Hoshinoya hotels each offer a unique experience with their own theme. The Otemachi-based Yoshinoya Tokyo has announced the new “Tokyo Lantern Dinner,” which has been proposed to suit the ‘New Normal’ of the Covid-19 generation. The new dining option was opened to customers from October 13 2021 and blends the new rules of restaurant partitions and mask wearing with Japanese culture, using lantern partitions to allow customers to enjoy their food with peace of mind. Customers can remove their mask as they sit under the lantern partition, which lights up your face and meal with a soft glow, meaning you can safely enjoy conversation and see your partner’s face as you talk and eat. Conveniently, the lantern also prevents splashing, making eating out in the Covid-19 era even easier! 

The Lantern Partition was Developed with a Long-Established Lantern Company

Nippon Cuisine ~Fermented~

The partition lanterns were created by Kojima Shoten, a long-established lantern shop based in Kyoto which was founded in the Kansei-Edo period. The original lantern-shape was crafted by the professionals, from the structure all the way to the painting. The unique shape of this elastic lantern allows customers to enter and exit freely, and part of the lantern has been made using a 0.15mm transparent vinyl meaning that face-to-face conversations can be held with ease. In addition, the lantern is equipped with a light that gently illuminates the face and food of the person seated beneath it.

Yoshinoya Tokyo usually only accepts dining reservations from those staying at the hotel, but customers can now invite non-guests specifically to enjoy the main meal together.  They have prepared a variety of options for meetings and events that previously couldn’t meet up due to the Covid situation, such as meetings between families before marriage, anniversaries, birthdays, business dinners, and more. 

Hoshinoya Tokyo is a Japanese Inn that respectfully combines the comforts of the modern day with traditional Japanese culture. The dining room, located on the first basement floor, offers ‘Nippon Cuisine’ made using a combination of Japan’s historical fermentation culture and French cooking techniques.  The menu includes a wide variety of ever-popular fermented foods and seasonings, such as soy sauce and miso, along with preserved foods such as pickles and salted fish. The lactic acidosis bacteria found in these foods is referred to as a “Good Bacteria,” known for its positive effects on the body and its ability to regulate gut bacteria. 

The taste and nutritional value of each meal has increased due to fermentation and aging, using seasonal ingredients from around Japan and French cooking techniques to bring out the flavor, resulting in a new and original taste. 

Why not check out Hoshinoya Tokyo and experience this new-era Japanese dining experience for yourself?

The ‘1F Lounge & Bar 1867’ at the Kyoto Yura Hotel M Gallery will be hosting a Halloween themed afternoon tea from October 1 2021, with tea sets and cocktails available. The premium hotel is owned by Accor, a Paris, France based group that owns over 5,000 hotels and resorts in 110 countries.

The Halloween-themed afternoon tea has been made by Jennie Chiu, a pastry chef who grew up in America, the home of Halloween. The afternoon tea features cute and playful monster motifs, including a witch-hat Mont Blanc, a Cassis and Chestnut Cake topped with a small ghost, and a spider-web topped Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse. For savory treats, Chef Nishimura Niki has prepared Foie Gras soaked in Salted Koji, plus two luxurious lobster dishes.

The creative Halloween cocktails were brainstormed by Yamazaki Sousei, who ranked in the Japan Top 10 category of bartending competition ‘WORLD CLASS 2021.’ The Halloween and apple pie inspired lineup was inspired by Scotland and the Celtic people, looking back to when Halloween was first celebrated. 

Enjoy some adult-only time in this retro-modern “family mansion” themed space. 

Sunshine City Prince Hotel has revealed a new “Uramichi Oniisan” themed plan, available to reserve for a limited time between October 2 and December 31.

Hotel Staff Costume Illustration

 Pajama Costume Chibi Illustration

©Kuze Gaku・Ichijinsha / Uramichi Oniisan Production Comittee

Star Can Badge / Hotel Keychain / Mask Case (URA & OMOTE ) / Original Notepad / Hotel Key Card 

Cafe & Dining ‘Chef’s Palette’ Original Drink with Bonus Coaster

‘URA-Room’ with Chibi Character Illustration

The ‘Uramichi Oniisan’ anime became a hit in Summer 2021, known for its cast of famous voice actors.

The new artwork produced for the hotel features the characters in hotel staff uniforms and pajamas, perfect for the hotel-themed collaboration. The ‘OMOTE ROOM’ is designed using the new illustrations, while the ‘URA ROOM’ uses the chibi characters. Each room features a sound clip from Uramichi Omoteda (CV: Kamiya Hiroshi). Original merchandise and drinks are available to guests, plus the famous “Bird Finding Game” is available to play in each room, making it a must-see for fans!

Dive into the ‘Uramichi Oniisan’ world with this new collaboration hotel room!

Founded in 1803, Tsuruya Yoshinobu is a famous Japanese sweets shop specializing in wagashi, or traditional Japanese confections. To celebrate Halloween, the shop is now selling some themed treats through the end of October. 

Halloween Pumpkin/Halloween Ghost Japanese Sweets

Happy Halloween Cookie Assortment

The celebration of Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, before later being Christianized as All Hallow’s Day. A day to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the fall harvest, it has become a much less serious holiday in recent decades. Children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door asking for candy, and the past is largely forgotten. The sweets available at Tsuruya Yoshinobu are decorated with cute expressions and are sure to be a hit at tea time with friends and family. Be sure to keep an eye out for the ghosts, featuring six different expressions!

Japanese sweets aren’t as strong as their American counterparts, and each is sculpted like a work of art. These will melt in your mouth and are perfect for enjoying with matcha, tea, or coffee! Be sure to fill out the blank card along with the cookie gift box for a thoughtful gift this holiday season.

The Kurobe Gorge Trolley in Toyama will offer a special two-day journey through the fall foliage on October 29 and November 1, 2021. 

Atobiki Bridge

Okukane Bridge

Promenade

Babadani Jigoku

On the day of the tour, guests will enjoy a leisurely journey through nature as a Kurobe Gorge tour guide explains the features of the surrounding environment. 

Adventure World, a zoo and theme park in Shirahama, Wakayama prefecture, is teaming up with the Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel to celebrate the first birthday of baby panda Fuhin. This room plan will only be available from November 1, 2021, until March 31, 2022, and will include a fully themed room, an original mini-photo book of the panda’s growth to date, and plenty of other Fuhin amenities and goods!

Fuhin 1st Anniversary Room

Collaboration Burger ‘Marriott Panda Burger’ 

The Fuhin 1st Anniversary Room is a mixed Japanese-Western style room with an ocean view. The walls, blankets, and tatami are all covered in panda imagery, while portions of the room’s lighting are made from bamboo as a part of Adventure World’s quest to create more sustainable products. The special ‘COCOAR’ app will also allow guests to enjoy a moving photo frame featuring Guhin by holding their smartphone over the word ‘Fuhin’ on the wall. 

The limited-time Marriott Panda Burger uses the same recipe as the normal burger, but with a panda-shaped bun created along with Adventure World staff. How would you like to come and celebrate Fuhin’s birthday beside the sea? 

Your Favorite Panda Instagram Campaign

By taking a picture of one of the seven giant pandas at Adventure World (Eimei, Rauhin, Ouhin, Touhin, Yuhin, Saihin, Fuuhin) and posting it to Instagram with the two campaign hashtags (#推しパンダマリオット and #InsertFavoritePandasNameHere), 20 winners will be selected to receive special Adventure World goods!

Constructed in 1175, the Kurodani Temple is one of the head temples of the Jodo Sect of Buddhism. Though typically closed to the public, the grounds will open for a short period to allow guests to experience some beautiful autumn scenery beginning November 12, 2021. This temple is associated with the Shinsengumi and served as the headquarters of the Aizu Clan at the end of the Edo period, so those interested in history won’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity. 

[Night] Shiun Garden

[Day] Autumn Leaves at the Main Gate

[Day] Shiun Garden

[Night] Autumn Leaves at the Main Gate

Temple Grounds at Sunset

The Tiger’s Room

Ohoujou Garden

Founders Hall

Live Koto Performance

Gokoushiyuiamidabutsu, ‘Afro Buddha’ 

Guests will be able to enjoy the gorgeous autumn temple scenery during both daytime and nighttime, with the night viewing also offering some traditional Japanese live music. Visitors can also see various temple treasures and historical items, as well as the Tiger Room, known for its painted doors. The unique and aptly named Afro Buddha will also be on display. After training for an extremely long period of time, the Buddha’s hair piled up, giving him this strangely modern appearance. 

On a clear day, guests will be able to see clear to the Abeno Harukas building in Osaka. Vividly painted ceilings and other statues will completely surround visitors in spiritual history. At night, traditional Japanese music will be played at three different times in the front gardens. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the temple will offer a Premium Plan, allowing interested guests to enter the grounds 30 minutes before general admission starts. (This will require reservations made on the official website.) This will also include a guided tour!

How would you like to experience this piece of Japanese history while surrounded by unforgettable autumn foliage? 

Moshi Moshi Nippon has delivered news on tons of Halloween treats this holiday season, but can there ever really be enough? Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyo has announced a special two-day-only Halloween Sweets Buffet on October 30 and 31 at the location’s Flyer’s Table restaurant on the second floor. 

Pumpkin Cheese Tart

Ghost Mousse

Black Cream Puff

Guests can enjoy a variety of spooky treats all incorporating fall flavors like chestnut, pumpkin, sweet potato, pear, and apple. Offerings include the Pumpkin Cheese Tart, a mildly-sweet cheese tart made with sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, and topped with pumpkin cream; the Ghost Mousse, a chestnut mousse made to look like a ghoul; and the Black Cream Puff, made with black cocoa and a cassis cream filling. 

At the demonstration corner, guests can see the Sweet Potato Mont Blanc being made. Those wanting something besides sweets can enjoy a selection of sandwiches decorated in Halloween style!

How would you like to enjoy a snowman-shaped Christmas cake and champagne while overlooking Tokyo Tower? The new Scoolove Christmas Accommodation Plan from the Prince Park Tower Tokyo is offering this incredibly festive experience from December 1 until December 26, 2021!

The TOKYO HONEY PROJECT, a product planning team made up exclusively of female hoteliers, has devised this romantic plan in the hopes of making Christmas magical and memorable again. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples haven’t had the chance to spend any special time together, so what better time than the holiday season? 

The word ‘Scoolove’ is a combination of ‘scoop’ and love,’ and while scooping up and enjoying this tasty snowman treat, the team hopes that couples will deepen their relationship and enjoy some much-needed quality time together. The head of the snowman is made from matcha ganache wrapped in kumquat cheesecake mousse, while the body is made of baked cheesecake accented with a raspberry jam. With these two competing flavors, every bite is sure to be interesting!

Since opening in March, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan has caught the world’s attention, leading global game fans to pray even harder for Japan to reopen for tourism. Now, the park is scheduled to level up with a new Donkey Kong-themed area scheduled to open in 2024. 

Currently, Super Nintendo World is filled with Mario-inspired attractions, dining options, and shops, recreating some of the most memorable parts of the franchise in a larger-than-life way. The new Donkey Kong area will feature a roller coaster and more interactive experiences, as well as themed merchandise and food options. Guests will be able to walk through lush jungles, where Donkey Kong and his friends live. The creation of the new area will more than double the size of Super Nintendo World. 

Launched as an arcade game by Nintendo in 1981, Donkey Kong quickly took the world by storm, with games continuing to be released on Nintendo systems from the SNES to the Nintendo Switch. As of March 2021, the series has sold over 65 million units worldwide.

Comment from Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto

“I am very happy to be able to make the world of Donkey Kong a reality following the world of Mario. I am looking forward to creating a thrilling Donkey Kong experience with the amazing team at Universal. It will take some time until it is completed, but it will be a unique area for not only people who are familiar with Donkey Kong games but for all guests.”

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 & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment. TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.　© Nintendo

Most of us have been spending more and more time at home over the past year. It’s time to get out for a change of scenery, and what better activity than cafe hopping! Check out these unique cafes around Japan, each offering a safe and relaxing space to enjoy a day out. 

[Saitama] Bath Cafe BIVOUAC

This cafe located in Kumagaya City offers a full range of bath and sauna facilities, as well as a restaurant featuring healthy dishes filled with local, freshly-picked veggies. 

Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/497213

[Gifu] Activity Cafe Takayama Zenko-ji

Set inside a Buddhist temple, this cafe invites anyone, regardless of faith or nationality, to enjoy a cup of tea while experiencing traditional culture. It’s also a great space to work remotely, with free Wi-fi!

Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/484296

[Tokyo] NANARIDA

Filled with plants and light, NANARIDA has been dubbed a digital detox cafe, not allowing smartphones or laptops each Sunday. Leaving your phone with the staff will grant you a free beverage, so come enjoy some tea and conversation. 

Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/493631

TEXT： Natalie（MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON）

The pastry shop at Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel will start selling an absolutely gorgeous selection of Halloween sweets starting October 1, 2021. 

Purple Sweet Potato Mont-Blanc (S, pictured left and right): ¥630 (Tax Included) / (M, pictured center): ¥2,700 (Tax Included)

Chatnoir: ¥745 (Tax Included) 

Pumpkin Pudding: ¥626 (Tax Included) 

The sweets included in this year’s lineup are meant to bring some joy to those who have struggled during the past year of lockdown, and those who might not be able to attend their favorite seasonal events this year. In this lineup of three beautifully decorated treats, guests can bring the spirit of Halloween home. Which of these would you want to add some spooky flair to your kitchen?