Christmas has sleighed into Roppongi Hills again this year, beginning with the Keyakizaka-dori Illuminations on November 13. The Christmas Market is also set to return to Oyane Plaza on November 28.
2020 marks the 14th run of the Roppongi Hills Christmas market which is inspired by the the famous Stuttgart Christmas Market in Germany. Visitors can sift through around 1,500 miscellaneous Christmas goods, enjoy German mulled wine and sausages, and more.
At the West Walk, visitors will also find an enormous 6.5m tall Christmas tree to complement the warm, cosy, festive atmosphere of the holiday season event.
Information
Roppongi Hills Christmas 2020
Running: November 13, 2020 – December 25, 2020
Location: Roppongi Hills (Keyakizaka-dori, West Walk Floor 2F, Oyane Plaza, and elsewhere)
Christmas Market 2020
Running: November 28, 2020 – December 25, 2020
Times: 11:00-21:00
Location: Oyane Plaza
Roppongi Hills Official Website: https://www.roppongihills.com/en/
RELATED ENTRIES
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Chihayafuru Anime Gets Escape Game at TOKYO MYSTERY CIRCUS
23.January.2021 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
TOKYO MYSTERY CIRCUS, Japan’s first and biggest puzzle-themed theme park, has announced the opening of a new escape game based on the popular manga anime series Chihayafuru which will begin at the site on March 4, 2021.
The immersive story-driven escape game has players take on the role of a member of the Fujiyama High School karuta club. While learning the essential points of competitive karuta from Chigaya Ayase and the gang, they must aim for victory to escape. No prior preparations are necessary – players can book their tickets and just turn up on the day.
This unique escape game takes place in a traditional tatami mat room and combines puzzle-solving skills with competitive karuta in which clues are written on the cards. Fans of the manga and anime series are sure to enjoy this immersive game.
Tickets will go on sale on January 23, 2021 at 12:00 (JST).
©末次由紀/講談社
Information
Chihayafuru Escape Game
Location: Tokyo Mystery CircusRunning: March 4, 2021 – May 5, 2021
Official Website: https://mysterycircus.jp/chihayafuru/ -
Kingdom Anime Collaborates With Firsthand On Exclusive Merchandise
23.January.2021 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
Creative and sustainable concept store Firsthand released a collection of items in collaboration on Wednesday (January 20) with the TV anime series Kingdom, which is set to begin airing its third season this April, and Japanese artist Kosuke Kawamura. The items are available to buy both online in Japan and at a pop-up store at OPEN STUDIO inside FREAK’S STORE Shibuya.
Firsthand is a Japanese brand centred on upcycling and sustainable production. Fans of the ongoing anime series can get their hands on a range of clothing items, phone cases, and more. If they head to OPEN STUDIO they’ll also find an illustration exhibit, a photo spot, and more. The gallery is also selling posters signed by Kosuke Kawamura.
Will you be watching Season 3 of Kingdom this spring?
Information
Kingdom x Firsthand x Kosuke Kawamura Pop-Up Shop
Running: January 20, 2021 – January 25, 2021
Location: OPEN STUDIO, 1-31-1 Jinnan, Shibuya, TokyoOpening Hours: 10:00-20:00
TEL : 03-6415-7728Where to buy the merchandise collection:
・OPEN STUDIO (Limited time January 20th-25th)
・Firsthand RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK (From January 26th)
・FREAK‘S STORE ONLINE (From January 24th) @ http://www.freaksstore.com/
・ZOZOTOWN (From January 28th) @ https://zozo.jp/shop/freaksstore/Event Details: https://firsthand.jp/news/3609/
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FANCL Ginza Square Opens Onsen Hot Spring That You Can Walk Into Wearing Your Clothes
22.January.2021 | SPOT
FANCL has brought the hot spring experience to its flagship site FANCL Ginza Square for a limited time with a variety of content that makes visitors feel like they’ve come to a Japanese onsen. The experience, named Tabi Suru Square Yu, is running until February 11, 2021.
Café au Lait / Fruit au Lait / Soy Milk Aojiru – ¥300 Each
Reiwa Honzen (FANCL Ginza Square Floor 9F)
Lunch Sana Winter Seafood Bento | ¥3,500
Winter Dinner Seafood Course | From ¥9,000
FANCL BROWN RICE MEALS (FANCL Ginza Square Floor B1F)
Hiroshima Oyster & Spinach Risotto Parmesan Cheese Galette Lunch Set | ¥1,850
Tomato Cream Pasta Lunch Set ¥1,850
Original Hand Towel
FANCL Ginza Square Onsen Essentials Set | ¥3,668
Breathing exercises at SUU-HAKU
At Tabi Suru Square Yu, visitors can enter a room that fully recreates the experience of being in a hot spring. The room is set at the same temperature, is filled with the same aromas, and is decorated in the same way. Visitors sit on one of the relaxation sheets to soak up the experience – effectively getting into a hot spring without having to change their clothes.
A variety of classic drinks and dishes sold at hot springs in Japan will also be sold, and visitors can get involved in the breathing exercises on offer.
Information
FANCL – “Tabi Suru Square Yu”
Running: January 15, 2021 – February 11, 2021
Location: FANCL Ginza Square
Address: 5 Chome-8-16 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
FANCL Ginza Square Official Website: https://www.fancl.jp/ginza-square/index.html
FANCL Official Website: https://www.fancl.co.jp/ -
Valentine’s Dessert Sets Served Up at Harajuku’s Tea Latte Shop CHAVATY
22.January.2021 | FOOD
CHAVATY, a cafe in Harajuku that serves tea lattes made with high quality tea leaves, is getting ready for Valentine’s Day early with the release of some tasty new desserts which they began serving up on Thursday (January 14).
Valentine’s Set | ¥1,100 (Before Tax)
Valentine’s Scone Set (6 Included) | ¥2,480 (Tax Included)
Raspberry Chocolate | ¥970 (Tax Included)The Valentine’s Set comes with a cute scone as well as fondant chocolate made with rich, high-grade chocolate from the French chocolate brand Cacao Barry. It also comes with a tea latte of your choice. There’s also a scone set which comes with two each of three different scones for a total of six including the Berry & Cocoa Pink Chocolate, Orange & Chocolate Chip Double Chocolate, and Dried Fruits & Nuts White Chocolate. CHAVATY has also made their own seasonal homemade spread: the Raspberry Chocolate.
Information
CHAVATY Valentine’s Set
Running: January 14, 2021 – February 14, 2021Address: Minami-Harajuku Bldg. 1F, 4-6-9 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Official Website: https://chavaty.shop-pro.jp/
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YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN: Japan’s First Permanent Inner-City Cable Car Opens in April
20.January.2021 | SPOT
Japan is set to get its first ever permanent city cable car in Yokohama on April 22 called the YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN.
The YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN is a cable car system that will offer locals and tourists a chance to enjoy Yokohama from a new perspective whether during the hot summers or during the cool evenings when the city lights wake up.
The system will be connected directly to Sakuragichō Station and Shinko Pier for easy, quick access to enjoy Yokohama Minato Mirai from up high.
If you’re planning a trip to Yokohama at some point, be sure to take a ride on YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN, officially opening on April 22, 2021.
Information
YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN
Opening: April 22, 2021
Operating Hours: 10:00-22:00
Duration: 5-minutes
Price: General ¥1,000 / Children ¥500 -
Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE Releases Video of Magical Beachside Illuminations
19.January.2021 | SPOT
The incredible beachside Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE, which offers guests a breathtaking ocean view along the Okinawan coast, released a video on the official Hoshino Resorts YouTube page showcasing the cafe’s ongoing illumination event, “Illumi Banta,” which is running until February 28, 2021. Guests can enjoy some limited-time menu options and then take a romantic stroll along the beach with a warm lantern in hand.
Okinawa is known for its warm climate, rarely dipping below 15°C in the chilly season of winter. There are many celebratory days enjoyed every year around Christmas and New Years, and so BANTA CAFE decided to get in on the action with Illumi Banta, which has been running since December 1 last year—while following the necessary precautions against COVID-19 to ensure everyone stays safe. The spacious cafe is mostly outdoors so visitors can enjoy their time without worry.
A seat at the cafe in on a clear evening guarantees a front row seat to a beautiful orange sunset that sinks into the horizon. Normally, the cafe closes as sunset arrives, but for this event, opening hour have been extended into the night.
BANTA CAFE is located in the village of Yomitan where the beautiful ocean is surrounded by coral reef, enormous rocks, and a rich natural environment. It’s a must-visit if travelling to Okinawa.
Information
Illumi Banta
Running: December 1, 2020 – February 28, 2021 (Except February 1st-5th)
Time: 18:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:00)BANTA CAFE
Address: 560 Gima, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa
TEL: 098-921-6810
Opening Hours: 10:00 to one hour after sunset (from 08:00 on weekends and holidays)
Official Website: https://banta-cafe.com/en/ -
Nagasaki’s 112 Year Old Hotel Nampuro Opens Terraces With Panoramic Ocean and Sky Views
19.January.2021 | SPOT
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.
Information
Hotel Nampuro Observation Terraces – Sky Terrace & Ocean Terrace
Address: 2-7331-1 Bentenmachi, Shimabara, Nagasaki
Official Website: https://www.nampuro.com/world/english/ -
Go Strawberry Picking With Hello Kitty and Friends at Sanrio Puroland
Sanrio Puroland opened a special new event last Friday (January 8) called “Sweets Puro” which is themed on strawberry picking.
Characters greet guests in their strawberry-designed outfits
Guests participate in an augmented reality strawberry stamp rally
New character videos play at the illuminations
A strawberry-packed dessert menu
Limited-edition merch
Tables in the food court receive makeovers
Guests can look forward to seeing sparkly new pink-coloured illuminations, snapping sweet photos at the entrance photo spot, getting involved in the AR strawberry picking stamp rally using their smartphones, and more. They can also pay to spend one minute with the park characters who will be dressed in their strawberry outfits, and if they arrive 30 minutes before the first floor character food court opens, they can get the limited-offer morning breakfast “Strawberry Morning Bread Set.” The park will even be serving up seasonal alcoholic drinks like the Sweets Puro Strawberry Peach Sour.
The first day of the event saw the characters come out to greet guests in their adorable strawberry and dessert themed costumes. This was followed by a new illumination show, Puro Sweets Party, which took place at Puro Village, and My Melody sang and danced to the music against the bright and beautiful lights. Guests enjoyed a selection of limited-time food like the Pompompurin’s Croissant Doughnut Strawberry Sandwich and Hello Kitty’s Sweet Strawberry Milk.
©1976, 2009 SANRIO CO., LTD. ©1975, 1976, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2017, 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.
Information
Sanrio Puroland – “Sweet Puro”
Running: January 8, 2021 – March 9, 2021
Official Website: https://www.puroland.jp -
Universal Studios Japan Announces Easter Universal Celebration 2021
13.January.2021 | SPOT
Universal Studios Japan is set to spring into Easter starting on March 12 with the announcement of Universal Easter Celebration 2021. This year, which marks the 20th anniversary since USJ opened, will see the park’s cute and iconic characters once again lull guests into an unforgettable Easter dream at Universal Wonderland and Minion Park.
Universal Easter Celebration
USJ will see colourful pastel decorations cover the Universal Wonderland and Minion Park areas, and the characters too will be dressed in their seasonal Easter costumes. A special Easter rendition of the Wonderland Seasons Joy show will also take place to commemorate the park’s 20th anniversary with song and dance.
Wonderland Seasons Joy ~Easter Ver.~
Minion Park Easter
The park will also introduced a special egg hunt after Elmo and the Minions dropped some of their eggs. If you manage to find them all you get a limited-edition gold medal. USJ is also taking the Easter festivities online too with a special celebratory live stream called Let’s Cooking! Kawaii Easter Party
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s21) Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. TM & © 2021 Sesame Workshop © 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment Universal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo
Information
Universal Easter Celebration
Running: March 12, 2021 – June 27, 2021
Location: Universal Studios Japan
Official Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us -
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba x Lagunasia Theme Park Collaboration Event Begins in March
12.January.2021 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Lagunasia, a theme park managed by Laguna Ten Bosch, has announced an event in collaboration with the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba which will run from March 6 to June 5.
©Koyoharu Gotouge / Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable
©Koyoharu Gotouge / Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable
The event will feature an immersive attraction called “Trial of Recollection: Tanjiro’s Journey” as well as a rally event to hunt down all the stickers around the theme park, a Demon Slayer themed menu line-up, exclusive merchandise, and more.
Further details will be announced in the coming months.
Information
Laguna Ten Bosch x Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Event
Running: March 6, 2021 – June 5, 2021
Location: Lagunasia, Laguna Ten Bosch
Official Website: https://www.lagunatenbosch.co.jp/event/kimetsu/index.html -
7 Days of Strawberry Dessert Love at Isetan Shinjuku This January
10.January.2021 | FOOD
Isetan Shinjuku has announced a special one-week event titled “7 Days of Loving Strawberries” which is centred around cute and delicious strawberry desserts and will run this month from January 13-19. Ten cafes and restaurants are participating with a sweet and succulent line-up including strawberry daifuku, strawberry shortcake, special parfaits and crepes, and more.
Strawberry Candle Pavlova @ mihopan popcake | Two for ¥972 (Tax Included) *Limited quantities
MIGAKI-ICHIGO Strawberry Parfait @ Ichibiko | ¥1,980 (Tax Included)
Strawberry Shake @ Ichigo-ya Sunsunen | ¥721 (Tax Included)
Crispy Strawberry Mille-Feuille Crepe @ Sorairo Crepe | ¥935 (Tax Included) *Limited quantities
Strawberry Shortcake Parfait @ Shiseido Parlour | ¥1,045 (Tax Included)
Strawberry Daifuku @ Berry UP! | ¥432 (Tax Included)
Ripe Strawberry Milk Pudding @ Kanjyuku Ichigo Kashi Kekyusho | ¥486
Whole Strawberry Sandwich @ Sajisakon | From ¥864 (Tax Included)
MIGAKI-ICHIGO Strawberry Daifuku @ Seigetsudo Hoten | ¥432 (Tax Included)
Information
7 Days of Loving Strawberries (Japanese Name: いちごに恋する七日間)
Running: January 13, 2021 – January 19, 2021
Location: Isetan Shinjuku Floor B1F
Official Website: https://mi-journey.jp/foodie/66251/ -
200 Varieties of Japanese Iris to Bloom at Odawara Flower Garden
10.January.2021 | SPOT
The plum blossoms of Odawara Flower Garden, which is located in Odawara, Kanagawa, are at the height of their blossom right now. The park’s Keiryu no Baien (“Mountain Stream Plum Garden”) area boasts the largest collection of plum blossoms in Japan’s Kanto region, with 480 trees spanning 200 species.
480 individual Japanese ayame plum blossoms of 200 varieties will adorn the garden once again this year. The event has a different theme each year, with this year’s focusing on the interweaving of red and white coloured flowers on each tree branch.
Visitors will be able to see the beautiful colour combination from many different iris varieties such as the murui-shibori which sometimes sees red safflowers come to life, the wachigai which witnesses wonderful variegated flowering, the impeccably beautiful maki-tateyama, and more.
2021 Keiryu no Baien
Running: January 23, 2021 – March 7, 2021
Location: Odawara Flower Garden
Address: 3798-5 Kuno, Odawara, Kanagawa
Entry: Free
Parking: Free
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00*No holidays for the duration of the event – open every day
Keiryu no Baien Guide Tour
Takayuki Otsubo, the president of the garden, is also an advisor on the management of its plants. He will be offering a detailed tour for the event.
Date: February 21, 2021
Times: 10:30 / 13:30 (1 hour each)
Participation: Free
Capacity: 30 per slot (first-come, first-served)*Tour will be held seated indoors if it rains
Keiryu no Baien Flowers and Kimono Girls
A kimono rental and fitting service will be available at the event so visitors can take photo next to the gorgeous flowers while adorned in traditional Japanese dress.
Date: February 13, 2021
Time: 9:30-16:00 (Bookable slots)
Price: ¥3,000 (Tax/Rental/Fitting included)
No. of People: 15 (Booking required)
Bookings: By phone call by February 7, 2021
TEL: 0465-34-2814*Must be at least 140m tall
*Visitors are asked to do their own makeup
*Male kimono are available in limited quantitiesPlum Menu
The Odawara Flower Garden cafe, Cafe Hibiscus, is serving a selection of plum blossom themed meals and drinks for the festival. This includes the above-pictured new soba noodle dish, which is topped with plum pulp grown in Odawara as well as kamaboko fish cake, shrimp fritters, and spring onion. The broth in particular is worth of note which the staff went to great lengths to create. There’s also plum blossom ice cream too made with nanko plums, as well as other delicious bites.
Plum Blossom Festival Soba Noodles – ¥600 (Tax Included) / With Drink ¥700 (Tax Included)
Plum Ice Cream – ¥380 (Tax Included)
Location: Cafe Hibiscus
Opening Hours: 10:00-16:00 (Last Orders 15:30)
*No holidays for the duration of the event – open every dayPlum Blossom Souvenirs
A selection of plum blossom-themed souvenirs will be available like umeboshi dried plum, plum jelly, and more.Available: From early January 2021
Location: Entrance souvenir corner
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00Information
Odawara Flower Garden
Address: 3798-5 Kuno, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture
Entry: FreeOfficial Website: https://www.seibu-la.co.jp/odawarafg/