Hoshino Resorts OMO7 Asahikawa opened its Penguin Room on April 6, a single new guest room themed around penguins designed in collaboration with Asahikawa Zoo.

 

Penguin Room Feature ①

Guests are immediately greeted with penguins galore as the enter their room, with penguin plushies by the bedside, on the ceiling, and pretty much everywhere else. It will be like staying with a family of penguins for the duration of their stay.

 

Penguin Room Feature ②

After a visit to Asahikawa Zoo, guests can head back to their hotel room where a variety of fun penguin-related items are stocked including games, all of which will remind them of their time at the zoo.

Penguin Room Feature ③

The room is also decorated with boards featuring photos and information of animals at Asahikawa Zoo. The boards are handwritten by the zoo staff, something they do every spring season.

 

Hoshino Resorts OMO7 Asahikawa previously collaborated with Asahikawa Zoo when a polar bear themed room. Now, penguin lovers can have their dream come true as they spend their time surrounded by penguin decorations in their room. The hotel is just a 30-minute car ride from Asahikawa Zoo, so why not make a plan to experience both if you’re visiting Hokkaido this spring?

Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is collaborating outdoor recreation product brand Coleman to launch the Hotel Camp Buffet which will run from May 1 to August 31 at the hotel.

 

Guests can enjoy a fusion of the hotel and camping experiences as Coleman provides their tents, tables, chairs, and other outdoor items to be used at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto. The hotel chef, Honda, has also conceived a camp buffet for guests to enjoy at both lunchtime and dinnertime.

 

The hotel is carrying out all necessary measures against COVID-19 including providing guests with a how-to breakdown at all tables, providing alcohol spray, mouth guards with the Coleman logo so guests can enjoy dining and talking, and more.

 

Coleman x Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto Hotel Camp Buffet

Individual Room Plan | Capacity: 4-6 People

Enjoy a camping buffet with tents, chairs, and other camping goods provided by Coleman. Everything will already be set up for guests to enjoy.

 

 

Lunch & Dinner Buffet Menus

Dinner

・Beef churrasco in black pepper

・Chicken paella

 

Lunch

・Frankfurt and smoked berry ham

 

Lunch & Dinner

・Meat and potato cottage pie

・Atlantic salmon wood plank grill

・Croque-madame style hot ham and cheese sandwich

・Spare ribs in BBQ sauce

Hokkaido-based luxury resort Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is set to sell a limited-time selection of original craft beers this summer from July 1 to August 31.

 

Tomamu Pilsner

 

Tomamu Amber Ale

 

Tomamu Black Ale

The Japanese word for corn is toumorokoshi, but in Hokkaido it’s called toukibi. This collection of corn beers is made with natural water drawn from Hokkaido along with other tasty ingredients. These beers are each made in collaboration with North Island Beer, The Heavy Snow Beer, and Onuma Beer, and come in response to the decrease in occasions to be able to enjoy chilled glass of beer as a result of COVID-19.

 

The beers have sweet notes of corn and are each made in the style of the three respective beermakers who each have their own malt, hops, and flavours they pick.

The Karuizawa-based hotel and hot spring complex Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu joined hands with local apple farmers last year to help support apple cultivation for their apple hot springs. This is now being taken to the next level with the opening of Ringo Tsuchi, an apple farm that Tombo-no-yu staff helped to build. The farm opened on March 19, and locals will be able to visit part of the farm for free starting on April 26.

The project ties in with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative, specifically the 12th goal: “Responsible Consumption and Production,” which looks to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Karuizawa is located in Nagano Prefecture which is ranked as the 2nd biggest producer of apples in Japan. When growing apples, those fruits which incur any kind of damage or grazing isn’t shipped to the country’s supermarkets or stores. It’s these not-so-perfect apples that Tombo-no-yu uses for its apple hot spring experience. Though it may just be a small step towards that goes, it still goes a small incremental way towards achieving it.

 

Free entry to Ringo Tsuchi

The main raw materials at Ringo Tsuchi (“Apple Earth”) are the apples used in the apple hot springs and fallen leaves from around the Hoshino area. In addition to compost and water, the materials are fermented, which adds the necessary nutrients to growing apples and creates soft and breathable soil. And since compost is added, it creates an environment where gardening tools can be used in the earth without any prior preparation.

 

The completion of Ringo Tsuchi

In the mid-October last year, work was carried out at Nomoto Kajuen Orchards in Mimakigahara Okubo, Nagano, to carefully select picked apples and not-so-perfect apples. These apples were used for the apple hot springs at Tombo-no-yu over a three day period from October 23 to 25. The apples are placed in both the male and female hot springs to float on the water.

After that three-day period, the apples were collected, washed, and cut to be used for compost. Since fermentation removes water content, the staff also had to add water twice a month to manage the compost.

 

Working with the locals

Katsuya Nomoto is a representative of Nomoto Kajuen Orchards, a farm that grows apples, prunes, and more. The farm takes advantage of the area’s high altitude and takes pride in its work to cultivate produce that is healthy to the body and environment using soil microbes as an organic fertiliser. It’s also officially recognised as a farm dedicated to supporting Nagano’s environment, and carries out school trips for children to visit, creating ties with the local community.

Keifuku Electric Railroad launched an event on Boxing Day last year in Japan in collaboration with the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The event is still taking place and is set to end on April 11.

 

At Arashiyama Station on the Randen Line, there is a temporary area draped with wisteria flowers that commuters are encouraged to participate in as part of the collaboration. Built to ward off demons, fans of the anime series can write their own messages to be strung up on the flowers. They can write their thoughts and feelings on the characters and series as well as wishes and prayers for COVID to soon be over for all. It’s been a popular photo spot amongst passengers. And if you head from this area up to the roof, you can gaze out at the incredible view of Arashiyama.

Kyoto City and Japanese company Shintsu are set to release their Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series after previously having to postpone the release due to the pandemic. It will be available from April 27 to May 10 and celebrates the skilled, dexterous hands of Kyoto’s expert craftsman and their industry which has been passed down for thousands of years. They have innovated to create something brand-new that captures both the craft and culture of Kyoto and the contemporary wonder of Disney.

 

Comments from the Creators

©Disney

Okazen | Comment

“We have existed inside our town in Kyoto for 200 years. We make a variety of items from garments for maiko apprentice geisha to our own company-originals products. For this Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series, we wondered how we could express the world of Disney using the kyoyuzen Kyoto-style method of dyeing. We made something with detailed consideration, looking at all the intricate things in the dyeing process. Our Fantasia furisode long-sleeved kimono features a truly treasured scene which enabled use to incorporate many different methods in order to capture the expression, clothing, and all the stars as much as possible. We believe this piece will suck everyone into Fantasia’s world.”

 

©Disney

©Disney

Asahido | Comment

“For producing something for the Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series, we asked gave one of our craftsmen free rein to put their own individual self into the work. At the time, they were primarily an illustrator, so we were worried if the judges would overlook them, but the end result was something that looks truly complete and finished. The traditional craftwork of Kiyomizu pottery is a process of hand making and hand drawing each and every little thing. I believe it’s this quality that gives the characters warmth and life. I’d love for people to take it in their hands themselves and take their time looking at it in a full 360°.”

 

©Disney

 

Tsujikura | Comment

Tsujikura is Japan’s oldest wagasa Japanese umbrella shop. We’ve been in Kyoto since 1690. In that small space underneath the washi Japanese paper and bamboo, one enters a rich world where they can feel the four seasons of Japan. Our umbrella for the Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series uses a very advanced technique known as kiritsugi, a type of cutting and patching. We displayed Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on handmade washi paper which we dyed. You can feel an affinity with the umbrellas for their simple and minimal designs. Our aim was to incorporate Disney elements into a traditional Japanese umbrella pattern.”

 

Other Featured Works

©Disney

aiba

©DISNEY Based on the”Winnie the Pooh” works by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard .

Asahido

©Disney

Kamiya

©Disney

©Disney

EIRAKUYA

©Disney

Okazen

©Disney

Katoriya

©Disney

Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten

©Disney

KYUKYODO

©Disney

Shoyeido

©Disney

Tankosha

©Disney

Tsujikura

©Disney

Nakajima Zougan

©Disney

Nakamura Rosoku

©Disney

Miyawaki Baisen-an

Five new Pokémon manhole covers were laid in Kyoto on Tuesday as part of the Poké Lid  project to place Pokémon-design manhole covers across the country.

 

Kyoto Original Poké Lids

 

The five Poké Lids are located in Arashiyama, Okazaki Park, Maruyama Park, Umekoji Park, and Nishikyogoku Athletic Park.

 

All of the Poké Lids placed across Japan feature completely original Pokémon designs making each individual one the only one in the world. The Pokémon Company is also working to make each one of them PokéStops for Pokémon GO.

 

 ©2021 Pokémon. ©1995-2021 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

The incredible Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE, a beachside cafe which offers guests a breathtaking ocean view along the Okinawan coast, has announced the upcoming Beachside Art Festival which will take place from April 10 to May 9. The festival will bring together artwork from a range of artists born and raised in Okinawa and leading the island’s youth culture. There will be a range of events from live painting to workshops, exhibits, and more.

 

The participating artists have all taken part in personal art exhibits, art events, showcased their work at concerts, and more both inside and outside Japan, but due to COVID-19, many events have of course been cancelled. Beachside Art Festival will serve as a way to display their wonderful works while supporting them at the same time.

 

The Artist Line-Up

DENPA

nami

HAYATO MACHIDA

Chibana Yukinaga

MACHIDA visiting BANTA CAFE to check the feel of the ocean and their artwork

 

Vibrant artwork with the ocean as the backdrop

Visitors will be greeted by artwork dotted across various locations around BANTA CAFE. If they follow the top of the cliff down to the beach they will find sofas to sit on which have also been decorated with the artists’ artwork. Then there’s the Goro Goro Lounge with its enormous window that stretches an entire wall and offers a panoramic view of the sea. Here, visitors can look out at the artwork which will look like it’s floating above the horizon. All drinks ordered also come with a free sticker featuring artwork by the four participating artists.

 

Experience art-in-the-making with live painting

DENPA and MACHIDA will host their own live painting sessions where they will take inspiration from the surrounding environment.

HAYATO MACHIDA @ April 10, 2021 / April 11, 2021

DENPA @ April 18, 2021

Times: 11:00-13:00 / 14:00-17:00

Where: In front of BANTA CAFE on the beach

Price: Free

 

Have a go at traditional Okinawan bingata dyeing

Visitors can have a go at making their very own coasters from nine different colours using a traditional Okinawan stencilled dyeing technique known as bingata.

Running: April 24, 2021 / May 1, 2021 / May 2, 2021 / May 5, 2021

Times: 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 (Each slot lasts approx. one hour)

Capacity: 4

Where: Iwaba Terrace

Price: ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

Note: Online booking required

 

 

Take home a souvenir at the beachside museum shop

A museum shop will be open for the event on weekends and holidays where you can pick up art prints, stickers, postcards, and other mementos.

Opening Days: Weekends & Public Holidays

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00

Where: Beachside Terrace

Kyoto Tower is set to be host to the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kyoto event which is running from April 16 to June 30. 

Key visual illustrated by Yusuke Nakamura

Stamp design

Stamp design

Stamp rally postcard

 

Godzilla vs. Kyoto Official Merchandise

 

Novelty illustrated by Yusuke Nakamura – available for the first 50 people each day

Kyoto Tower will hold a stamp rally event as part of Godzilla vs. Kyoto which will have people trying to find stamps in six locations in the tower as well as at Toji Temple and elsewhere. There is also a selection of official merchandise, a Godzilla exhibition, and much more planned.

 

If you’re in Japan this spring, don’t miss Godzilla taking over Kyoto.

 

TM & (C) TOHO CO., LTD.

イラスト/中村 佑介　TM & (C) TOHO CO., LTD.

Kyoto makeup brand Yojiya is now selling its own collection of snacks and drinks which it released via its website last week.

Yojiya Matcha Sandwich Cookies | ¥1,400 (Tax Included)

 

Yojiya Cafe Latte Chocolate Cookies | ¥1,350 (Tax Included)

 

Yojiya Matcha Milk | ¥950 (Tax Included)

Yojiya’s snack line-up is made with the idea of being able to enjoy high-quality food products at home. Their collection includes crunchy matcha and cafe latte cookies along with matcha milk, the latter of which is made with famous Uji matcha from Uji, Kyoto. Perfect for a tea/coffee break or as a souvenir.

Hoshino Resorts has launched a hotel plan at its BEB hotel branches called “Milky Sweet Room Stay.” The plan was devised in collaboration with Japanese confectionery brand Fujiya and their popular Milky soft candy. Guests will be able to stay in rooms decorated in all things Milky, an experience that is running from March 26 to June 30.

 

Milky Sweet Room

Look like Peko-chan, the Milky mascot, with the top and overall set

Find Peko-chan at Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Karuizawa

Make a Milky smoothie on a bicycle at Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Tsuchiura

Milky Sweet Room Stay opening campaign

Guests will be able to enjoy Milky like they never have before in all kinds of deliciously sweet ways. Rooms are adorned with Milky cushions, a doll of Peko-chan who is the face of Milky, Milky wallpaper and decorations, Milky bath products, and of course Milky candy.

 

At the Karuizawa branch of Hoshino Resorts BEB5, guests must locate Peko-chan in three locations around the area. Those who find all three will win all-you-can-eat French toast covered in Milky sauce. at the Tsuchiura branch, guests can get a set of ingredients to make their own smoothie by pedalling on a bicycle. It takes about 30 seconds for your Milky shake to be ready.

 

The iconic Milky packaging design is also being revamped in celebration of the brand’s 70th anniversary. As part of the celebration, guests can expect t see a line-up of past designs along with some rare ones. Hoshino Resorts is also holding a campaign to promote the room where dix people can win a ¥50,000 voucher for Hoshino Resorts as well as a set of assorted Milky candy.

HOSHINOYA Kyoto has announced that this summer it will hold its Kyo no Ohayashibune boat-riding service which allows one group of guests to rent a boat on which they will ride down the Ōi River and enjoy a traditional musical performance while tucking into some chimaki bamboo-wrapped cake, a confection seen only during the run of Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri festival.

 

Experience 1: Traditional hayashi orchestra aboard a Heian aristocratic boat

One group of guests will board their rented boat at Togetsu Bridge and be taken down the river where they can enjoy the verdant expanse of the valley while listening to a traditional Japanese Gion hayashi musical performance. The Ōi River was formerly a river boated down by Heian nobles who would have waka poetry and orchestral music performed to them on board. HOSHINOYA Kyoto guests will also be able to feel like a Heian aristocrat with this exclusive experience.

 

Experience 2: The sounds of Konchi Kichin

Konchi kichin is another Japanese term to express Gion hayashi musical performance. These performances are composed of Japanese gongs, flutes, and taiko drums, which are played on yamaboko floats by several dozen people during processions at the Gion Festival. The boat ride will recreate this experience so guests can enjoy the performance more up close as well as learn how to play the gong.

 

Experience 3: A taste of chimaki

Guests will be able to feel like they are at the Gion Festival by kicking back and enjoying a cup of green tea together with a chimaki, a traditional bamboo-wrapped cake that’s only served at the festival. These cakes are often used to decorate the entrances of people’s houses in Kyoto to ward off illness and disasters.

 

Gion Matsuri is one of Japan’s three biggest festivals. It has been around for over 1,000 years and last a month. When July hits, the Japanese Gion hayashi orchestras begin popping up around the city signalling the start of the festival. It’s a summer tradition of Kyoto and one which can now be enjoyed on board a special boat experience.