Tanabata Sky Lantern Festivals to Take Place in Tokyo and Kobe

09.June.2019 | SPOT

Last year, Starry Night Company (SNC) brought the Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival to Osaka. This year, they are set to host it in Tokyo and Osaka simultaneously on July 6 and 7. A total of 20,000 individual lanterns will be released over the two-day period in an even bigger and better festival than before.

 

Most lantern events held around the world use lanterns lit with fire, but for this event LED sky lanterns will be used to ensure safety. All lanterns are also fitted with a cord. One of Japan’s major lantern festivals, the event is made possible by SNC who developed the world’s first LED sky lantern.

Japanese actors Sho Aoyagi and Tsubasa Sakiyama will feature as guest speakers at the events.

 

Sky lanterns offer an entirely different kind of experience from other Japanese cultural traditions, such as summer fireworks. Those in Japan this summer won’t regret taking their special someone to this sky lantern festival.

RECOMMENDED ENTRIES

  • Huge Sky Lantern Festival to be Held at Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo!

    29.March.2018 | SPOT

    The Sky Lantern Festival will be held at Mitsui Outlet Park in Ryuo, Shiga Prefecture on May 3rd and 4th this year.

    日本最大級のスカイランタンイベント 三井アウトレットパーク 滋賀竜王で開催!4

    Sky lanterns are a familiar sight across Europe and Asia at events and festivals. People pour their thoughts and wishes into them before sending them into the sky. They originate from Thailand and China where they were used as a means of communication and to pray for sound health. The number of occasions where sky lanterns are being used is on the rise where they are currently used at festivals, as offerings, and at events to illuminate the night sky. They are gaining much attention in Japan especially with young girls who attend sky lanterns events in Thailand and Taiwan and post pictures on Instagram and other social media sites.

    日本最大級のスカイランタンイベント 三井アウトレットパーク 滋賀竜王で開催!3

     

    日本最大級のスカイランタンイベント 三井アウトレットパーク 滋賀竜王で開催!2

    Sky Lantern Festival in Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo will be held across two days where around 3,000 lanterns will be sent into the sky. This is the first time a sky lantern festival will be held at Outlet Park. Not only can you watch the lights but also enjoy a spot of shopping or a meal around. If you purchase your own lantern, you can receive a shopping voucher or food coupon that can be used at Mitsui Outlet Park in Ryuo. But you can of course enjoy your time at the event without buying a lantern.

     

    At most lantern events around the world you light lanterns with fire, but this event will used LED sky lanterns instead for safety, meaning children can join in without worry.

     

    Participants can write their wishes in the lanterns and release them together with everyone at the end of the countdown. Check out the Sky Lantern Festival during Golden Week.

     

    ■Information

    Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo

    Address: 1178-694 Aza Sunayama, Oaza Kuzushi, Ryuo-cho, Gamo-gun, Shiga Prefecture

    Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00

    No Fixed Holidays.

    Website: https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/mop/shiga/

     

     

    Sky Lantern Festival in Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo

    Running: May 3, 2018 ― May 4, 2018

    Reception Time: From 16:00

    Lantern Collection: 18:00-18:45

    Lantern Release: 19:00 (*To all be released at once)

     

    Location: South Mall 1F

    Price: Advance Booking ¥2,500 / Same-Day ¥3,000

    *Price for one lantern.

    *Comes with a ¥800 shopping voucher and food coupon that can be used at Mitsui Outlet Park Shiba Ryuo

    (Event-only ¥300 food coupon + Mitsui Outlet Park ¥500 shopping voucher. Can be used on purchases over ¥5,000.)

    Tickets: Available via e-ticket, Ticket Pia, and Rakuten Ticket.

     

  • 2019 Japanese Lantern Festivals: Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, Okinawa & More

    22.February.2019 | SPOT

    Lantern events take place in Japan throughout the whole year. The country sees many types of lanterns decorating the atmosphere from sky lanterns that float up into the night sky to towering lantern monuments, colourful lanterns that hang like paper lanterns and more.

     

    Many of these events take place in February and March and bustle with locals and people visiting from all over the country. Since last year, Hankyu Travel International has listed the lantern festivals taking place across Japan.

     

    Here are some of  the major events taking place this year. There are many to look forward to each with a different origin and meaning whether it be for religious reasons or for festive fun.

     

    Hokkaido Event

    17th Takikawa Kamibukuro Paper Lantern Festival

    Date: February 23, 2019

    Location: Area from Takikawa Station to Bell Road

    Address: 2 Chome-8-9 Sakaemachi, Takikawa, Hokkaido

     

    The Takikawa Kamibukuro Lantern Festival sees paper lanterns handcrafted by the local residents of Takikawa. Each design is entirely different from the next, so simply looking at them is enough to warm your heart.

     

    Iwate Prefecture Event

    Hanamaki Hoshi Meguro no Yoru

    Running: February 3, 2019 / February 11, 2019 / February 14, 2019

    Location: Namari Ski Cente

    Address: Nakadaira-36-1 Namari, Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture

     

    This wintertime event is exclusive to guests staying with Hanamaki Onsen.

     

    Tokyo & Osaka Event

    Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival

    Running: July 6, 2019 – July 7, 2019

    Location: Tokyo and Osaka

    Address: TBA

     

    10,000 lanterns will be launched into the night in Tokyo and Osaka in this two-day event, creating a starry sky.

     

    Niigata Prefecture Events

    Tsunan Yuki Matsuri Sky Lantern

    Date: March 9, 2019 (Pre-event to take place on March 8 too)

    Location: New Green Pia Tsunan

    Address: 12300 Akinari, Tsunan-machi, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture

     

    The town of Tsunan in Niigata has held this sky lantern festival since 2012 to offer prayers towards the reconstruction work after the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. 1,000 lanterns will rise into the sky during the March 8 pre-festival and 2,000 the following day for the main event.

     

    Niigata Tsunan Sky Lantern Festival

    Running: March 17, 2019 / March 21, 2019 / March 22, 2019

    Location: New Green Pia Tsunan

    Address: 12300 Akinari, Tsunan-machi, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture

     

    Hankyu Travel International has a range of events planned for this festival including sky lanterns, fireworks, food and more.

     

    Nagasaki Prefecture Event

    Nagasaki Lantern Festival

    Running: February 5, 2019 – February 19, 2019

    Locations: Nagasaki Chinatown, Central Park and elsewhere

    Address: Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture

     

    Every year the Nagasaki Lantern Festival sees over 1 million people in attendance. The event grown and expanded from a celebration of Chinese New Year from the people of Nagasaki Chinatown.

     

    Okinawa Prefecture Event

    Ryukyu Lantern Festival 2018-2019

    Running: December 1, 2018 – March 3, 2019

    Address: Murasaki Mura Ryukyu Kingdom Theme Park

    Address: 1020-1 Takashiho, Yomitan-son, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture

     

    The Ryukyu Lantern Festival has been taking place since December last year at Murasaki Mura, a theme park that reproduces the city of Naha when Okinawa was known as the Ryukyu Kingdom in the 14th and 15th centuries. The event has a magical atmosphere with its Chinese lanterns, Japanese paper lanterns and more.

     

    Be sure to use this list as reference if any of these events take your fancy and make some wonderful memories.

  • Experience the charm of summer in Hakone with the magical sight of paper lanterns illuminating the evening sky…

    22.April.2016 | Uncategorized

    From 1st June to 31st August 2016, visit “Hoshino Resort KAI Hakone” which is located in Yumoto, Kanagawa prefecture to witness a sensational historical event where the evening will be lit with lanterns to colour the cool atmosphere.

     

    As a small inn town from the Edo period, Hakone is a flourishing and bustling location, which makes it the perfect little gem for Tokaido tourists!

     

    The collapsible cylindrical paper lantern, characterised by its compatibility and shape, was once a widely used necessity in Japan until the introduction of electric torches during the Taisho era. Nowadays, there are only 2 shops that continue to create these lanterns, making them a very rare craft.

     

    Odawara’s lantern festival is held every summer but this year at “KAI Hakone”, this will be 3rd time that a Lantern light-up event will be held.

     

    Yamazaki Isamu is one of the very few workmen who strives to keep the tradition of the lanterns. Yamazaki Isamu took the lead to created an original lantern which will add a magical touch to the summer resort and paint warm colours in the cool sky of Hakone.

     

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    Please come to enjoy the warm illumination of the evening!

     

    ■Information

    ■Period:1st June ~ 31st August 2016

    ■Time:18:00~22:00

    ■Official site:http://kai-hakone.jp/miryoku/2016summer.html

    * In the case of bad weather, this event may be cancelled on certain days.

     

     

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    24.May.2023 | MUSIC / SPOT

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  • FRUITS ZIPPER Holds First Anniversary Concert, Announce Appearance at the ‘Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival’ in June

    11.May.2023 | MUSIC

    On May 4, the 7-member idol group FRUITS ZIPPER held the first Tokyo performance of their first-anniversary concert tour at Toyosu PIT.

     

    Tickets for both the Tokyo and Osaka shows sold out immediately after they went on sale. To celebrate the first anniversary of the group’s debut, the lucky fans who were able to snag tickets came together at Toyosu PIT.

     

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  • Tokyo Diary Map #1: Actor Ryo Ogata Recommends Relaxing Spots in Tokyo

    01.March.2023 | FEATURES / SPOT

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    -Tell us about your favorite spot in Tokyo!

    “Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA. I feel like I can really relax there. I love being surrounded by my favorite fashion magazines, and no matter what magazine you pick up, they’re all so exciting and educational. That’s what I like about bookstores–you can pick up something you’re not usually interested in and learn something new. It’s the best.”

     

     

    Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA
    16-15 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
    https://store.tsite.jp/daikanyama/

     

    – How do you like to spend your time at Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA?

    “I pick up a new book, find a seat, and take my time reading. I like people-watching and checking out people’s fashion too. Also, there’s a nice café called ivy place nearby, where I can read while having a relaxing cup of coffee.”

     

    この投稿をInstagramで見る

     

    TYSONS & COMPANY(@tysonsandcompany)がシェアした投稿

     

    Ivy Place

    東京都渋谷区猿楽町16-15

    https://www.tysons.jp/ivyplace/

     

    -You studied fashion design in the United States. How did that experience influence you? How do you want to make use of that experience going forward?

     “Learning about fashion at art school was very inspiring. It was also very interesting to see how people with different ethnic backgrounds dress and to see their individual personalities. For example, I saw high school students wearing backpacks instead of using school bags. I just loved seeing people’s unique fashion. It made me realize something that I still believe in to this day–that there’s  nothing more beautiful than wearing what you like in your own way. I’d actually like to create my own clothing brand in the future, so I hope to put my high school fashion design studies to good use.”

     

    Which apparel stores do you frequent?

    I always peek into Dover Street Ginza!

     

    Dover Street Ginza
    Ginza Komatsu West Building (6-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
    https://ginza.doverstreetmarket.com

     

    -What fashion styles are you interested in lately?

    “I like a lot of different genres, but lately I’ve been into chic styling, like pairing shirts and sweaters. I dream of dressing like Thom Browne. I want to try to buy at least one piece from his collection.

    -You post a lot of illustrations on your Instagram. Do you usually like to draw? When do you lke to create? 

    “I bought an iPad to draw because I really wanted something to do something new during COVID. For me, when I plan time to draw something, it never goes well, so I tend to just draw when inspiration suddenly strikes. I have no particular style, I just draw whatever I want!”

    -What inspires you as someone so expressive? What has piqued your interest lately?

    “I get inspiration from a wide range of different people. It could be people walking on the street, people on the train…lately, I’ve been meeting the most inspiring and wonderful people. Listening to their stories is what inspires me the most. Fashion inspires me, humanity inspires me, people’s auras inspire me.”

     

    -Finally, please give a message to those who are planning on coming to Japan!

    “Japan is just wonderful. It’s the best. The food, the people, the scenery, all of it is incredible. Once you visit, you’ll definitely want to come back. Please come and enjoy!” (Laugh)

  • Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition “Tokyo Girlfriend” Coming to Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, New Works to be Exhibited for the First Time

    08.February.2023 | SPOT

    From March 14 until April 23, 2023, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya will hold Hisashi Eguchi’s Tokyo Girlfriend illustration exhibition, set to show off the artist’s unique perspectives on people and cityscapes. The exhibition will feature new illustrations of the titular girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya drawn especially for this exhibition, as well as various other girlfriends both large and small.

    GING NANG BOYZ Kimi to Boku no Dai 3ji Taisen-teki Renai Kakumei CD Jacket (2005)

    A LONG VACATION – Eiichi Ohtaki 40th Tribute Illustration (2021) ©2023 Eguchi Hisashi

     

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  • FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop to Open at Laforet Harajuku

    28.January.2023 | FASHION / SPOT

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    ◆About the FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop

    When entering the venue, fans will be greeted by a 5-meter-wide board where visitors can write and attach their messages to the FRUITS ZIPPER members on heart-shaped cards. Costumes that the members have worn on stage will also be on display, allowing fans to see each stitch up close.

     

    Exclusive items featuring new photos of the members will be on sale at the pop-up shop. Fans can enjoy seeing the girls in their own personal style, and these items will only be available during the event! Starting February 4, tour merch for the group’s upcoming solo concert series will also be available for purchase.

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    ◆Member Appearance Planned on Valentine’s Day

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    Stay up to date with the latest FRUITS ZIPPER news at the official Twitter page (@FRUITS_ZIPPER).

     

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    Random Photo – Valentine pop-up ver. (21 varieties): ¥330 (Tax Included)


    Random Pin – Valentine pop-up ver. (7 varieties): ¥500 (Tax Included)


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  • Macaroni Empitsu 10th Anniversary Exhibition Makes Triumphant Return to Tokyo

    22.January.2023 | MUSIC / SPOT

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    After being held at several locations around Japan, the exhibition will return to Ikebukuro PARCO in Tokyo next month.

     

    Items appearing in the Macaroni Empitsu 10th Anniversary Book -Macaroni Kuronikuru- will be on display, and a short film titled Aspirations will be screened following its premiere in Shibuya.

     

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    [Comment from Vocalist Hattori]
    “Macaroni Empitsu’s exhibition is making a triumphant return to Tokyo! New content has been added this time around, so be sure to come fall into the macaroni hole!”

  • Atarashii Gakko! to Perform Solo at Zepp Venues in Tokyo and Osaka in Spring 2023

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    Atarashii Gakko! will hold solo concerts at Zepp venues in Tokyo and Osaka in April and May of 2023.

     

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  • Tokyo Bay Night Cruise Collaborates with Hatsune Miku for Four Days Only Starting February 2023

    05.January.2023 | SPOT

    For four days only starting in February 2023, fans of Hatsune Miku will want to take an incredible night cruise around Tokyo Bay. The virtual singer will collaborate with the popular Tokyo Bay Night Cruise which travels between Yokohama and Tokyo. The event will include special tickets, exclusive bonuses for guests, collaborative goods, and onboard decorations. Collaborative goods will be available to purchase on the ship or from the Shimapochi online store.

     

    Outline

    Dates: February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12

    Night Cruise Itinerary:

    Osanbashi, Yokohama / Check-in 16:00-18:00

    Osanbashi, Yokohama / Departure 18:10, Enjoy the night view from the ship

    Takeshiba Wharf, Tokyo / Arrival 19:45

    *Guests will be led by a special MC narrating the night scenery. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

    Special Ticket Fare:

    Adults ¥2,000 / Children ¥1,500 (Includes consumption tax and fuel price adjusted for inflation)

    [Includes Hatsune Miku Collaboration Sticker and Postcard (6 varieties, random)]

    Special tickets featuring Hatsune Miku will only be available to those reserving their spot online. Reservations can be made two months prior to the boarding date. Space is extremely limited, so grab a spot while you can!

     

    Those not interested in bonuses can also enjoy a night cruise during this period, with adult tickets costing ¥1,000 and children’s tickets costing ¥500. More details will be released at a later date.

  • Akiyoshido Cave in Yamaguchi to be Illuminated for Christmas & Valentine Theater Event

    26.December.2022 | SPOT

    The Mine City Tourism Association has announced a Christmas & Valentine’s Day event at Akiyoshido Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan. The event will see the natural wonder illuminated by a number of colorful lights. The Christmas event will run from December 21 to 25, 2022, while the Valentine’s Day event will run from February 10 to 14, 2023.

     

    Akiyoshido Cave is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions. The interior will be decorated with colorful lights and unique soundscapes, creating a once-in-a-lifetime setting for visitors. These illuminations and sounds were directed by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, known for her work on Tokyo Tower and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.

  • Kobe’s Storytelling Restaurant FARM TO TABLE KANBE Now Open

    06.December.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    Fans of Japan and Japanese culture may know that Kobe’s food scene is not to be missed. A new restaurant, KANBE, is now open and tells the story of the city’s food culture. The grand opening was on November 30 in Sannomiya.  

     

    The story begins with water, the source of Kobe’s food. The city’s famed fare like Kobe beef, Suma salmon, and seasonal vegetables  will take the stage through storytelling, projection mapping, and uniquely planed dishes. Ingredients are served to guests the same day that they are delivered to the restaurant, offering the freshest possible experience. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of drinks made in Kobe, including Nada Gogou sake and Kobe wine. These are made using Nunobiki water from the Rokko mountain range, meaning that everything guests enjoy was truly made in Kobe.

     

    At KANBE, visitors will chat with a storyteller who weaves the story of Kobe’s food into the experience. A chef himself, he is well-versed in cooking methods, food history, and nutrition. 

    The 18-meter-long counter adds to the experience by displaying seasonal scenery, the water of Nunobiki, and the night view from Mt. Rokko. Nature sounds, like the murmuring of Nunobiki Falls and the chirping of birds, also echo through the restaurant in time with the projection mapping, creating an atmosphere that feels alive.

     

    Why not come enjoy a new kind of dining experience?

  • Report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Tasty Time in Gastropolis Kobe – Sweets Edition

    03.December.2022 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

    Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijinkan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its selection of tasty sweets!

    The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture.

     

    Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious treats, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON went along for the ride! Here are some of the singer’s favorite spots around town.

    Kobe, known as a city where East meets West, is lined with sweets shops that are unique to the area.

     

    The tea salon TOOTH TOOTH Dekoboko Sabo opened in 2019 in the Kobe City Museum and offers a menu that mixes Western food and sweets with tea and ingredients from traditional Japanese cuisine. Kyary ordered the Dekoboko Sabo Afternoon Tea Set, a collection of western sweets blended with the essence of traditional Japanese flavors. Guests are invited to enjoy their tea and sweets in a one-of-a-kind space filled with Meiji period flare and retro Western furniture. Those interested will need to make a reservation, so be sure to remember the next time you’re in Kobe.

     

    TOOTH TOOTH Decoboco Sabo

    Address: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)

    Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30) 

    Closed Mondays

    Official Site: https://toothtooth.com/restaurant/decoboco-sabo

    The next stop was Kobe Nankin-machi, one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. Kobe MILK is known nationwide for its Apricot Pudding, which is made with local ingredients. The raw apricot pudding is mixed with milk brought from the foot of Mt. Rokko and other ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture. Of course, Kyary ordered some, and was amazed by its fluffy texture. You can only enjoy it in Kobe–also, the shop sells other puddings mixed with seasonal fruits, so don’t miss those either!

     

    Kobe MILK

    Address: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)

    Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30

    Official Site: https://kobe-milk.com

    For Kyary’s final stop, the singer visited the Moore House, a cafe located in a building with over 100 years of history. Guests are surrounded by greenery, and the Western-style building is incredibly elegant. The Strawberry Mille-feuille Kyary ordered was created by an expert patissier and based on the strawberry mille-feuille recipe from the legendary French restaurant Maxim’s de Paris in Ginza. A generous amount of custard cream complements the crispy pie crust and enhances the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. We’d recommend it with a glass of champagne–if you’re of age.

    Kitano Ijin-kan Moore House

    Address: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe

    Hours: 11:00-17:00

    Closed Tuesdays

    Official Site: https://www.kitanomoore.com/cafe/

     

    The streets of Kobe are packed with sweets that you can only enjoy if you visit. Why not come experience these incredible spots like Kyary did?

     

    Kobe Sweets Trailer: https://youtu.be/Sx9B1ZdAvlI

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