YOJIYA CAFE opened up a new cafe called YOJIYA CAFE Ocha no Crepe in Kyoto on November 30, 2020, serving a selection of crepes made with Uji matcha and specially-selected ingredients.

YOJIYA is a Kyoto-based company that first opened 116 years ago specialising in aburatorigami blotting paper. Today, the company has expanded its range of cosmetic and beauty items, and it even operates two cafes in Kyoto. On Monday (November 30), it opened YOJIYA CAFE Ocha no Crepe in Nijo Fuyacho, Kyoto, an all-new cafe serving takeout crepes.

Ocha no Crepe Matcha | ¥750 (Tax Included)

The cafe’s signature matcha crepe is filled with cream, rice flour dumplings, and matcha from Uji. The crepe pastry itself is made from an original blend of two types of wheat flour. The cream is a delicious blend of three types of cream plus matcha cream. It’s also filled with crunchy pie which is cooked fresh every morning. The crepe is finished with an illustration of a matcha teacup and whisk made from matcha.

The high quality matcha crepes are made the perfect size and with the perfect combinations so they can be enjoyed even after a meal.

 

Be sure to pay a visit to YOJIYA CAFE Ocha no Crepe when visiting Kyoto.

Isetan Shinjuku has announced a special event dedicated to promoting the beautiful taste of Tokyo. Set to begin on December 2, the event will see both traditional and newer restaurants from Kyoto come together to serve up Kyoto-style cuisine to the people of Tokyo from oldies like sushi to dango to more modern dishes like okonomiyaki and katsu sandwiches. Visitors will also be able to watch real chefs from Kyoto at work.

Hi-Lite Shokudo’s “Hi-Lite Katsu Sandwich” | ¥850

Since first opening in 1960, Hi-Lite Shokudo has continued to treasure the taste of home cooking and has continued to evolve that taste over the years to cater to each generation. Its famous katsu sandwich is made with a secret sauce that has kept it unbeaten against other popular eateries in Kyoto, and they’ve upped the taste for this event.

Kotoka’s “Mitarashi-dango” | ¥864 (6 Sticks) 

These dango are made fresh in front of customers and are doused in a rich secret sauce. Their chewy texture is irresistible.

Izuu’s Mackerel and Tilefish Assortment | ¥4,455 (3 of each per person)

Izuu is an iconic sushi restaurant in Kyoto that was first established in 1781. This assortment is made with chub mackerel from coastal waters, esumai rice from Shiga Prefecture, and kombu from Hokkaido.。

Yumeya’s Fuwafuwa Okonomiyaki | ¥801 (1 portion)

Many people living outside of Kyoto search for the okonomiyaki flavour served by Yumeya. It’s made fresh, fluffy, and is topped with lots of ingredients.

Daitokuji Saiki-ya’s “Dashimaki Tamago” | ¥648 (1 portion)

Daitokuji Saiki-ya is a specialty store in Kyoto catered food in business for 1933 years. It serves Kyoto-style dashimaki tamago as well as lots of other delicious food that captures the taste of Kyoto.

To celebrate the upcoming release of the two-part Sailor Moon Eternal movie, a third branch of Sailor Moon store -petit- is set to open at KIDDYLAND Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi on December 5, 2020.

Sailor Moon fans can look forward to getting their hands on a magical menagerie of original merchandise originally only available at the Sailor Moon store in Harajuku as well as a super soft, exclusive store-original Climax Moon Compact cushion.

 

Other items include candy charms, acrylic Christmas 2020 stands, pins, and more. Customers who spend over ¥3,000 (tax included) will also receive a free folder. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and feature a cute design drawn by one of the store owners.

Fujifilm Imaging Systems is collaborating with the popular TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu you Yaiba to release two models of its instant photo-printing instax cameras based on the main characters Tanjiro and Nezuko. Pre-orders will open in Japan at Fujifilm as well as camera and electronic stores in Japan on November 25 at 10:00am (JST) and be released on December 10.

First introduced in 1998, the instax instant camera allows users to take and produce photos on the spot. The new Demon Slayer models are packed in limited-edition boxes in promotion of the recently-released anime film Demon Slayer: Mugen Train which hit theatres in Japan on October 16, 2020.

Tanjiro Model

Nezuko Model

The collaboration uses the instax mini 11 model as its base are adds motifs that reference Tanjiro and Nezuko.

Each comes with its own themed accessories too including a shoulder pouch and camera strap. All these items are exclusive to those who purchase the box.

 

More info as well as a promotional video can be found over on instax’s official website here.

 

©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

Solare Hotels & Resorts has announced that the new Hotel & Rooms Kyoto Shichijo will open in Spring 2021. It will be located just a 7-minute walk from the JR side of Kyoto Station’s Central Exit, making it a convenient hub for tourists looking to sightsee in the city.

The casual yet stylish hotel caters to couples, families, and groups travelling together.

“Verical Garden” in the Elevator Hall

Enjoy the open central garden at the hotel cafe

The hotel takes advantage of the building’s old Kyoto-style townhouse design and incorporates a contemporary feel to its interior. The décor is a merging of traditional and contemporary Japan. Guest rooms are centred on groups 2-3 people with double and twin rooms available, allowing for comfort and relaxation.

Spacious washroom with wooden décor

A traditional and modern fusion of stylish mirrors and warm wood

The washrooms offer a relaxing respite from the day’s travels, incorporating the beauty of traditional Kyoto with the modern. The hotel also has its own cafe on the first floor which serves breakfast and lunch and even turns into a bar in the evenings. It’s open to both guests and non-guests to serve as a hub for travellers and locals to enjoy the fruits of Kyoto together.

 

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto next spring or beyond, be sure to check out

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is littered with countless leafy spots to enjoy the autumn colours. Here’s a list of must-visit, little-known good spots in the city that enjoy all the visual treats of the seasonal, all of which are carrying out proper social distancing and anti-COVID-19 measures.

 

Forgot about the time and enjoy the scenery with few people around

 

Soak up autumn with a boat ride | Hozugawa River in Kameoka

Ride the Hozugawa River along the 16km valley from Kameoka to Arashiyama. The autumn spectacle in this area is a grand sight to behold. Visitors can enjoy two hours along the valley stretch with the colours of the maple trees reflected off the water’s surface, allowing them to fall into nature and forget their stresses for a while.

 

Hozugawa River
Peak Autumn Time: Mid November – Early December
Address: Shimonakajima-2 Hozucho, Kameoka, Kyoto
Boat Times: 09:00-15:00 (Changes depending on season)
Price: Adults ¥4,100 / Children ¥2,700
TEL: 0771-22-5846 (Hozukawa River Boat Service)
Official Website: https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/

 

Shrouded amongst it all | Kuwayama Shrine in Kameoka

Planed on the grounds of Kuwayama Shrine are around 1,000 individual trees which give rise to vivid colours during autumn. Since the shrine is located among the mountains, the site enjoys an earlier bloom than other parts of Kyoto, with trees blossoming from early to mid November.

 

Kuwayama Shrine
Peak Autumn Time: Early to Mid November
Address: Kamigaichi-22-2 Kamiyadacho, Kameoka, Kyoto
Viewing Times: Any time
Price: ¥300
TEL: 0771-22-1023
Official Website: http://www.kuwayama-jinjya.jp/

 

Walk the autumn carpet | Komyo-ji in Nagaokakyo

Komyo-ji Temple, also known as Autumn Colour Temple (Momiji-ji), is famous for being the head temple of Seizan Pure Land Buddhism. Easily accessible from the city proper, the temple site is home to hundreds of towering trees which dye the area vibrant reds and yellows around this time. One of the main paths at the temple in particular has been nicknamed Autumn Colour Road (Momiji Sando) as the overhead trees and fallen leaves on the ground create a tunnel and carpet of brilliant colour.

 

Komyo-ji
Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November
Address: 26-1 Aosaijonai, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto
Viewing Times: 9:00-16:00
Price: ¥500 (Free outside autumn season)
TEL: 075-955-0002
Official Website: http://www.komyo-ji.or.jp/

 

Thousands of fiery trees burn red and yellow | Kongoin in Maizuru

Kongoin is famous for its autumn scenery and is nicknamed Autumn Temple of Tango. The temple is home to thousands of maple trees all of various ages from decades to hundreds of years old. It faces Kahara Park which itself boasts incredible autumnal sights and is also home to a 3-storied pagoda which makes for a picturesque snapshot together with the trees.

 

Kongoin
Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November
Address: 595 Kawara, Maizuru, Kyoto
Viewing Times: 09:00-17:00
Price: ¥300
TEL: 0773-62-1180
Official Website: http://www.maizuru-kanko.net/spot/sightseeing/kongoin.php

 

Contrasting beauty of red maples and ordinary greens | Omoto Shinen in Ayabe

Omoto Shinen is a popular sightseeing spot in Ayabe, home to several must-sees including a wooden structure called “The Palace of Eternal Life,” the Konohana-an building which is listed as an Important Cultural Property, and more. Its expansive grounds are also home to a garden where the autumn colours collide with the greens of ordinary trees, creating a beautiful contrast.

 

Omoto Shinen
Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November
Address: 1-1 Hongucho, Ayabe, Kyoto
Viewing Times: 09:30-16:30
Price: Free
TEL: 0773-42-0187
Official Website: https://www.ayabe-kankou.net/spot/omotoshinen/

 

A magical scene at an Important Cultural Property | Gansen-ji Temple in Kizugawa

Gansen-ji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple that was built in 729. It’s home to a three-storied pagoda which is is a registered Important Cultural Property which nestles amongst the trees. If you visit the temple this year by November 30, you will be treated to a very rare look at one of its treasures which is normally closed to the public.

 

Gasen-ji
Peak Autumn Time: Mid November – Early December
Address: Kaminomon-43 Kamocho Iwafune, Kizugawa, Kyoto
Viewing Times: 08:30-17:00 (09:00-16:00 from December to February)
Price: Adults ¥500 / Junior High School Students ¥400 / Elementary School Students ¥200
TEL: 0774-76-3390
Official Website: http://gansenji.or.jp/

 

The garden of special scenic beauty | Joruri-ji Temple in Kizugawa

Joruri-ji is a temple of the Shingo Ritsu school of Buddism. It’s also home to a famous garden which is listed as a Place of Special Scenic Beauty. The vibrancy of the reds trees is truly an overwhelming delight to the eyes which is enhanced by the bright-red three-storied pagoda.

 

Joruri-ji Temple
Peak Viewing Time: Mid to Late November
Address: Futaba-40 Kamocho Nishio, Kizugawa, Kyoto
Viewing Times: 09:00-17:00 (Last Entries 16:00)
Price: Adults ¥400 / Children – Free
TEL: 0774-76-2390
Official Website: http://0774.or.jp/temple/jyoruriji.html

 

Red and yellow hue fusion | Choanji in Fukuchiyama

Choanji’s autumn colours make for a truly staggering experience as the dazzling reds and yellows complement each other. There’s a 600-year-old tree in near the temple which throws in another huge chunk of yellow to the red dye of the temple grounds.

 

Choanji
Peak Autumn Time: Early to Mid November
Address: 577 Okunobe, Fukuchiyama, Kyoto
Viewing Times: 09:00-16:30
Price: Adults ¥300 / Children ¥100
TEL: 0773-22-8768
Official Website: http://www.chouanji.jp

 

Evening illuminations for a late-night autumn experience

 

Breathtaking in the day or night | Nariaji Temple in Miyazu

Nariaji is an ancient temple huddle among mountains that overlook Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views. The five-storied pagoda there is an example of Kamakura Period architecture and offers an unmissable view together with the hundreds of trees during autumn. On November 14 and 15, the area will be lit up in the evenings.

 

Nariaji
Peak Autumn Time: Early to Late November
Light Up Times: 17:20-21:00 (Regular viewing times are 08:00-16:30)
Address: 339 Nariaji, Miyazu, Kyoto
Price: Adults ¥500
TEL: 0772-27-0018
Official Website: http://www.nariaiji.jp/

 

Autumn reflected on the water | Keihanna Commemorative Park in Soraku

Keihanna Commemorative Park is split into several areas such as the Suikei-en (Japanese garden) and Mebuki-no-Mori (Budding Tree Forest). There’s also the Momijiya, a garden designed in a valley where maple trees grow. Talking a stroll along the bridge and looking down at the 80 trees in their autumnal garbs reflecting off the water surface is a sight to not be missed. especially at night when the lights are turned on.

 

Keihanna Commemorative Park 

Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November

Light-Up Period: Fridays, weekends, and holidays from November 3, 2020 – November 29, 2020

Light-Up Time: Sunset to 21:00 (Last Entries 20:30)

Address: 6-1 Seikadai, Seika, Soraku District, Kyoto

Price: Adults ¥200 / Children ¥100
TEL: 0774-93-1200
Official Website: https://keihanna-park.net/

Japanese clothing brand GU will launch its second clothing collection in collaboration with the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba at GU stores in Japan and its online store in late November.

 

The first collection was released in August. The second comes just after the release of the anime film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train which continues to break box office records in Japan.

“Love” is the theme of the line-up this time around, with unisex sweaters, hoodies, and other items planned with designs inspired by the clothing and hair colours of characters in the series. The full line-up for the autumn/winter collection will be revealed in early November.

The hotly-anticipated anime film Demon Slayer: Mugen Train was finally released in Japan on October 16, 2020. To promote the film, a fiery new key visual and promotional video featuring Rengoku and Akaza fighting has been released along with a comment from Satoshi Hino who voices Rengoku.

 

3rd Key Visual & New Promotional Video

3rd official key visual for Demon Slayer: Mugen Train

The key visual features Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, fighting against Akaza, one of the Twelve Kizuki who holds the position of Upper Rank 3. It will be displayed as theatres in Japan from October 31. You can see both of them battling to the death in the new promotional video below with gorgeous animation from the studio working on the series and film Ufotable.

 

Akaza is a new face in the anime adaptation

Akaza is a powerful Demon who surpasses even Rui who we see in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime series, as well as Enmu who appears in the film. He is voiced by Akira Ishida (Kaworu Nagisa in Neon Genesis Evangelion and Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance).

 

Kyojuro Rengoku’s father, Shinjuro Rengoku, is voiced by Rikiya Koyama (Yamato in Naruto Shippuden and Kogoro Mouri in Case Closed), while his younger brother, Senjuro Rengoku, is voiced by Junya Enoki who voiced Peter Parker and Spiderman in the Japanese dub of Marvel’s Avengers film series as well as the Spider-Man films.

 

Akira Ishida (Voices: Akaza) | Comment

“When I read the script, I saw how it certainly isn’t wrong that Akaza is a character who makes sense when it comes to good and evil. And not just him either. Kyojuro is like that too. And they both clash when it comes to these two things, and I found that dynamic to be really interesting. I hope people get to enjoy it at the cinema.”

 

Meet the voice cast in Japan

Natsuki Hanae, Satoshi Hino, and Akira Ishida who voice Tanjiro Kamado, Kyojuro Rengoku, and Akaza respectively, will hold a talk session at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya on October 31st after the 16:40 (JST) film screening. It will also be streamed live at theatres across Japan.

 

©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

Sanshu Onigawara Kogeihen, a traditional crafts company in Takahama, Aichi, which is known for making ‘onigawara’—a type of decorative tile in Japan (kawara) traditionally bearing the face of a demon—has announced a collaboration with the hit TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba which will begin in the city of Takahama on October 30, 2020.

 

The tiles are made by artisans called Onishi and are used for warding away evil spirits and evil in general. For the collaboration, Demon Slayer fans can get their hands on a selection of original kawara tiles, get involved in an Onishi workshop, and more.

 

Original Kawara Merchandise

Demon Slayer x Kawara

Crafted by a real Onishi, the kawara line-up includes paperweights, magnets, card stands, and other items all with Demon Slayer designs. They can be purchased at the ONI-House tourist information centre, Takahamashi Yakimononosatokawara Museum shop, Sanshu Onigawara Kogeihen’s online shop, and elsewhere.

 

Onishi Workshop (Reservations Required)

A special workshop will be held by a real Onishi where people can learn to make their own paperweights featuring characters from Demon Slayer. All participants will also receive a free original pin badge and folder. Bookings for December workshops will open at the end of this month (October) and January workshop bookings open in November.

Other Merchandise

A monument to the 14 Taishi from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba series will be put up in front of Takahama City Hall for a limited time. A selection of exclusive merchandise will also be sold at the city’s tourist information centre and museum shop too.

 

There is lots planned for this collaboration which is set to run until January 29, 2021. More details can be found on Takahama City’s official website.

 

©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

Bandai Candy’s character-inspired Japanese confectionery series Tabemas collaborating with the popular TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba to release two confections themed on the show’s main characters Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado as well as a collection of tarts. The sweet treats will hit the chilled desserts corner of Lawson convenience stores in Japan on October 20, 2020.

 

Tabemas x Demon Slayer

Tabemas x Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Tanjiro Kamado/Nezuko Kamado) – ¥264 Each (Before Tax)

The tarts feature all the little details of the beloved characters, from the scar on Tanjiro’s forehead and his earrings to the bamboo pipe in his sister Nezuko’s mouth and her hair adornment. It also captures the designs of their clothes. Both are filled with Japanese red bean paste with Tanjiro being chocolate flavoured and Nezuko strawberry flavoured.

 

Demon Slayer Tarts

Demon Slayer Tarts | ¥231 (Before Tax)

An assortment of biscuit base tarts laced with caramel mousse. The tart designs feature a range of popular characters from the anime series including the Kamado siblings, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Shinobu, and Tomioka.

 

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a manga series by Koyoharu Gotouge serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump. The popular series has over 100 million copies in circulation and spawned a hit anime series last year. The upcoming anime film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train, which is being animated by ufotable, is set for release tomorrow on October 16, 2020 will serve as a direct sequel to the 2019 anime series.

 

©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

The highly-anticipated anime film Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is set for release on October 16, 2020. To promote the film, Tokyo Skytree will hold special lighting shows where the tower will be lit up in Demon Slayer themed colours, as well as display photo spots signed by the anime’s voice cast, from October 16-18.

 

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Light-Up

Tokyo Skytree will be lit up in colours inspired by Rengoku Kyojuro’s Flame Breathing technique as well as the film’s main theme Homura (“Flame”).

 

Light-Up Dates

October 16, 2020 @ 17:45-Midnight
October 17, 2020 @ 17:45-22:00
October 18, 2020 @ 17:45-22:00

 

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Signed Photo Spots

直筆サイン入りフォトスポット©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable ©TOKYO-SKYTREE

The Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck will also have numerous photo spots signed by members of the anime’s main voice cast including Natsuki Hanae (who voices Tanjiro Kamado), Akari Kitō (Nezuko Kamado), Hiro Shimono (Zenitsu Agatsuma), and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (Inosuke Hashibira).

 

Running: October 12, 2020 – December 22, 2020
Location: Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck (Floor 350F)

 

If you’re in Tokyo this autumn, and are looking forward to the release of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, then be sure to visit Tokyo Skytree for this promotion.

Japanese kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo XI, the eleventh holder of the famous Ebizo name, is set to perform at Tomioka Silk Mill, one of Japan’s World Heritage Sites, and it will be streamed online.

 

Tomioka Silk Mill is the oldest modern silk reeling factory in Japan. Ichikawa Ebizo XI will perform two kabuki plays there: the long-celebrated Kotobuki Shiki Sanbaso and Ebizo’s famous piece Otokodate Hana no Yoshiwara.

This is a special one-night-only opportunity to see a legendary perform at such historical location.