Hirakata Park’s “Hikari no Yuenchi” illumination event, which has been running for the autumn and winter season and is set to finish on March 1, 2020, is being extended into the spring season due to its huge popularity. The spring period will run from March 20 to April 7.

The theme of this year’s Hikari no Yuenchi is “Time Travel Fantasy.” Dazzle your eyes with a bright selection of breathtaking illuminations inside the event’s four areas, such as the lights along Time Travel Fantasy Street where the symbol of the parkーa 10-meter tall treeーstands gloriously, or the Illumination Flower Garden. The blue and purple winter colours of the lights will change into springtime pinks, greens, and yellows.

 

Illumination Flower Garden

Flowering illuminations will twinkle atop the hill in spring pastel colours like cherry blossom pinks, fresh verdure green, and rape blossom yellows.

 

The dazzling delights of the winter season will continue into the spring period, like the 24 different night attractions, and the illumination food too like the “shining bubble tea.” We also recommend taking advantage of the “Night Fee,” which sees a special entry price open from 16:00.

 

Enjoy the cool spring breeze and gorgeous Japanese illuminations at Hirakata Park this March.

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.

The 6th run of the popular BT21 Cafe is here. The cafes will open at TOKYO BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi on February 28, 2020, and at TOKYO BOX cafe&space Omotesando and UMEDA BOX cafe&space on March 5, 2020.

BT21 are the LINE messenger app characters created by K-pop group BTS. The cafe has seen five runs in Japan, and has proven immensely popular amongst fans for the selection of original dishes and drinks as well as exclusive merchandise.

 

TOKYO BOX cafe&space Omotesando & UMEDA BOX cafe&space

Kobu Salad & Baguettes – ¥1,690

Chef’s Crepe – ¥1,690

Drinks – ¥990 Each

“Springtime” is the theme this time around. TOKYO BOX cafe&space Omotesando and UMEDA BOX cafe&space will be based around a spring party, and customers will be able to order a set menu with food or dessert.

 

TOKYO BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi

SHOOKY’s Brown Burger — ¥1,690

TATA’s Very! Berry! Sandwich – ¥1,690

Drinks – ¥990 Each

TOKYO BOX cafe&space Solamachi’s menu will be centred on the BT21 Baby Series, where all the characters have been turned into babies.

TOKYO BOX cafe&space Omotesando & UMEDA BOX cafe&space – “Let’s Party With You” Original Stickers and Coasters

TOKYO BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi – “BABY” Original Stickers and Coasters

Customers can also get their hands on some original merchandise and bonus items too. Book a table and receive one of seven stickers, and order a drink to receive one of seven coasters.

The world is about to get its first Big Hero 6 themed park attraction, “The Happy Ride with Baymax,” at Tokyo Disneyland when it opens on April 15, 2020.

 

In promotion of the exciting new ride, Tokyo Disneyland has announced it will serve six different Baymax inspired menu items starting from April 8ーa week before The Happy Ride with Baymax’s grand opening.

Baymax Curry – ¥1,480 @ Center Street Coffeehouse

When you think of Baymax, you think of his white, chubby round face and body. Well, that image has been brought to life in this curry dish, with Baymax’s cute appearance recreated in the form of white rice. The dish takes inspiration from the spicy chicken wings made by Hiro’s auntie, Cass.

Special Pancake Set – ¥1,080 @ Center Street Coffeehouse / Time Served: 13:00-18:00 (Not serving June 1, 2020 – September 2, 2020)

Like the curry, this pancake set is also sold at Center Street Coffeehouse. It comes with two thick pancakes topped with Baymax’s faceーwhich is a Japanese ‘manju’ steamed cakeーassorted berries, strawberry sauce, and other delicious delights, mixing together Japanese and western flavours.

Sparkling Tapioca Tea (Cheese Cream & Berries) – ¥600 @ Tomorrowland Terrace / Time Served: 14:00-17:00

BB Popcorn w/Basket – ¥2,600 @ The Big Pop

There’s also a dessert-style drink at Tomorrowland Terrace which is a berry flavoured ice tea packed with dollops of cheese cream, as well as popcorn which comes with a popcorn basket of Baymax riding. This will be sold at the new popcorn shop, The Big Pop, which is opening on April 15.

 

Tuck into some cute and delicious Baymax food at Tokyo Disneyland before The Happy Ride with Baymax opens for business.

 

©Disney

Disney princesses around the world won’t be able to resist the nine new cupcakes released at Ginza Cozy Corner last week in Japan.

 

The cupcake collection is being released to celebrate Hinamatsuri, a festival held annually in Japan on March 3, which prays for the well-being and healthy maturity of girls. The line-up can be enjoyed by child and adult Disney fans alike, and includes not only Disney princesses, but other female characters in the Disney cast. This includes Minnie Mouse, Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, and more.

Disney Girl’s Collection (Contains 9) – ¥2,700 (Tax Included)

These cute cupcakes look like they have come straight out of a Disney character toy box. They not only look pretty, but sound delicious too, like the raspberry Minnie cupcake, lemon-flavoured Belle cake, cheesecake Cinderella, and more.

 

Celebrate Hinamatsuri in Disney-style by picking up a box of these cupcakes at Ginza Cozy Corner.

Tokyo Disneyland’s new biggest area is set to open on April 15, 2020, which will house four new exciting facilities: the new Beauty and the Beast attraction, the Fantasyland Forest Theatre, the Baymax’s Happy Ride attraction, and the Minnie’s Style Studio.

 

To celebrate the new area’s opening, several restaurants and eateries in Tokyo Disneyland will serve up some special menu items. Participating restaurants are calling this special menu line-up “New Dreams, More Fun!” Let’s take a look.

Sparkling Drink (Mixed Fruits) – ¥450 @ Boiler Room Bites and elsewhere

Boiler Room Bites and other eateries in the park are serving these colourful sparkling drinks packed full of fresh fruit pieces. The cups have special designs of Disney characters like Mickey mouse, Minnie  Mouse, and Baymax.

Special Set – ¥990 @ Refreshment Corner

The special set being served at Refreshment Corner is inspired by Beauty and the Beast. It includes an apple cinnamon hot dog (contains nuts), a unique combination of juicy sausage, cinnamon, caramel, and nuts.

Blue Bayou Course – ¥5,200 @ Blue Bayou Restaurant

Another Beauty and the Beast-inspired dish is this special full course served at the Blue Bayou Restaurant. Buffet-style eatery Crystal Palace Restaurant will also serve up new dishes themed on each of the four new facilities of the new area starting on June 1, with a new one being introduced with each season.

 

©Disney

Q-pot. has revealed its new “SAKURA Romantic Tea Party” line-up which is set to be served at Q-pot CAFE. in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 1, 2020 for a limited time.

The cherry blossom pink coloured and flavoured line-up includes a glamorous afternoon tea set, limited-edition parfaits, plated goodies, drinks, and more. “Romantic” is the key word for this beautiful Japanese springtime assortment.

Romantic SAKURA Parfait w/ Drink – ¥1,850 (Tax Included)

The tall Romantic SAKURA Parfait is layered with a mix of both Japanese and Wesrern flavours, built up delicious with cherry blossom cream cherry blossom petal-laced jelly, houjicha tea sauce and more, all of which is topped off with cherry blossom cookies and meringue.

Romantic SAKURA Mont Blanc Plate w/ Drink – ¥2,060 (Tax Included)

This plate of delight features a soft mont blanc made with cherry blossom bean paste cream, rich matcha chocolate, Japanese waguri chestnut, and chestnut cream. Q-pot. CAFE offers a selection of original macarons too which you can pick from including strawberry, chocolate, lemon, and melon. Feel the call of Japanese spring with this romantic cherry blossom mont blanc.

Romantic SAKURA Afternoon Tea Set w/ Drink – ¥2,400 (Serves 1) (Tax Included) *Photo shows tea set for two

Simply put: a colourful pink and romantic afternoon tea set.

The top tier is decorated with cherry blossom St. Honoré cakes made with gorgeous cherry blossom cream, peach bavarois, strawberry cookies, and rich cream ganache-filled biscuits.

The bottom tier includes fat croissants filled with duck pastrami and cucumber that has been dressed with white wine vinegar. They’re served together with a white asparagus cream potage soup and skewered olives, mini tomatoes and pickles, creating a truly gourmet addition to your afternoon tea experience.

Romantic SAKURA Berry Blossom Tea (Hot/Iced) – ¥750 Each (Tax Included)

There’s also a cute pink cherry blossom tea that can be served hot or iced. It’s made using Q-pot CAFE.’s popular “Flower Garden” flavour which has a refreshing after taste as well as a floral and fruity sweet scent. Added to it is cherry blossom and raspberry flavouring which mixes deliciously with the milk.

Hanami Party Plan – ¥3,000 Per Person (Tax Included) *Reservation-only

You can also book a special hanami party plan which adds a sparkling beverage to the afternoon tea set together with a a cherry blossom card and a crunchy meringue. You must reserve for 2+ people, making it perfect for enjoying together with a friend or special someone.

 

It’s not long until March now, meaning springtime, cherry blossoms, and Hanami flower-viewing is just around the corner in Japan. Why not celebrate romantically at Q-pot CAFE.?

A new line of Minnie Mouse cafes are set to open in Tokyo and Osaka from February 28, 2020 and Nagoya and Fukuoka from February 29, 2020 for a limited time. Named “OH MY! MINNIE MOUSE,” the cafes are an official collaboration between Disney and the Japanese cafe chain OH MY CAFÉ.

The cafe takes on the theme of Minnie Mouse being a living, breathing icon of today with a positive lifestyle. This is represented through the yellow colouring of the cafe, which features her iconic polka dots as well as ribbon taking on a yellow colour. Tuck into a cute menu line-up and get your hands on some cafe-exclusive Minnie Mouse merchandise.

 

Original Menu

Cheerful Burger – ¥1,990

This healthy burger is packed full of vegetables with a black bun made in the image of Minnie’s silhouette. Feel as energised as Minnie with one bite of this tasty burger.

Beef Hash Ribbon Rice – ¥1,390

Inspired by Minnie Mouse’s iconic ribbon, this hearty dish is a beef stroganoff plated with rice and veg. The ribbon is so cute it almost seems a waste to eat!

Fruit Sandwich – Single ¥990/ With Plate ¥2,790

An absolute must-order if you’re wanting a dessert. This sandwich is piled with fresh fruits creamy yoghurt, sprinkled with poppy seeds, and doused in lemon juice.

Fizzy Lemon Squash – Single ¥690 / With Coaster ¥1,390

Charge yourself up with this fizzy lemonade and its refreshing aftertaste.

Relaxing Chamomile Tea – Single ¥490 / With Mug ¥2,090

Kick back and relax after your meal with a cup of chamomile tea♡

 

Original Merchandise

Heart Badge (8 Designs/Chosen Randomly) – ¥500

Folder – ¥350

Lunch Mat (6 Designs/Chosen Randomly) – ¥650 (*Table reservation required)

Those who book a table in advance will be given one of six possible lunch mats chosen randomly.

 

If you’re in Japan for the spring, then why not stop by the OH MY! MINNIE MOUSE cafe for a Disney treat?

 

©Disney

Tokyo DisneySea’s special springtime “Disney Easter” event will begin on March 27, and this year will once again see the arrival of the adorable yellow chick with rabbit ears Usapiyo to deliver a cute and fun Easter to guests in 2020. 

Lots of newborn Usapiyo will stumble their way out of eggs again this year. Since they have just been born, they follow people, copy them, and try their hardest. These cute bunny-chicks will show just how charming they are in the “Tip-Top Easter” entertainment show, where they will captivate the Disney cast.

 

In line with the arrival of the newborn Usapiyo chicks, a line-up of 19 menu items will be served from March 20, 2020, all of which are Easter themed with motifs like Usapiyo and eggs.

Special Set – ¥1,980 @ Horizon Bay Restaurant

Sparkling Orange Jelly Drink w/Souvenir Cup – ¥950 @ Sebastian’s Calypso Kitchen

Head to Horizon Bay Restaurant at Tokyo DisneySea to order the special hamburger set, which has an Usapiyo cheese topping. Feeling thirsty? Then pay a visit to Sebastian’s Calypso Kitchen for a refreshing orange jelly drinkーyou even get to keep the cup! The Usapiyo food and beverages available this Disney Easter are almost too cute to eat or drink.

Special Set – ¥1,070 @ Mamma Biscotti’s Bakery

Strawberry Mont Blanc w/Souvenir Plate – ¥800 @ Mamma Biscotti’s Bakery

If you’re wanting something lighter, then order the egg, cheese and roast pork sandwich at Mamma Biscotti’s Bakery. You get to take the plate home too.

 

There’s lots of other Usapiyo and Easter treats to discover at this year’s Disney Easter at Tokyo DisneySea.

 

*Please note that this menu line-up is subject to change without notice, and stock is available while supplies last for certain orders

©Disney

To celebrate the release of the upcoming Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet movie on April 17, 2020, twelve official themed cafes will roll out in nine cities across Japan from March 25 in Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, Saitama, Chiba, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Okinawa.

 

*Menu item names have been translated from Japanese

APTX4869 Beef Curry (Apoptoxin Curry) – ¥1,490

 

Young Detective’s Exciting Children’s Plate – ¥1,690

 

Ai Haibara’s Healthy Sweets Basket – ¥1,690

 

Conan’s Voice-Changing Butterfly Necktie Cream Soda – ¥890

An incredible line-up of 100 items will feature on the menu, from food to drinks, all inspired by the characters and actual dishes that appear in the franchise. The theme of the cafe is “A Home Party at Hiroshi Agasa’s House”ーhim being of course the next door neighbour of the titular protagonist.

 

Acrylic Badges (8 Designs/Randomly Chosen) – ¥520

 

Mugs – ¥1,800

 

Jump into the world of Detective Conan and uncover every secret of Detective Conan Cafe 2020.

 

©Gosho Aoyama/Shogakukan・Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation・TMS 1996

The Strings Hotel Nagoya has announced a special collaboration with the internationally-celebrated anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. The hotel will serve up an Evangelion-themed buffet titled “Evangelion Buffet ~The Time Has Come~” which will be served at the hotel from February 15 to March 22 this year.

 

The Strings Hotel Nagoya sits at the doorstep of Sasashima-Raibu, making it one of the first places you will see upon arriving there. As part of the Evangelion Chukyoen Project, which aims to promote Evangelion to the world from Sasashima-Raibu, the hotel is hosting this very special themed buffet which will consist of an assortment of food, drinks, and dessertsーall serve Strings Hotel-style.

A statue of popular Evangelion character Kaworu Nagisa will be located on the first floor lobby, and there will also be a rally held to decipher a code.

 

The food menu is made up of 15 unique Evangelion-inspired dishes, such as the Misato Katsuragi Roast Pork, Pen Pen Penne Arrabbiata, Angel Attack, and more. Fans can also tuck into one of the 12 delicious desserts, like the Evangelion mecha coloured desserts, the “Hazelnut & Lemon Opera ~NERV~” based on the Nerv organisation, and more. For beverages, there’s a selection of 9 soft drinks including 6 original non-alcoholic cocktails.

 

The buffet will take place at the hotel’s Rooftop Garden which will  be decorated in all things Evangelion.

Sanrio has announced that it is opening an official My Melody store to commemorate the popular character’s 45th anniversary this year. It will open for a limited time on the first floor of Takashimaya Shinjuku in Tokyo from February 12 to 25.

The store is a must-visit for fans of Sanrio’s kawaii white rabbit where they can get their hands on a huge assortment of merchandise, including exclusives, so adorable you’ll want to add everything to your collection.

The line-up looks back at My Melody’s 45 years in the business. The first 4,000 people to visit the store will be given a limited-edition shopping back, and the first 1,000 people who spend over ¥2,000 (tax included) will receive a free card.
*One card per person, per transaction

The store will also feature interactive projection mapping showcasing My Melody’s 45-year history which when touched reacts. On February 15, the designer for the store will be drawing illustrations as well as doing signings for people.

 

As well as Takashimaya Shinjuku, the shop is set to hit Nagoya’s Takashimaya Gate Tower Mall Nagoya and Osaka Takashiyama. Check the dates below, and help My Melody commemorate her 45th anniversary!

 

©’76, ’20 SANRIO 著作(株)サンリオ