THE STRINGS Omotesando will be offering a new and limited ‘Violet Halloween Afternoon Tea’ at the ‘Cafe & Dining ZelkovA’ 1F between October 5 and October 31 2021.

The Halloween themed afternoon tea offers a selection of cute sweets, including black monster themed Maritozzo and purple taro Mont Blanc cream puffs topped with witch hats.

The cool Autumnal menu is made up of sweet and savory violet snacks, with purple potatoes, cassis, blueberries and more. You’ll find yourself able to taste the season, with the rich fig cheesecake and sweet chestnut scones.

Enjoy bottomless drinks with a selection of 16 herbal and flavored teas, coffees and lattes. You can even enjoy a cup of tea from TWG, a luxury brand from Singapore.

This adult-aimed afternoon tea is full of luxurious ingredients, such as parfait-like organic vegetables and salmon micuy, roasted Angus beef, and violet desserts. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the French and Italian crafted sofas while you take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Why not spend an elegant Autumn afternoon enjoying a luxurious afternoon tea, watching out over the iconic zelkova-lined streets of Omotesando?

Between October 1 and 31 2021, Sumida Aquarium will be hosting the ‘HALLOWEEN in Sumida Aquarium’ event, where you can enjoy an exciting Halloween alongside the Jellyfish. 

A workshop will be held at the event, teaching guests all about the floaty, mysterious and ghost-like jellyfish.

The aquarium’s famous 50m ‘Kaleidoscope Tunnel,’ which is formed of 5,000 mirrors, will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland for the ‘Jellyfish and Halloween’ event. Eight aquariums are embedded into the walls, with colorful background panels which feature Halloween motifs such as witches and pumpkins. The jellyfish look just like festive ghosts!

Moon Jellyfish Aquarium in the Kaleidoscope Tunnel 

Each aquarium introduces seven mysterious facts about jellyfish – For example, did you know that jellyfish have no heart, and have tons of eyes?

The mysterious tunnel wall is covered in images of cute jellyfish that transform into ghosts and jack-o-lanterns, while Halloween themed music plays in the background.

A jellyfish comparison workshop

A jellyfish comparison workshop will also be held at the aquarium’s Aqua Academy. Young children can participate in the workshop which explains the visual differences between different types of jellyfish, while crafting a cute jellyfish mobile under staff supervision.

Spend this Halloween at the incredible Sumida Aquarium!

KRISPY KREME DONUTS Japan has unveiled its screamingly delicious new Halloween themed donut selection, the “KRISPY KREME SKREMES!,” which will be available nationwide between October 1 and October 31 2021.

Halloween Jack Caramel & Custard

Blood Strawberry Skull

Halloween Dozen (12 pieces)

Halloween Half-Dozen (6 pieces)

Halloween Box (3 pieces)

Mini Box (20 pieces)

Mini Half-Box (10 pieces)

Mini Mini-Box (3 pieces) 

This year’s KKDJ Halloween selection will include a new skull donut alongside the ever-popular Jack. In addition, in the lead up to Halloween, Jack and the Skull’s expressions will become increasingly scarier between the 25 and 31st! Don’t miss out on these ever-changing designs.

First in the lineup is the ‘Halloween Jack Caramel & Custard,’ a pumpkin and caramel flavored Jack-o-Lantern which returns every Halloween. The ‘Blood Strawberry Skull,’ released this year, featured a monster with a milky white chocolate face, with sweet white and bitter dark chocolate eyes. In addition, you can order ‘Halloween Sprinkles’ for a colorful Halloween aesthetic, and ‘Spider Chocolate Custard” which will turn your custard into a spider web shape!

The ‘Halloween Dozen’ and ‘Halloween Half-Dozen,’ which feature four types of Halloween donut, and the famous ‘Original Glazed®’ will be served in limited edition Halloween themed boxes for the season. The ‘Mini-box’ donuts have even transformed into tiny monsters! Be sure to check out these colorful and exciting new sweets.

Have a Nice TOKYO! (HanT), a new tourist communication center promoting both local and nationwide events and attractions, celebrated its grand opening on September 14, 2021. 

This new facility aims to provide assistance and guidance to both domestic and international visitors, helping with matters relating to sightseeing, culture, food, and technology. It’s three main functions are tourism assistance, providing useful and necessary information, and selling goods from around the country. As the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a major blow against the country’s tourism industry, this new venture was opened in a conveniently-located space, well-suited for the important task of helping the local and nationwide economies when the country opens to travel once again. The nearby Marunouchi Happ. Stand & Gallery, a cafe, will act as a partner facility and will offer a special menu linked to the project. 

Tourism Advice & Guidance

Information Counter

The information counter provides helpful information for tourists regarding events, stores, and facilities in the area. In the future, a variety of tours will be available to choose from, highlighting the attractions of the region, as well as providing ticket sales, luggage storage, and sightseeing vehicles such as buses and rentable bikes. 

Travel Information & Assistance

POP UP ZONE

In the POP UP ZONE, visitors can experience all sorts of unique things from around Japan using the five senses! See, hear, and taste different areas of the country using crafts, food, and technology, and get personalized recommendations regarding where to explore next!

Sale of Goods

SHOP ZONE

See, smell, or taste something you liked in the POP UP ZONE? The SHOP ZONE will offer tons of different specialty products from all around Japan!

Be sure to stop by the next time you’re in Tokyo!

American music-themed restaurant Hard Rock Cafe has locations across Japan, and the Ueno location is now selling some very cute black-and-white goods. At the nearby Ueno Zoo, the oldest in Japan, two giant pandas were recently born, and that’s cause for celebration! Limited quantities of these goods will be on sale at the physical location and online starting September 18, 2021!

Twin Pandas Pin #1

Twin Pandas Pin #2 (Only available at Online Shop.) 

These two original pins depicting the two newly-born pandas with the Hard Rock’s signature guitar are available in gold (online only) and silver. 

Panda T-shirt

Grab one of these before they sell out–they’re going quick! This cute original design will look perfect as you walk through the zoo gates, ready to show your love for pandas and rock music. 

Guests presenting an Ueno Zoo ticket stub or annual pass at the Ueno Hard Rock Cafe location will receive 10% off. (Full details available on the Hard Rock Cafe website.)

Congrats to the happy family!

A new collaborative exhibition is coming to WHAT CAFE in Tokyo! The WHAT CAFE x DELTA EXHIBITION -EXPANSION- will run from September 25 until October 24, and will give guests some incredible pieces to ponder while sipping some warm coffee. 

WHAT CAFE is an art and culture facility opened with the goal of supporting artists with promising futures in the industry. Guests can wander the gallery while enjoying a meal or beverage, with some art being available for purchase.

Flash FINCH – Ji-hae Park

Combination-cut in 2 – Saki Matsumura

Galloping on a Free-floating Planet – Yui Suzuki

real screen – Takuro Sugiyama

This exhibition was inspired by WHAT CAFE’s interest in the activities of DELTA, an art project that helps plan and organize art fairs and exhibitions around Japan. It’s mission is to create a new place connecting galleries, artists, and collectors, while also breaking the norm and making a space that is more accessible. The WHAT CAFE x DELTA EXHIBITION -EXPANSION- will feature 60 works by 17 cutting-edge artists carefully selected from seven different galleries based in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. The showing will ask visitors to expand their minds and become more flexible when pondering the meaning behind each of the pieces on display.

Does this art-gallery-meets-cafe sound like your kind of place? 

Museum-Hotel Gajoen Tokyo will be opening pre-orders for their Patisserie ‘Shiori Kyou 1928’ 2021 Christmas cake selection between October 1 and December 17.

The theme for this year’s Christmas cakes is “Art Temptation,” with seven unique, artistic cakes to choose from. The hotel is full of Japanese beauty and artistry, while the cake line-up features gorgeous cultural motifs and traditional crafts. 

Tamatebako *Limited to 10 cakes

First Layer

Second Layer

A shortcake with strawberries from Kayama Farm.

Pralines & Pistachio

Cassis & Fig

Coffee & Tonka

Fromage & Cru

Stollen

This year’s lineup, of course, features the standard seasonal products; First is the Tamate Box, a two-tiered box made of chocolate, filled with cakes, gateaux, pound cake, and more. The Kayama Farm Strawberry Shortcake is their most popular product and is covered in high quality brand strawberries. The Stollen, with its spicy accents, is perfect for adults.

Alongside them is a selection of four new products; The Praline & Pistachio cake, which is covered in poinsettia and pine-shaped chocolate, and the Cassis & Fig is formed of four delicate, paper-cutting inspired layers. The Coffee & Tonka has a mature, bitter flavor and is topped with a Christmas tree, while the Fromage & Cru is made of a refreshing combination of cheese and apples.

Enjoy a precious moment that can be enjoyed by both adults and children with these beautiful and artistic cakes!

A new pair of kicks based on the iconic symbol of Shibuya, Hachiko, will be released for round three of the SHIBUYA PACK! This collaboration between Adidas Originals and sneaker shop atmos will be sold at A.T.A.D, atmos stores and atmos Online on September 18, with lottery registration open now. The sneakers will also be available from the Adidas App and the Adidas Online Shop starting September 25. 

Adidas Originals SUPERSTAR DOG atmos “HACHI”: ¥15,400 (Tax Included)

These exclusive Superstars, a timeless pair of sneakers from the Adidas Originals brand, will feature a unique texture that expresses the character of the dog Hachiko. The shoe’s tongue features a silver Trefoil logo, while the midsole has the address of where Hachiko’s statue is located. Of course, there’s a special Hachiko design on the insole! 

Hachiko is a famous symbol of Shibuya, with his statue being a popular meetup point for friends and couples. Known for his loyalty to his owner, the dog waited for over nine years for the man to return after his death. 

Proceeds from the sale of these sneakers will be used to support the YOU MAKE SHIBUYA souvenir program, which is helping to revitalize the local community by selling products marked with the special YOU MAKE SHIBUYA logo!

BANDAI NAMCO Amusement is hosting a character pop-up store for anime ‘Kuroko’s Basketball,’ featuring new illustrations of the characters dressed in trad style. The shop will be open from September 16 2021 at the Atre Akihabara Store, stocking original goods using the new artwork.

Kuroko’s Basketball Acrylic Stand trad style ver. (7 types): ¥1,980 each (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball Can Badge trad style ver. (7 types): ¥540 each (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball A4 Acrylic File trad style ver.: ¥550 (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball Cloth Poster trad style ver.: ¥1,800 (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball Spoon trad style ver. (7 types): ¥1,200 each (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball Fork trad style ver. (7 types): ¥1,200 each (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball Acrylic Board trad style ver. (7 types): ¥530 per lottery ticket, A Prize

Kuroko’s Basketball Jacket Style Acrylic Keychain trad style ver. (7 types): ¥530 per lottery ticket, B Prize

Kuroko’s Basketball Can Badge trad style ver. (7 types): ¥530 per lottery ticket, C Prize

Kuroko’s Basketball Die-cut Illustration Sheet trad style ver. (7 types): ¥530 per lottery ticket, D Prize (random)

Be sure to check out this limited shop to immerse yourself in the world of Kuroko’s Basketball!

©Fujimaki Tadatoshi / Shueisha, Kuroko’s Basketball Production Committee 

Hotel New Otani Tokyo has collaborated with PAUL & JOE for the second time to offer a new accomodation plan, which will be available for one-night stays between December 1 2021 and January 4 2022.  The rooms will not be available between December 31 and January 2.

This collaboration room will allow you to surround yourself in the world of PAUL & JOE, a Parisian brand PAUL & JOE that is extremely popular with young women in their 20s and 30s. The initial collaboration was so popular that within just 10 days, all of the available dates within three months were sold out. This Christmas edition will only be available for one month, so be sure to book while you can.

The pink and ivory room features the brand’s icon; Designer Sophie’s beloved cats, Nunet and Gypsy. The decorations also feature Crisantemo flower motifs.

Not only is the wallpaper covered in PAUL & JOE motifs, but even the smaller pieces such as cushions, curling irons, and brushes are themed too. In addition, to celebrate the festive season, the room will include a special Christmas tree, allowing you to enjoy a special Christmas with somebody special, sharing a view of Tokyo Tower.

The second round of cosmetics is focused on the 2021 CHRISTMAS COLLECTION. The ‘Lipstick Treatment’ features adorable cats wearing Santa hats, while the ‘Lipstick Limited’ comes in a luxurious Christmas red – and also features cats in hats! Plus, the new ‘Wrapping Hand Cream’ will wrap your hands in a fresh moisturising texture. In addition, the best-selling ‘Moisturizing Foundation Primer,’ which was renewed on September 1, and the P&J skincare selection (oil, lotion, cleansing), each must-haves for the upcoming dry season, have been miniaturized into take-home samples in a limited edition pouch, especially for hotel customers.

Alongside the limited cosmetic samples, there will be matching pajamas and slippers available for purchase and take home, with a that will take you even deeper into the PAUL & JOE world. While these cat-and-floral print PJs are perfect for a girls-only gathering, a men’s line has also been released due to popular demand, ideal for spending a romantic Christmas in matching pajamas.

Why not spend a wonderful Christmas in this PAUL & JOE room?

The new multimedia project aoppella tells the story of eleven male high school students discovering the art of a cappella. Now, a new pop-up shop will be selling new merchandise from the project at both Shibuya MODI and Namba Marui this fall! Limited-edition items will feature chibi versions of the characters. 

Prizes Available by Lottery

Prize A: Original Illustration Cushion

Prize B: Original Illustration Mini-Standee (11 varieties) – Choose 1 of your favorite character

Prize C: Complete Set of Original Illustration Postcards (11 varieties)

Prize D: 1 Random Original Illustration Postcard (11 varieties) 

Merchandise

Acrylic Stand (11 varieties): ¥660 (Tax Included)

Flat Pouch (2 varieties): ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Heart-shaped Case (11 varieties): ¥660 (Tax Included)

Lunch Tote (2 varieties): ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Candy Tin with Magnet (2 varieties): ¥880 (Tax Included)

Guests who spend ¥3,000 or more (including tax) at the event venue and pay with an EPOS card will be entered into the lottery to win special prizes once per checkout.

© KLab

The Hot Toys flagship store, TOY SAPIENS Tokyo, will begin hosting a free Back to the Future event titled RETRO SAPIENS starting September 18, and running until October 31, 2021. 

Along with the opening of this exciting event, the TOY SAPIENS Tokyo store is also unveiling its new location. The much larger shop is now an easy walk from Shibuya Station and Harajuku Station!

After the event at the Tokyo location concludes, the event will travel to three more TOY SAPIENS stores nationwide, to allow more fans to see these legendary props in person. RETRO SAPIENS will open in Osaka in November 2021, and in Nagoya in February 2022. 

One-of-a-kind props, clothing items, and set pieces from the Back to the Future film will be on display for the first time ever in Japan during this event. If you’re a fan, be sure to come and enjoy–admission is free! A number of Back to the Future related merchandise will also be on sale, including figures, apparel, and items only available at the RETRO SAPIENS event. These limited-edition products will also be available online at the TOY SAPIENS Official Online Store starting September 21. 

A special Cosbaby Keychain will also be handed out to guests who clear certain conditions while enjoying the event. Those who purchase Back to the Future merchandise will receive a RETRO SAPIENS-themed shopping bag on a first-come, first-served basis.