This holiday season, Hoshino Resorts is set to hold a Christmas event at HOSHINO Karuizawa Area, a place managed by the company which brings together people who love culture and nature. It will run from November 16 to December 25.
The event’s theme is “A Town Where Happiness Shines.” From mistletoe illuminations to xmas desserts and more, you’re sure to have the cockles of your heart warmed this year at this happiness-filled festival.
Mistletoe Illuminations
At Harunire Terrace, where 16 shops line the cosy wooden terrace, the columns and overhangs will be adorned in Christmas garlands, and mistletoe-shaped illuminations will dangle from tree branches.
You can spot a lot of mistletoe in Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary. Even in wintertime the plant does not wither, instead keeping its green leaves, which in folklore has led it to be viewed as a symbol of immortality.
Mistletoe is known in many cultures as a symbol of happiness. In the Western world, lovers who stand under mistletoe are expected to kiss. The warm illuminations are set to light a warm and romantic atmosphere to all those who attend.
Mistletoe Lanterns
As well as the illuminations, there will also be mistletoe lanterns hiding in the trees to celebrate romantic love this Christmas. Get ready to count down with everybody at the event as when you reach zero, all of the lanterns will turn on at the same time. There will even be mini live performances where you can sing along to Christmas songs.
Christmas Sweets at Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court
Order the “Episode de Noel” at Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court for a delicious Christmas sweets dessert course of 4 treats.
This is just a peek inside the stocking of what’s to come at the festival. There will be a hot chocolate bar, fresh s’mores, kids events, photo spots, a Christmas market, and more. Ride your sleigh into HOSHINO Karuizawa Area this winter.
Information
HOSHINO Karuizawa Area Christmas 2019
Running: November 16, 2019 – December 25, 2019
Time: 16:00-23:00 (Times differ for certain events)
Location: HOSHINO Karuizawa Area
Entry: Free
TEL: 0267-45-5853
Mistletoe Illuminations
Location: Harunire Terrace
Running: November 16, 2019 – December 25, 2019
Time: 16:00-23:00
Mistletoe Lanterns
Location: Harunire Terrace, Woods
Running: December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st-25th
Time: 16:50-17:10
Price: Free
Dessert Course
Running: December 13, 2019 – December 25, 2019
Time: 10:00-16:00
Price: ¥3,500 (pre-tax and service charge)
HOSHINO Karuizawa Area
Address: Hoshino Nagakura, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
TEL: 0267-45-5853
Access: 15-minutes by car from Karuizawa Station (via JR Hokuriku Shinkansen)
Official Website (English): http://www.hoshino-area.jp/en
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Hoshino Resorts Tomamu―one of Hokkaido's leading snow resorts―is set to open a new area called the Ice Village this winter. It will run for a limited time from December 10 to March 14.
The Ice Village spans coolly across 3.2 hectares of land and is home to 11 domes made entirely of ice. This winter-only experience has been running every year since 1998. Made to look like a real village, some of its iconic sights include the Ice Church and Ice Hotel which can be found at the very back. Everything from the towering ceilings to the walls are formed solely of ice. The main street, named fittingly the "Ice Street," includes a cafe, gallery, shops and more, all enveloped in a chilly white world. Ice Crystal Park: A New Addition to the Ice Village to Gaze at the Sights and Scenery
The Ice Crystal Park is frozen over with tables and chairs made of ice and has snowflakes dotted here and there, creating a true winter wonderland. Order a hot drink from the Ice Bakery & Cafe or munch on a tasty treat from the Ice Sweets Shop as you sit and gaze at the snow-covered landscape of the Ice Village while surrounded by towering white birch trees. And everyday at 19:30, a 5-minute firework show will warm up the winter sky which is best enjoyed while sitting in the park. Time: 17:00-22:00Price: Free Bite Down Frosty Treats at the Ice Sweets Shop
It wouldn't be a complete Ice Village without its own glacial cuisine. At the Ice Sweets Shop you can order ice cream which is made from liquid milk on an ice block. The temperature of the air coupled with the frozen coolness of the ice block causes the milk to freeze into a yummy dessert. There's also chocolate ice bars made from hot chocolate, colourful macarons, toasted marshmallows, and more. Time: 17:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:00)Price: Milk Gelato - from ¥1,100 / Macarons ¥550 / Ice Bar ¥550 / Marshmallows ¥550 (*All prices include tax) Grab a Drink From the Ice Bar
The village even has its own Ice Bar, complete with an ice counter and ice cellar for serving sake. This year, the bar will serve an all-new original gin drink made using snowmelt from Tomamu. There are over 50 drinks to pick from, including original cocktails, whisky, and more. Time: 17:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:45)Price: Original Gin - ¥1,650 / Drinks With Ice Glass - from ¥1,100 (*All prices include tax) There are many other exciting things to find at the ice village, including the Ice Hotel which you can sleep in, the Ice Atelier, and more. Have a reason to go out this winter by visiting the Ice Village in Hokkaido. Information
Ice Village
Running: December 10, 2019 – March 14, 2019
Location: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu area
Time: 17:00-22:00 (Last Entries 21:30)
Entry Price: Elementary School Children & Older – ¥500 (Tax Included) *Free for guests staying at Tomamu The Tower or RISONARE Tomamu
Available: To both guests and visitors
Notes: Times, prices etc may vary depending on each service or activity. Select services and activities are subject to changes depending on weather conditions. Certain services and activities scheduled to start at later dates.
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu / Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu
Address: Nakatomamu, Shimukappu, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido
Official Website (English): https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/en/
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TripAdvisor® has just released its list of the top 20 castles in Japan from 2019 as reviewed by travellers and tourists.
Himeiji Castle
This is the 7th time the website has run this list. Coming in at No. 1 for the fourth year in a row is none other than Himeiji Castle, located in the city of Himeiji in Hyogo Prefecture.Matsumoro Castle
Kumamoto Castle
Moving up from 4th place to 2nd place this year is Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture, and from not ranking at all last year to 3rd place this year Kumamoto Castle. These top three castles comes as a package as they are considered Japan's three premier castles. Kumamoto Castle is set to re-open this autumn after reconstruction work is complete. The castle suffered damages after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Although time is required for the full restoration, you can still see the majestic tower keep surrounded by paling. Japanese users on TripAdvisor have commended it as a symbol of restoration and their joy with the repairs being done.Hirosaki Castle
For the first time in four years, Hirosaki Castle ranks on the list in 12th place. Situated in central Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture, the castle is a known living symbol of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Construction work has been taking place since 2015 to repair the base of the castle structure on the east side due to deterioration. In summer 2015, the castle tower was moved 70 meters without taking the castle apart to allow for work to be carried out. A moving castle is certainly a rare sight to see in Japan－and something you only imagine from a Studio Ghibli movie! The castle has been praised on TripAdvisor for how beautiful its surrounding nature is, from the cherry blossoms in spring to the red and yellow leaves in autumn. The castle can be enjoyed throughout all the seasons.Tsuyama Castle
Making the list for the first time ever is Tsuyama Castle which can be found in the beautiful Kakuzan Park in Okayama. When you ascend the magnificent stone steps of the castle and turn around you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Tsuyama. In spring, the castle's white watchtowers look picturesque next to the pink cherry blossom trees. From castles that have been maintained since they were first built to others that have been rebuilt from their former forms, there are countless sites to behold while in Japan. Be sure to use the Top 20 list as reference when travelling there!Information
Top 20 Castles in Japan 2019
Webpage: https://tg.tripadvisor.jp/news/ranking/best-castles/
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Both Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum and Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks have been nominated for "Best Attraction" in the 2019 Travel & Tourism Awards, which are held in London every year as part of World Travel Market London (WTM).
This year marks the 40th run of WTM London, which brings together over 50,000 travel and tourism professionals from 186 countries to spread the latest tourism trends and must-visit locations around the world. The Travel & Tourism Awards is a universally recognised stamp of approval, held in front of over 500 seniors in the travel industry. Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum, and Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks have been recognised and nominated for their renovation efforts which have increased tourism. They are up against six other facilities in the same category, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter by Warner Bros Studios. With only one entry from Japan, which location will take home the award? Japan will be watching intently for the reveal on November 5. Information
Travel & Tourism Awards
Date: November 5, 2019
Location: Magazine London
Awards Page: https://awards.wtm.com/en/international-travel-and-tourism-awards/shortlist/best-attraction/Sangan-en
Official Website: https://www.senganen.jp/
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Licaxxx Announces Tokyo Community Radio’s Second Event Series ‘communities’ to be Held in Tokyo and Osaka
Tokyo Community Radio (TCR), an online radio platform run by Licaxxx, has announced a new event titled communities. The event will be held at Daikanyama UNIT / Saloon in Tokyo on June 30 and at Osaka JOULE on July 1. The guest lineup includes re:ni and Laksa, two hot up-and-coming DJs and producers reshaping the UK music scene. The duo has a monthly program on NTS Radio titled re;lax, along with a party series of the same name. In February 2023, they released a new EP, Body Score, on their new label founded to explore music with faster tempos and to carry the torch of UK techno, jungle, dubstep, and grime. Each DJ is also active individually and the two have constantly been in the spotlight. Music fans are invited to partake in this stunning musical event led by Licaxxx and targeted at the current generation of music makers as they extend beyond Asia and take their activities around the world.
re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)Licaxxx Information
■Tokyo
Tokyo Community Radio presents ‘communities’ with re;lax
Date: June 20, 2023
Time: 22:00
Venue: Daikanyama UNIT / SALOON
Admission: ¥2,000 (Early Discount) / ¥3,000 (ADV) / ¥3,500 (At the door)
Buy Tickets: https://tokyocommunityradio.zaiko.io/item/356159LINEUP:
Licaxxx
Temple Ov Subsonic Youth (a.k.a Mars89) – Live
Romy Matsand more..
[Starring]
Special Guest:
re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)Lineup:
LicaxxxTemple Ov Subsonic Youth (a.k.a Mars89) – Live
Romy Matsand more!
■Osaka
Tokyo Community Radio presents ‘communities’ with re;lax in OSAKA
Date: July 1, 2023
Time: 22:00
Venue: Osaka JOULE
Admission: ¥2,000 (Early Discount) / ¥3,000 (ADV) / ¥3,500 (At the door)
Buy Tickets: https://peatix.com/event/3590421/view[Starring]
SPECIAL GUEST:
re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)LINEUP:
Licaxxx
kotsu(CYK)
Romy Matsand more..
■Attention
Guests under the age of 20 will not be allowed entry.
All guests will be subject to an ID check prior to entry. Please bring a photo ID showing date of birth. (Photocopies will not be accepted.)
If we are unable to confirm your identity, you may be denied admission.<About Tokyo Community Radio>
TCR is a distribution platform based in Tokyo that focuses on introducing both local DJs and up-and-coming DJs from around Japan. The program features all musical genres and showcases both DJ mixes and live performances. In featured podcasts, DJs talk about their music, hobbies, and interests, allowing fans the rare chance to learn more about their favorite creators. The station also cooperates with community radio stations in other Asian cities and supports DJs and artists from Asia and beyond when they visit Japan. In addition to regular DJ sessions and podcasts, TCR also collaborates with corporate events, produces music events, and matches DJs to places and brands -
ZEROTOKYO, an entertainment mecca known for heating up Tokyo nights, is teaming up with ASOBISYSTEM to create an exciting new party! ASOBIZA, named after the origin of Kabukicho, will be held on April 28. The lineup includes music artists as well as charismatic figures at the top of their fields in fashion, beauty, and art. Transcending musical genres and generations, this night will embody ZEROTOKYO's concept of being a true “Entertainment Junction.” Additional performers may be announced in the future.
Information
ASOBIZA
Date: April 28, 2023
Venue: ASOBIZA (Tokyo)
Time: 21:00
Admission: ¥3,000 (Presale) / ¥3,500 (Day-of)Buy Tickets
https://zerotokyo.zaiko.io/e/ASOBIZA-230428Event Details
https://asobisystem.com/schedule/43726/ -
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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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/