Nijo Castle in Kyoto is one of seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, built by the Tokugawa Shogunate. It’s worth a visit on a trip to the old capital of Japan, but a new event is making it even more exciting! From November 5 until December 12, 2021, guests to the castle at night can enjoy projection mapping across the castle grounds and a collection of food from Kyoto’s most famous restaurants.

The giant interactive light show will take over 400 square meters, and was created by the company Creative AI. By analyzing environmental information such as density and location of visitors and surrounding weather, the art will change to engage the senses. Shifting light and sound will enhance Nijo Castle’s beauty–guests should pay special attention to the Karamon Gate, an Important Cultural Property, and the Ninomaru Garden. This is the first of these evening parties held in Kyoto, meant to infuse traditional Japanese culture with modern innovations.

Kyoto is a city that has been based around Feng Shui since ancient times, with a local saying claiming that the water flowing beneath Nijo Castle carries good energy. These thoughts resonated with the historical figures that lived in Kyoto during the construction of the castle, and they believed that the spot was special. The Ninomaru Garden is the perfect location to use this new technology to bring this energy to life!

The Kyoto location of Japanese sneaker shop atmos will begin hosting a solo exhibition by Sevnzel, an illustrator associated with the creative group SSS by applibot! The event will take place between October 30 and November 7, 2021. 

Lineup

Sevnzel #424D99-BLISTER PACK GOSPEL 01 atmos Ver.

Sevnzel #424D99-BLISTER PACK GOSPEL 01

atmos × Sevnzel Collaboration L/S TEE NAVY

atmos × Sevnzel Collaboration L/S TEE WHITE 

Sevnzel has worked on character designs for Pokemon Sun & Moon and Tensai TV Kun hello, and also created the animated mascots for the NEC LAVIE VEGA laptop. The artist has been posting pages from a new full-art comic titled #424D99 on his Twitter page for some time, and the long-awaited first paperback volume has just been released. 

At Sevnzel’s first solo exhibition in September, the artist displayed and sold oversized printed panels of each page of the new comic. A performance at the atmos Sendagaya store also utilized projectors and monitors, with the artist completely taking over the space. 

During the exhibition at the atmos Kyoto location, unique blister packs featuring the first volume of his comic will be on sale. These will come in two versions: a standard version and an atmos collaborative version, which has only been produced in limited quantities. Collaborative T-shirts will also be available during the event period. 

Guests can also enjoy oversized posters of pages from the manga, as well as newly drawn works of characters from the series from other SSS by applibot members including representative Masafumi Takagi, Mai Yoneyama, BUNBUN, Taiki, PALOW., ISSSAI, and NAJI Yanagida. 

The ‘1F Lounge & Bar 1867’ at the Kyoto Yura Hotel M Gallery will be hosting a Halloween themed afternoon tea from October 1 2021, with tea sets and cocktails available. The premium hotel is owned by Accor, a Paris, France based group that owns over 5,000 hotels and resorts in 110 countries.

The Halloween-themed afternoon tea has been made by Jennie Chiu, a pastry chef who grew up in America, the home of Halloween. The afternoon tea features cute and playful monster motifs, including a witch-hat Mont Blanc, a Cassis and Chestnut Cake topped with a small ghost, and a spider-web topped Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse. For savory treats, Chef Nishimura Niki has prepared Foie Gras soaked in Salted Koji, plus two luxurious lobster dishes.

The creative Halloween cocktails were brainstormed by Yamazaki Sousei, who ranked in the Japan Top 10 category of bartending competition ‘WORLD CLASS 2021.’ The Halloween and apple pie inspired lineup was inspired by Scotland and the Celtic people, looking back to when Halloween was first celebrated. 

Enjoy some adult-only time in this retro-modern “family mansion” themed space. 

Founded in 1803, Tsuruya Yoshinobu is a famous Japanese sweets shop specializing in wagashi, or traditional Japanese confections. To celebrate Halloween, the shop is now selling some themed treats through the end of October. 

Halloween Pumpkin/Halloween Ghost Japanese Sweets

Happy Halloween Cookie Assortment

The celebration of Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, before later being Christianized as All Hallow’s Day. A day to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the fall harvest, it has become a much less serious holiday in recent decades. Children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door asking for candy, and the past is largely forgotten. The sweets available at Tsuruya Yoshinobu are decorated with cute expressions and are sure to be a hit at tea time with friends and family. Be sure to keep an eye out for the ghosts, featuring six different expressions!

Japanese sweets aren’t as strong as their American counterparts, and each is sculpted like a work of art. These will melt in your mouth and are perfect for enjoying with matcha, tea, or coffee! Be sure to fill out the blank card along with the cookie gift box for a thoughtful gift this holiday season.

Constructed in 1175, the Kurodani Temple is one of the head temples of the Jodo Sect of Buddhism. Though typically closed to the public, the grounds will open for a short period to allow guests to experience some beautiful autumn scenery beginning November 12, 2021. This temple is associated with the Shinsengumi and served as the headquarters of the Aizu Clan at the end of the Edo period, so those interested in history won’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity. 

[Night] Shiun Garden

[Day] Autumn Leaves at the Main Gate

[Day] Shiun Garden

[Night] Autumn Leaves at the Main Gate

Temple Grounds at Sunset

The Tiger’s Room

Ohoujou Garden

Founders Hall

Live Koto Performance

Gokoushiyuiamidabutsu, ‘Afro Buddha’ 

Guests will be able to enjoy the gorgeous autumn temple scenery during both daytime and nighttime, with the night viewing also offering some traditional Japanese live music. Visitors can also see various temple treasures and historical items, as well as the Tiger Room, known for its painted doors. The unique and aptly named Afro Buddha will also be on display. After training for an extremely long period of time, the Buddha’s hair piled up, giving him this strangely modern appearance. 

On a clear day, guests will be able to see clear to the Abeno Harukas building in Osaka. Vividly painted ceilings and other statues will completely surround visitors in spiritual history. At night, traditional Japanese music will be played at three different times in the front gardens. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the temple will offer a Premium Plan, allowing interested guests to enter the grounds 30 minutes before general admission starts. (This will require reservations made on the official website.) This will also include a guided tour!

How would you like to experience this piece of Japanese history while surrounded by unforgettable autumn foliage? 

The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West, a small luxury hotel located in the heart of Japan’s ancient capital, has revealed a new plan allowing guests to rent out the entire premises. Imagine being in a hotel with only your closest family and friends!

The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West – Guest Room

The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West – Bathroom

The Junei Hotel Kyoto – Bamboo Suite

The Junei Hotel Kyoto – Bamboo Suite Bathroom

The Junei Hotel Kyoto – Standard Room

The Junei Hotel Kyoto – Standard Bathroom

The Junei Hotel Kyoto – Breakfast at Futago

The Junei Hotel Kyoto – Futago Restaurant Interior

The Junei Hotel Kyoto – Dinner at Futago

Arashiyama Yusaitei

Arashiyama Yusaitei

Kibune Riverbed

Hozucho River Boat Ride

The Junei Hotel Kyoto Rooftop View of Kiyomizu-dera Lights

The Junei Hotel Kyoto Rooftop Garden Moon Viewing

With two locations in Kyoto, guests will be able to enjoy the entirety of the hotel in complete privacy while still enjoying hotel hospitality. With between 8-11 rooms, this would be the perfect spot for a family gathering, wedding reception, graduation trip with friends, corporate meeting place, or even for overseas guests!

The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West opened in 2017 as a community-based luxury hotel with only eight rooms, with a single mission: bringing the beauty of Japan to the world. Beyond simply finding a place to sleep for the night, the hotel wants guests to experience something special and to provide an unforgettable experience. By partnering with local tourism associations, the Junei Hotel hopes to accurately convey the traditions and singular culture of the city of Kyoto. 

In March 2020, a second location opened. The Junei Hotel Kyoto is surrounded by bamboo, and in fact, the theme of the hotel itself is bamboo and the moon. Each of the guest rooms is decorated with traditional and local bamboo crafts, and every detail is pulled from the natural beauty of Higashiyama, Kyoto. 

The restaurant attached to the hotel, Futago, is the perfect place for adults to unwind and recharge. The kappo-style course menu features Kyoto vegetables and seasonal ingredients, blending the delicious with the nutritious. Chefs will cook each dish using a variety of methods, and guests will be amazed by how the flavor of the meat changes from course to course. The menu changes each month, so be sure to come back throughout the year!

Guests can also rent out Arashiyama Yusaitei, a gorgeous building deep in the forests of Kyoto perfect for wedding receptions, photoshoots, tea ceremonies, and more. The rooftop garden offers a stunning view of Kiyomizu-dera and is also perfect for moon viewing. Those wanting to get even closer to nature can enjoy a boat ride down the Hozucho river, and for those craving desserts, a Japanese sweets-making class is also available!

Who would you take with you on a private stay at the Junei Hotel Kyoto? 

The Kirby Cafe, with locations in Tokyo and Hakata, began offering some brand-new menu items on September 21, including the new Waddle Dee Soy Burger & Meat Pasta with Warm Veggies. This marks a collection of new healthier options, along with some cute new dishes perfect for the fall season. 

Menu

Waddle Dee Soy Burger & Meat Pasta with Warm Veggies: ¥2,838 (Tax Included)

Souvenir Plate TOKYO

Souvenir Plate HAKATA

Waddle Dee Salmon Avocado Bowl: ¥2,178 (Tax Included)

Waddle Doo Beam Salad: ¥1,298 (Tax Included)

Kirby’s Inhaling Star Drink, Seasonal Apple Flavor (with squishy mascot): ¥980 (Tax Included)

Some adorable new dishes at the Kirby Cafe feature Waddle Dees, one of the most common characters in the video game series! The new Waddle Dee Burger is topped with avocado and made from soy, while still having the taste and texture of real meat. The spooky enemy Waddle Doo also makes his appearance in the new Waddle Doo Beam Salad! For those looking to eat healthier while enjoying time with some classic gaming characters, these new menu items are sure to satisfy. Don’t miss out on the apple-flavored drink, also available for takeout. 

In addition to these tasty new items, brand-new goods will also be popping up at each location! Keep an eye out for some unique Kirby merch coming soon. 

The Kyoto Brighton Hotel is offering a special morning plan that will charter temples and shrines exclusively for hotel guests between November 17 and November 30 2021.

Hougon-in

Anrakuji

Kitano Tenmagu Shrine

Koudaiji

Shisendou

Taizouin

Touji

Even throughout Japan, Kyoto has one of the highest amounts of Autumn leaf viewing spots. This unique viewing plan allows guests to enjoy the vivid autumn leaves by charter, with special permission to visit each spot before it opens to the general public. With this plan, you can experience the wonders of Kyoto in Autumn while avoiding the crowds.

The “Morning Plan” proposed by the Kyoto Brighton Hote offers guests the chance to spend a peaceful time in the fresh, dignified early morning air while avoiding the crowds. This popular plan has been running for 20 years.

Not only is the viewing private, but you will also learn more about the area with guidance from the priests and staff. 

After returning to the hotel, you will be treated to a special “Kyoto Breakfast” which uses local ingredients arranged in both Japanese and Western styles. This breakfast will taste even better following the cleansing of body and mind in the crisp early morning air.

Why not take part in this purifying “Morning Activity” and immerse yourself amongst the Autumn leaves?

A special exhibition titled ‘Japanese Landscapes Discovered: Views from and for the Outside World,’ showcasing a private collection of Meiji era paintings, is now on display at the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto until October 31, 2021.

Inside the Exhibit

Inside the Exhibit

This exhibition is designed to take visitors on a journey through the Meiji period (1868-1912), the beginning of Japan’s modern era, through oil and watercolor paintings of the time, and through the landscapes and customs depicted in these pieces of art. During this time, many foreign painters visited Japan, and were inspired to paint the country’s beautiful landscapes and unfamiliar customs, bringing these creations back to their countries of origin. Japanese artists studied these unfamiliar painting techniques, and made their own culturally-inspired paintings, often selling them to foreign visitors as souvenirs.

Many works on display in this exhibition have never been shown publicly, with many being brought back to Japan from locations abroad. These include long-lost oil paintings by Kuroda Seiki and a massive newly-discovered work by Tamura Soryu. Other Japanese artists inspired by Western-style on display include Hiroshi Yoshida, Jirokichi Kasagi, Shotaro Koyama, and Ioki Bunsai.

Also on display are works by foreign artists who visited Japan during this period, including British news painter Charles Wirgman, French news painter Georges Bigot, and British landscape painters Alfred Parsons, Alfred East, and John Varley Jr. These three men in particular triggered a watercolor boom in Japan during the late Meiji period. Vibrant female painters such as British watercolorist Ella du Cane, a lover of Japanese gardens, also make an appearance.

Be sure to see these incredible depictions of Japan before they’re gone.

The Yojiya Café, opened by the Yojiya brand famous for its Aburatorigami, or facial oil blotting paper, will be renewing its menu from September 13. The popular face parfait, which features the logo alongside a Kyoto woman with a mole, comes in three flavors available – Kinako, Matcha, and Milk Tea. Each parfait comes with a sauce, so you can adjust the taste as you eat.

Kinako Parfait: ¥1,200 (Tax Incl.)

Matcha Parfait: ¥1,200 (Tax Incl.)

Milk Tea Parfait: ¥1,200 (Tax Incl.)

The Yojiya Café is currently open in two locations, Gion and Sagano Arashiyama, offering a relaxing space to rest between shopping and sightseeing.

The café has renewed their iconic Kinako Parfait, which combines Japanese Kinako and Western Maple Syrup, along with the Matcha Parfait, which is packed full of matcha ice cream, jelly, and cookies. The Milk Tea Parfait is made with a rich Japanese Tea and Earl Gray ice cream.

Take a trip to Yojiya and find out which parfait is your favorite!

The calm Machiya sweet shop eXcafe Gion-Shinbashi will be restarting the popular eXcafe Breakfast (Calico) menu on weekends from September 4 2021. This is the perfect spot to start your Gion adventure, packed full of ancient city charm and history. 

eXcafe currently has three store locations in Kyoto: Kyoto-Arashiyama, Gion-Shinbashi, and the newly opened Gion Yasaka.

eXcafe Gion Shinbashi is located in an area where you can appreciate the beauty of Gion, with the ever changing scenery fully reflecting the four seasons. Even on sunny weekends, the area isn’t overly busy and the sky is beautifully clear, making it the perfect spot for commemorative photos.

The returning breakfast menu is the eXcafe Breakfast (Calico), made up of charcoal-grilled toast with a calico cat motif. The fluffy bread is thickly cut and can be completed with your favorite topping: Bean paste, butter, whipped cream, or fruits. The breakfast set also includes a drink and Mitarashi dango dessert, making it the perfect way to spend a relaxing moment at the beginning of your trip, or as a break from your early-morning sightseeing.

Morning walks in Gion are particularly refreshing at this time of year, making a perfect break from the intense Summer heat. It is also ideal for visiting the Yasaka Shrine.

You’ll feel even cooler as you listen to the flowing Shira River, the water gently bubbling under the cobblestones of the famous Tatsumi Bridge. Although it is located in a trendy area, the eXcafe Gion-Shinbashi is a welcome break from the bustle of the city, surrounded by cobblestone alleys and wooden townhouses.

Toei Kyoto Studio Park will hold a limited-time collaboration with popular volleyball anime series Haikyu!! starting September 11.

Haikyu!! x Randen Retro Train

Original Towel

Stage Set

Original Fairground Game Merchandise 

Randen Collaboration

Limited-edition Collaboration Merchandise

Purchase bonus bookmark (1 of 8 designs: 4 designs from Karasuno High School, 4 designs from Inarizaki High School)

Selected Merchandise

For each menu order, a random coaster will be presented as a gift. *8 original designs available.

In the newly drawn concept image for the event, the members of the Karasuno High and Inarizaki High volleyball teams are seen during a trip to Kyoto, where they meet at the Toei Kyoto Studio Park. Fans can see their favorite characters dressed in Shinsengumi happi coats, buying souvenirs, eating, drinking, and enjoying their hard-earned day off. There will be a Haikyu!! exhibition at the park, a footbath, special goods and food items, as well as a running collaboration train.

Look forward to this very unique event in Kyoto, coming soon!

©古舘春一／集英社・「ハイキュー!!」製作委員会・ＭＢＳ

短縮形　©HF/S,HP,M