Four Must-See Winter Illuminations in the Kanto Region This Holiday Season
04.November.2021 | FEATURES / SPOT / Uncategorized
Even though it feels like 2021 just started, winter is already approaching! Though the weather is turning cold and the leaves are falling from the trees, there are plenty of colorful events taking place throughout the Kanto region sure to warm your body and soul. Holiday lights can transform even the darkest and most frigid evenings into magical memories. Here at Moshi Moshi Nippon, we’ve compiled the four best winter illumination locations for 2021, perfect for dates, family outings, or even solo reflection!
[Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture] 20th Anniversary Garden of Light ~Flower Fantasy 2021~
In October 2017, Ashikaga Flower Park was recognized as having one of the three best illumination events in Japan, along with the Sapporo White Illumination in Hokkaido and the Huis Ten Bosch Kingdom of Lights in Nagasaki. It has also ranked number one in the Night View Convention and Visitors Bureau Illumination Awards for five consecutive years from 2016 until 2020. Be sure to visit the popular and newly-renovated Flower Castle!
Location: Ashikaga Flower Park
Running: Until February 14, 2022
Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/515578
[Shinagawa, Tokyo] Tokyo Mega Illumination 2021-2022 x NAKED
Tokyo’s Oi Racecourse will be decorated with over eight million lights until April 2022! The location is complete with a water fountain show and a 100-meter tunnel bathed in light, while creative production company NAKED has teamed up with the event to offer AR illuminations guests can only experience here!
Location: Oi Racecourse
Running: Until April 10, 2022
Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/512032
[Inagi, Tokyo] Yomiuriland Jewellumination The Light of Hope! ~A Diverse Symphony of Color~
Yomiuriland’s newest illuminations were produced by Ishii Motoko, and the park is home to the world’s first light display to use LED lights made to glitter like jewels. These lights have a low environmental impact, and are perfectly suited for the event’s theme of “Hope.”
Location: Yomiuriland
Running: Until April 3, 2022
Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/503875
[Hibiya, Tokyo] HIBIYA Magic Time Illumination 2021
Locations throughout Hibiya in Tokyo will be transformed into magical Christmas scenes, with trees lit up in a gradient of colors. This year’s lights were designed to be sustainable, with the LED lights used utilizing 40% less power compared to regular bulbs.
Location: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, Hibiya Nakadoori, Hibiya Chanter locations
Running: Until February 14, 2022
RELATED ENTRIES
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BT21 Amusement Park Event to Open in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka
NAMJATOWN, a theme park located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, will be holding a special BT21 event from May 14 until June 12, 2022! The ‘BT21 MerryLand ~Welcome to our Dreamy World!~’ event celebrates the popular LINE FRIENDS characters, and guests can enjoy lots of games and treats!
The event recreates MerryLand, an amusement park in the BT21 member’s dreams. Guests can participate in three unique mini-games inspired by amusement park attractions, along with a stamp rally and riddle-solving game! Original merchandise and menu items will also be available.Original Mini-Games
BT21 MerryLand Spinning Ferris Wheel / BT21’s Whirling Teacups ♪ / The Full Stomach Yum-yum Wagon
Mini-Game Prizes
A Prize: Relaxing Cushion (7 varieties)
B Prize: Bandana (7 varieties)
C Prize: Mini Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random)
D Prize: Character Pin (7 varieties, random)
*The design for A Prize and B Prize will differ depending on the mini-game.
(Guests can choose the design for each game.)
*For C Prize and D Prize, the design is the same for all mini-games.Venue Exclusive Project! Rally Game
Rally Game Prizes
Participation Prize: Mascot Rubber Charm (7 varieties, random)
*Prizes are the same for each Rally Game.Original Merchandise
Original Food & Drinks
Soft Drink with Acrylic Coaster / Fortune Latte (14 varieties) / Icing Cookie (7 varieties)
Those unable to attend the event can head to the Namco Parks Online Store to play some web-based mini-games offering the same prizes! Certain pieces of merchandise will also be available for purchase online.Following Tokyo, the event will head to HEP FIVE in Osaka from July 2 until July 24 and Canal City Hakata in Fukuoka from August 5 until August 28.
©Bandai Namco Amusement Inc.
Information
BT21 MerryLand
Tokyo Event
Venue: NAMJATOWN
Address: Sunshine City World Import Part Building 2F/3F (3-1-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
Running: May 14 – June 12
Osaka Event
Venue: Hugood! from NAMJATOWN
Address: HEP FIVE 9F (5-15 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka)
Running: July 2 – July 24, 2022
Fukuoka Event
Venue: Namco Canal City Hakata
Address: Canal City Hakata South Building B1F (1-2-74 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka)
Running: August 5 – August 28, 2022
Online Sales / Online Lottery Wheelhttps://parks2.bandainamco-am.co.jp/
Sales Period: May 16, 11:00 – June 13, 23:59
Official Site: https://event.bandainamco-am.co.jp/cx/bt21-merryland/ -
Rose Garden ~Spring Rose Festival~ Opens at Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi
13.May.2022 | SPOT
Starting May 9, Ashikaga Flower Park is celebrating spring with the Rose Garden ~Spring Rose Festival~ event. Since April, the Fujinohana Monogatari Ofuji Festival has been drawing guests to the park to see the symbolic wisteria. As the weather warms up, the rose festival will be held at the same time as the Great Wisteria Festival 2022, which is scheduled to end on May 22.
Guests can enjoy the rainbow-colored world of wisteria and roses, which are at their best until the middle of May. From now until May 15, visitors can also see the flowers lit up each night.
Come visit Ashikaga Flower Park and enjoy 2,500 roses from 500 different varieties!
Information
Rose Garden ~Spring Rose Festival~
Dates & Hours:
May 9 – May 15 / 8:00-20:30 (Includes Night Illuminations)
May 16 ~ / 9:00-18:00
Official Site: https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/
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Special Shop to Open in Tokyo and Kanagawa to Celebrate the Release of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
10.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE / SPOT
A special pop-up store celebrating the upcoming Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film is coming to four locations in Tokyo and Kanagawa! The film is scheduled to be released on June 11, 2022, and fans can pick up some exclusive merchandise at Shinjuku Station, Kawasaki Station, Ikebukuro Station, and Akihabara Station. The dates are listed below!
Exclusive Products
Special Bonus
Product Lineup
Shop Displays
The pop-up shop will feature exclusive items decorated with popular imagery from the Dragon Ball series. Fans will also be able to grab some home goods themed around the Capsule House where Bulma lives!
As a purchase bonus, customers spending ¥2,500 or more will receive a special holographic sticker!
Each venue will be decorated, so enjoy taking some photos with your family and friends.
Information
DRAGON BALL POP-UP STORE BY FLOWERING
Locations/Dates:
Shinjuku Station / April 25 – May 8
Kawasaki Station / May 17 – May 24
Ikebukuro Station / June 1 – June 9
Akihabara Station / June 14 – June 23
Official Site: https://www.jr-cross.co.jp/
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Collaborates with 153-year-old Kimuraya Bakery for LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project
Last month, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu performed on the Gobi Stage at Coachella, one of the largest music festivals in the United States. Her Weekend 1 performance was streamed live worldwide and trended on Twitter in both the U.S. and Japan. After an accident during the second weekend left the singer alone on stage, many wondered if she could pull of a dazzling performance. Kyary’s joy and excitement completely transfixed the massive crowd, and the artist has drawn praise from around the world for her talent and passion.
Kyary has returned to Japan to continue her ‘Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 10th ANNIVERSARY JAPAN TOUR 2022 CANDY WAVE,’ seeing the singer performing 30 shows across Japan. On May 7, she’ll perform at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in Tokyo.
In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities and has been attracting major attention. To celebrate the Tokyo leg of the tour, a new Tokyo collab has been announced!
Kyary is teaming up with Kimuraya Sohonten, a bakery that has been in business for over 150 years. The brand is known for inventing the anpan sweet bun in 1874. Given how much this simple food has influenced Japanese culture, it seems appropriate to team up with Kyary–the singer has brought Japanese influence around the world and continues to inspire fans with her creativity and sweetness.
For the collaboration, fans will be able to purchase the aptly-named ‘Ninjari Anpan,’ based on Kyary’s hit song Ninjari Bang Bang released in 2013. The limited-edition set includes five different flavors of anpan and shows Kyary in her ninja attire on the box. Concertgoers can purchase these sweets at the show on May 7, and they will also be available at select Kimuraya stores and online.
A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. The shirt is available on the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project website for two weeks only. Support Japanese businesses and pick one up while you can!
Information
LOCAL POWER JAPAN project × 木村屋總本店
Official Site:https://localpowerjapan.com
Ninjari Anpan
Where to Buy:
24 Kimuraya LocationsAvailable: May 3 – June 5, 2022
Shop List: https://www.kimuraya-sohonten.co.jp/shoplist
Kimuraya Online ShopAvailable: May 3 – May 31, 2022
https://kimuraya-net.jp/shop
Kimuraya (Tokyo) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Collaboration T-shirt
Where to Buy:
LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Online ShopAvailable: May 3 – May 16, 2022
https://store-localpowerjapan.com/ -
BTS Characters ‘TinyTAN’ to Appear at Cafes in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Miyagi
The popular BTS chibi characters TinyTAN will be featured at TinyTAN Cafe locations in five cities for a limited time! Nine locations will be open across Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Miyagi starting April 21, 2022.
The TinyTAN characters were designed by the seven members of BTS to embody their “second selves.”
Select Cakes: ¥990
Fruits Deco Style: Strawberry, Fruits Deco Style: Mango, Fruits Deco Style: White Grape: ¥1,760
The menu is packed with desserts, including seven different types of cakes each inspired by a member of TinyTAN.
American Sundae Style Chocolate Cookie, American Sundae Style Caramel Nuts, American Sundae Style Pistachio Honey: ¥1,870
Afternoon Style Tea: ¥3,190
The Afternoon Style Tea includes a base plate that can be customized with guest’s favorite fruits and chocolates. Two types of TinyTAN Select Cakes will also be included to share!
Ham (2 types) & Scrambled Egg Peanut Butter Sandwich: ¥1,760
Cafe Style Drink & Cake Set *Prices vary based on drink selection.
Guests can choose from colorful bagel sandwiches, pancakes, and open sandwiches, along with a selection of sweet drinks to match each meal.
Bonuses
Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random): ¥1,320
Sticky Note Roll: ¥880, Acrylic Nameplate (7 varieties): ¥990 each
Original cafe merchandise and special offers will make visiting the TinyTAN Cafe even more exciting!
© BIGHIT MUSIC. All Rights Reserved
Information
TinyTAN CAFE
Tokyo, Omotesando: BOX cafe&space Omotesando
April 21 – June 5, 2022
Pine Under Flat B1F (5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Tokyo, Shinjuku: BOX cafe&space Lumine EST Shinjuku
April 28 – July 3, 2022
Lumine EST Shinjuku B1F (3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Tokyo, Harajuku: BOX cafe&space Harajuku Alta
April 21 – June 5, 2022
Harajuku Alta 3F (1-16-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Tokyo, Omotesando: BOX cafe&space Omotesando Hills
April 21 – June 26, 2022
Main Building, B3F (4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Kanagawa, Yokohama: Collabo_Index Lumine Yokohama
April 22 – June 19, 2022
Lumine Yokohama 6F (2-16-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama)
Aichi, Nagoya: BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC #1
April 28 – June 5, 2022
LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya)
Osaka, Umeda: BOX cafe&space HEP FIVE
April 28 – June 5, 2022
HEP FIVE 7F (5-15 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka)
Osaka, Shinsaibashi: Shinsaibashi contact
April 29 – July 3, 2022
1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
Miyagi, Rifu: BALLER:S
April 27 – June 26, 2022
AEON MALL Shin-Rifu South Building 2F (3-1-1 Shinnakamichi, Rifu, Miyagi)
Reservations Open
Reservation Fee: ¥660 (Includes Bonus)
TinyTAN CAFE Official Site: https://tinytan-cafe.jp/
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Fujinohana Monogatari Ofuji Festival 2022 Opens at Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi
21.April.2022 | SPOT
The Fujinohana Monogatari Ofuji Festival 2022 in Tochigi began slightly ahead of schedule on April 16, 2022.
After temperatures rose to higher than normal over the past few weeks, Ashikaga Flower Park’s symbolic wisteria bloomed earlier than expected. If the high temperatures persist, the blooming process will speed up considerably, with some flower clusters growing up to 10cm in a single day.
The park is one of Japan’s top destinations for wisteria, boasting 350 trees that typically bloom from mid-April to mid-May. The stunning flowers, which dangle from wooden trellises, come in many colors including violet, blue, pink, white, and yellow. Each color tends to bloom at different times: pink first, followed by purple, white, and then yellow wisteria. CNN praised the massive wisteria tree as looking similar to the “tree of souls in the film Avatar,” and the park was the only place in Japan selected as one of the ‘10 Global Dream Destinations’ in 2014.
Information
Fujinohana Monogatari Ofuji Festival 2022
Running: April 16 – May 22, 2022
*Illuminations: April 20 – May 15, 2022
Times:April 16 – April 19 9:00-18:00
April 20 – April 22 8:00-20:30
April 23 – May 8 7:00-21:00
May 9 – May 15 8:00-20:30
May 16 – May 22 9:00-18:00
*Dates and hours are subject to change depending on blooming conditions.
*Click on the link below to see the current flower status.
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Tasty Half-Moon Sandwiches Coming in Second Doraemon Tokyo Banana Collaboration
18.April.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Doraemon Tokyo Banana Half-Moon Sandwiches are coming on April 1, 2022! These tasty snacks come in a pack of eight and are sure to make the perfect gift.
This release of Doraemon Tokyo Banana is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Tokyo Banana brand and the 50th anniversary of Doraemon. Why not enjoy your daily snack time with these cute treats?
Each sandwich is filled with chocolate-banana cream with the dough baked into a crispy, savory crust with a winking Doraemon on both sides.
©Fujiko-Pro,Shogakukan,TV-Asahi,Shin-ei,and ADK ※画像はイメージです
Information
Doraemon Tokyo Banana Half-Moon Sandwich
Where to Buy: JR Tokyo Station Hanagataya Tokyo Chuo Doraemon Tokyo Banana Tokyo Station, Daimaru Tokyo Tokyo Banana Studio 1F – STUDIO
Release Date: April 1, 2022
Details: https://www.tokyobanana.jp/products/banana_doraemon.htmlOfficial Site: https://www.tokyobanana.jp/
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History of OSAMU GOODS to be on Display in ‘OSAMU GOODS 45th Anniversary Exhibition’
Palette Club, a school for illustrators located in Tsukiji, will be holding a 45th Anniversary exhibition for OSAMU GOODS! The characters were created in 1976 by Osamu Harada, who is from Tsukiji, and Dusty Miller. Items featuring these adorable characters are still incredibly popular to this day.
Exclusive Merchandise
Rare original drawings, prints, and goods from the 1970s to the 1990s, as well as Dusty Miller store bags and fan club newsletters, will be on display during the event. Those more nostalgic about these characters and those new to them will both find something to enjoy!
Information
OSAMU GOODS 45th Anniversary Exhibition
Running: April 12 – May 22, 2022
Hours: 13:00-19:00 (Last Entry at 18:30)
*Closed Mondays
Admission: FreeVenue: Palette Club School (4-11-10 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Information: https://www.osamugoods.com/
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NAKED Collaborates with Uta no Prince-sama Game for Special Art Installation
14.April.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Creative company NAKED is bringing the world of Uta no Prince-sama to life! From April 16 until April 24, fans will want to come to Ikebukuro Sunshine Plaza to see MAJI LOVE KINGDOM MEMORIES, a sensory photo booth decorated with floral art.
The first Uta no Prince-sama game was released in 2010, with an anime series following in 2011. In 2019, the first Uta no Prince-sama film, Maji LOVE Kingdom, was released.
NAKED’s project mapping and digital art are being used to create unique photo booths where guests can take pictures with their favorite idols as seen in the 2019 film.
Each photo booth was created using a variety of techniques, combining video, sound, scent, and even wind. The flowers included in each booth were inspired by the flowers that members of ST☆RISH, QUARTET NIGHT, and HE★VENS wear on their chests. How often do you get to experience a 3D photo booth with your favorite fictional boys?
Guests can also enjoy a unique AR experience at the venue by using NAKED INC PLAY!
©︎UTA☆PRI-MOVIE PROJECT
Information
Uta no Prince-sama on Stage: MAJI LOVE KINGDOM MEMORIES
Location: Ikebukuro Sunshine City World Import Building 4F Event Hall A
Running: April 16 – April 24, 2022
Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Last admission 60 minutes prior to closing)
*Open 10:00-17:00 on April 24Official Site: https://ml-kingdom-memories.com/
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Kyo Hayashiya and Hayashiya Shinbei Offering Special Parfaits Perfect for Spring
Hibiya Hayashiya Shinbei in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is now offering a scrumptious Strawberry Matcha Parfait until April 24, 2022! If that’s not up your alley, four Kyo Hayashiya locations in Shinjuku, Omiya, Yokohama, and Ikebukuro will begin offering a Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait from April 1 until May 8, 2022.
Strawberry Matcha Parfait
The Strawberry Matcha Parfait is an eye-catching mix of green and pink, reminiscent of cherry blossoms and bright green grass. Green tea blends with rose jelly and lychee sorbet, offering a refreshing taste with a hint of bitterness. The sweet accent of crunchy chocolate feuillantine gives each bite a little kick.
Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait
The Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait mixes the deep, bitter taste of Uji matcha, the sweet and sour taste of berries, and the gentle sweetness of mascarpone cream. The berry sauce is blended with crunchy chocolate feuillantine, a layer of whipped cream, green tea jelly, green tea ice cream, and milk panna cotta. To finish, it’s garnished with refreshing raspberry sorbet, bittersweet matcha ice cream, and fresh strawberries.
Information
Strawberry Matcha Parfait
Price: ¥1,650 (Tax Included) / with Tea: ¥2,090 (Tax Included)
Available: March 18 – April 24, 2022
Available at Hibiya Hayashiya Shinbei (Tokyo Midtown Hibiya 2F)
Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait
Price: ¥1,430 (Tax Included) / with Tea: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)
Available: April 1 – May 8, 2022
*Available until April 30 at the SOGO Yokohama location.
Available at the following 4 Kyo Hayashiya locations.
・Takashimaya Times Square (Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square Main Building 2F)
・Seibu Ikebukuro (Seibu Ikebukuro Main Building 8F)
・SOGO Omiya (SOGO Omiya Main Building 9F)
・SOGO Yokohama (SOGO Yokohama 10F)
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Hotel New Otani Tokyo to Hold Fourth Collaboration with Paul & Joe
From April 1 until June 30, 2022, Hotel New Otani Tokyo will hold its fourth collaboration with the Paris-born fashion brand Paul & Joe! One specially designed room will be available per day. The brand is extremely popular with women in their 20s and 30s, and those wanting to reserve a room will want to act quickly, as the previous collab room was booked up almost immediately!
The pink and ivory interior is dotted with chrysanthemums and images of Gipsy and Nounette, the iconic cats of brand designer Sophie. Everything from the couch cushions to the hairbrush is completely inspired by Paul & Joe.
Items Only Available in the Paul & Joe Room
4th Collaboration Cosmetics
Limited Edition Pajama and Slipper Set with Room Plan
The fourth cosmetic collection has been sourced from the Les Vacances series, a collection made to take on summer vacation. The lineup includes a body primer sunscreen made to moisturize and protect and an ‘After Sun Oil’ with a floral citrus scent perfect for use after outdoor lounging.
A special Les Vacances-themed spa bag will also be available for guests to take home. Enjoy taking it to the pool, to the spa, or simply while taking a stroll around the hotel.
Guests can also take home a sample of the brand’s Protecting Foundation Primer, a makeup base that has taken home a number of Best Cosmetics Awards. Selected skincare samples, such as lotions and oils, will also be included in the room package.
One of the collaboration plans will also allow guests to take home an exclusive pair of pajamas and slippers decorated with an adorable cat design.
*Guests cannot choose the pajama color or slipper pattern.
*The design of pajamas and slippers is subject to change without notice.Information
Paul & Joe Room ~Summer~ Collaboration Room Plan
Available: April 1 – June 30, 2022 *One room available per day
Location: Hotel New Otani Tokyo (4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Online Reservations / Details: https://www.newotani.co.jp/tokyo/stay/plan/paul-joeroom/ -
Cherry Blossom Menu Appears at Cafe Accueil Ebisu for a Limited Time
Cafe Accueil Ebisu is currently offering a limited Sakura-themed menu featuring pancakes, afternoon tea, and drinks until April 10, 2022.
Sakura & Strawberry Pancakes
Sakura Afternoon Tea
Special Latte with Cherry Blossoms
The seasonal menu includes Sakura & Strawberry Pancakes with pale pink and strawberry red accents, and savory items such as a croissant with cherry cheese cream. Guests can also enjoy Sakura Afternoon Tea, a colorful 12-item menu featuring cherry and strawberry delights. Come enjoy the coming of spring at this gorgeous Tokyo cafe!
Information
Cafe Accueil Ebisu Sakura Season Special Menu
Available until April 10, 2022
Address: 2-10-10 Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-22:00 (Last Order at 21:00)
Official Site: http://accueil.co.jp/ebisu/