Two of Tokyo Station’s shopping areas, GRANSTA and GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI―which are accessible inside the ticket gates and outside the ticket gates respectively―are set to hold the GRANSTA Christmas Fair from November 5 to December 25.
GRANSTA x Tokyo Staion Hotel
The main GRANSTA shopping area is joining hands with Tokyo Station Hotel for the very first time to release a line of hotel-original Christmas cakes.
Noel – ¥6,200 (Tax Included) @ Tokyo Station Hotel (*10 servings per day)
This pine tree stump chestnut cake was originally sold to support the reconstruction work of the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building which was held until 2012. Topping the chestnut sweet potato base is a mix of chestnut mousse and coffee cream. This is topped with two types of chestnut pastes in a spiral shape to create the tree rings.
Bûche Chocolat Vanille – ¥5,500 (Tax Included) @ Tokyo Station Hotel (*10 servings per day)
The Bûche Chocolat Vanille is an exquisite yule log made with melt-in-the-mouth chocolate mousse and vanilla cream inside which hides sweet and sour, kirsch-soaked cherries and sauteed pears. The top of the log is temptingly lined with even more cherries to give it both that rich look and even richer taste.
Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building Cake Designs
GRANSTA will also sell cakes inspired by Tokyo Station. As well as the ones shown here, there are ones based on the bullet trains and more.
Station Building Fruit Cake – ¥4,320 (Tax Included) @ Colombin (*only 100 available)
Exclusive to GRANSTA comes this special Christmas fruit cake based on the station building. It would make great gift to bring to the Christmas party.
Cupola de Tokyo – ¥3,780 (Tax Included) @ Caffarel (*only 50 available / *design still a WIP so may differ from the photo)
This colourful Christmas cake draws inspiration from the gorgeous interior designs of the north and south domes of the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building.
Suica Penguin Cakes
The adorable Suica Penguin is the mascot of Suica contactless smart cards used at train stations.
Suica Penguin Cake – ¥5,400 (Tax Included) @ Dalloyau (*only 100 available)
The main Suica Penguin cake is a combination of chocolate mousse and a cream made from tonka beans. This cute cake is sure to bring joy to any child this Christmas♡
Suica Penguin Chocolate Raspberry – ¥490 (Tax Included) @ Fairycake Fair (*30 servings per day)
Fairycake Fair has whipped up a chocolate cream-topped cupcake filled with raspberry jam. This one is for those who want something a bit smaller than a ginormous cake!
There are lots more cakes to look forward to, including ones in very limited quantities. If you’re in Japan this Christmas season, be sure to pay a visit to GRANSTA and GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI in Tokyo Station.
©Chiharu Sakazaki / JR East / DENTSU Suica by JR East Suica
Information
GRANSTA
Address: JR East Tokyo Station Building Floors B1F & 1F (Inside Ticket Gates), 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 8:00-22:00 (Until 21:00 on Sundays)
*Opening hours differ for select shops in GRANSTA
*The GRANSTA New Area opening hours are from 9:00-22:00(Until 21:00 on Sundays)
GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI
Address: JR East Tokyo Station Building Floors B1F (Inside Ticket Gates), 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Until 21:00 on Sundays)
*Opening hours differ for select shops in GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI
GRANSTA Official Website (Japanese): https://www.tokyoinfo.com/shop/mall/gransta/
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Mister Donut will start selling five varieties of sweet potato doughnuts at branches across the country on September 6, 2019.
The new doughnuts series uses sweet potato powder to create a fluffy and moist doughnut. The batter infuses the flavour of doughnuts with the flavour and texture of sweet potato. The carefully prepared recipe retains as much of the sweet potato flavour as possible, creating a new kind of glorious flavour. Plain (￥129) Order the plain doughnut to experience the sweet potato and doughnut flavour fusion. Sweet potato powder is kneaded into the batter, creating an irresistibly fluffy and sweet doughnut. Purple Sweet Potato (￥140) The dough is kneaded with sweet potato powder and then baked. It is then covered with a purple sweet potato glaze. Just seeing the purple coating is enough to make your mouth water. Candied Sweet Potato (￥140) This doughnut is also kneaded with sweet potato powder. Once baked, it is covered with a sweet potato honey glaze and black sesame seeds. Sweet Potato (￥140) The Sweet Potato Doughnut is made by kneading the dough with sweet potato powder. After it has been baked, it is topped with sweet potato paste and black sesame seeds. This is perfect for those of you with a particularly sweet sweet tooth. Brown Sugar Syrup and Kinako Powder (￥140) If you are looking for a Japanese-style twist on a western style confection, then this doughnut is for you. After the doughnut batter is kneaded with sweet potato powder and baked, it is soaked in delicious brown sugar syrup and then sprinkled with kinako (roasted soybean powder) and sugar. These new doughnut varieties are filled with the scrumptious flavours of autumn so please try them out. *All prices stated after tax. Information
Sweet Potato Doughnuts
Selling: September 6 ー Around the end of October. (Selling period varies from shop to shop)
Sold at: Most Mister Donut shops across Japan
Website: https://www.misterdonut.jp/
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If you're looking for must-buy souvenirs while in Kyoto then look no further. Heso Production are set to begin releasing Doraemon cookies and a cookie tin early this month at that are exclusive to souvenir shops and variety stores in Kyoto.
The cute printed cookies feature not only familiar faces from the Doraemon series, including the adorable cat robot himself, but illustrations of sights that are quintessential to traditional Kyoto culture including the five-story pagoda and the Daimonji bonfire. Another must-grab is this shiny Doraemon tin. Also exclusive to Kyoto, the tin features a way-too-cute shiny design of Doraemon who is holding some dango. The tin is filled with lemon flavoured ramune candy, a perfect nibble to have while travelling. ©Fujiko Pro・Shogakukan・TV Asahi・Shinei・ADK Information
Dokodemo Doraemon Kyoto Exclusive Printed Cookies
Contains: 20
Price: ¥800 (Before Tax)
Release Date: Early September 2019 (Date may differ from store to store)
Location: Souvenir shops and variety stores in the Kansai region
Dokodemo Doraemon Kyoto Exclusive Shiny Tin
Contains: 2 bags (8g each) of lemon flavoured ramune candy
Price: ¥600 (Before Tax)
Release Date: Early September 2019 (Date may differ from store to store)
Location: Souvenir shops and variety stores in the Kansai region
Heso Production Official Website: https://www.heso-pro.com/
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The Peninsula Tokyo is teaming up with tonkotsu ramen specialist restaurant chain IPPUDO―which has restaurants across the world―to offer their ramen as room service at their hotel.
The hotel and restaurant first came together in autumn last year to begin plans for their collaboration, which comes in response to many guests at the hotel asking staff where a great place to eat tonkotsu ramen is, and even some expressing their desire to dine at IPPUDO. IPPUDO is a prominent ramen chain in Japan and so is sure to please the palates of all guests. The ramen is boiled fresh in the kitchen and is delivered to guest rooms in a soup together with what looks like a jewellery box, but instead of being filled with rings and necklaces it's packed full of delicious ingredients to add to your broth, including walleye pollock roe―which is a staple with tonkotsu ramen―as well as mustard greens, red pickled ginger, cloud ear mushroom, seaweed, and more. Topping the broth is boiled egg, fried garlic, sesame seeds, BBQ sauce specially prepared by the hotel's restaurant Hei Fung Terrace, XO sauce which originates from The Peninsula Hong Kong, and more. Enjoy the ultimate ramen room service now at The Peninsula Tokyo. Information
The Peninsula Tokyo “My Ramen” by IPPUDO
Price: ¥3,400 (Includes Tax / Excludes Service Charge)
Served: Everyday 11:00-23:00
Available: Room service at The Peninsula Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo
Address: 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Hotel Website: https://www.peninsula.com/ja/tokyo/5-star-luxury-hotel-ginza
IPPUDO Official Website: https://www.ippudo.com/
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The 2024 holiday campaign by CASETiFY, the global lifestyle brand that advocates for its customers to embrace their individuality with its customizable smartphone cases and tech accessories, has officially begun. Nagomi has been named an ambassador for this year’s CASETiFY Holiday Gift Guide. The key message of the campaign is “You will definitely find the perfect gift for that special someone.” The Holiday Gift Guide features a selection of gifts selected by Nagomi either for yourself or a loved one at CASETiFY's official online store and physical stores. On December 14, Nagomi will hold at event at CASETiFY STUDIO Shibuya PARCO.
Information
Nagomi Holiday Gift Event
Date: December 14, 2024, 12:00~
Venue: CASETiFY STUDiO Shibuya PARCO (Tokyo)
*Times are subject to change.[Content]
・Autographs by Nagomi on product displays in the store
・Holiday Gift Selection advice from Nagomi
・Polaroid photo shoot with select fans
・Special gift giving from Nagomi[How to Participate]
Make any purchase at participating stores between November 25 and December 13
*Participating Stores: Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, Shinjuku Marui[Participation Details]
From November 25 to December 13, keep any receipts from purchases made at Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, or Shinjuku Marui and bring them to CASETiFY STUDIO. On December 14, CASETiFY STUDiO will distribute 30 numbered tickets at the store on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11:00 AM when the store opens. Numbered tickets will be distributed until they are gone.Holiday Gift Guide Official Site
https://www.casetify.com/collection/holiday-gift-guide -
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.
Information
Christmas & Valentine Theater ~ Akiyoshido Cave ‘Fantasy of Light and Echoes’
Dates:
Christmas Theater: December 21 – December 25, 2022
Valentine Theater: February 10 – February 14, 2023
Times: (1) 10:00-11:00 (2) 12:00-13:00 (3) 14:00-15:00
3 events per dayVenue:
Akiyoshido Cave, Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Mine, YamaguchiTickets/Details: https://karusuto.com/event/christmas-valentine-theater-2022/
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Eve has announced a special YouTube LIVE scheduled to take place on December 24 at 19:00. The stream will take place on the artist’s official YouTube channel and those with YouTube Premium memberships will be able to take place in an Afterparty starting at 19:30. Starting at 19:00 on Christmas Eve, fans can enjoy a rare live studio performance complete with a full band. The Afterparty will include a special chat with Eve in which the artist reflects on the past year and gives hints on what’s to come. Fans won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity!
Information
Christmas EVE Live on YouTube
Supported by YouTube | SoftBank
Streaming December 24 at 19:00~
Streaming URL: https://youtube.com/live/SX34pDlkGrQ
Christmas EVE YouTube Premium Afterparty
Supported by YouTube | SoftBank
Streaming December 24 at 19:30~
Streaming URL: https://youtube.com/live/xnpUGzqKjU4
*YouTube Premium Required to Join the Afterparty
https://www.youtube.com/premium
Official Site: https://eveofficial.com/
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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 SaboAddress: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30) Closed MondaysOfficial 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 MILKAddress: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30Official 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 HouseAddress: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, KobeHours: 11:00-17:00Closed TuesdaysOfficial 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 -
There are plenty of events going on in Tokyo to celebrate the holiday season, but this one might be the most peculiar. Elemis, a skincare brand from England, has teamed up with bus operator Upstar for Japan’s first bus tour featuring afternoon tea! This extremely limited event will drive guests around the city to see some of the most impressive Christmas lights in Shibuya, Roppongi, Omotesando, and other spots. Only 60 seats are available each day and the bus will run from December 1 until December 25, 2022.
5 Unique Features of the Elemis Special Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
① Enjoy a Special Christmas Afternoon Tea Menu by ElemisA special Christmas menu will be available on board, including a Santa Claus shortcake and a party popper-inspired sandwich.② Travel on a Bus Filled with Elemis Christmas DecorationsInside the bus, guests can enjoy fir trees and original decorations inspired by the Elemis holiday collection! ③ Best-Selling Elemis Goods will be Gifted to Guests!Guests will receive a trial size of Elemis’ best-selling Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm as a Christmas present! ④ A Special Gift Campaign will run from November 15 until December 25Prior to the start of the bus tour, a campaign will be held on Instagram and Twitter. Winners will snag tickets for the bus tour and an Elemis makeup set worth over $12,000! ⑤ Travel on a Special Route to Enjoy Tokyo’s Christmas Lights!The bus tour will take visitors to some of Tokyo’s best Christmas locales, from Shibuya and Omotesando to Keyakizaka and Roppongi. The 90-minute journey starts and ends in Omotesando. How would you like to enjoy Tokyo’s Christmas lights on a British bus enjoying some of the best beauty products on Earth? Get into the holiday spirit with this unusual and unique tour! Information
Elemis Christmas Afternoon Tea
Running: December 1 – December 25, 2022 *Not running December 12, 13
Times:
1st Service / 15:00~16:30
2nd Service / 17:00-18:30
3rd Service / 19:00-20:30Length: 90 minutes
Departure Point: In front of the Shioda Building (5-10 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Price: ¥6,800 (Adults, Tax Included) / ¥3,000 (Children, Tax Included)
Reservations: https://www.upstar-londonbus-travellingnewtokyo.com/booking
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Popular singer Eve will sing the theme song for the film Black Night Parade, coming to theaters nationwide on December 23, 2022. A new trailer featuring the track has also been released alongside the announcement. Eve’s YouTube channel has over 4.2 million subscribers with video views of over 1.9 billion. The new song, Shirayuki, was written by the singer himself, who has become incredibly popular with overseas music fans as well. The track manages to be both gentle and powerful in equal measure, combining an orchestra with Eve’s unique vocals. In conjunction with the release of the trailer, an exclusive pre-release version of the song has been posted to TikTok. Black Night Parade Trailer: https://youtu.be/57CkdVMky4o Black Night Parade was originally manga series by Hikaru Nakamura, the creator of Arakawa Under the Bridge and Saint Young Men. The live-action film will be directed by Yuichi Fukuda, who has worked on a number of live-action film adaptations of manga series including Gintama and Kyo Kara Ore Wa! Fukuda also wrote the screenplay along with Tetsuo Kamata. The protagonist Miharu Hino will be played by Ryo Yoshizawa, while Shino Hojo will be played by Kanna Hashimoto. Taishi Nakagawa will play Kaizer Tanaka and Keisuke Watanabe will play Teppei Kohira. The story follows Miharu Hino, a man who is completely hopeless at everything he does. He failed his entrance exam, failed at job hunting, and has no love life to speak of. After working at a convenience store for three years, he meets a man in a black Santa suit who kidnaps him, offering him a job. Miharu then begins working at Santa Claus House, a mysterious company at the North Pole that delivers gifts to children around the world.
Comment from Eve
"I’m incredibly honored because I loved both the original manga and Fukuda's past works. I wrote this song Shirayuki with the hope that Christmas could be an important day for everyone. I would be so glad if this song makes you nostalgic for winter, making you imagine the cold air that stings your nose and the stars in the clear night sky. I love Kunehito, so I am looking forward to seeing him in the film."©︎2022「ブラックナイトパレード」製作委員会 ©︎中村光／集英社 Information
Black Night Parade
Release Date: December 23, 2022
Official Site: https://bnp-movie.jpEve
Official Site: https://eveofficial.com/