Tobu Zoo will be extending their opening hours on September 14, 15, 21 and 22 to 8pm to hold a special Autumn Night event.
Animal Dinner (A chance to feed the animals)
This is a wonderful opportunity to feed the penguins and elephants.
Running: September 14, 15, 21 and 22
Penguin Dinner Time: From 5pm
Elephant Dinner Time: From 5:30pm
Price: ￥500 per group (maximum of 25 groups)
For both events above, the feeding time will end once 25 groups have participated.
Animal Night Guide
This is a chance to learn about the lifestyles and fascinating features of each species directly from the team of zookeepers that raise them.
Running: September 14, 15, 21, 22
Monkey World Jungle Night: From 6:10pm (lasts approx. 20 mins)
Lion Night: 7:20pm (lasts approx 10 mins)
White Tiger Night: 7:30pm (lasts approx 10 mins)
* The nighttime lion and white tiger guides will replace the daytime guides running from 2:30pm and 2:40pm respectively.
Traditional Theatre Performance of an Animal Ghost Story
The team of zookeepers has prepared and handmade a traditional Japanese Kamishibai theatre performance. Kamishibai is a form of Japanese street theatre and storytelling which was particularly popular during the 90s. Join the zookeepers on a quiet evening as they tell an old yet terrifying ghost story. Make sure to check out the zookeeper’s interesting costumes too.
Running: September 15, 22
Times: From 7:00pm (approx. 20 mins long)
Location: Japanese Animal House (日本産動物舎)
Autumn Night ZOO Special Event: Penguin Bar
This bar is the perfect place to sip on your favourite spirits whilst enjoying the graceful view of penguins. You can also purchase merchandise here. Some of the merchandise has been designed with the inspiration of the penguins’ names and even their food.
Open: September 14, 21
Opening Hours: 5:30pm ー 8:00pm (last orders: 7:30pm)
Location: Penguin Land
There are so many exhibits and fun attractions running until 8pm. Enjoy a refreshing Autumn night at Tobu Zoo with your family and friends.
Information
Autumn Night ZOO
Running: September 14, 15, 21, 22
Opening Hours: 9:30am ー 8:00pm (last entries: 7:00pm)
* Certain events may be cancelled and opening hours may change due to the weather.
Tobu Zoo
Address: 10 Suka, Miyashiro, Minamisaitama District, Saitama
Website: http://www.tobuzoo.com/global/english/
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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The Hostile Planet documentary series by National Geographic is set to air in Japan from August 22. To celebrate the show’s airing, a promotional shoot will take place at Inari Bridge in Shibuya on August 24 and 25 where three hippos will make an appearance to help spread the word of how animals have had to adapt to the recent rapid changes in the environment in order to survive.
A Tale Of Hippo Parents & Child, Living Off Grasslands, and Rapid Environmental Changes From the Seasons
Dry seasons are becoming regular, where water is snatched away from the earth’s surface by the scorching sunlight. These are especially merciless seasons for hippos and a real threat to their survival. They cannot enter the water even for a brief moment. Their only options is to walk under the fire of the blazing sun. Their homes used to be packed full of watering holes, but now all they can do is embark on an aimless search. And the severity of this―the beating of the sun and lack of water―is becoming more and more of a problem.
Three panel cutouts of hippos will be set up under Inari Bridge to tell a story of two parents and their child who who survived these harsh conditions by escaping from Katavi National Park in Tanzania and arriving in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Information
Promotional Shoot
Running: August 24, 2019 – August 25, 2019
Time: 12:00-18:00
*In the case of rain on August 24 then the dates will be postponed to August 25 and 26. In the case of rain on August 25 then the dates will be postponed to August 26 and 27. Dates TBA if it rains on August 27. The dates will be extended if there is rainfall even when it is sunny. Additionally, the shoot will run from 11:00-17:00 on August 26 if it must fall on that day.
Location: Inari Bridge (3-21-2 Shibuya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo)
Access: Directly connected to Exit 16b of Shibuya Station via the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line, Tōkyū Den-en-toshi Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzōmon Line, and Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
Hostile Planet (6 Episodes)
Showing on National Geographic
Official Homepage (Japan): https://natgeotv.jp/tv/lineup/prgmtop/index/prgm_cd/2639
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I love animals!
This is P→★ from TEMPURA KIDZ and welcome to the first entry of my brand new series. I’ll be updating occasionally. What’s a better way to start a series than to make friends with some otters and hedgehogs in Harajuku? Today, I went to HARRY Harajuku Terrace café to do just that!
It’s not just what’s inside the café, but its location is also worthy of note – it’s just an 8-minute walk from JR Harajuku station and a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Meiji-Jingu station, so it’s easy to drop by after a busy day of being a tourist. The wow-factor of this café is the three very sociable otters. This highly successful café draws in customers that come day after day, seeking the ultimate soothing feeling of bonding with their new friends.
All their faces look the same, but you can tell them apart by looking at their tails. The otter called Miku has a thin tail, whereas San has a thick one and Kirara has a flat one. Particularly Kirara is brimming with curiosity and is the one with whom you are mostly likely to interact, if you should pop by!
Full of excitement, the otters reached through the small hole in the tank to ask for food and toys. It was overwhelmingly cute. When they want a treat, they call out with their peculiar squeal. You can purchase snacks for them within the café. If you give them food, your friendship will grow increasingly stronger.
Otter snack prices:
First-time customers: ￥330 (price including tax)
Standard price: ￥540 (price including tax)
As the café name “HARRY” implies, the café has hedgehogs (harinezumi). The hedgehogs heal the tired hearts of all the café visitors. All the hedgehogs are friendly and rarely ever raise their quills at anyone, so you can touch them safely.
Even I can handle a hedgehog!
Even though hedgehogs are rather timid, they can still open their hearts to you! I can’t believe that we even touched noses to communicate! It’s amazing!
The café was once a pet shop that sold rabbits and other small animals. This is it’s first time running business as a café, and that’s why you can not only interact with the animals here, but also buy one to keep. The staff also provide important information on how to properly care for the animals and diseases to which they are prone. If you are interested, then please feel free to ask them any kind of question.
There are many other animals in the shop. This is a large French Lop rabbit. 3 months after birth, their bodyweight can even reach up to 7kg. Their droopy ears were so cute and their fur was so fluffy! I was filled with happiness.
…and there were even chinchillas. They have fluffy tails and look so cute!
I approached them with some grass for them to snack on, and as soon as they saw me, they ran at me full of energy – we even got a photo together! As all the animals at this café are used to people, it’s easy to take pictures with them to upload on SNS websites!
The café has such a large variety of food for small animals that was quickly noticed by customers who were interested in buying a pet. You can ask the staff what type of food is appropriate for which animal.
I spent a lot of time surrounded by my favourite animals. I was particularly captured by the otters’ cute behaviour! HARRY Harajuku Terrace gives you the opportunity to freely interact with small animals – something that you can’t really do at a zoo or anywhere else. If you’re in Harajuku, how about stopping by? You may have to wait 30 minutes to enter the café if the store is closed. The café is very popular so I recommend that you reserve in advance!
■ Information
HARRY Harajuku Terrace
Address：Jingu-mae 426 Building floor 3, Jingu-mae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening hours：11:00-19:00 (Last entries: 18:30)
Regular closing days: None
Access：8-min walk from JR Harajuku station, 5-min walk from Meiji-jingu station Tokyo metro line
URL：http://www.animalcafe.tokyo
Model：P→★（TEMPURA KIDZ）@0830_pika
Writer：Ryoichi Komaba
Photographer：Haruka Yamamoto
Translator： Samantha Fernandes
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P→★ from TEMPURA KIDZ loves animals. This is his featured series in which he visits animal cafés in the city.
In this second entry, he made a trip to Owl’s Garden in Harajuku which houses not only owls, but hawks too!
The café can be found behind Tokyu Plaza, a very favourable location since you can stop by after shopping in Harajuku. It’s a 6-minute walk from Harajuku Station or a 2-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station. Today, P→★ is wearing an outfit inspired by Harry Potter!
The café interior is styled on an English garden. There are 12 owls and hawks that live there. It’s full of natural light and greenery, making it a nice and comfortable place to relax.
There are several price plans. The Standard Plan is ¥1,500 which gets you 60 minutes inside. During that time, you’re free to touch the birds, take photos of them and sit them on your arm as much as you like.
P→★ met with the owls first. You can gently touch the top of their head down to their back as well as their chest. This owl is a Chaco Owl.
If you want to hold the birds just ask the staff. You’ll be given a glove to wear for the bird to sit on.
P→★ is now holding an American kestrel. This is the only falcon in the café. If you’re careful not to move your hand it will stay relaxed on your hand.
This is a barn owl. Apparently lots of customers are captivated by its striking face.
“This one’s so fluffy!” commented P→★.
P→★ was particularly interested in this Little Owl (that’s the actual name of the species!) Its tiny size is enough to tug your heartstrings♡
Owls save energy and don’t move around much, so they’re perfect for snapping photos of. That goes for selfies too.
Next is to try out being a falconer. There’s a number of cafés where you can come into contact with hawks but not that many where you can actually have one fly over to you, so some customers can spend several hours here.
You begin with your back against the wall and bring your hand up to the same height as your shoulders at the count of 3.
The hawk responded to the signal several meters way and flew right onto P→★’s hand.
It costs ¥500 for one turn which consists of two flights.
“It’s like I’ve become a wizard!” The bird that flew to P→★ is the Harris’s hawk. They are known for their intelligence. Hawks are often perceived as scary but they’re actually very friendly to humans.
You can enjoy a drink at this café while playing with the owls and hawks. If you make a reservation you get a drink on the house, otherwise it’s ¥100. It’s better to make a reservation if you’re planning to go there.
The earrings they sell there are popular. They’re made from feathers that have fallen from the owls at the café. Be sure to find the feather of the bird you like there the most. They also sell a range of other merchandise including a photo collection of the owls.
P→★ was very satisfied with his experience. It was his first time coming into contact with them, and his first time having a hawk fly to him.
“After watching Harry Potter, I wanted to own my own owl. It was a lot of fun interacting with them today. My image of hawks has changed too! If I’m rich in the future I want to have my own pet owl. Until then, I’ll be sure to come back here!”
P→★ sure enjoyed Owl’s Garden. The café is arranged in a way that makes it easy to take photos. The natural lighting and greenery make it a great choice for Instagram. Be sure to make a reservation if you’re interested.
Check out the time P→★ went to Harajuku Terrace Café in his first Animal Diary Café entry here.
■Information
Owl’s Garden
Address: Ingresso 2F, 4-31-5 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00am-7:00pm (Until 6:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesday & Thursdays except on National Holidays)
No Fixed Holidays.
Access: 6-minutes on foot from Harajuku Station via JR / 2-minutes on foot from Meiji-Jingumae Station via Tokyo Metro
Website：https://owls-garden.jp
Model: P→★（TEMPURA KIDZ）@0830_pika
Photo: Kayo Sekiguchi
Text: Sayoko Ishii
Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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Winter is almost here, which means the wintertime illuminations are set to warm the streets of Japan once again this year with their radiance. Here are 4 must-visit illuminations taking place in and around Tokyo this year.
Meguro River Minna no Illumination 2019 in Nakameguro
This year, Meguro River will be decorated with an unmissable illumination display to warm the heart. What’s more is that 100% of the energy for the illumination will be produced by recycled oil.
As Shinagawa will also be lit up at the same time, visitors will be able to treat themselves to a glorious view of 410,000 cherry blossom-coloured lights. The beautiful illuminations along the riverbank of Meguro River will also be the largest illumination project along the Yamanote Line with a total length of 2.2km of riverbanks covered (counting both sides of the river).
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/266636
▼Meguro River Minna no Illumination 2019
Locations: Gotanda Fureai Mizube Hiroba (2 Chome-9-11 Higashigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo)
Gotanda Minami Park and Meguro Riverside (2 Chome-8-8 Higashigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo)
Running: November 8, 2019 – January 1, 2020
Times: 17:00 – 22:00
*The illumination project will still run in rainy weather but will be postponed in stormy weather.
Website: http://www.minna-no-illumi.com/
Tobu Zoo Winter Illuminations 2019-2020
The “Illumination Show” will make use of the biggest LED display in Japan’s Kanto region, combining music with CG visuals, and illuminated decorations will twinkle in front of it. This year, the display will also feature new full-colour lasers. Three magical and dynamic shows will light up the area, including the Amatsuki Live Illumination show.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/260368
▼Tobu Zoo Winter Illuminations 2019-2020
Running: October 26, 2019 – February 11, 2020
*Open on weekends and public holidays in November including Saitama Day on November 14, 2019
*Open every day from December 1, 2019 to January 5, 2020
*Open on weekends and public holidays only from January 6, 2020
Opening Hours: 17:00-20:00 (Until 21:00 on December 24-25, 2019)
Location: Throughout Tobu Zoo (110 Suka, Miyashiro, Minamisaitama-gun, Saitama)
Price: Please check the official website or at the zoo
Event Page: http://www.tobuzoo.com/event/teiki/illumination/
Roof Star Garden at GINZA SIX
Ginza’s biggest shopping centre GINZA SIX is set set to light up its rooftop garden with an enchanting illumination event titled Rooftop Star Garden. Standing at 56 meters high, the rooftop garden is the “closest place to the stars” in Ginza. This will be GINZA SIX’s first ever illumination event and it will shine a bright spotlight against the nightscape of Ginza’s streets.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/259779
▼Rooftop Star Garden
Location: GINZA SIX Garden (Building Rooftop)
Address: 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Running: November 26, 2019 – February 24, 2019
*Will close during bad weather or during invitation-only events
Time: Sunset to 23:00
Entry: Free
GINZA SIX Official Website: https://ginza6.tokyo/
Omotesando Hills Christmas 2019
This winter’s lights at Omotesando Hills will be provided with contemporary design studio we+.The illuminations at the main large staircase of the atrium will take on the theme “Christmastime seduced by water magic.” “The water-based illuminations will constantly change colour and appearance.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/255660
▼Omotesando Hills Christmas 2019
Running: November 13, 2019 – December 25, 2019
Illumination Time: 11:00-23:00
Omotesando Hills Official Website: https://www.omotesandohills.com/en/
Did you enjoy our picks? Seeing the illuminations is a must when travelling to Japan during wintertime. Choose your location and take your friends, family and loved ones.
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Tobu Zoo is set to collaborate with the ongoing anime series Beastars from November 2 to December 29. New exciting details have unfolded for the event so fans can see what they have to look forward to.
Original Superdeformed Illustrations
Illustrations of the anime’s character cast in their superdeformed modes and boarding park attractions will appear around the Tobu Zoo. You’ll also spot them on a panel at the park’s Little Cabin shop.
Original Merchandise
A new and exclusive line of merchandise featuring original illustrations will be sold at Little Cabin, as well as other BEASTARS-related goodies.
During the event, fans will randomly receive one of the above-pictured stickers for every ¥2,000 they spend on BEASTARS merch.
Themed Food
If you’ve read the manga series, you’ll know that Legoshi likes Legom’s egg sandwiches. Now fans can see what all the fuss is about too! You can pick one up for ¥500 at the kitchen car set up at Cat World.
If fans order a sandwich, they’ll receive one of the above-pictured post cards.
The zoo will also sell BEASTARS churros, a staple at any theme park.
Get a churro at Snack Station for ¥500 and get one of six possible postcards too.
Character Announcements
The voice actors for Legoshi, Haru and Jack have also recorded special announcements which you’ll be able to hear throughout the zoo. These will be played at the following designated times: 10:10~/11:10~/12:10~/13:10~/14:10~.
Collaboration With “Butai Meguri” App
By using the popular app “Butai Meguri,” you can use the GPS function or read one of the the QR codes on panels placed around the zoo to take photos with characters and listen to explanations of animals by the characters. Those are as follows:
Legoshi (Chikahiro Kobayashi) x White Tiger
Haru (Sayaka Senbongi) x African Elephant & Giraffe
Louis (Yūki Ono) x Lion
Juno (Atsumi Tanezaki) x Brown Bear
Jack (Junya Enoki) x Hippopotamus
Voice Cast Talk
A talk will be held on November 16 by five members of the voice cast: Chikahiro Kobayashi (who voices Legoshi), Junya Enoki (Jack), Takeo Ōtsuka (Collot), Naoto Kobayashi (Durham), and Yoshiyuki Shimozuma (Voss). They will talk about the event and the BEASTARS anime series.
©Paru Itagaki (Akita Shoen) / BEASTARS Production Committee
Information
BEASTARS x Tobu Zoo Event
Running: November 2, 2019 – December 29, 2019
Opening Hours: 9:30-17:00
*Please note that opening times may vary due to the illuminations. Full details can be found on the Tobu Zoo homepage.
Entry Prices
- General (12+ Years) – ¥1,700 / Children (3-11 Years) – ¥700 / Senior (60+ Years) -¥1,000
- One Day Pass (Entry + Unlimited Rides) General & Children – ¥4,800 / Senior – ¥3,700
Tobu Zoo
Address: 110 Suka, Miyashiro, Minamisaitama-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Official Website: http://www.tobuzoo.com/
BEASTARS
Release Date: October 9, 2019 on Fuji TV +Ultra
*Released on Netflix Japan on October 8, 2019 (Overseas release date TBC)
Official Website: https://bst-anime.com/
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Worried about what to wear for Halloween this year? No need to panic. If you’re spending your Halloween in Shibuya this year, which is known the world over for its incredible Halloween festivities, then head to Tokyo Culture Culture on October 27 where a very unique event is taking place.
Jimi Halloween is an event that takes out the stress of having to go all out for Halloween as people go dressed as ordinary people. It has been held annually since 2014, with the number of attendees growing each year. Over 800 people took part last year, all clad in their plain clothes.
This year’s event will be split into three slots, with a capacity of 200 people per slot. Sign-ups begin on October 15 at 12:00pm (JST).
Past Examples
①Situational attire
Beauty salon client
Dressing up as someone doing something has been a popular choice at the event recently. You can come up with some creative ideas that’ll make people say, “You came as that?!”
②”I’ve seen people like that!” attire
Flea market woman
There’s always certain types of people that everyone sees, and in Japan this is one of them!
③”I get it, but I don’t get it” attire
Hawaii vibe uncle
You’ve heard all about them, but have you seen them?
④Work attire
Handing out tissues with pachinko ads on them
Work attire is a go-to at the plain clothes event. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this is the one that started the entire movement.
⑤Miscellaneous attire
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
The final entry is those which are hard to categorise. They serve whatever vibes they are feeling.
Attend this year’s event and show off your own unique ideas!
Information
Jimi Halloween
Date: October 27, 2019 (3 Slots / 200 People Per Slot)
Slot ①: 11:00-14:00
Slot ②: 15:00-18:00
Slot ③: 19:00-22:00
★Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the website below
Venue: Tokyo Culture Culture (cocoti SHIBUYA 4F, 1-23-16 Shibuya, Tokyo)
Entry: Free (Apply at the link below)
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The 25th Kobe Luminarie light festival will take place from December 6 to 15. The theme of this year’s festival is “25 Years, Guided by the Light of Hope” (Original Italian title: Da 25 anni, guidati dalle luci della speranza).
Kobe Luminarie is an illumination festival that has been held annually since 1995 in commemoration of the Great Hanshin earthquake which hit Kobe that year on January 17. The event has continued as a symbol of hope for Kobe and has also become a festival associated with the winter season. Last year’s festival saw around 3.43 million people in attendance.
The “Light Bulbs” make a comeback radiating their warm light
Formerly the doorstep to foreign culture, Nakamachi-dori, lined with countless tasteful stores, will be lined with around 270 meters’ worth of decorations. The entrance decoration, named Frontone, stands almost 22 meters tall with three towering gates each connected to each other. The Sparri Ara is a wide wall of lights which runs 50 meters from Frontone all the way to Kyomachisuji Crossing. And as a special instalment to the 25th run of the festival, the light bulbs used at the first festival will be strung up to create another wall illumination from Itomachi to the East block which will be dubbed the “Memorial Zone.”
The event’s largest light dome
In the eastern amusement park plaza, Cassa Armonica―an illuminated church structure set up every year―will be enveloped in a large 21 meter high dome featuring an arch for the first time standing 4 meters tall in the memorial area
Over in the floral clock area, the Sparri Ara wall lights twinkle beside the wisteria trees. The lights will change and transform to the sound of the music. Attendees will also be able to pick up small gifts too as well as take pictures at the various photo spots.
Earthquake Talk Booth
Talks will be held discussing the origins of Kobe Luminarie and why it started. Earthquake survivors will also talk about their real experiences.
International Creative Director and Executive Producer Daniel Monteverde, who has been working with Luminaire for 20 years, made the following comment: “The city of Kobe will bustle once again this year, which will mark 25 years. People will fill the streets and look to the sky while they wait for the chime of the bell to signal the illuminations. We hold the memories of the people we lost 25 years ago close to our hearts. I hope we can convey our hopes and dreams and our story to our children and the young people who will bear the next generation. I hope people will be proud of Kobe which has recovered from the earthquake.”
He continues: “The Kobe Luminarie lights will shine once more for Hyogo, for Japan, and for the world. These lights are a symbol of each and every person’s devotion, their efforts, and their love. I pray that the Luminarie lights will send a message of hope to the world and continue shining in our hearts for the rest of time.” * Full comment translated from Japanese
Information
25th Kobe Luminarie
Running: December 6, 2019 – December 15, 2019
Location: Kyu Gaikokujin Kyoryuchi and Kobe East Park (Higashi Yuenchi) (Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo)
Illumination Times
[Mon-Thurs] 18:00-21:30
[Fri] 18:00-22:00
[Sat] 17:00-22:00
[Sun] 17:00-21:30
*Times may be extended depending on the number of people. Event may be postponed in the case of bad weather.
Kobe Luminarie Official Website: http://kobe-luminarie.jp/
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New York-Style Cafe & Restaurant Sarabeth’s Celebrates 7 Years in Japan With Special Event in Shinjuku
It has been seven years since Sarabeth Levine took her New York-based cafe and restaurant Sarabeth’s to Japan back in 2012. To celebrate, the establishment will hold a special one-night event with a commemorative menu.
“Fermented Foods” is the theme of the event, which will see an incredible line-up of premium dishes. There will also be a talk by Sarabeth Levine herself who will be in attendance.
The menu line-up features a range of healthy fermented foods, like pancakes and Eggs Benedict, while drinks options include lemonade with fermented syrup, goishicha tea from Aichi Prefecture, and more. There will also be Sarabeth cookies which you can take home with you.
Information
Sarabeth’s Japan 7th Anniversary Special Event
Date: November 5, 2019
Time: Reception 18:30 / Open 19:30-20:45 (subject to change)
Price: ¥3,800 (Tax Included)
Capacity: 50 (Reservation-Only)
Location: Sarabeth’s Lumine Shinjuku (Lumine 2 Floor 2F, 3-38-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo)
TEL：03-5357-7535
Reservations: https://sarabeths7th.peatix.com
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Tobu Zoo is set to turn on 3 million LED lights for its winter illumination event that will run from October 26 to February 11 next year.
Tobu Zoo has lots of surprises lined up for this year’s event, including an illumination installation made in collaboration with male Japanese singer Amatsuki, which will bring together lights and music. This will include a giant LED display showing music videos from Amatsuki in addition to exclusive and original videos, a 50 meter long light tunnel with Amatsuki-inspired decorations and his music playing, and more. Full details are to be announced in the coming weeks.
“Illumination Show” Giant LED Display (Location: In front of Heartful Garden)
The “Illumination Show” will make use of the biggest LED display in Japan’s Kanto region, combining music with CG visuals, and illuminated decorations will twinkle in front of it. This year, the display will also feature new full-colour lasers. Three magical and dynamic shows will light up the area, including the Amatsuki Live Illumination show.
Heartful Garden (Location: Heartful Garden)
The zoo’s Heartful Garden spans 8,000 m², and it’s here that bright and beautiful flower topiary installations will be set up.
Theatrical Projection Mapping (Location: Tobu Zoo HOLA! Event Stage) *Running from November 30, 2019
The zoo’s 1,300 capacity event stage HOLA! will make use of breathtaking ‘theatrical projection mapping’ which will be projected onto the stage and the ceiling
The theme of this year’s projection mapping event is an animal musical which will serve up an incredible entertainment show for the audience. Various animals will make an appearance in the form of projection mapping to tell a story with dance and music.
Cherry Blossom Illuminations (Location: East Gate, Swan Pond)
Gorgeous cherry blossom-coloured lights will be strung on the Yoshino cherry trees lining the Swan Pond, creating a pink panorama right before your eyes.
Amusement Park Illuminations (Location: Around the amusement park)
Lights will also twinkle around the attractions in the amusement park, creating a different atmosphere than daytime, and there will also be various photo areas themed on fairy tale worlds including Cinderella, Princess Kaguya, The Little Mermaid and more.
Enjoy a romantic evening with the warm, cosy lights at Tobu Zoo.
Information
Tobu Zoo Winter Illuminations 2019-2020
Running: October 26, 2019 – February 11, 2020
*Open on weekends and public holidays in November including Saitama Day on November 14, 2019
*Open every day from December 1, 2019 to January 5, 2020
*Open on weekends and public holidays only from January 6, 2020
Opening Hours: 17:00-20:00 (Until 21:00 on December 24-25, 2019)
Location: Throughout Tobu Zoo (110 Suka, Miyashiro, Minamisaitama-gun, Saitama)
Price: Please check the official website or at the zoo
Event Page: http://www.tobuzoo.com/event/teiki/illumination/
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Tobu Zoo is set to collaborate with the upcoming drama anime series Beastars from November 2 to December 29.
Beastars is a manga series written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki. It is serialised in Weekly Shōnen Champion which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Beastars is set in a world of herbivores and carnivores. The story follows Legoshi, a quiet and gentle grey wolf and student at Cherryton Academy. His world is turned upside down when one of his fellow students is brutally murdered.
The collaboration event will see Tobu Zoo decorated with illustrations drawn specifically for the event. There will also be exclusive and original merchandise on sale, as well as themed food and more.
Beastars will premiere in Japan on Fuji TV’s +Ultra programming block on October 9. It will also be streamed exclusively on Netflix.
©板垣巴留(秋田書店)/BEASTARS制作委員会
Information
BEASTARS
Release Date: October 9, 2019 on Fuji TV +Ultra
*To be released on Netflix on October 8, 2019 (Japan pre-release; overseas release date TBC)
Official Website: https://bst-anime.com/
Tobu Zoo
Address: 110 Suka, Miyashiro, Minamisaitama-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Official Website: http://www.tobuzoo.com/
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Roppongi Hills has announced this year’s Halloween festival. Titled “ROPPONGI HILLS HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2019,” it will take place from October 1 to 31, packed full of spooky fun from a Halloween costume parade to a ghoulish gourmet menu line-up, featuring an always-unique array of food and drink.
Halloween Cupcakes – ¥638 Each @ LOLA’S Cupcakes Tokyo (Available from October 5)
LOLA’S Cupcakes has baked up an assortment of cute monster motif cupcakes, with flavours including pumpkin, purple sweet potato and more. Whichever one you pick, it’s sure to give you a smile and delight your taste buds.
Halloween Mixed Berry Cake – ¥530 @ Roasted coffee laboratory
Creepy eyeballs adorn this cake, which is topped with blackberries and blueberries while drizzled in bloody blackcurrant jam. The cake is layered with sponge, fresh cream and a sweet and sour strawberry jelly.
Happy Monster – ¥980 @ Cafe Crepe
Delight in this cute pumpkin and fresh cream crepe, filled with pumpkin ice cream and snug in an orange crepe wrap. Housed inside is an adorable purple sweet potato mont blanc monster wearing a witch’s hat.
A movie-themed parade will take place on Saturday October 26 at the event in line with the 2019 Tokyo International Film Festival. Children and adults can take part in the parade if they dress up. The 1km parade will last 25 minutes.
Gift bags will be given to all kids who get involved!
▼Halloween Parade
Date: October 26, 2019
Time: 10:30-13:30 (subject to change)
Location: Roppongi Hills Arena
Participation Conditions: Anybody who dressed up can join (the theme is “Movies”)
Participation: Free
Enquiries: 03-6406-6000 (Roppongi Hills Information)
Halloween will hit Roppongi Hills for the entire month of October. Be sure to visit if you’re in Japan next month!
Information
ROPPONGI HILLS HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2019
Running: October 1, 2019 – October 31, 2019
Official Website: https://www.roppongihills.com/en/
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Ever dreamt of teaming up with the Mekakushi Dan from the Kagerou Project to complete a mission? Now you can and explore the wonders of Enoshima while you are at it. From September 14 to November 17, Enoshima will hold its biggest ever real life rescue game featuring Japanese mixed-media project The Kagerou Project. The event will be called Mekakucity Quest in Enoshima and will run over approximately two months.
From games and music to novels, anime and manga, The Kagerou Project characters have dominated the scene in a large range of media forms. The Mekakucity Quest in Enoshima was created in collaboration with SCRAP, who are famous countrywide for their real life escape games.
This game can only be cleared by walking around Enoshima to find hints and answers to the challenges but don’t worryーThe Mekakushi Dan will be in contact with you via the messaging app LINE to help you solve the riddles.
Upon accepting your mission, you will receive a mission guide full of information on the mouthwatering gourmet food and fascinating history of Enoshima. The guide will take you on a wonderful journey of discovery through locations popular among tourists and even romantic date spots. This is the perfect way to enhance your Enoshima experience.
Multimedia creator Jin, who is the founder of the Kagerou Project, has teamed up with SCRAP to create this exciting real life game which is full of fun contents that anyone can enjoy. The original storyline takes advantage of the wonders of Enoshima, creating a unique experience that is not available anywhere else. It is a rare opportunity to get close to the Mekakushi Dan and simultaneously enjoy the exciting culture of Enoshima.
Your journey will start at Subana Kaikan (スバナ会館) which will be selling lots of Kagerou Project collaboration merchandise that cannot be obtained from anywhere else. Make sure to check out the official website for more information.
There is an exciting bonus in store for those who successfully clear the game: A surprise phone call from Ene and Shintaro! Just hearing the voice message of these two popular characters is enough to send some fans wild. Those who clear the game will also have the opportunity to take part in a special lottery for the chance to win a ticket to watch the debut screening of the anime Kagerou Daze No.9 before anyone else. This series is set to go live next spring.
*The debut screening is a private event that you can only take part in by clearing the Mekakucity Quest in Enoshima. There is no general screening event for those who do not succeed.
As the sweltering heat of summer has finally subsided, this is the perfect chance to explore the wonderful tourist spots and indulge in the delicious local food of Enoshima while facing challenges with your pals or even your partner.
Information
Mekakucity Quest in Enoshima
Start Point: Subana Kaikan (スバナ会館), 1-9-12, Katasekaigan, Fujisawa, Kanagawa
Running: September 14 ー November 17, 2019
Approximate amount of time required to complete the quest: 2 hours
Ticket Availability:
Selling on September 12, 2019 (10:00ー16:00)
* Advanced tickets and more information is available on the official website.
* It is possible to obtain tickets after the ticket sale period has ended.
Official Website: https://realdgame.jp/mekakucityquest/
Tickets: http://bit.ly/2kJajwP
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Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurin is collaborating with Obaken, a horror experience creative company, to bring the brand new horror event known as Pompompurin Zombieland to Sanrio Puroland on November 16 and 30.
Tickets will go on pre-sale for official Pompompurin ambassadors, or Pombassadors, on September 14 at 10:00am (JST) and general sales will begin on September 28 at 10:00am (JST). To find out more about Pombassadors and how to become one click here.
Pompompurin Zombieland Promo Video
Horror experience planner Obaken is set to shake the cute world of Pompompurin into a terrifying zombie-infested one. In the story, Pompompurin was happily looking for some tasty mushrooms to pick when all of a sudden he eats a poisonous one by mistake. It is your mission to deliver him the antidote to stop him from becoming a zombie. Other unfortunate victims who also ate poisonous mushrooms have died and returned as the living dead and will roam around Puroland. The antidote to save Pompompurin, who is on the brinks of turning into a green zombie, lies in the non-poisonous mushrooms located in 6 areas of the park.
You must survive getting infected by the zombie virus and get your hands on mushrooms. If you succeed you’ll receive an exclusive Pompompurin Zombieland pin badge stating that you have cleared the mission.
You can even pick up an exclusive Zombie Purin t-shirt. These are limited in stock and can’t be bought anywhere else.
Additionally, if you wear a combination of yellow and brown-coloured clothing when attending the event―which are the colours of Pompompurin―you’ll get the above-pictured Zombie Purin sticker.
Full details can be found on the event’s website below. Don’t miss out on this creepy-cute experience this autumn.
©︎’96, ’19 SANRIO
Information
Pompompurin Zombieland
Running: ①November 16, 2019 / ②November 30, 2019Time: 19:00-22:30
Capacity: 1,000 people each slot (2,000 total)Location: Sanrio Puroland (1-31 Ochiai, Tama, Tokyo)
Event Page: https://www.sanrio.co.jp/special/pompompurin/zombieland/
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TOKYO MYSTERY CIRCUS’s catalogue of games just keeps on growing. The puzzle and escape game theme park has just announced the return of its escape game Escape From Shin Godzilla which is being held in collaboration with the 2016 film Shin Godzilla.
The event was previously held last April where it ran until October, enjoying huge popularity with over 40,000 escape game-goers. Players took the role of a member of the Kyosaitai―the anti-Godzilla task force―based in Kabukicho, Shinjuku where you will be tasked with solving puzzles to defeat the colossal giant.
The thrilling event returns once more with original visuals created to make it look like Godzilla has really invaded Kabukicho. Tickets are now on sale, and you can pick up exclusive merchandise and themed food at the venue too. Can you defeat Godzilla?
TM&©TOHO CO., LTD. ©SCRAP
Information
Escape From Shin Godzilla
Location: Himitsu Kichi Lab, TOKYO MYSTERY CIRCUS (Floor B1F)
Running: October 4, 2019 – November 10, 2019
Times
Weekdays: 13:20 / 16:20 / 19:20
Weekends & Holidays: 10:10 / 12:40 / 15:10 / 17:40 / 20:10
*The event will end 100 minutes after each starting timePrice
Advance: Single ¥3,300 / Group ¥12,000 / Repeater Group Ticket ¥12,000
Same-Day: Single ¥3,800 / Group ¥14,000 / Repeater Group Ticket ¥14,000
*Same-day tickets will not be available if all advance tickets sell outTOKYO MYSTERY CIRCUS
Address: APM Bldg., 1-27-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-0021
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:30-23:00 / Weekends & Holidays 09:30-23:00
No Fixed Holidays.
Price: Free Entry (*Separate tickets required for games)
Official Homepage (English): https://mysterycircus.jp/en/
Event Page (Japanese): https://mysterycircus.jp/shin-godzilla/
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Osaka’s landmark shopping centre HEP in Umeda is just a short 3-minute walk from Umeda Station, meaning you don’t have to worry so much about looking over your shoulder to see if Michael Myers or Dracula is following this Halloween as you make your way to “HEP FIVE HORROR×HORROR AUTUMN.”
This bone-chilling event is set to deliver horror, beauty and fashion all in one place.
Junji Inagawa’s Horror Ferris Wheel
The Horror Ferris Wheel was such a hit last year that it’s set to return again this Halloween, better and scarier than ever. There will be two Ferris wheels, each inspired by two of ghost story writer Junji Inagawa’s masterpieces. Incorporating an all-new horror system, the Ferris wheels will take riders up 106 meters high for a hair-raising experience they cannot escape. Once you’re in, you’re in until the end.
Monster Food
Of course, no Halloween party is complete without some fang-tastic food. HEP FIVE’s restaurants have each whipped up their own unique dishes for the holiday.
Lulu Hashimoto’s Doll World
Lulu Hashimoto has garnered attention both in Japan and overseas as the “living doll” for her doll costume. She will be present at HEP FIVE where you can get a photo with her at the first floor entrance atrium.
Date: October 12, 2019
Time: 1st 13:00~、2nd 15:00~、3rd 17:00~
Locations: The initial fan greeting will take place at various places across the shopping centre, and photos will take place on the first floor atrium
Getting a Photo: Tickets will be handed out from 11:00 on the day. 15 people per slot on a first-come, first-served basis.
Horror Show Time
Ghost performed Sadawo is set to take on the form of Japan’s most famous horror icon Sadako from Ringu while riding a Segway. Look forward to a whole host of terrifying performances.
Date: October 19, 2019
Times: ①12:00 (Floots 6F-7F) / ②14:00 (Floors 4F-5F) / ③16:00 (Floors 2F-3F) / ④18:00 (Floors B1F-1F)
Locations: Various places across the shopping centre
Guillotine Photo Spot
Get your photo taken at the guillotine photo spot at the first floor atrium and look like something straight out of a slasher movie. Make it even better by dressing up in cosplay or Halloween outfits with friends!
Enjoy a horror experience like no other this Halloween at HEP in Umeda, Osaka.
Information
HEP FIVE “HORROR×HORROR AUTUMN”
Location: HEP FIVE (5-15 Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture)
Date: September 20, 2019 – October 31, 2019
HEP FIVE Official Website: https://www.hepfive.jp/
