Japanese cosmetics brand Para Do launched a campaign via Twitter on Thursday (January 21) for people to win a limited-edition glittery cherry blossom edition of their Sakura Veil Lip lipstick.

Shiawase Sakura Set

Para Do’s Sakura Veil Lip is known for staying on the wearer’s lips even when they wear a face mask. 150 Twitter users in Japan have a chance to win a special limited-edition variant of the popular product along with a cherry blossom face mask as part of the set. The masks are available in 4 designs.

Para Do Sakura Veil Lip PK04 Shiawase Kirameku Cherry Blossom Colour | ¥770 (Tax Included)

The lipstick arrives in a glittery pink. It’s mixed with a whole range of beauty liquids and contains only a little colour to ensure lips are kept moist. It also makes sure lips don’t dry out while wearing a mask, and there is no colour transference from the lips onto the mask, making it perfect for the winter and spring seasons.

Shiawase Kirameku Lipstick Campaign
Running: January 21, 2021 – February 21, 2021

Prize: Shiawase Sakura Set (Contains the Para DO Sakura Veil Lip PK04 Shiawase Kirameku Cherry Blossom Colour and Sakura Face Mask)
Winners: 150
How to Participate:
1.Follow @ParaDo_ on Twitter
2. Write your wish related to one of the themes #幸の縁 (happiness) #運の縁 (fortune) #結の縁 (relationships) #美の縁 (beauty) in Japanese along with the hashtag #桜お守りリップ. Full details can be found on the official website.

Sakura Prayers

Ninna-ji Temple is a World Heritage Site in Kyoto famous for its cherry blossoms. A special event is being held there for the lipstick to pray for happiness happiness.

Shiawase Sakura – Prayers for luck

The base of the lipsticks are printed with one of four different prayers: one of happiness, one for luck, one for relationships, and one for beauty. The designs are random so you can look forward to seeing which you get.

The St. Regis Osaka, a hotel located in Chuo, Osaka, is seducing couples with the reveal of its luxurious Valentine’s Day dessert line-up which will be sold at the hotel’s Italian restaurant La Veduta from February 1 to 14.

2021 Valentine’s Collection Line-Up

Valrhona Chocolate Bark | Single Bag: ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

A bag of irresistible chocolates made using chocolate by the French premium chocolate brand Valrhona. It’s available in three flavours: Milk (Hazelnut/Miso), Dark (Almond/Soy Sauce), and White (Macadamia/Sake Lees).

Extra Dark Chocolate Gateau Chocolat | ¥2,800 (Before Tax)

A truly full-bodied chocolate experience made with 61% chocolate that can be indulged chilled or warmed up.

Valentine’s Edition Valrhona Guanaja & Jivara Lactee Chocolate Éclairs | ¥750 (Before Tax)

A chocolate cake strip loaded with thick ganache and topped with chocolate-covered hazelnuts to create a bite-sized éclair.

St Regis Signature Brioche | Set of 3: ¥1,000 (Before Tax)

A set of three of St Regis’s signature brioches: the extra dark Valrhona chocolate “Danish,” the Valrhona Guanaja & Jivara Lactee chocolate “Ganache,” and the Valrhona “Passion Fruit Inspiration.”

La Veduta’s Italian Valentine’s Day Menu

Dinner For Two | ¥32,000 (Before Tax)

The menu line-up at La Veduta features a dinner for two which includes an amuse-bouche, marinated Japanese amberjack, heart-shaped ravioli capresi, Tournedos Rossini beef fillet with tai sea bream, a strawberry tiramisu, and tea snacks.

This is a real indulgence for couples looking for a romantic dining experience or treat.

The 112-year-old Hotel Nampuro in Nagasaki is set to open the new Sky Terrace and Ocean Terrace this month. These vistas offer breathtaking, unbroken views of the sea and sky that make it feel as if you’re floating on the ocean with rolling skies ahead that stretch to the horizon.

Observation Terrace (1)

Observation Terrace (2)

Infinity Pool-Style Open-Air Bath

Silky Bath

Beautifying Bubble Baths

Jacuzzi Bath (Male Only)

Children’s Bath

Hinoki Sauna & Steam Sauna

Iyashi Onsen Cafe

Rental Open-Air Bath

The observation terrace offers an incredible panoramic view of the great Ariake Sea that offers a picturesque spectacle at all times of the day. Guests can enjoy seeing the morning, noon, and night skies which merge together with the ocean for an unbeatable result. There’s also a “no talking” rule on the terrace so guests can fully soak up what’s in front of them as they take a luxirous soak in the warm baths.

The infinity pool-style open-air bath offers a refreshing view while making it seem as if you are part of the ocean. The silky bath uses delicate micro bubbles which become an air cushion and promote good blood circulation using massage. The jacuzzi bath relaxes the entire body with stimulating bubbles, while the children’s bath allows kids to get in on the fun too. Both saunas are a change to unwind fatigue and the tired body. The steam sauna is set at a lower temperature than your usual high-temperature dry sauna which ensures it doesn’t have as much strain on the body so guests can sweat it out comfortably. The freshly-brewed coffee available at the hot spring is also exclusive to the hotel’s Onsen Cafe.

Iwashimizu Hachimangu, a Shinto Shrine in Yawata, Kyoto, has announced that a 5-day light-up event will take place from February 10 to 14 at the site’s main shrine which is listed as a national treasure of Japan.

Following government guidelines in response to COVID-19, the event will feature LED illuminations, glowing exhibits from craftsmen, lights made by locals from materials such as bamboo, and more, all in the hopes of creating a bit of evening-time sightseeing in the area. The event will also be streamed live online for those unable to attend where viewers can also enjoy watching ceremonial dance by shrine maidens.

Saryo FUKUCHA in Kyoto is now serving up a very special selection of succulent strawberry and matcha parfaits until May 30, 2021. These exquisite delights will see only 10 made of each per day.

Saryo FUKUCHA is a cafe that was opened by FUKUJUEN in Kyoto Station in April 2019. This year, they have brought back their extremely popular strawberry and matcha parfaits : the Konome, Konoha, and Konoka. They have also introduced a new addition to the line-up: the Strawberry & Matcha Milk Parfait. Also on the menu is a strawberry matcha latte.

Matcha & Strawberry Parfaits

Konome | ¥1,350

Konoha | ¥1,450

Konoka | ¥1,550

Strawberry Matcha Milk Parfait | ¥800

Strawberry Matcha Latte | ¥650

Discover the taste of Japanese tea in a new way with Saryo FUKUCHA’s matcha and strawberry parfaits and latte.

Solare Hotels and Resorts has announced that a new branch of hotels androoms will open in Kyoto Shijo on March 6, 2021. In the run up to its grand opening, the company has opened a website where guests can book hotels with Solare Hotels and Resorts at the cheapest possible price. The website will begin rolling out more information about each hotel on the site through the year.

Access

hotel androoms Kyoto Shijo is located a convenient 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station’s Karasuma Line section and 7 minutes from the Central Exit in the JR section, placing it within close distance to many of Kyoto’s sightseeing spots.

The hotel offers seven different room types from standard to double to premium twin. One room can house a maximum of three people, accommodating groups and families. It also promises to be packed with a variety of exclusive services you won’t find at other hotels.

Specialty coffee by Unir Kyoto

hotel androoms Kyoto Shijo will welcome the opening of a new branch of Unir inside the hotel which serves coffee made from specially-selected coffee beans. The coffee is hand-roasted on site with baristas pouring their love and skill into every cup.

Breakfast delivered right to your room

The morning time is your time and should be used as you please without you having to rush around, so says the hotel, and so it offers a breakfast delivery service which must be booked in advance.

Relax and unwind in the modern-style baths

Those looking for a little relaxation can look forward to pushing all their stresses aside in a modern bathing area which is inspired by a cave. It’s open from 3pm-2am and again from 6am-10am.

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto and want a hotel with easy access to all the hot spots then be sure to consider hotel androoms Kyoto Shijo.

An event centred on the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is now taking place in Kyoto at Toei Kyoto Studio Park, Kyoto Railway Museum, and Shijō-Ōmiya Station and Arashiyama Station on the The Keifuku Randen Tram Line until March 14, 2021. Fans of the series can participate in a ‘keyword rally’ where they’ll be walking around Kyoto trying to locate specific words to win prizes, enjoy unique Demon Slayer exhibits at each of the venues, gets their hands on original merch, tuck into themed food, and more.

Pins (17 Designs) | ¥440 Each (*Design chosen is random)

Long Chocolate Baumkuchen | ¥1,080

Merch includes pins of the anime series’s main characters, a special baumkuchen cake based on the Infinity Train from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train film, and more. Online orders are also available in Japan at Chugaionline.

Fans still hyped over Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train, which broke records in Japan to become the highest-grossing film of all time in the country, can expect to stock up even more of their favourites for their collection at the event.

©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, which is a museum and hotel fusion, is serving up a special Strawberry Afternoon Tea and Strawberry Cocktail at its restaurant New American Grill “KANADE TERRACE” from January 6 to February 11 and February 15 to March 19 next year.

Strawberry Afternoon Tea | ¥4,500, with champagne ¥6,200 (1 Person/Before Tax/Service Charge Not Included)

New American Grill “KANADE TERRACE” is known for its afternoon teas, which are made with seasonal ingredients, as well as its cocktails. Their new Strawberry Afternoon Tea will welcome in the New Year with a strawberry and rhubarb tart, strawberry fondue, strawberry and mascarpone soup, and other sweet and savoury selections.

Strawberry Cocktail | ¥1,600 (Before Tax/Service Charge Not Included)

The Strawberry Cocktail is of course made with fresh strawberries as well as mint and soda for a fusion of sweet and tangy. Those who don’t enjoy alcohol can rest assured they’ll enjoy this alcohol-free cocktail.

Hakata Hotels is welcoming the third branch of its The OneFive brand hotels with the opening of The OneFive Terrace Fukuoka in Chuo, Fukuoka, on December 15, 2020.

The OneFive is based around the old Japanese way of ichigo ichie, which roughly translates to “treasure every meeting, for it will never reoccur.” It has taken considerate measures to question what really constitutes as necessary service when it comes to hotels, and launched as a new brand of simple yet comfortable and high quality hotels serving Japanese omotenashi, or hospitality.

Simple yet fine quality comfort

The OneFive Terrace Fukuoka is located in busy central Hakata—within walking distance of the entertainment district of Nakasu and the lively riverside area of Tensu—while offering spacious and comfy rooms.

Rooms are 27㎡～48㎡ in size, with Double Rooms being equipped with king size beds and Twin Rooms with two double beds. Each has a bath, toilet, and wash area, as well as a writing desk, closet, and other pieces to make the hotel stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. There are of courses terraces too, living up to the hotel’s name, which act as ‘another living room’ for guests.

The 4 S’s of Japanese Tea at The OneFive Terrace Fukuoka

1. Select
A selection of specially-selected teas from around locations in Kyushu such as Yame (Fukuoka), Chiran (Kagoshima), Ureshino (Saga), and elsewhere.

2. Style
Enjoy tea in a variety of different styles from creamy and foamy draft tea to hand drip tea and more.

3. Sweets
The hotel’s pastry chefs will whip up a range of tea-flavoured desserts that fuse the traditional Japanese taste with modern western ideas.

4. Scene

All guests staying at The OneFive Terrace Fukuoka are offered a welcome cup of tea. The hotel is a chance for them to appreciate the local culture, region, and lifestyle arranged in a contemporary way.

Hoshino Resorts is offering many ways for guests to enjoy themselves this winter with a range of activities and vistas, whether it be gazing at the starry sky, enjoying a holiday season glamping session, and more—all of which can be done while avoiding the Three C’s during the pandemic, meaning you won’t have to come into contact with others.

A Wintertime Agriturismo Resort Experience in Tochigi

At Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Nasu, guests can enjoy an authentic, vegetable-packed Italian course dinner, indoor bathing in their own guest rooms in an accommodation surrounded by nature, open-air hot springs to warm up during the winter season, and more. There’s also a “Farmer’s Lesson” for that true agricultural tourism experience (‘agriturismo’) so guests can feel at one with nature in Nasu.

▼Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Nasu
Address: 2301 Takakuotsu, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi
Running: December 1, 2020 – March 15, 2021

Stargazing On the Ice in Nagano

Guests can lose themselves in the stars while they enjoy a glass of Nagano wine or fondue from Hoshinoya Karuizawa’s cafe and bar. One group of two guests can rent the area all to themselves for a romantic and memorable time.

▼HOSHINOYA Karuizawa
Address: 2157-428 Nagakura, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano
Running: December 1, 2020 – February 28, 2021

Winter Season Glamping in Yamanashi

HOSHINOYA Fuji is offering a special glamping program this winter where guests get their very own private space to enjoy the outdoors. They can chop their own woods, build their own fires, and more. It’s the perfect program to get your body warmed up during the cold winter months.

▼HOSHINOYA Fuji
Address: 1408 Ōishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi
Running: December 1, 2020 – March 15, 2021

An Unbeatable Ocean View With Hanami Flower Viewing in Shizuoka

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Atami is offering a special program where guests can enjoy the earliest bloom of Japan’s plum blossoms together with a panoramic ocean view. The hotel’s rooftop Sora no Beach Books&Cafe is a cafe designed to look like a beach and serves as the perfect vantage point for this exclusive experience.

▼Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Atami
Address: 2 Chome-13-1 Minaguchicho, Atami, Shizuoka
Running: January 8, 2021 – March 12, 2021

Acquire Knowledge of the Blue Zone in Okinawa

HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island sits on Taketomi Island which is located inside one of the world’s four Blue Zones, regions where it’s claimed that a higher than usual number of people live longer. There, guests can gain knowledge on how to live a healthy lifestyle. They will spend time moving their bodies as they work out on the farm, learn the secrets to sunbathing and eating nutritional food, and more, all to rebalance the rhythm of their lifestyles.

▼HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island
Address: Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa
Running: From December 1, 2020 (Not running on select days)

Kamo Dashi Chuka Soba ROKU is a new ramen restaurant set to open at GOOD NATURE STATION, a shopping facility in Kyoto, on December 12, 2020.

The restaurant is produced by Yuki Iwasaki, a chef at VELROSIER which acquired its first Michelin Star in Michelin Guide 2021 Kyoto, Osaka & Okayama. It will serve ramen in a variety of duck-flavoured dashi broths made with duck from Kyoto and France.

Duck Sei Tanmen | ¥1,000

Duck Shiro Tanmen | ¥1,000

ROKU will initially offer three types of ramen dishes which includes the two pictured above as well as a special served each season. The Duck Sei Tanmen uses a broth made from a blend of duck meats and has a distinctly refreshing yet rich taste. The Duck Shiro Tanmen uses the same broth but adds chicken to the base together with mayu burnt garlic oil. The restaurant also makes its own thick noodles to enjoy with the soup. No tare sauce is used, allowing for customers to enjoy the umami flavour of the dashi and the various ingredients added.

The ramen bowls used are original wares created by TOKINOHA, a Japanese crockery brand specialising in traditional Kiyomizu ware which are perfect for enjoying your ramen.

Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park in Yamanashi, Japan, added new photo spots to its popular Naruto x Boruto Fuji Hidden Leaf Village area on Friday (December 4).

The new spots

New statues of Jiraiya, Tsunade, Gaara, and Itachi have been placed around the park, making the perfect for a photo opportunity and to make guests feel even more like they’re in the world of Naruto.

A new Gaara-inspired ramen dish

¥1,180 (Tax Included)

The area is home to Ramen Ichiraku which is inspired by the ramen bar seen in the Naruto series. There, they have cooked up a new ramen dish inspired by Gaara which comes with a boiled egg with the kanji for ‘love’ (愛) that’s written on the character’s forehead.

Naruto themed hotel rooms at Highland Resort Hotel & Spa

Fuji-Q Highland’s official hotel, Highland Resort Hotel & Spa, has its own special Naruto-themed rooms with references to shinobi and the Hidden Leaf Village dotted everywhere. A new batch of amenities are also set to roll out for guests from February 1, 2021 which will include yukata that dress you like Naruto and Sasuke, face towels with Naruto and Sasuke on them during their final battle, and more.

If you’ve always wanted to feel like you’re in the world of Naruto, look no further than Fuji-Q Highland.

ⓒ岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ