The Ise Shop, offering products from one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Mie Prefecture, is now open at Aobadai Tokyu Square in Aobadai Station, Yokohama, from February 2 until February 27, 2022. The store sells items that are usually only available in Ise!

Akafuku Mochi (8 pieces): ¥760 (Tax Included)/Akafuku Mochi(12 pieces): ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

  The Ise Shop sells about 100 food items and other goods, but the most popular item by far is Akafuku mochi. Only sold on Saturdays, these treats are often sold out by the afternoon!   Available on February 19, February 26  

ISE Cardamon Cola (720ml): ¥4,860 (Tax Included)

Traveling Ise Tea Assortment Pack: ¥900 (Tax Included)

  Ise Shrine houses the guardian deity of food, so these foods and drinks on offer are extra tasty. ISE Cardamom Cola is a healthy soda that contains no added color, preservatives, or flavors. It includes a blend of over a dozen spices and lemons from Mie Prefecture. The tea assortment pack is made with tea leaves from Mie, which offer plenty of natural sweetness.

Nakano Yogurt: ¥216 (Tax Included)

  This yogurt is made from Nakano Milk, which has been producing and selling milk in Ise since the Taisho Era. Served in a retro-style jar, it has a low acidity and is well-loved by the locals.  

Ise Shrine Guidebook: ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

  The shop also has a number of goods related to the famous Ise Shrine.

Ise Lululun (Tree Scented / 7 packs x 4 bags): ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

Hand Cream with Water from the Isuzu River (50g): ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

  Ise Lululun is a face mask containing Sakaki leaf extract from Ise Sakaki trees. The moisturizing ingredients help brighten the skin.    The Ise Shop also provides guests with information on sightseeing in Ise City! With travel still restricted due to the pandemic, this is a great way to feel as though you're getting away to this lovely seaside town.

On November 18 and November 25, national free broadcasting service BS12 will air ‘NEXT TRIP: A Luxury Resort Trip to Ise and Shima.’ The host for the excursion will be popular model Shibata Saki (nicknamed Shibasaki), who is a well-known figure to women of all ages.NEXT TRIP is a new travel program that helps travelers figure out where to go next. The theme of the series is “Where should I go once the world settles down?” From visiting popular city spots to faraway resorts in Japan and abroad, the show aims to introduce people to locations they haven’t discovered yet, showcasing what the world has to offer. Those watching should keep a lookout for spectacular scenery, gourmet local food, outdoor activities, and so much more.    [Part 1] November 18, 2021, 9:00 - ‘NEXT TRIP: A Journey to Ise’ In this episode, Saki Shibata travels to Ise, Mie Prefecture, first visiting Ise Shrine to pay her respects. The shrine is one of the holiest and important sites in the Shinto faith and was said to be established in the year 4 BCE. After visiting the Inner Shrine on a bright and sunny morning, Shibata travels to the ancient Okage Yokocho street to find some souvenirs and enjoy a local cafe to enjoy Ise’s famous rice cakes and traditional Japanese sweets. For lunch, she visits a very retro western-style building. At the nearby Ise Ninja Kingdom, guests can wear ninja costumes, and Shibata does just that! As the day comes to an end, Shibata opts to stay at a luxurious ryokan, Ikyuu, and highlights the incredible dinner and other services the lodging offers.   Air Date: November 18, 2021 / 9:00-10:00   [Part 2] November 25, 2021, 9:00 - ‘NEXT TRIP: A Luxury Resort Trip to Ise and Shima’ The second part of the trip begins with cycling. Visiting the famous Married Couple Rocks on the coast of Futami, Shibata sets out for Shima. After enjoying the breathtaking view from the ‘Mailbox in the Sky’ on the Ise-Shima Skyline, she stays at a resort overlooking the Shima coast. Guests are welcome to take a leisurely stroll around the grounds and enjoy a luxury cruise or dinner. The sunset is something Saki Shibata will surely never forget. Air Date: November 25, 2021 / 9:00-10:00   Where do you want to travel in Japan once the world settles down?

Miss Dior, the fragrance and maison first started in 1947, is being reborn thanks to Dior perfume creator Francois Demachy.   A new MISS DIOR art event will be held to commemorate the new fragrance, inheriting the art and passion for women that inspired Monsieur Dior himself. Reservations are now open for the AS SEEN BY exhibition, held alongside the MISS DOOR MILLEFIORI GARDEN pop up store between September 1 and 12, 2021, at THE MASS/BA-TSU ART GALLERY/STANDBY in Omotesando, Tokyo.

Kojin Haruka: Reflectwo for Miss Dior 2021

Pop Up Store MISS DIOR MILLEFIORI GARDEN

  The AS SEEN BY exhibition, held in Tokyo and several cities around the world, will feature MISS DIOR inspired artwork and creations from 10 female artists, including visual artist Kojin Haruka, sculptor Donna Ingrid, and designer Sabine Marcelis.   Experience the renewed MISS DIOR at the MISS DIOR MILLEFIORI GARDEN pop up store, where you can try the new Au De Perfume and it's personalization service, alongside limited cosmetics that were inspired by the new fragrance.   Those who attend the MISS DIOR event will also be able to enjoy the guest-only cafe, which features Laudrée collaboration macaroons, with the original flavors each lined up in a package reminiscent of the colorful flowers at the MISS DIOR art event. Plus, a limited takeaway drink will be available at the exhibition cafe, allowing you to bask in the afterglow of the event even after exiting the venue. In addition, customers who connect their reservation to the official MISS DIOR Beauty LINE account will receive a free original tote bag.   A special film that delves into the history and charm of MSS DIOR will be screened at the exhibition, narrated by DIOR beauty ambassador Yoshizawa Ryo, who will guide you through the glamorous world of MISS DIOR.   You mustn't miss the livestream with DIOR ambassador Araki Yuko, who will be attending the event via livestream to introduce the wonders of the new MISS DIOR. The stream will start on August 31 at 20:30.   Why not check out this flower-filled event where you can immerse yourself in the world of MISS DIOR for yourself?

VMG HOTELS & UNIQUE VENUES has renovated a four-room building located inside the Iga-based ryokan NIPPONIA HOTEL IGAUENO JOKAMACHI and transformed it into a new accommodation called MITAKE. The new building opened on May 1, 2021.   The ryokan is located in the former castle town shitamachi area of Iga Ueno Castle in Mie Prefecture's city of Iga. The city is a hub of historical architecture with countless buildings left over from multiple periods including Edo, Meiji, Taisho, and Showa. Its historical value earned it a spot on the 20th Century Heritage List carried out by ICOMOS. However, more and more buildings are becoming vacant in the city due to a decrease in its population in recent years, leading to many of these traditional sites being unused. This is where the idea to open MITAKE came from as part of an effort to renovate historical buildings and townhouses.The two-storey building exterior has polearm-shaped ultra-fine lattice windows. It has also kept the same wood that was used at the time of its building during the early Meiji Period. It was originally preserved as a centre for the future of traditional townhouses but management by NOTE eventually ceased. It is now managed by VMG.All guest rooms have the original exteriors and beams preserved but have been given a modern touch with new furnishings to create a sophisticated combination of old and new. All necessary social distancing and COVID-19 precautions are being carried out at the hotel and new building.

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/

Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park is set to host an autumn illumination event from November 14 to 29 where around 500 individual trees of 20 species will be lit up with beautiful lights. The best time to see the park's autumn colours is dated at November 20. Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park opened as Japan's first national government park in 1974. This enormous park spans 5km between its north and south entrances. It's home to many fun family activities including trampolines, an athletic course, and more. It also offers gorgeous natural scenery throughout the year.  

500 maple trees lit up at night

The park will be open in the evenings for this event when red, yellow, and orange maple trees will be illuminated in breathtaking lights. There will also be art installation illuminations for visitors to enjoy too.