Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru, a hot-spring hotel located in Owani, Aomori Prefecture, will hold a special snow and sake event from February 1 until February 28, 2022. Hotel guests will be invited to enjoy drinks before dinner with a special winter twist–under a kamakura! A kamakura is the Japanese equivalent of an igloo, and local sake will be cooled by the snow as guests enjoy a glass while taking in the gorgeous scenery.

Famed author Osamu Dazai described the seven types of snowfall found in the Tsugaru region in his work Tsugaru. To allow visits to enjoy the many different types of snow in Aomori, seven unique sakes will be prepared and depending on the snowfall each day, the sake guests are served will change. This unique experience is sure to leave an impression. Who would you like to bring along?

Tsugaru Snow Lanterns

Seven lanterns designed by Iemasa Yamahata will be placed on the inside of the kamakura. Each has a different color and pattern and each is based on one of the seven types of snow: powdery snow, large snowflakes, grainy snow, watery snow, granular snow, sleet,  and crusted snow.

The luxury hotel Grand Hyatt Tokyo will offer Easter sweets and baked goods at the on-site Fiorentina Pastry Boutique from April 1 until Easter, April 17, to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Easter Egg Macaroon

Easter Cookies with Icing

Easter Lollipop

Easter Bunny Brioche

This year, in addition to the new Easter Bunny and Easter egg macaroons, cookies with icing, lollipop chocolates, brioche in the shape of the Easter Bunny, and other sweets and bakery items will be available. Don’t miss it!

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?

UNITED ARROWS has released its first craft beer in collaboration with Be Easy Brewing, located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. The brew is available at the UNITED ARROWS BOTTLE SHOP, which sells select alcoholic beverages from both Japan and abroad. ‘Apple Pie Ala Mode’ went on sale starting January 2 at the UA BAR on the first floor of the UNITED ARROWS Harajuku flagship store, H BEAUTY AND YOUTH, and the California General Store. 

Be Easy Brewing offers a selection of unique and constantly changing beers using ingredients found in Aomori like apples, strawberries and Tsugaru rice. From IPAs to wheat ales, the company is always experimenting with different styles. This strange collaboration was born after UNITED ARROWS expressed a fascination with the high quality and incredible taste of Be Easy Brewing’s beers.

‘Apple Pie Ala Mode’ is a Berliner Weisse with a slightly sour taste combining apple juice, cinnamon, and vanilla. 

BEAMS Japan has collaborated with 13 businesses to develop nearly 100 unique products to highlight the wonders of Aomori Prefecture. Under the title ‘BEAMS EYE on AOMORI,’ these products are now available to purchase from the BEAMS Official Online Store. They will be available at the BEAMS Japan shop in Shinjuku starting January 19, 2022. 

BEAMS EYE on AOMORI Products at a Glance

BEAMS Japan travelled to Aomori to search for inspiration and to learn more about the prefecture famous for its blue skies and apple orchards. The areas rich nature and traditions come to life in this new line of merchandise, so why not enjoy some of these products for yourself?

The ‘Inaichō General Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization,’ a group striving for regional revitalization, has announced that the Oirase Gorge Ice Falls Tour will be available to tourists between December 17 2021 and March 6 2022. This will be the fifth year of the tour, which was first held in 2017. 

Winter Oirase Waterfall Night Tour© Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization

Winter Oirase Nature Guided Tour© Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization

The Oirase Gorge, which stretches for 14km between Lake Towada and Yakeyama, lies between Aomori and Akita prefecture. The gorge is located in Towada Hachimantai National Park and has been designated a protected area.

During Winter, the mountaintop waterfalls freeze over and become powerful icefalls, decorated with icicles. Time seems to stop as the river stops flowing and the area becomes still. On this bus tour you can enjoy the silvery-white Oirase scenery during the day, or be awed by the illuminated icefall and icicles at night. 

During the Night Tour, a dedicated light car runs alongside the bus to light up five spots along the Oirase Gorge, including the gorge icicles and the icefall itself. Each viewing spot has been carefully produced, using changing colors and lighting to set the scene.

Why not visit this beautiful icy scene, which can only be enjoyed in Winter? 

The Pasco Kumamoto Prefecture Project is a collaboration between the Japanese pastry company Pasco and Kumamoto Prefecture which has appointed Kumamon, the mascot of Kumamoto, as its head to promote local foods.

The project was started as a reconstruction and restoration effort to help support Kumamoto after the devastating earthquake that struck in 2016 and the 2018 Japan floods. For every select product sold, 0.5 yen is donated to the relief effort to aid victims of the disasters.

The Pasco Kumamoto Prefecture Project is set to run until end end of September this year. It released two items on April 1 as part of the project. It is now releasing two new products: the “Strawberry Jam & Milk Whipped Cream” pastry and “Pancake Omelette Custard & Milk Whipped Cream.” The milk, strawberries, and eggs used for these confections are all sourced from Kumamoto

The pastry recipe creates whipped cream from milk and layers it with a strawberry jam made from yuubeni, a popular brand of strawberry grown in Kumamoto, before baking. The pancake omelette is a combination of Jersey milk, eggs, and custard cream to create a fluffy dessert.

Pasco carefully selects ingredients as part of Kumamon’s promotional products

The ingredients used in the recipes for these food products are all carefully selected to go deliciously well with Pasco’s bread. This includes milk, eggs, and yuubeni strawberries. Pasco plans to used Kumamoto-grown rice for a new product in August.

Scan the code on the packaging and meet Kumamon!

A special Kumamon AR service has also been created as part of the project. If you scan the code on the packaging of these products using a smart device, you can take a photo together with Kumamon as pictured above. He has the same design as on the packets.

Fashion brand Samansa Mos2 joined paws with the cat-themed bread and pastry store Neko Neko Shokupan to release their first collection together at Samansa Mos2 stores and the online store CAN ONLINE SHOP on May 14.

The Line-Up

Half-Sleeve Photo Print T-Shirts
Colours: Off-White/Unbleached/Beige
Price: ¥3,190 (Tax Included)

Half-Sleeve Monogram Print T-Shirts
Colours: Off-White/Yellow/Brown
Price: ¥3,190 (Tax Included)

Half-Sleeve Back Print T-Shirts
Colours: Off-White/Yellow/Brown
Price: ¥3,190 (Tax Included)

Back print tee design

Shokupan Print Hoodie
Colours: Beige/Khaki
Price: ¥4,290 (Tax Included)

Kid’s Line

Photo Print T-Shirt
Colours: Off-White/Yellow
Price: ¥2,530 (Tax Included)

French Flare T-Shirts
Colours: Beige/Khaki
Price: ¥2,530 (Tax Included)

Miscellaneous

Embroidered Canvas Tote Bag
Colours: Unbleached/Beige
Price: ¥3,850 (Tax Included)

Handkerchief
Colours: Beige/Purple
Price: ¥660 (Tax Included)

Reversible Shoulder Pouch
Colours: Beige/Khaki
Price: ¥3,190 (Tax Included)

Bottle Holder
Colours: Beige/Khaki
Price: ¥2,750 (Tax Included)

Mobile Ring Holder
Colours: Beige/Grey
Price: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Neko Neko Shokupan are known for their rich and milky cat-shaped bread which uses milk and zero water. They’re a hugely popular bakery brand who often find themselves across social media pages including Instagram. This marks their first collaboration with Samansa Mos2 who celebrate their 35th anniversary this year.

The collection features key visuals taken from the Neko Neko Shokupan brand. Items include a variety of tees and hoodies as well as other miscellaneous must-grabs like tote bags, handkerchiefs, bottle holders, and more. There’s even a children’s line-up as part of Samansa Mos2’s kid brand Samansa Mos2 Lagom so parents and their children can coordinate cute matching outfits.

Look felinely-fashionable this summer with the Samana Mos2 x Neko Neko Shokupan collection.

Japanese anime, game, and hobby merch site CharaAni released a new collection of Sakura Miku merchandise on Monday in collaboration with the Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri 2021 festival.

Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri 2021 x Sakura Miku Line-Up

Folders | ¥450 Each (Tax Included)

Tapestries | ¥3,500 Each (Tax Included)

Acrylic Stands | ¥1,500 Each (Tax Included)

Holographic Pins | ¥550 Each (Tax Included) *Blind box, designs are random

Reversible Blankets | ¥5,500 Each (Tax Included)

Scarf Towel (Art by iXima) | ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

Happi (Art by iXima) | ¥6,000 (Tax Included)

Hand Towel (Art by Mamo) | ¥1,000 (Tax Included)

Motel Key Ring (Art by iXima) | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

Teacups | ¥1,700 Each (Tax Included)

Flat Pouch (Art by iXima & Mamo) | ¥2,500 (Tax Included)

Drum Bag (Art by iXima) | ¥6,500 (Tax Included)

Full Graphic T-Shirt (Art by Morichika) | ¥5,500 (Tax Included)

Full Graphic Zipper Hoodie (Art by Hechima) | ¥9,900 (Tax Included)

Fashion Mask (Art by iXima) | ¥2,200 (Tax Included)

Desk Mat (Art by iXima) | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

Shitakawa Rayaki Dove Whistle | ¥2,200 (Tax Included)

Music Box: “Haru o Matsu Hito” – PolyphonicBranch feat. Hatsune Miku

The Sakura Miku x Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri 2021 collection invites on board four artists: iXima, Mamo, Hechima, and Morichika who have created original artwork for the line-up. The items can be bought both at the festival and online.

The collection also includes Sakura Miku-inspired dove whistles made by Shitakawa Rayaki Tsuchi Ningyo, a clay doll company that has been around for over 200 years. The company began in the latter half of the Edo Period when Takaya Kanegura, who had learned how to make ceramics in the town of Chikuzen in Fukuoka, was employed by the Hirosaki Domain to build a furnace.

Miku fans can also get their hands on a music box which features an original song created for the festival called Haru o Matsu Hito (“Person Waiting For Spring”). It features artwork by iXima.

Art by iXima / Mamo / へちま / もりちか © Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net

If you’re looking to experience Aomori’s culture, then Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya is the hotel to stay at. Every year throughout the year the accommodation hosts many festivals. This summer, guests can look forward to the Goldfish Festival which will run from June 1 to August 31. Inspired by local tradition, the hotel will be decorated with paper goldfish floats—including one towering 3-meters tall—known as kingyo nebuta or kingyo neputa in Japanese. Shaved ice will also be served to help guests cool off.

Kingyo Nebuta goldfish floats, a summer tradition of Aomori

Aomori is synonymous with its myriad of goldfish festivals. The must-have decoration at these festivals are their goldfish floats which are lit up in the evenings. Their origin lies in the tsugaru-nishiki, a species of goldfish found only in Aomori’s city of Tsugaru. People revered them back in the day and so created the floats to showcase that. They are a symbol of summertime Aomori and adored by locals and tourists alike.

Kingyo Sukui Yatai: Challenge yourself to Japanese festival goldfish scooping

A new stall arrives at Hoshino Resorts’ Goldfish Festival this year: the classic Japanese goldfish scooping experience, a common sight at summer festivals. The goldfish you catch can be ‘rented’ and taken to your hotel room. Guests have to meet certain requirements if they want to be able to take the fish home with them. The staff look after the fish every day so guests can rest assured they are treated well. Goldfish scooping will be held with social distancing measures in place, with only one group allowed in the stall per turn.

4 Exciting Things to Look Forward to

Surrounded by over 450 ningyo neputa goldfish floats

Goldfish ice cream made in the form of traditional Japanese amezaiku candy art

Time: 19:00-22:00

Where: Yottemare Sake Bar

Price: ¥900 (Before Tax)

Take your scooped fish to your hotel room

Time: 16:00-21:00

Where: Jawamegu Plaza

Price: ¥500 (Before Tax)

Includes: 2-3 fish, fishbowl, air pump

Over 30 summer yukata to pick from with goldfish designs

Time: 15:00-20:00

Where: Jawamegu Plaza

Price: Adults ¥500 / Kids ¥300 (Before Tax)

Hitobito, the company behind Japan’s popular bakery cafe chain Bread, Espresso &, is set to open a new branch inside Makita General Hospital in Kamata on March 1. The cafe opened its doors for pre-openings earlier this month with shortened business hours.

Bread, Espresso & has 20 branches across Japan including the popular one located in Omotesando, Tokyo. Its frequented by people of all ages for its deliciously soft bread made from 100% Japanese wheat.

The cafe’s picture book-like interior design caters to children featuring bread-shaped tables and cute illustrations.

Customers are welcome to try out the free samples on display. Each sample has a little card detailing various information which customers can take to the register if they want to buy that item. Often in Japanese bakeries there are tongs and trays which customers are free to use, but this new style of service lessens contact with others for a safer trip during the pandemic.

The bakery serves Bread, Espresso & classics like French toast and their mu pastries, as well as alternatives like gluten-free breads, no-sugar treats, and more.

Japanese bakery Neko Neko Shokupan is promoting the release of the second in the two-part anime film series Sailor Moon Eternal by baking up a bread inspired by everyone’s favourite feline: Luna. The bread will be sold from February 11 to March 25.

Neko Neko Shokupan Luna Bread w/ Chocolate Pen | ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

The bread is made of pastry laced with black cocoa powder. Luna’s ears are strawberry flavoured and she  of course has her iconic crescent moon atop her forehead. She arrives safely packaged in a cube-shaped box decorated in night sky stars and the moon. This box is placed in an eye-catching bag with little Sailor Moon details that are sure to be familiar to any fan, including Luna herself as well as Artemis.

The bread is available in-store at Neko Neko Shokupan branches and via the online store All Hearts Mall in Japan

The first film in the Sailor Moon Eternal series was released on January 8, 2021, and the second on February 11, 2021.

©武内直子・PNP／劇場版「美少女戦士セーラームーンEternal」製作委員会