Mother’s Day is a celebration of expressing gratitude to mothers who work so hard every day. The date on which Mother’s Day falls differs from country to country, but in Japan it falls on the second Sunday of May; this year it’s May 13^th.

Have you decided on a present for Mother’s Day yet?

Let’s take a look at some perfect gifts you can get in Japan for this special day, from confectioneries to flowers.

Flower Miffy

Flower Miffy is a flower shop inspired by the popular picture book series Miffy. The store is introducing some original gift sets just for Mother’s Day!

The cute planser can be utilized in many ways – you can even use the pot for bits ‘n’ bobs and the tray for accessories. The set comes with the classic choice of carnations, and there’s another set of pink preserved flowers too. This is a great choice for changing up your flower gift.

RIHGA Royal Hotel – “Mother’s Bouquet”

The “Mother’s Bouquet” looks just like a florid bunch of flowers, but it’s in fact a delicately designed delectable cake. The bottom of the bouquet, which is made of chocolate, contains hidden fresh strawberries. Together with the bite-size “Merci Maman” confectioneries, this special offer is available for Mother’s Day only. It might be fun to surprise your mother with this ‘bouquet’ as a present.

“Petit Bisou” – Decoration Cupcakes

Petit Bisou in Ashiya sells cupcakes and baked sweets. Over on their online shop, they’re selling close to 100 different varieties of sweets and desserts. Among them – cupcakes decorated with flowers, a hugely popular gift item with female customers. For Mother’s Day, they are also selling cookie sets with “Thank You, Mother” written in Japanese!

“Donguri Kyowakoku” – Studio Ghibli Character Flower Gifts

Flowers delivered directly to homes is a popular gift every year on Mother’s Day, and Donguri Kyowakoku, a store that sells Studio Ghibli character merchandise, are doing just both instore and via their online shop “Sora no Ue.” Popular Ghibli characters such as Totoro, Cat Bus, Jiji from Kiki’s Delivery Service will be made into cute planters. As well as flower gifts, the store is also selling two different tea sets this year that come with tea and a glass mug.

“PSYCHE&” × “SABON” – Mother’s Day Gifts

An arrangement of carnations co-ordinated in natural and gentle colours by PSYCHE& and a rose and lavender hand cream by SABON are being released as a set for Mother’s Day. This special gift invigorates through “sight, smell and touch.” This sincere gift is great for busy, hardworking mothers.

Be sure to send your mother a wonderful present full of love this Mother’s Day.

Cafés and menus collaborated with popular characters in Japan are gathering much attention these days. In this article, I will introduce to you some recommended collaboration cafes/menus available on April 2018.

Rilakkuma×Seibu Ikebukuro

“Rilakkuma Town Café” will be opened for a limited time offer along with the 15^th anniversary exhibition “Rilakkuma Towne Yokoso”

Photogenic collaboration menus and original goods will be sold. The interiors of the shop using the illustrations of cute Rilakkuma and limited items are awesome!

Detailed information：

Pomupomupurin’s birthday menus

The four Pompompurin Cafe branches in Harajuku, Umeda, Yokohama and Nagoya are introducing a special birthday menu to celebrate the popular Sanrio character’s birthday. With the tasty meal you’ll receive warm and fluffy Pompompurin rice, plump roast chicken and mash potato made to look like Muffin. You can also get a gift box with a red ribbon! Those who eat a meal at one of the cafes will receive a postcard with a limited-edition birthday design and a pin badge! But be quick, because there’s only a limited amount available

Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/98186

Alice in Wonderland × Restaurant Mangiare Odaiba

The Italian restaurant Mangiare in Odaiba has announced that it will serve up a limited-edition Alice in Wonderland themed lunch for 4 days. The Alice Sweet Palette Lunch Course will be available on April 29^th, April 30^th, May 5^th and May 6^th for ¥3,500. The three-course meal is made up of an hors d’oeuvre containing plenty of organic vegetables grown in mineral-rich red soil, a selection of entrées including seasonal soup and one of either pasta, meat or fish, and a specially made Alice-inspired photogenic dessert palette to top it all off.

Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/96502

Neko no Gohanyasan × Cute Cube Harajuku

Rather than being character-themed, this collaboration café incorporates the theme of “headwear for cats”, creating an entirely new kind of collaboration café called “Neko no Kaburimono” (Cats in headwear). Cat photographer Sakura Ishihara has displayed numerous photographs of adorable cats wearing headwear. There is not a single real cat at the exhibition so those who are allergic to cats can also enjoy this exhibition.

Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/99802

Bonobono × TOWER RECORDS CAFÉ

Tower Records are launching round two of their collaboration project with popular anime “Bonobono” which is currently broadcasted by the television station Fuji TV. The cute collaboration menu is themed around Easter. There are 11 collaboration goods and extras for customers to enjoy. Now let’s take a look at a few items on the menu!

Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/99796

Sailor Moon × My Melody – Candy Parlor

Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon and My Melody are teaming up to open a collaborative café called Sailor Moon × My Melody Candy Parlor for a limited period in Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo and Nagoya. See everybody’s favourite magical girls and Sanrio’s popular character come to life in the form of food, sweets and drinks served only at this café.

Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/90049

Harapeko Aomushi × MARRONNIER GATE GINZA

The world of “Harapeko Aomushi (The Very Hungry Caterpillar), one of the most loved picture books in the world, will become a café. The café is open from the 18^th of January 2018 (Thurs.) in Ginza for a limited time offer! The items on the menu of the café will include French toast, omelet rice, Hamburger and pasta which everybody likes.

The healthy menu items will use lots of fresh and colorful vegetables which is for sure to make customers happy.

Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/84934

Sanrio Characters × Dining Park Ikebukuro

Sanrio Characters Lovely Café” where popular Sanrio characters from back in the 80’s will gather, is open at “Dining Park Ikebukuro” located on the 8F of Nishi Ikebukuro Honten, close to the east exit of Ikebukuro Station. It is be opened from the 31^st of January (Wed.) to the 17^th of April (Tue.). Original menu items of the good-old characters will be sold.

Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88086

How did you like our collaboration cafés/menus recommendation? Why not visit one of the cafes introduced in this article?

Hi, everyone. I’m Shiota, the director of the MOSHI MOSHI BOX.

This is the second entry to our already-popular series where we ask questions to 100 foreigners. We give questionnaires about Japan to foreign tourists that come into the MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center.

The 2nd question we asked people was “Where are you heading to next in Tokyo?” Let’s take a look at the answers!

1st Place: Shibuya (34 Votes)
The most popular answer was Shibuya, which got more than double that of the 2nd place rank. It’s common to see lots of foreign tourists taking photos of Shibuya’s famous Scramble Crossing. In the questionnaire answers, a lot of people were planning to go there for fashion and shopping.

I really love shopping. ―Karymoon, Mexico

・I’ve always wanted to try going to 109! I love fashion. ―Brigitte, France
・I’m off to buy clothes. If you’re going from Harajuku you can walk there [Shibuya] and stroll while window shopping. ―liu, China

2nd Place: Asakusa (13 Votes)
Asakusa is popular for its traditional townscape. There was an overwhelming number of people on their way to Sensou-ji Temple. Asakusa is a great for accessing other great sightseeing spots too like Skytree and Ueno.

I want to see the beautiful, traditional streets. ―Anonymous, US

・I’m collecting goshuin from shrines, so I’m going to the famous temple of Asakusa. ―LEE SUU JUNG, Taiwan
・I like the traditional culture of Japan. I go to Asakusa every time I come to Japan. ―Anonymous, US

3rd Place: Ueno (12 Votes)
Coming close to a tie with Asakusa is Ueno. Ueno is filled with lots of fun places to visit, like museums and the zoo, making it a great place to spend the day.

I heard that the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park are beautiful, so I’m going to go there. ―Celine, France

・I’m thinking about going to the zoo and Ueno Park. ―Kati, Australia
・I like pandas, so I’m going to go and see Ueno Zoo. ―Bianca, Italy

Other Answers:

Akihabara
I love anime! If we’re talking anime merchandise, then it’s “Akiba,” right? ―Jackson, UK

Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro is the haven for female otaku. It’s also the best since there are so many cosplay events there. ―Anonymous, US

Ginza
I like the stylish streets. I’m gonna go there to shop. ―Adre, Portgual

Tsukiji
I love sushi! I’m going to go and eat delicious sashimi at Tsukiji. I want to experience the unique atmosphere too.

Shinjuku
I’m going to the big UNIQLO, museum and Hanazono Shrine found only in Shinjuku. ―Anonymous, Australia

Tokyo Tower
It looks fun. It’s a famous place in Japan, isn’t it? ―Sue, US

Did you enjoy this questionnaire? Travelers have a surprisingly similar mindset to that of Japanese people when it comes to having fun in Tokyo.

If you have any questions about anything or topics you want us to cover then please send us a message on our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/msmsnippon/

We’ll continue to hold more questionnaires with foreign tourists at the MOSHI MOSHI BOX, so be sure to drop by to see us if you’re in Harajuku!

As well as being a hub for shopping, Odaiba is a popular sightseeing destination. It’s seen as being a little far from central Tokyo, but you can in fact arrive there in about 20 minutes from Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Here are 6 locations in Odaiba that we recommend for foreign tourists. Be sure to take note if you’re planning a trip there!

愛緒唯さん(@_aoooooi)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 4, 2018 at 6:18午前 PDT

AQUA CiTY ODAIBA

This is Odaiba’s huge shopping complex. There’s a huge range of facilities to be found there, including a shrine, ramen, 4DX® and much more. One place you mustn’t forget to visit is Odaiba’s “Statue of Liberty” which has become a famous photo spot. It’s relatively smaller compared to the one in New York and the replica in Paris, but you’ll still see a lot of people snapping pictures.

yuko888さん(@yuko__888)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 11, 2017 at 3:20午前 PDT

Odaiba Tourist Information Center
At this information center you will find a realistic looking android by the name of Chihira Junko. She is 26-years-old, was born on June 1^st and comes in at 165cm tall. This is the only place in the world with an android permanently set up at a tourist information center. She speaks Japanese, English and Chinese.

澤田 清仁さん(@kiyoto.sawada)がシェアした投稿 – 3月 29, 2018 at 10:00午後 PDT

Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai
Ramen is a popular food in Japan as we discovered in our questionnaire held at the MOSHI MOSHI BOX on people’s favourite Japanese food. Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai is a collection of six famous ramen restaurants from around Japan that are popular both in Japan and overseas. They serve up an original menu that you can’t taste anywhere else.

Pamella Alferesさん(@pamellaalferes)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 3, 2018 at 5:22午前 PDT

Ｈello Kitty Japan
This shop serves up a compelling collaboration between the Japanese style and Sanrio characters. It’s lined with merchandise of popular characters from Hello Kitty to Gudetama and beyond. They also sell kawaii sweets inspired by the characters in the sweets corner of their eat-in section♡

内原 正詞さん(@famikisha7307)がシェアした投稿 – 4月 2, 2018 at 8:08午前 PDT

Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam – THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO
THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO is an official Gunpla store aimed at Gunpla fans worldwide. You can enjoy Gunpla to the absolute max by buying, using, looking and learning. On the first floor there’s also a gigantic life-sized Unicorn Gundam towering at 19.7m high. Its knees and shoulders move, and it even lights up. In the evening, the statue and screen at the back showcase scenes from the anime series.

yumika☺︎✴︎さん(@ymk_28)がシェアした投稿 – 2月 19, 2018 at 7:52午前 PST

Madame Tussauds Tokyo
Madame Tussauds Tokyo is home to over 60 realistic life-sized statues of world famous stars and celebrities from Hollywood stars to musicians, historical figures, sportsmen – the list goes on. You can take a picture with the figures on show and you can also make a giant figure of your own hand.

Did you like our pick?

Odaiba has so many things for you to see in one day, so make sure to visit all its great spots!

Cherry blossoms are about to bloom! In this article, I will introduce to you some recommended “cherry blossom festivals.”

Nagano Prefecture “Takatoo Sakura (cherry blossom) Matsuri (festival)”

“Takato Sakura Matsuri” is an annual spring festival held in Nagano Prefecture to which about 200 thousand tourists gather. Inashi Sightseeing Committee is now holding “SAKURA-genic Instagram Present Campaign” (until the 30^th of April (Mon.)) where the participants can win prizes like lodging tickets and local food items by following the festival’s official account or by sharing photos of cherry blossoms using your Instagram account. Takato Sakura Matsuri is held in Takato Joshi Park in Inahi, Nagano Prefecture from the 1^st of April to the 30^th of April every year. There are about 1,500 cherry trees planted inside the park and it is known as one of the 3 most famous cherry blossom-viewing spots in Japan.

Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/94437

Tokyo Nihonbashi “Nihonbashi Sakura Festival”

 “Nihonbashi Sakura Festival Planning Committee” will hold an early cherry-blossom viewing event called “Nihonbashi Sakura Festival ～Aratani Deau, Nihonbashi, Yaesu, Kyobashi～” in the Nihonbashi area of Tokyo from the 16^th of March 2018 (Fri.) to the 15^th of April (Sun.). Nihonbashi has many beauty spots where cherry blossoms can be viewed such as Edozakura Street and Hamamachi Ryokudo. The event counts the 5^th time this year and this year it will be held with the theme of “Artistic ni Tanoshimu Haru (enjoying spring in an artistic manner).” An artistic cherry-blossom viewing experience using the motifs of Edo Period’s art paper cutouts, an eating binge program with the theme of cherry blossoms and some linkage art events like music festivals and exhibitions will be held.

Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88158

Tokyo Nihonbashi “Edo Sakura Matsuri”

Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store will hold “Edo Sakura Maturi” from the 21^st of March (Wed. – holiday) to the 3^rd of April (Tue.). Various kinds of items using the motifs of cherry blossoms will be sold in all floors including the food area in B1F in accordance of the blooming of cherry blossoms in Nihonbashi’s famous spots such as “Edo Sakura Street” and “Nihonbashi Sakura Street.” This is a cherry blossom festival where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo Period.

 Tokyo Midtown “CHANDON Blossom Lounge”

Tokyo Midtown will open “CHANDON Blossom Lounge” where stylish food items as well as premium-quality sparkling wine produced in Australia named CHANDON will be offered. You can enjoy the spring season’s special food while viewing the cherry blossom road of Tokyo Midtown and enjoy the mystical world of the limited-time-offer bottle of wine named, “CHANDON ROSÉ BY TOMOYUKI YONEZU 2018.” Let’s enjoy the sparkling wine and the view of cherry blossoms.

Tokyo/Kotoku “14^th Oedo Fukagawa Sakura Matsuri”

“Oedo Fukagawa Matsuri” where you can view cherry blossoms while riding on a boat is known as the seasonal festival of Monzennakacho. About 270 Someiyoshino Cherry Blossoms planted along Oyoko River located to the south of Monzennakacho Station can be viewed from late March to early April. The cherry trees along Oyoko River arch out over the surface of the river making for a cherry blossom tunnel. You will surely feel like you have been transported back to the Edo Period by riding on a boat while viewing cherry blossoms at nighttime.

Fukui Prefecture “8^th Echizen Togei Mura Shidare Zakura Matsuri”

Many kinds of stores selling potteries, wooden items, glass items, cloth sundries and accessories will be sold at “Echizen Togei Mura Shidare Zakura Matsuri” which will be held at Echizen Togei Village. Plus, 17 artisans who make potteries will gather at the venue and 34 workshops where you can create your own item will be available. Let’s enjoy this “experience- based” festival inside the artistic park.

How did you like our cherry blossom festival recommendation? Why not visit one of the cherry blossom festivals introduced in this article and experience the highlight of Japan’s spring season.

It’s still pretty chilly outside, isn’t it? Let’s take a look at locations around Japan where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms while taking a dip in the onsen (hot spring). Being able to enjoy hanami while bathing in the hot water is really a luxurious experience – it’s something everyone should try.

Ayumi Watanabeさん(@op_n_tetsuo)がシェアした投稿 – 11月 20, 2016 at 4:49午前 PST

“Marumine Kanko Hotel” – Fukushima Prefecture

The best part about this hotel is undoubtedly their large baths with a great view! The breathtaking panoramic view from their hot springs allows for you to enjoy gorgeous sights from season to season. Their open-air baths, which are perfect for the beautiful cherry blossom season, have separate impressive themes and designs for males and females. They also have rooms that come with their own open-air baths aimed at couples and families too.

Wataru Inoueさん(@watapoiktm)がシェアした投稿 – 9月 24, 2017 at 12:08午前 PDT

“Kinranso Hanayama” – Fukushima Prefecture

You can enjoy the taking a dip in an open-air bath designed like a houseboat while soaking up the view of lush nature surrounding you. Kinranso Hanayama’s unusual baths are truly a sight to see. The baths are one with nature and offer an extraordinary experience.

mariさん(@h.s.mm.r)がシェアした投稿 – 6月 3, 2017 at 1:02午前 PDT

“Fuga No Yado Chouseikan” – Niigata Prefecture

This hot spring has a lot of history and has been known in the area since long ago. It opened 700 years ago and is a hot spring where you can naturally feel both nature and history. When the flowers are in full bloom, large cherry blossom trees fill your vision and spellbind you without you even realising.

🌺🌴🌈↞ ｋｏｔｏ ↠🌈🌴🌺さん(@kochaaaan_)がシェアした投稿 – 11月 22, 2015 at 6:19午前 PST

“Yukemuri-no-Sato Kashiwaya” – Tochigi Prefecture

This hotel has 4 open-air baths, all of which are filled with healing water and all of which immerse you Tochigi’s lavish nature. There are separate designs for the male and female baths that are a lot of fun. Two of the open-air baths that can be reserved have giant windows with a panoramic view, allowing you to enjoy the outdoor sights to your heart’s content.

Tatsuya Satoさん(@tatsukochin)がシェアした投稿 – 7月 21, 2017 at 11:26午後 PDT

“Hotel Kaminoyu Hot Spring” – Yamanashi Prefecture

This large public bath house has a whopping 7 different baths, meaning you can find and pick which one you like the most. This site also has the second largest tarufuro, a type of wooden barrel bath. What’s more is that you can experience Mount Fuji, a starry sky and cherry blossoms at night – all at once! This one sure is luxurious.

水谷隆寛さん(@10912_taka_0469)がシェアした投稿 – 3月 20, 2018 at 3:23午前 PDT

“Bosenkan” – Gifu Prefecture

The word “river” makes up part of the name of this hotel, referring to the existence of the nearby river that you can experience. The hotel offers a variety of plans, including one for couples as well as relaxation plan, both of which are popular. For meals, you can enjoy local beef from the city of Hida, koshihikari rice that is cultivated in Gifu’s Maze River which was selected as Japan’s best clear stream, and more. The international hit movie Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) was even the city of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. Definitely take a trip here.

sum178さん(@sum178)がシェアした投稿 – 3月 26, 2016 at 4:22午後 PDT

“Asanoya” – Hyogo Prefecture

There are two open-air baths at this hotel: “Hikoboshi” (Altair) and “Orihime” (Vega). In the women’s bath, Orihime, large cherry trees bloom gracefully overhead. The hotel also has baths for couples and families that can be reserved. They even have footbaths, so it might be nice to stop by on your way back from sightseeing to heal up those weary feet.

Did you enjoy this list? Be sure to treat yourself to some self-indulging time at one of Japan’s many hot spring locations.