The Wakura Onsen Tourist Association is sponsoring a new project to illuminate Seirinji Temple, a nationally registered cultural property. Along with this light show, guests can enjoy a luxurious tea time starting on January 8, 2022. This year, the pavilion and garden will be lit up again, and the entrance will be decorated with traditional local paper lanterns. 

The historic property was built in 1909 as a resting place for Emperor Taisho. Only two such buildings exist in Japan: one in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, and the other at Wakura Onsen. Both were registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan in 2017. 

Last year, the area was photographed for posters and pamphlets as part of the ‘Japanese Beauty Hokuriku’ campaign organized by JR East, JR West, and the Central JR Railway.

Each Saturday evening through February 26, guests will be invited to enjoy a different kind of atmosphere while enjoying a very fancy tea time. The program has been very well received by visitors, so it shouldn’t be missed!

The light-up of the temple and garden, with its slowly changing colors, will transport guests to another world. The entrance to Seirinji Temple will be redecorated and lit up, and a pathway of lights will be created from the gate to the entrance of the pavilion using paper lanterns.

Shiroikoibito Park in Sapporo will hold a special illumination event from December 27, 2021 until March 14, 2022! The ‘Chocolate Factory of Light and Love’ is perfect for couples to visit during these cooler months. 

A popular event each year, the Shiroikoibito Park Illumination was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. As this event is held inside, it offers some shelter from the cold as guests wander through the 85-meter-long course. An escape game will also be held for the first time at the location, and will involve two participants attempting to solve riddles based on ‘love’ and ‘chocolate.’ The room is decorated with luxurious antique items imported from England.

Escape Game! Escape from the Chocolate Laboratory

Running: January 7 – March 14, 2022

Hours: 10:00-16:00

Reservations Available at Ticket Counter

Location: Study Base – Cacao Pod

Chocolate Take-Out

Available: February 11 – February 14, 2022 / March 12 – March 14, 2022

Hours: 10:00 until sold out

Price: ¥500 (Tax Included)

Location: Tudor House 1F Special Event Space

Dessert Set (with Drink): ¥1,700 (Tax Included)

Very Cocoa Set (with Drink: ¥1,700 (Tax Included)

Chocolate & Berries: ¥800 (Tax Included)

One-sided Love Hot Cocoa: ¥550 (Tax Included)

Beef Stew with Hokkaido Beef (served with bread or rice): ¥1,380 (Tax Included)

Chocolate Baumkuchen: ¥1,512 (Tax Included)
Where to Buy: Piccadilly Shop
On sale January 15, 2022 (Valentine’s Day Exclusive)

Select Chocolates: ¥648 (Tax Included)
Where to Buy: Piccadilly Shop
On sale January 15, 2022

Inspired by the novel ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ Shiroikoibito Park was opened to bring people together with sweets. How could guests not be happy in such a magical place?

Karimoku Furniture has started taking orders for items inspired by the Mirror of Darkness from the smartphone game Disney’s Twisted Wonderland, which features characters inspired by the villains that adorn Disney’s works (Villains), from December 18, 2021.

Karimoku Furniture has been developing the latest woodworking technology research and applications at its own factories for a while now, with the aim of improving the quality and value of wooden furniture. Don’t miss out on this unique item, which features the “Disney Twisted Wonderland” logo on the back of the mirror and on the packaging.

ⓒDisney

Starbucks Coffee Japan has launched the second product in its “double the love” collection, the first collaboration with fashion brand Ron Herman, at Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo.

Castanets (white and navy) ￥2,200 each / Guiro ￥3,960/ Bell ￥4,400

The theme of “double the love” expresses the moment when you and your loved one can feel the love by choosing and giving a gift while thinking of the joy on the face of the recipient. For the second edition, under the theme of “sharing together,” a variety of musical instruments made of wood, such as castanets, guiro, and bells, as well as wooden ornaments are available to make your time with family and loved ones more enjoyable.

Ornament heart/star (red, navy, white) ￥1,320 each

Wooden ornaments in the shapes of stars and hearts can be hung on the tree or used as decorations to accentuate your room, adding to the Christmas spirit! As you reflect on this year, spend a happy time with your family and loved ones, thinking of each other and overflowing with love.

With the desire to deliver a heartwarming moment of sharing and caring for each other, the greeting card workshop “Make your gift double of your love” is scheduled to be held online from 10am on December 18 and at RHC Ron Herman Kawasaki on December 19. While drinking coffee, think of the face of the person you are sending a gift to, and spend a moment making a greeting card to express your feelings.

Six Peanuts Cafe and Peanuts Diner locations across Japan are currently offering a special Christmas menu inspired by the world of Snoopy until December 25, 2021. 

Christmas Stew Set with Bonuses: ¥3,520 (Tax Included) 

Participating Locations: Peanuts Cafe Nakameguro, Snoopy Museum, Nagoya, Sunny Side Kitchen

Nagameguro：https://www.peanutscafe.jp/product_nakameguro_xmas2021/
Snoopy Museum：https://www.peanutscafe.jp/product_smt_xmas2021/
Nagoya：https://www.peanutscafe.jp/product_nagoya_xmas2021/
Sunny Side Kitchen：https://www.peanutscafe.jp/product_sunnysidekitchen_xmas2021/

Christmas Hamburger Set with Bonuses: ¥3,960 (Tax Included) 

Participating Location：Peanuts Diner Yokohama

Reserve：http://www.peanutsdiner.jp/product_yokohama_xmas2021/

Woodstock’s Merry Christmas Plan: ¥4,950 per person (Tax Included)

Participating Location： Peanuts Cafe Nakameguro

Reserve：

https://www.peanutscafe.jp/product_nakameguro_sproom_xmas2021/
*Price per person based on two-person reservation. 

*Reservations can be made up to two days in advance.

Snoopy’s I CAN’T WAIT Christmas Parfait: ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Snowy Christmas Latte ~Cheesecake Flavor~: ¥880 (Tax Included) 

Those who order a special food set will receive a tote bag with an adorable Snoopy and Woodstock design. 

(C) 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC　(短縮形 (C) 2021 Peanuts)

A limited time event featuring the VTuber group “Hololive” will be held at Tokyo Skytree Town(R) from December 17, 2021 to January 31, 2022. It will feature a variety of special activities, including a riddle-solving event, a photo spot on the Tokyo Skytree(R) Observation Deck, and a pop-up store and concept cafe in the official TV station store, Tree Village.

Concept Cafe

【Christmas Menu】Running: December 17～December 25.

【Winter Manu】Running: December 26～January 31, 2022.

【Member Motif Drink】Running: December 17～January 31, 2022.

Merchandise

The original merchandise limited to the event includes “acrylic stand” and “New Year’s Eve udon set” featuring newly drawn illustrations of Sora Tokino and 10 other VTubers from “Hololive” in Christmas costumes and kimonos.

In addition, there will be a lottery to win a “life-size acrylic stand (installed on the watchtower deck)” with a special illustration for the 2nd anniversary. The products will be available at the event from December 17 and online from January 1, 2022.

Don’t miss this special Christmas event with Horolive!

Ⓒ 2016 COVER Corp.
ⒸTOKYO-SKYTREE

East Japan Railway and Mitsubishi Estate Company are teaming up for Tokyo Michi Terrace 2021, a special light-up event being held at Tokyo Station from December 14 until December 25. This year’s theme is ‘Scenery at Dawn,’ and was inspired by the phrase ‘after the night comes the day.’ 2021 was another difficult year for people around the world, and this event signifies the dawn of a new era. 

The Tokyo Station Marunouchi Station Building, the trees in the Station Square, and the trees along Gyoko-Dori Avenue will all be decorated with lights that gradually change color. Hopefully, 2022 will be an easier year!

2021 Event Theme: ‘Scenery at Dawn’ 

After all of the hardships of the year, Christmas 2021 will be the dawn of a new era. 

Tokyo will give citizens and guests a beautiful moment illuminated with the morning sunlight.

If you’re looking to feel like a kid again, Yokohama Spaghetti & Cafe is offering a chance to have afternoon tea with some adorable miniatures in a dollhouse atmosphere. The popular set will be reimagined during December to feature a Christmas motif, and is the perfect backdrop for Twitter or Instagram pictures!

‘Afternoon Tea for ‘me’ and ‘my friends,’ drink included: ¥1,380 per person (Tax Included)

The set includes seven beautiful desserts crafted by a pastry chef and features seasonal fruit. Whether you enjoy tea and cakes by yourself or with friends, feel free to take pictures of the miniatures for a jolt of cuteness. 

Prior to the event’s commencement on November 26, Universal Studios Japan released a press preview to highlight this year’s Christmas event, including images of the first Christmas tree in two years since the pandemic began. This year’s theme is ‘NO LIMIT!’ and will also celebrate the park’s 20th year of operation. 

The popular stage show NO LIMIT! will feature a special Christmas theme, with popular park characters like Elmo, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and others clad in holiday costumes. The collaboration with popular girl’s band NiziU has been a major hit so far and will feature their original song FESTA! The goal of the event is to kick off a year filled with smiles. 

The 20th Anniversary NO LIMIT! Christmas tree stands at the center of Gramercy Park, offering guests an excellent view from all sides. Be sure to snap a photo with your friends and loved ones to start 2022 off right!

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.
© Nintendo
TM & © 2021 Sesame Workshop
© 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.　APPROVAL NO.  EJ1111901
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable
© Sony Music Labels Inc./JYP Entertainment.
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Legendary shojo manga artist Macoto Takahashi is collaborating with Tsudanuma PARCO in Funabashi, Chiba, for the 2021 Christmas event from November 19 until December 25, 2021. The creator recently released an art book featuring many of his works titled ‘Macoto Takahashi’s Jewelry Box.’ An exhibition featuring mini-prints and mini-panels of works featured in the book will also be held, and merchandise will be on sale both on-site and online. 

Main Visual

Window

After his debut in 1953, Takahashi published the manga series Arashi wo Koete and Princess Anne. His signature style of depicting glittering stars in the eyes of his protagonists would have a lasting influence on other manga artists. In the 1960s and 1970s, he was at the helm of many magazine covers and illustrations for popular girls’ manga magazines like Nakayoshi, Shojo Friend, and Margaret. Despite his classic style, his works are still largely popular today. The main visual for the event ‘Lucky Star’ features a girl in a red Christmas-themed costume surrounded by animals, blue snowflakes, and delicate lace.

gelato pique café launched its Christmas collection for limited time only from November 24 to December 26.

Brown Bear Caramel Crêpe

Raspberry Caramel Cheesecake Crêpe

Caramel and Hazelnuts Hot Chocolate

Eco Bag with Chocolate Bear (Small Size)　

Mug with Chocolate Bear

The theme for gelato pique cafe’s Christmas Sweets 2021 is “Brown Bear Caramel Christmas – With Pique Bear and Rich Caramel- and three new sweets and drinks are available, including a crepe topped with an adorable chocolate “Pique Bear”. As well as the food menu, two types of original goods, eco-bags and mugs, featuring the chocolate bear topping are available at gelato pique cafes nationwide and gelato pique official online store.

Dance vocal group w-inds. has released a new song perfect for the holiday season! The Christmas Song (feat. DA PUMP & Lead) is now available to stream. The track is from the group’s upcoming original album 20XX “We are,’ scheduled to be released on November 24, 2021. 

The release has already become a trending topic in Japan. This year w-inds. is celebrating 20 years since their debut. Their first time serving as opening act was at a DA PUMP’s concert, while Lead performed as the opening act for the first time at a w-inds.’s concert. The three groups are, as expected, very close friends at this point, and this Christmas track is filled with good vibes only. The jacket artwork was designed by U-YEAH from DA PUMP, and each singer wrote lyrics for their respective parts. 

The music video for the song will premiere on November 27 at 20:00, after the release of the album 20XX “We are.” 

The Christmas Song (feat. DA PUMP & Lead) / w-inds.（Official Music Video）
https://youtu.be/3uE9FhIv-dU 　*Video will premiere on November 27, 20:00

On December 29, the w-inds. Online Show 20XX “We are” will be held, marking nine months since the duo’s last online show.