Blue Grotto Fukuoka Illuminations 2019: Exquisite Food & Enchanting Lights
Blue Grotto FUKUOKA is an illumination event that opened at Nakasu Bridge in Fukuoka on September 16 and will run until October 6.
Nakasu Bridge is located in the shopping district Nakase, where two exhibits are taking place: “Blue Grotto” and “Blue Waterfall.” They are also offering a very special romantic and magical 30-minute boat cruise which takes passengers from Nakasu Bridge to Canal City Hakata and Hakata Bay.
As well as the breathtaking lights, passengers can look forward to a specially-prepared Blue Grotto Bolognese meal made by Nisshin Foods. Passengers will also receive an original Blue Grotto postcard courtesy of their boarding.
During the illumination event, there will be multiple food booths around Nakase Bridge serving an assortment of delicious food, including some made using Blue Grotto brand ingredients in collaboration with Nisshin Foods.
Information
Blue Grotto FUKUOKA
Running: September 16, 2019 – October 6, 2019
Location: Nakasu Bridge (中洲懸橋), Fukuoka
Illumination Times: 18:30-22:00 (subject to change)
Access: 6-minutes on foot fromNakasu-Kawabata Station / 7-minutes on foot from Tenjin-Minami Station
Official Website: http://shibuya-aonodokutsu.jp/
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teamLab Forest Fukuoka to Introduce Spring Sakura Theme for a Limited Time
07.March.2023 | SPOT
Starting March 4, the permanent museum teamLab Forest Fukuoka will transform its artwork into a stunning spring theme. Guests will be able to enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms for a limited time, and starting March 24, the Catching and Collecting Forest will also be transformed in the same way.
TeamLab’s works are created in real time by procedural generation, meaning that they are always changing and evolving. Each work changes depending on the season.
▼Starting March 4
Both Shifting Valley, Living Creatures of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives – A Whole Year per Year and Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives II – A Whole Year per Year are only available to see during spring. Come and see animals made entirely of cherry blossoms as they roam through the museum!
The work titled Soft Terrain in Granular Topography shows multicolored grains of light pouring from the sky, while Flutter of Butterflies, Ephemeral Life surrounds visitors with brightly colored butterflies
▼Starting March 24
In the Catching and Collecting Forest, visitors can explore with their smartphones and catch various animals made entirely of cherry blossoms.
Information
teamLab Forest Fukuoka – SBI SECURITIES Co., Ltd.
Venue: BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA 5F, Next to Fukuoka PayPal Dome
Address: 2-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Official Site: http://forest.teamlab.art -
Izu Kogen Grand Illumination to Offer New Experiences for 8th Season
14.October.2022 | SPOT
From November 11, 2022 until August 2023, Izu Granpal Park in Shizuoka Prefecture will host the 8th Izu Kogen Grand Illumination event!
The Izu Kogen Grand Illumination was ranked #1 in the Walker+National Illumination Ranking for six consecutive years and is beloved by visitors of all ages. This isn’t just a collection of pretty lights–the Grand Illumination also includes a number of hands-on experiences for everyone to enjoy.
In 2021, the event won first place in the Ninth Illumination Awards for the second year in a row. Known as Japan’s first ‘hands-on illumination experience,’ the park has continued to evolve year after year, adding more attractions and finding its unique style. These attractions include a zip line through the lights, Dinosaur Go-Karts, and more.
This year, the Flower Lantern Area and Sweets Lantern Area have been completely redesigned and upgraded to be even more three-dimensional and colorful. Come enjoy this incredible world of lights and have some fun with the whole family!
Information
Izu Kogen Grand Illumination ~8th Season~ (Hands-on)
Venue: Izu Granpal Park
Running: November 11, 2022 – August 2023
Official Site: https://granillumi.com
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Midtown Christmas 2022 to Bring Gorgeous Lights and Sounds to Tokyo
07.October.2022 | SPOT
From November 17 until December 25, Tokyo Midtown will hold the popular Midtown Christmas event for 2022!
Adults and children are sure to love this massive Christmas event. Each year, a massive Christmas tree appears in Tokyo Midtown, but this year’s festivities will also throw some more unique pieces of art into the mix.
This year, visitors will see golden lights on the city’s trees, as well as a pop-up Christmas tree inspired by party poppers. Lights and music will join together to make guests feel as though they’ve walked into an outdoor theater, and the popular ice skating rink will once again be open for everyone to enjoy. Why not enjoy the Christmas season in Tokyo’s shimmering midtown?
Bubbles Fill the Air for a Limited Time at the Christmas Story Lights
A Massive Dome Filled with 300 Lights Invites Visitors to Celebrate the Season
Hands-on Experiences at the Party Popper Tree
Information
Midtown Winter Lights
Running: November 17 – December 25, 2022
Venue: Midtown Garden, Plaza 1F
Light Hours: 17:00-23:00
*Some event times and details are subject to change.
Admission: Free
Sponsored by Netflix -
Keyakizaka Lights, a Tokyo Winter Tradition, to be Held Again in 2022
02.October.2022 | SPOT
From November 11 until December 25, 2022, Roppongi Hills Christmas will cover Tokyo in glittering lights once again. The Keyakizaka Lights, one of Tokyo’s most popular winter attractions, will also take place in 2022, with the 400-meter-long Keyakizaka street covered in over 800,000 blue and white LED lights.
For the first time in three years, the Mohri Garden will be covered in lights as well. The annual Christmas market will invite guests to experience an authentic German Christmas, and Christmas cakes and gourmet food unique to Roppongi Hills will be for sale.
The Roppongi Hills Christmas event utilizes LED lights and has done so since the first event was held in 2003. Clean power will be used again this year, and the lights will be switched on from 5 PM until 11 PM each night.
Information
Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Lights
Running: November 10 – December 25, 2022 *Daily from 5:00 – 11:00 PM
*Lights may begin at a different time on November 10 only.
Location: Roppongi Keyakizaka Street
Official Site: https://www.roppongihills.com
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teamLab Forest Fukuoka’s Interactive Digital Art Installation Gets Autumn Theme
Starting September 23, teamLab Forest Fukuoka will be transformed for the autumn season! The interactive digital art installation will feature animals made entirely of fall foliage, and guests can enjoy red and orange leaves fluttering through the one-of-a-kind 3D world.
teamLab’s prolific works are known for changing with the seasons. This autumn version of the popular exhibition will only be on display for a limited time, and visitors can use their
smartphones in the Catching and Collecting Forest to catch and collect the animals on display! The forest and ocean scenery will change as you explore, and starting on September 23, the trees will begin to show off beautiful autumn colors.In the Forest of Movement, guests can enter the ‘Shifting Valley, Living Creatures of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives’ exhibit, where creatures made of autumn flowers exist in a three-dimensional space. The space is meant to make guests think about the cycle of death and rebirth, as flowers blossom and die each and every year.
The ‘Soft Terrain and Granular Topography’ will display tons of colorful grains raining down on visitors, while the ‘Flutter of Butterflies, Ephemeral Life’ will change the usual butterflies to have autumn colors as they fly around guests. This is a kind of autumn scenery you can’t see anywhere else, so be sure to come to Fukuoka during this beautiful season!
Information
teamLab Forest Fukuoka – SBI Securities Co., Ltd.
Venue: BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA 5F (Next to Fukuoka PayPay Dome)
Address: 2 Chome-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Official Site: https://www.teamlab.art/jp/e/forest/
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NAKED Night Walk Art Project to Open at Famed Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima
Japanese creative company NAKED will hold a Night Walk event at Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima, located near one of the top three most scenic spots in Japan. The event will run from October 29 until November 23, 2022.
The NAKED Night Walk was created to revitalize hot spring resorts and other tourist spots during the pandemic. This special event will bring the illuminated experience to Zuiganji Temple, one of the Tohoku Region’s most famous Zen temples. Guests will be invited to carry beautiful lanterns around the grounds, maintaining social distancing while enjoying the cool evening weather. These lanterns will cast one of three unique designs onto the ground below–a starry sky, a camellia flower, or a lotus.
Guests can also enjoy NAKED’s Flower Fortune Telling, pulling unique paper flowers from a massive wall, with each holding a personalized fortune. These flowers can then be tied to a nearby tree to further spread NAKED’s art. You can also take home your flower as a souvenir!
The event will only run for a limited time. For more information including admission fees and hours, see the official website!
Information
NAKED Night Walk – Matsushima, Zuiganji Temple (National Treasure)
Address: Zuiganji Temple (Chonai-91 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi Prefecture)
Running: October 29 – November 23, 2022
Hours: Weekdays 17:00-20:00 / Fridays, Weekends, Holidays 17:00-21:00
Official Site: https://zuiganji.or.jp/
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Kansai’s Largest Illumination Event to Start Third Phase on October 8
10.September.2022 | SPOT
The third phase of the popular illumination event at the English Garden Rosa & Berry Tawada will be held from October 8, 2022 until February 12, 2023! One of the largest light-up events in the Kansai region, this year’s theme is ‘Evolutionary Lights!’
Let Time Pass in The Golden Forest
Visitors will be welcomed into a glorious forest of golden lights as they arrive in the main area.
The clock tower rises in the center, and the spectacular production begins at the start of nightfall when the tower itself begins to glow and 100 trees are enveloped in golden light.
The White and Silver Garden of the Fairies
The area has undergone a major transformation, from the warm European-inspired colors of last year’s event to a mysterious silvery-white color scheme. Visitors can also enjoy the popular light-up experience Miraculous Blue Roses and the Seven-Colored Prayer Tree.
※Details: Lights and effects are triggered in response to the sound of bells rung by visitors and special pedals stepped on as they explore the event.
Shaun the Sheep Area
A special Christmas display inspired by the new Shaun the Sheep movie, releasing in December 2022, will be on display.
*Images of the special display will be available in mid-September.
SHAUN THE SHEEP AND SHAUN’S IMAGE ARE ™ AARDMAN ANIMATIONS LTD. 2022
Galactic Express Milky Way
The Milky Way is said to be a magnificent shade of blue. The Milky Way Galaxy Railroad, which requires a separate fee, runs through the area, inviting guests to explore a sea of stars. Why not take a trip through this glittering world of lights while taking some incredible photos?
Why not visit this incredible sea of lights this winter?
Information
Rosa & Berry Illumination 2022-2023 – Evolutionary Lights
Running: October 8, 2022 – February 12, 2023 *Closed on Tuesdays
Hours: 17:30-21:00 *Subject to change depending on the season
Venue: English Garden Rosa & Berry Tawada (Maibara, Shiga)Official Site: https://www.rb-illumi.com/
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Sumikko Gurashi Characters Appear at Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest
09.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
From November 12, 2022, until April 2, 2023, visitors to Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest in Kanagawa Prefecture will be able to enjoy an incredible light-up event featuring Sumikko Gurashi characters! The outdoor resort is only an hour from Tokyo and won’t disappoint.
A World First! Illuminated Sumikko Gurashi AreaVisitors can enjoy riding the 250-meter-long Rainbow Lift for an aerial walk above the millions of lights. The adorable Sumikko Gurashi characters will be waiting for guests in a special themed area.
Goods Featuring Original Illustrations Available–with a Collab Menu!
The event will also offer goods decorated with newly-drawn art inspired by the Lake Sagami lights, with Sumikko and her friends enjoying the show. Along with merchandise, guests will also be invited to sample collaboration food and drinks at the park’s restaurant Wild Dining. Each dish will also come with a bonus!
Come enjoy these incredible lights along with everyone’s favorite Sumikko characters! With 6 million lights on display, this is one of the largest in the Kanto area. More details will be coming soon, so keep an eye out!
Information
Sumikko Gurashi x Lake Sagami Illumination
Running: November 12, 2022 – April 2, 2023
Special Site:
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Popular Manga Series Chainsaw Man Gets Pop-Up at Iwataya in Fukuoka
07.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
Jewelry brand Tasaki has announced a special collaboration pop-up with the popular manga Chainsaw Man from September 7 until September 13, 2022 at KIRAMEKI BOARD on the first floor of the Iwataya Department Store in Fukuoka. The pop-up is being held to celebrate new items in the ‘danger’ line, one of Tasaki’s new iconic items.
At the venue, guests can peruse a selection of Tasaki’s fine jewelry, including the new ‘danger’ collection which was inspired by the beauty of insectivorous plants. This is a perfect mix with Chainsaw Man, which has captivated audiences around the world with its unique plot, savage content, and one-of-a-kind characters. Special visuals of the main characters wearing jewelry from the ‘danger’ collection will be on display, drawn by the original author of the series Tatsuki Fujimoto. Also on display at the venue will be a special Pochita figure, whose chainsaw will be lavishly set with pearls.
Exterior ©TASAKI
To celebrate the collaboration, unique jewelry inspired by Chainsaw Man, Pochita, and Power will be on sale exclusively at the pop-up venue. These will only be available in limited quantities.
Fans of the series who are looking for some gorgeous new drip shouldn’t miss this curious crossover event!
Information
TASAKI x Chainsaw Man Pop-Up
Running: September 7 – September 13, 2022
Venue: Iwataya Main Store 1F, KIRAMEKI BOARD
Details: https://www.tasaki.co.jp/tasakidanger-chainsawman/
Official Site: http://www.tasaki.co.jp/
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Light and Shadow 2022 Event at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo Attracts Over 10,000 Visitors
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, which blends a hotel and a traditional Japanese museum, is celebrating summer in the spookiest way possible. From July 2 until September 25, guests can enjoy the ‘Wa no Akari x Hyakudan Kaidan 2022 ~Light and Shadow: 100 Stories~’ event, inspired by the tradition of telling ghost stories in summer to send a chill down your spine. Since opening, over 10,000 visitors have come to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Each of the seven exhibition areas is connected to the stairway, and each has its own theme pulled from the overarching theme of light and darkness. From Light of Passion to Midnight Light, guests will be surrounded on all sides. As you ascend the stairs, a festive atmosphere transforms into a more frightening one. Although the ghosts are out to play, guests are welcome to enjoy the many art pieces and crafts on display.
Sokyu Room / Lights of Passion
This Kabuki stage is filled with the passion of women who are addicted to love, a common theme in many traditional plays. The eye-catching Japanese umbrellas and lanterns will no doubt leave an impression, and the wistful music is titled Red Thread. The tale depicted here tells the story of a woman who becomes a haunting specter clad in flames of passion, sobbing and laughing in time with the song.
Still Water Room / Inverted Light
The three trees crowned with horse heads were created by the artist Eros Nakazato. Guests will feel as though they’ve been transported to the middle of a meadow as they explore this fantastical room covered in traditional paintings. In the work The Reverse of the Reverse, there are no wild horses on the earth, and those who have been tamed by humans sway in a beautiful and sad way. To make this scarier, the story has been reimagined as guests look through a crystal ball–now, humans are ruled by horses
Starlight Room / Midnight Light
Passing through a corridor of suspiciously flickering yokai lanterns, you will find that the clock has struck midnight. In the darkness, as most humans are asleep, specters are having a lively party. Playful cats dance and play and a number of artistic works by contemporary artists are on display. The music played fuses Japanese and ethnic instruments, some of which are interspersed with the voices of creatures of the night.
Experience this immersive art experience that will delight all five senses through light and shadows while you can!
Information
Wa no Akari x Hyakudan Kaidan 2022 ~Light and Shadow: 100 Stories~
Running: July 2 – September 25, 2022
Hours: 11:30-18:00 (Last entry at 17:30) *Closing at 17:00 on August 20 (Last entry at 16:30)
Venue: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo Hyakudan Staircase (Tangible Cultural Property Designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government)
Tickets/Details: https://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/100event/wanoakari2022
Official Site: https://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/
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Hotel Gajoen Tokyo Opens Artistic Summer Ghost Story Event
09.July.2022 | SPOT
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, which blends a hotel and a traditional Japanese museum, is celebrating summer in the spookiest way possible. From July 2 until September 25, guests can enjoy the ‘Wa no Akari x Hyakudan Kaidan 2022 ~Light and Shadow: 100 Stories~’ event, inspired by the tradition of telling ghost stories in summer to send a chill down your spine. The art illumination exhibition promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Jounen no Akari (Lights of Passion)
Bamboo Lights
Without light, there are no shadows. In this exhibition, light and shadow complement one another, portraying the popular 100 ghost stories in a new way. Last year’s event received critical acclaim as guests found themselves moving breathlessly from room to room, exploring the many incredible pieces put on display. Along the dusk-lit promenade, goldfish lanterns lead guests to the start of their mysterious adventure. The atmosphere changes from room to room, with bamboo lights and shadows surrounding you from all sides.
An Immersive Light Art Space
Odawara Wind Chimes at Dusk
Luxurious Cherry Blossom Hairpins
Glass Lamp, Iroshita Studio
Flower Arrangement, Rikou Otsuka
As you ascend the stairs, a festive atmosphere transforms into a more frightening one. Although the ghosts are out to play, guests are welcome to enjoy the many art pieces and crafts on display, from flower arrangements by master ikebana artist Rikou Otsuka and sculptures by some of Japan’s most influential traditional creators.
Enjoy Traditional Summer Ghost Stories with Light Art
Ghost Lanterns
Born from the Earth, Yasumaro Ozawa
Byakko, Yuji Nishijima
Inverted Light, Eros Nakazato
Mysterious music will drift through the air, making guests feel as though they’ve been transported into another world. The eerie space is lit by Ghost Lanterns made by a 200-year-old company in Fukuoka, and the venue is decorated with art blending ukiyo-e with contemporary styles.
Culture and Crafts from Around Japan
Paper Lanterns from Ise
Bamboo Lights, Akarinowa
3D Knit Lights
Paper Fireworks
Summer fireworks have been recreated in colorful paper form by an artist in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture, and materials found in a neglected bamboo grove in Shizuoka Prefecture were used to create the many iconic lights seen throughout the unique exhibition. Local craftsmen are at the heart of the event, with pieces brought in from areas all around Japan.
Wa no Akari Room
A concept room featuring gently flickering lights and lanterns is available to book for a limited time. Why not come spend your summer in this otherworldly atmosphere?
Information
Wa no Akari x Hyakudan Kaidan 2022 ~Light and Shadow: 100 Stories~
Running: July 2 – September 25, 2022
Hours: 11:30-18:00 (Last entry at 17:30) *Closing at 17:00 on August 20 (Last entry at 16:30)
Venue: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo Hyakudan Staircase (Tangible Cultural Property Designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government)
Tickets/Details: https://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/100event/wanoakari2022Wa no Akari Room
Available: July 2 – August 31, 2022 (1 room available per day)
Details/Reservations: https://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/stay/plan -
Nissy (Takahiro Nishijima) Announces New Song, Tokyo Tower Collaboration
Nissy (Takahiro Nishijima) has announced that his new song, I Need You, will be released digitally on July 7, 2022. The jacket cover has also been revealed.
This love song depicts how it feels to warmly live each day with the person you care about. It’s a relaxed mid-tempo number, a far cry from the cool sound heard on Nissy’s third album HOCUS POCUS 3.In addition, Nissy will also be collaborating with Tokyo Tower’s popular summer event, the Milky Way Illumination. Approximately 21,000 LED bulbs found on the first floor of the main deck, a stunning 150 meters above Tokyo, will change color periodically to match the beat of the new song I Need You.
Along with the new track, Nissy will also be embarking on a five-dome tour, so keep an eye on his activities going forward!
ⓒTOKYO TOWER
Information
I Need You – Nissy
Streaming Release Date: July 7, 2022
Tokyo Tower Milky Way Illumination x Nissy Special Collaboration
Running: July 4 – August 16, 2022
*The Milky Way Illumination will take place from June 17 until September 4.
Address: Tokyo Tower Main Deck 1F North Floor (Towards the Imperial Palace/Marunouchi)
Light-up Hours: 9:30-22:00 (Until 22:30 on Saturdays)Details: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/event/illumination/2022-amanogawa-illumination/
Official Site: https://nissy.jp