Japan is full of picturesque locations where you can be at one with nature and soak the tiredness of your body away in the onsen baths. If you are looking for an escape from busy working life, then you're in luck: Today we'll be introducing you to a modern onsen hotel which is perfect for families, lovers, and even solo travellers. Escape from Tokyo on the bullet train, ride the Zairai line and finally, catch a bus. After your two-hour journey, you will arrive at onsen hot spot Uonuma city in Niigata Prefecture. Today, we'll be heading to Tomoya Hotel. The picturesque scenery of paddy fields and mountains will unfold before your very eyes and put your mind at ease.    Sunlight pours over the reception desk from the giant window. It was time to check in. After being informed on meal times and private onsen rentals, I quickly headed to my room.I was given room 305. The warm wooden structure made the room feel lavishly large. Whether you're snuggling up with a lover, chilling out with friends or relaxing with family, the atmosphere and size of the room allows for flexible usage.The Sanashi river was right outside my window. I could watch the soothing clear water flow out to the horizon for hours. The room was prepared with loungewear, bath towels, toothbrushes, socks and many other amenities. It was even fitted with a fridge and water heater. From the lamps lighting the stairway and hallway sofas to the displayed artwork, every item in Tomoya Hotel is a carefully selected item of special design. There was even a DJ area next to the lobby which contained a surprising stash of records, CDs and DVDs which was uncountably large. Being able to discover new music and films is another admirable feature of the hotel. The front lobby is filled with a fresh and liberating atmosphere. There are plenty of spots to sit and read to yourself as the melodies of records weave through the air. The shop sells specially selected products including locally produced juice, snacks and much more. You can even purchase Tomoya Hotel's original skincare goods. Reading the cheerful and thoughtful comments written on the goods by the manager made it clear that every single item in the shop was chosen with the utmost care. One by one, several lavish courses arrived at my door for dinner that evening. The locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal vegetables were served with Niigata prefecture's uonuma koshihikari rice, which is famed as Japan's best rice. Nameko mushroom hotpot, salt-fried East Asian trout, tofu mixed with lotus root, and sashimi were just some of the hotel's many original dishes that were brought to my door. As the rice was harvested from the first crop of the year, it was very sweet and so delicious that I helped myself to multiple servings without realising. The food was flavoured and seasoned very lightly to ensure that guests could fully enjoy the true flavours of the fresh harvest from the mountains and the sea. The luxurious dinner was highly enjoyable.  I enjoyed sipping a small glass of Tomoya's chilled Reishu sake with my meal. This is an original recipe sake created by Tomoya Hotel and local sake brewery Tamagawa Shuzo. It was so refreshing, easy to drink and perfectly complimented every dish. The hotel provided a rich variety of alcoholic dinks including refreshing beer, carefully-selected wines, rare local sake, homemade fruit liqueurs, and more.The onsen is home to rich history dating back to the year 1300 when it first opened its doors to the public. There are two types of private rental onsen and large public onsen indoors. Some square-shaped baths sit right beside a small stream which branches off from the Sanashi river. Treat yourself to a soothing soak in a historical onsen while absorbing the beautiful scenery. After finishing your relaxing soak, head to floor 1 of the main building to spend some time relaxing. This space is for guests to use freely and how they please. There are bookshelves lined with books and games available.The first floor of the hotel annexe was my favourite place. Music from a variety of genres is played here. A disco ball hangs high, splashing light across the spacious room. There is a ping-pong table, a pool table, massage chair, piano, an old Nintendo game, manga and much more. It may seem like a relaxing place at first glance, but my heart was racing with excitement as I got hooked on the games.The following morning, breakfast was delivered right to my room again. Seeing the tray filled with a luxurious mix of both western and Japanese-style cuisine was very pleasing to see. I indulged in yaki-fu: baked wheat gluten which is a specialty of Niigata, fried fish, rolled Japanese-style omelette, homemade cheesecake and much more. All the meals served at the hotel are made with the utmost care and precision. If I were to introduce all the wonderful services and features of Tomoya hotel then there would be no end to this article. The main highlights were the delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients, the soothing onsen, the music, films and experience of art culture, and of course, the opportunity to get in touch with nature, watching the water trickle down the mountain streams as your mind discovers peace.    If you are looking to heal your body, mind and soul whilst discovering nature and art, then Tomoya Hotel is perfect for you.    Writer：Ellie（MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON）

It has been announced that Universal Cool Japan 2020 will take place from January 21 to June 28 next year. This year marks the 6th run of UCJ which began in 2015, bringing together the ‘cool’ aspects of Japan enjoyed by the rest of the world, and enjoys immense popularity every year. Universal Cool Japan 2020 will see four big titles in Japanese entertainment come together. Expect all-new attractions for all-new experiences. *The Monster Hunter World: Iceborne x USJ attractions will be announced at a later dateAttack on Titan XR Ride The Attack on Titan manga series has celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. For the first time ever, the series is getting its own XR Ride in which guests will don VR goggles that will transport them into a 360° rendering of the world of Attack on Titan, with life-size Titans appearing before their very eyes. Guests will ride a roller coaster and fly alongside the Survey Corps. If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to soar up high with ODM maneuver gear, now's your chance.   Running: January 21, 2020 - June 28, 2020   Detective Conan World Join Conan in the all-improved and revamped Detective Conan World and help him solve cases in Detective Conan: The Escape; ride the new story-filled roller coaster Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride which features full voice acting and an immersive plot; run around the park and solve various incidents hands-on with Detective Conan Mystery Challenge; and dine at the Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant.   Running: January 21, 2020 - June 28, 2020*Full details on the restaurant will be announced at a later date   Lupin the Third: The LiveLupin the Third made its first appearance at UCJ 2019 and was very well-received. This live show features street live entertainment by real cast members who will perform right before guests. Join Lupin and the characters in the exciting world of the franchise.   Running: January 21, 2020 - June 28, 2020   Monster Hunter World: Iceborne x Universal Studios Japan The Monster Hunter video game franchise is loved the world over, and is appearing once more at Universal Cool Japan after two years. Use interactive VR technology and go hunting in the world of Iceborne, the hit expansion to Monster Hunter World which has shipped 2.8 million copies worldwide.   Running: Spring 2020 (subject to change)   Image Credit: Universal Studios JapanHARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)Despicable Me, Minion Made and all related marks and characters are trademarks and copyrights of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC. All Rights Reserved.Nintendo properties are trademarks and copyrights of Nintendo. © 2019 Nintendo.TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment©Hajime Isayama・Kodansha / "Attack on Titan" Production Committee©2020 Gosho Aoyama / Detective Conan Production Committee© CRAP All rights reserved.©Monkey Punch / ＴＭＳ・ＮＴＶ©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.書・SISYUTM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Jolly faces are all around at Tokyo Disney Resort right now as Disney Christmas kicked off last Friday. It's set to sleigh its way up to Christmas Day this year.   The editorial team at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON jumped ahead and got to experience all of the festive fun taking place at Tokyo Disneyland parks, so we're going to showcase some of the magical events taking place this year.  

Disney characters dress up for the amazing Christmas parade

If you're visiting Tokyo Disneyland this year, the one event you absolutely have to check out the Disney Christmas Stories parade, where Mickey and company, as well as characters from various Disney Pixar films like Frozen and Toy Story, all arrive on Christmas floats. All of the floats and themed on the films they appear in. For example, Lilo and Stitch ride a Hawaii Christmas boat, while Donald and Daisy have their own boat decked out with Christmas decorations. The floats will stop before the crowd, and that's when the dancing begins! Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale begin the dancing in front of Cinderella's castle. All of the Christmas-clad characters and dancers invite guests to join in with dancing. Once the dancing stops, the floats begin to move again, and snow falls all around the guests, plunging them into a White Christmas. The parade is truly magical at this point as the snow dances through the air. What could be better than celebrating Christmas than with your favourite Disney character at Tokyo Disneyland?    

Gaze up at the 15-meter tall Christmas tree

The first thing to catch your eye if you walk towards the World Bazaar from the entrance is the towering Christmas tree which stands 15 meters high. At night, they turn the Christmas lights on, glow beautifully with the other visuals shining in the area. Here you'll truly feel like you've been transported to a Christmas land as you're wrapped in the warm lights of the illuminations and lulled by the music.  

Photo opportunities with your favourite characters

In front of the Cinderella castle you'll find multiple photo spots with statues of Disney characters. There are photographers there ready to take guests' photos for them, so be sure to dress in your Christmas best to snap a memorable picture with the Disney cast. If you buy the photo, you'll also receive a Christmas illustration and other goodies.   You can really feel the Christmas spirit at Tokyo Disneyland simply by walking through the park. Don't miss this year's Disney Christmas, and be sure to invite friends, family and loved ones along for the ride.   Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON)Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga