay glowing and nice and warm after you step out of it. The bathroom is also stocked full of amenities like shampoo courtesy of popular brand THREE.

Up to four people can apply their makeup together in the makeup corner

The makeup corner is big enough to sit four people so they can get ready for their day or night out together while chatting.

Colourful art pieces also adorn the walls of the makeup room, Japanese-style room and elsewhere to add a touch of beauty to them.

 

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto with the girls then why not book at Kyo no Ondokoro Marutamachi when it opens on April 25?

Dandelion Chocolate and IYEMON SALON ATELIER have joined sticky fingers to bake up their new “Tea & Cocoa Brownie” which is now being served at IYEMON SALON ATELIER KYOTO and Dandelion Chocolate Kyoto Higashiyama Ichinenzaka.

This collaboration came about to celebrate 1 year since IYEMON SALON ATELIER KYOTO opened. The chocolates fuse IYEMON SALON’s tea with Dandelion Chocolate’s organic, single origin bean to bar chocolate.

Tea & Cocoa Brownie (Uji Matcha/Houjicha) – ¥1,800 (Before Tax) *Contains 2 of each flavour

The two different flavoured brownies, Uji matcha and houjicha, are filled with a ganache made from Japanese tea and carefully selected chocolate from the Dominican Republic. The chocolate has a strong, rich flavour like that of coffee and cherries, but is still easy to get without it tasting overwhelming. The brownies are also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, containing no eggs, dairy products, wheat, or white sugar. They are the perfect accompaniment to both tea and a mild-tasting sake.

 

The vegan lifestyle is slowly gaining recognition in Japan, so don’t miss this chance to treat yourself to some melt-in-the-mouth vegan delights.

 

©Dandelion Chocolate Japan

FLOWERS BY NAKED is an annual flower-themed digital art event held by NAKED Inc. As part of this year’s event, FLOWERS BY NAKED 2020 – Sakura –, a special addendum event entitled “Nijo Castle Sakura Matsuri” will take place during the evenings at the World Heritage Site Nijo Castle From March 20 to April 12 this year.

FLOWERS BY NAKED is an interactive digital art experience. It has been held at Nijo Castle during the autumns of 2018 and 2019, but this will be the event’s first time being held in Kyoto during the spring season. 2020’s theme is cherry blossoms, and this will be showcased in a number of wonderful ways.

 

Prologue | NAKED BIG BOOK

“NAKED BIG BOOK, a monument of the beginning of this exhibition, will show collaboration works by an artist Ryotaro Muramatsu and a photographer LESLIE KEE. LESLIE KEE contained energy into photographs as the quiet expression, and Ryotaro Muramatsu reinterprets his works to dynamic photography art.​”

 

Arrival of Spring | Kara-mon Gate (Important Cultural Property)

“Projection mapping expresses the coming of Spring on Karamon-Gate as an important cultural property.”

 

Flowers Wall ~ SAKURA ~ | Inner Moat

“Projection mapping of impressive sakura on the moats in Nijo-jo Castle. The landscape will transition following sakura.”

 

Sakura Droplets | Seiryu-en Garden

“A mystical space surrounded by real sakura where bubbles confined spring fragrance float as the sakura droplet.​ ​”

 

The event is working on countermeasures against the coronavirus, such as installing disinfectants and having staff wear masks. It requests that visitors take normal measures against the infection such as cough etiquette and washing your hands. Click here for more information.

FTG Company, which operates 74 restaurants inside and outside Japan, is set to open its new restaurant Nikukappou Futago at THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto in Higashiyama, Kyoto on March 27, 2020 where it will serve authentic Japanese wagyu beef and full courses.

 

THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto is a small luxury tourist hotel housing eleven rooms in total, including its Bamboo Suite. Bamboo can be found throughout all the rooms as part of the hotel’s concept: “A sojourn embraced by bamboo in a moonlit space.” The rooms, as well as the hotel interior overall, showcases beautiful traditional handiwork using bamboo.

Inside Nikukappou Futago

Nikukappou Futago fuses traditional Japanese elements with modern ones. It features half-size eating areas as well as private areas. Customers can expect their private dining experience to include freshly-cooked full courses with high quality Japanese wagyu and seasonal ingredients.

Menu in Japanese　*Menu will change monthly

Nikukappou Futago’s concept is “A relaxed adult’s Iki.” The word iki here refers to a range of different meanings in Japanese, like “sophistication,” “breath,” “spirit,” and “life.” The restaurant will work to serve a hospitable service that enables each and every person to enjoy that iki that lives inside them.

Foie Gras & Wagyu Filet Mouthful Bowl

Wagyu Loin & Kyoto Vegetable Shabu-shabu

The course is made with seasonal ingredients and vegetables. Plus, in using a range of cooking methods, the original flavour meat of the meat is intensified.

Wagyu Sirloin Sumiyaki

Enjoy a selection of high-quality rare wagyu cuts like sirloin, filet, loin, and more. You can also enjoy a selection of classic Japanese dishes like yakiniku, shabu-shabu, and sukiyaki, all in one course.

Like the changing seasons in Kyoto, the menu will be altered every month to bring something new. Discover your iki and enjoy a great meal at Nikukappou Futago.

Last year, The GrandWest Arashiyamaーa hotel in Arashiyama, Kyotoーhosted a special firefly tour to huge success. It was so well received that the hotel is bringing the tour back again this year. It will be held for three days, from May 29 to 31, with bookings available starting this month.

 

The tour was particularly well-received with foreign guests who were staying at the hotel, and who had never seen a firefly before. It takes place after sunset, where hotel staff take guests on a mini tour to a little-known-good-spot that only the locals know about where you can see fireflies in Kyoto.

 

The idea behind the tour was conceived by a hotel staff member who lives in Kyoto and spotted the fireflies at a nearby temple. That staff member had never seen fireflies before, and it was the first time since moving to Kyoto that they’d seen them in the wild like that. The number of wild fireflies is actually decreasing each year in Japan, and converselyーdespite them being a symbol of summertime in Japanーthe number of people who have never actually seen them is on the rise. The tour was created to tackle this fact by having hotel guests experiencing a part of Japanese summer.

 

The target audience for the 2019 tour was parents with small children, which was to be held for three days, but the number of bookings shot up for the entire duration, with 80% of them being from hotel guests from foreign countries. Numerous guests from China said that they had seen fireflies in anime and games before, and that kids and adults knew about them, but that there aren’t many places in China where you can see them for real so many of them had never seen them.

 

Fireflies can only inhabit places where the water is clean. Because of this, it’s becoming harder to see them not just in Japan, but around the world. This includes Kyoto, where the number decreases year by year. If you’re travelling to Kyoto at the end of May, then don’t miss out on this rare and exciting opportunity.

The warmer weather is growing ever closer as we start to approach spring, and in Japan, that means the cherry blossom season is right around the corner. Today, we are joined by Instagram user Macchan-san who has provided us with some picturesque photos of places Kyoto for this Top 7 list of must-visit locations in the ancient capital to see the cherry blossoms this year.

 

Gion Shirakawa

Gion Shirakawa is a place that delivers on expectations when visiting Kyoto, with its rows of traditional houses, stone pavements, and maiko whom you’re sure to meet. This area is also lit up with illuminations during the cherry blossom season, which is perfect when you’re listening to the sound of the flowing Shirakawa River while gazing to your heart’s content at the cherry blossoms.

 

▶ Gion Shirakawa

Address: Shirakawa River, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto (Between Kawabata Shopping Arcade and Gion Tatsumi Bridge)

Closest Stations: 5-minutes on foot from Gion-Shijō Station (via Keihan Electric Railway) / 10-minutes on foot from Sanjō Station (via Keihan Electric Railway) / 10-minutes on foot from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (via Hankyu Railway)

Official Website: http://gion-yoisakura.com/

 

Former Main Building of the Kyoto Prefectural Office

The Former Main Building of the Kyoto Prefectural Office is listed under Japan’s list of Important Cultural Properties. It is the oldest building among existing government buildings in Japan. The courtyard is home to towering shidare-zakura cherry blossom trees, which captivate those who visit the building. The view of the buildingーwhose exterior is like that of a western mansionーtogether with the cherry blossoms is a sight to behold.

 

▶ Former Main Building of the Kyoto Prefectural Office

Address: Yabunouchicho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto

Open: Tuesdays-Fridays (and every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday)

Closed: Public Holidays and New Year Holidays

Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00

Closest Station: 10-minutes on foot from Marutamachi Station

Official Website (Japanese): https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/qhonkan/

 

Shojuin

Shojuin is famous for its beautiful heart-shaped window located in the reception hall. During the cherry blossom season, the window is dyed a pink colour. It is also lit up in the evenings, but you need to book a place in advance to see it. Places are allocated randomly. You can book on the official website.

 

▶ Shojuin

Address: Kawakami-149 Okuyamada, Ujitawara, Tsuzuk District, Kyoto

Opening Hours:  9:00-16:30 (April-September)

Price: ¥500 (Includes tea and confection)

Official Website: http://shoujuin.boo.jp/

 

Access:

①Reachable by Keihan Uji Bus (Numbers 180, 182 or 184) from Uji Station and Shin-Tanabe Station. Get off at Ichumae Bus Stop (維中前)

②10 minutes by the Okayamada Community Bus or taxi

 

Sewaritei

Sewaritei is a very popular spot for celebrating Hanami in Japan with its rows of cherry trees that span 1.4km along the park. From the Sakura Deai Kan observation building, you can soak up the breathtaking view of 220 individual cherry blossom trees. When they are in full bloom, it’s like walking through a tunnel of them, providing a romantic atmosphere.

 

▶ Sewaritei

Address: Yawata Zaioji, Yawata 614-8307, Kyoto Prefecture

Closest Station: 10-minutes on foot from Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Station (via Keihan Main Line)

Official Website: https://www.city.yawata.kyoto.jp/0000000479.html

 

Fushimi Jikkokubune Boats

Fushimi Jikkokubune is an opportunity to board an Edo Period-style boat. It departs from Bentenbashi, and takes passengers on a relaxing journey to observe Kyoto’s nature as well as the cherry blossoms. The departing times are fixed and limited, so be sure to check the official website in advance.

 

▶ Fushimi Jikkokubune Boats

Address: 247 Minamihamacho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto

Times: Check the official website

Closest Station: 5-minutes on foot from Chushojima Station (via the Keihan Main Line)

 

Official Website: https://kyoto-fushimi.or.jp/ship/

 

Fushimi Port Park

There is a walking course offered at Fushimi Port Park which lets you take in all of its sights. I recommend going for a Hanami walk when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

 

▶ Fushimi Port Park

Address: Yoshijima Kanaidocho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto

Closest Station: 3-minutes on foot from Chushojima Station (via the Keihan Main Line)

Official Website: http://kyoto-park.or.jp/fushimi/

 

Fushimi Deai Bridge

This bridge appeared in the anime film I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. It’s a very beautiful spot where the cherry trees reflect off the surface of the water below the bridge. The location’s sights are the same as they were in the past too.

 

▶ Fushimi Deai Bridge (in Japanese: 伏見出会い橋)

Address: 911 Kitahamacho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto

Closest Station: 9-minutes on foot from Chushojima Station (via the Keihan Main Line)

 

Did you enjoy this list? If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto this spring, be sure to use these picks as reference for your Hanami and cherry blossom destinations. And if you’re looking for more places to visit in Kyoto, then follow Macchan on Instagram

 

Photos: Macchan

The new luxury hotel THE HIRAMATSU Kyoto is set to open along Muromachi Street in Kyoto on March 18, 2020.

“Explore and indulge your curiosity” is the hotel’s concept

The hotel aims to create a place that encourages guests to explore and indulge their curiosities, and one that welcomes and treasures its guests in a way that only THE HIRAMATSU Kyoto can.

 

Built from a traditional Edo Period Kyoto-style townhouse

THE HIRAMATSU Kyoto sits pretty much in the heart of Kyoto, and is just a three-minute stroll from Karasuma Oike Station. It faces Muromachi Streetーa street that has long thrived when it comes to trade. The hotel is renovated from an old townhouse that has been around since the Edo Period, and it has been made sure that it hasn’t lost that traditional design.

 

Nakamura Sotoni Komu: A contemporary craftsman

To progress with the renovation work, THE HIRAMATSU KYOTO called on board the executive building director of Kyoto’s famous craftsman company Nakamura Sotoni Komu, who lent their skill to effect the effort.

The all-new Sumikko Gurashi Dou store is set to open permanently at Ginkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto on March 19, 2020.

Ginkaku-ji is a famous temple in Kyoto that was first built in 1490. It lives as a representation of the Higashiyama culture which flourished towards the end of the Muromachi Period. In 1994, it was designated as a World Heritage Site. The temple stands as a famous tourist spot of Kyoto.

Glasses Case – ¥1,500 / Contact Lenses – ¥1,100 / Mini Towels – ¥600 / Hanging Plush Toys – ¥1,100 / Cookies – ¥1,000 (All prices are pre-tax)

The new Sumikko Gurashi Dou store will be based entirely on the Sumikko Gurashi characters created by San-X. “Sumikko Gurashi” translates roughly to “life in the corner.” The shop will take on a cherry blossom theme, where you can get your hands on exclusive and licensed products.

Sumikko Gurashi Yaki Takeout Cup (Contains 6) – ¥300 / Sumikko Gurashi Yaki Omiyage Bag (Contains 12) – ¥700 / Tapioca Drinks (3 Flavours) – ¥500 / Ice Cream (3 Flavours) – ¥500 (All prices are pre-tax)

There’s also takeout food and drinks, like sweet and fluffy baby castella sponge cake, tapioca drinks, soft serve ice cream, and more.

 

And of course, the entire store will be adorably decorated in all things Sumikko Gurashi to ease your soul. If you’re travelling to Kyoto and Ginkaku-ji Temple, then make sure you pop into Sumikko Gurashi Dou.

 

©2020 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Kyoto Aquarium is currently undergoing a large-scale renovation and is set to reopen on April 29, 2020.

When it reopens, visitors will be able to visit the new jellyfish area, called “Kurage Wonder” (Jellyfish Wonder), which will span 350㎡ in width and 40 meters in length. It will house the largest number of different species in western Japanーup to 20ーwith around 5,000 individual jellyfish to see, like the northern sea nettle and pacific sea nettle.

The area begins at 10 individual water tanks where you can see how moon jellyfish change and grow. It then moves onto the 6.5 meter circumference “GURURI” panorama tank which offers a 360° view of 1,500 moon jellyfish.

This tank is entered through an arch, which once you pass through leads you under the tank where your vision is filled with the sight of countless moon jellyfish.

The new “Kyoto Jellyfish Research Lab” has also been built where guests can observe the staff breeding and researching jellyfish on a day-to-day basis. Enjoy hearing how the jellyfish are cared for behind the scenes while chatting together with the staff. Various other activities you can participate in will be introduced in the future too.

 

Discover the wonderful world of jellyfish at the newly-renovated Kyoto Aquarium.

A number of facilities in Japan have announced temporary closures to help stop any possible spreading of the coronavirus. Please check the following closures if you’re planning a trip to Japan in February or March. New information is rolling out all the time, so for the latest updates, please check the official websites for each establishment listed below.

 

Last Updated: February 28, 2020 at 00:51 (JST)

Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea® 

Closed: February 29 – March 15, 2020

The parks plan to reopen on March 16, 2020, however this will be decided following consultation with concerned administrative agencies and will be announced on their official website. If you have purchased tickets valid during the parks’ closing dates, please refer to the links below.

 

Tokyo Disney Resort Official Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/index.html

Tokyo Disney Resort Online Tickets and Reservations: https://reserve.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/top/?language=en

 

 

Snoopy Museum

Closed: February 29 – March 13, 2020

Information on ticket refunds is provided on the museum’s official website.

 

Snoopy Museum Official Website:https://snoopymuseum.tokyo/s/smt/page/english?ima=0000

 

 

Sony Music Roppongi Museum

Closed: February 29 – March 13, 2020

Information on ticket refunds will soon be provided on the museum’s official website. The TYPE-MOON Fate / stay night-15 years of history Exhibition will be extended until April 19, 2020.

 

TYPE-MOON Fate / stay night-15 years of history Exhibition Official Website: https://type-moon-museum.com/

Sony Music Roppongi Museum Official Website: https://smrm.jp/

 

 

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Sanrio Puroland

Closed: February 22, 2020 – March 12, 2020

The park is scheduled to reopen on March 13, 2020, but this is subject to change depending on the circumstances of the coronavirus and news published by the government.

 

▶Refunds

・Pre-booked Tickets

Tickets valid between the dates February 22, 2020 – March 12, 2020 will have their validity period extended to September 30, 2020.

 

・Original Passports

Passport tickets valid between the dates February 22, 2020 – September 29, 2020 will have their validity period extended to September 30, 2020.

 

・Pre-booked PUROPASS

Payments for PUROPASSES bought between the dates February 22, 2020 – March 10, 2020 will be cancelled.

 

・Anniversary Time

Payments for Anniversary Time tickets for the dates February 22, 2020 – March 10, 2020 will be cancelled. Those who paid with cash will be refunded via registered mail.

 

Official Website (English): https://en.puroland.jp/

Official Website (Japanese): https://www.puroland.jp/

 

 

Ghibli Museum

Closed: February 25, 2020 – March 17, 2020

 

▶Refunds

Refunds are applicable for tickets dated between January 22, 2020 – March 30, 2020.

Refunds will be paid in full between February 15, 2020 – March 31, 2020.

 

Official Website (English): http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/

Official Website (Japanese): http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/

 

Toei Animation Museum

Closed: February 26, 2020 – March 18, 2020

The museum’s reopening is subject to consideration depending on the circumstances of the coronavirus. It will be announced via the museum’s official Twitter page and website.

 

Official Website: https://museum.toei-anim.co.jp/

 

 

Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum

Closed: February 22, 2020 until further notice

 

Official Website (English): https://www.asahibeer-oyamazaki.com/english/

Official Website (Japanese): https://www.asahibeer-oyamazaki.com/

 

 

Kyoto National Museum

Closed: February 22, 2020 until further notice

All events, the museum shop Benrido, and the museum cafe Maeda Coffee, have also closed temporarily.

 

Official Website (English): https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/index.html

Official Website (Japanese): https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/jp/index.html

 

 

ARASHI EXHIBITION “JOURNEY”

Closed: February 22, 2020 – March 9, 2020

Location: Osaka Culturarium at Tempozan

 

Official Website: https://arashiexhibition.jp/

 

Sanrio Harmony Land

Closed: February 22, 2020 – March 12, 2020

 

Official Website (English): https://www.harmonyland.jp/english/harmony/harmony.html

Official Website (Japanese): https://www.harmonyland.jp/welcome.html

 

Universal Studios Japan

Closed: February 29, 2020 – March 15, 2020
The park’s reopening will be determined after serious consideration of the current condition of the coronavirus situation. The announcement of the park’s reopening will be made on the USJ’s official website and social media. Information on handling of tickets during the break period will be posted on the official website on February 28, 2020 at 21:00 (JST).

 

Official Website (English): https://www.usj.co.jp/e/

Official Website (Japanese): https://www.usj.co.jp/

 

Hirakata Park

Closed: February 29, 2020 – March 18, 2020
All planned events during the park’s closure have been cancelled and/or postponed until further notice. The park plans to reopen on March 19, 2020 subject to the current condition of the coronavirus situation. Updates will be posted on the official website. Refunds for winter season tickets will be announced at a later date.

 

Official Website (English): http://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/en/

Official Website (Japanese): http://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/

 

Numerous other sports and cultural events will also close for two weeks commencing February 26, 2020. If you’re travelling to Japan in February and March, please check the websites of any places you plan to visit during your trip to see if they are open.