Tokyo Winter Illuminations 2018 – Shinjuku Minamilumi Illuminations to Return to Shinjuku Station South Exit
The Shinjuku Minamilumi illuminations are making their sixth return to the south exit of Shinjuku Station again this year from November 14.
“Minamilumi” is a portmanteau of minami no illumination (‘south illuminations’) and minna de miru illumination (‘illuminations to watch with everyone’).
Each pedestrian area around the south exit will be decorated with different illuminations. Full details for each illumination exhibition will be available from October.
Each location is within walking distance from the other, so you can spend a nice relaxing time strolling and seeing the different lights that will welcome the winter. Mark it in your diary and be sure to see them all.
■Information
Shinjuku Minamilumi Illuminations
Areas: Shinjuku Southern Terrace / Takashiyama Times Square / Shinjuku Maynds Tower / JR South Shinjuku Bldg. / JR Shinjuku Miraina Tower / Suica’s Penguin Park
Closest Stations: Shinjuku Station (JR Line, Odakyu Line, Keio Line, Toei Shinjuku Line, Oedo Line) / Shinjuku-Sanchome Station (Fukutoshin Line)
Running: November 14, 2018 – January 14, 2019
Illumination Times: 5:00pm-12:00am
*4:30pm-12:00am in December.
*Illumination areas, content and details subject to change.
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Japan's biggest VR entertainment facility VR ZONE SHINJUKU introduced Dragon Quest VR to its establishment on April 27, 2018. An opening event was held prior to its introduction on April 25 to up the excitement.
Taking to the stage at the opening event was Square Enix producer Ryutaro Ichimura, Takamasa Hamano of Bandai Namco Amusement, and Yuji Horii, the creator of Dragon Quest. Horii spoke joyfully, saying "It's been 30 years since Dragon Quest was born. This world that is laid before me is something out of a dream."
The centre tree in the middle of the venue illuminated with the shout of Lynn. Projection mapping was used to display Yggdrasil, a quintessential sight of the Dragon Quest series.
Guests were able to get involved in VR activities after the stage talks. The moment everyone hooked themselves up to the VR they were blown away by how much it looked like they were in the world of Dragon Quest, and how expansive the green plains were.
If you're a Dragon Quest fan then enter the world yourself with Dragon Quest VR at VE ZONE SHINJUKU!
■Information
Dragon Quest VR
Address: VR ZONE SHINJUKU, 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku
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This is Yuri ‘Yurippa’ Suganuma’s featured article series in which she takes us on her adventures to cultivate new hobbies.
Yurippa has been interested in photography for some time now, but she’s been unsure which camera she should buy. So, she decided to head to some used camera stores, Lucky Camera Shop andChuko Camera Box in Shinjuku to find the perfect camera that best suits her. Was she able to find the right one...? Let’s find out!
The first place Yurippa stopped by was Lucky Camera Shop. It’s located next to Isetan Shinjuku and has a kind of foreign, non-Japanese air to it. When Yurippa saw the eye-catching red exterior of the shop, it was loved at first sight. In any case, time to head in!
The store is lined with cameras made in lots of different countries including Japan, Germany and the US. Lucky Camera Shop puts a lot of effort into stocking foreign-made cameras and mechanical cameras with everything built in. They have a varied line-up, including famous Leica cameras.
The Leica parts were all expensive – the bodies and lenses were both over ¥100,000 ($915)!
Yurippa was shown a camera she was interested in from inside the showcase. The left was a single-lens reflex Olympus OM-1 and the right was a Barnack Leica. 35mm films are all the rage right now, and these were some of the first models to use them. Both are at a nice, compact size.
Yurippa was blown away looking through the viewfinder of the Olympus OM-1. ‘You can see things easily, so much so that everything looks even more beautiful through the viewfinder!’ she said.
Next, Yurippa also tried the Barnack Leica. It’s a valuable camera that has you feeling a little nervous touching it. She said surprised at how quiet the shutter was, to which the shop assistant explained, “This is a different single-lens reflex to that of the OM-1. There’s no mirror inside so the shutter is quiet.” Yurippa learned much about how cameras are put together differently, as well as the diverse number of types available.
■Information
Lucky Camera Shop
Address: Gomeikan Bldg. 1F, 3-3-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3354-7898
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
Access: 5-minutes on foot from JR Shinjuku Station / 1-minute on foot from Shinjuku Sanchome Station
Website: http://lucky-camera.com/
The next shop Yurippa headed to was Chuko Camera Box. It’s a used camera store located along Shinjuku Electric Street (Shinjuku Denki-gai). The showcase is crowded with cameras, and the shop has an atmosphere to it like a secret hideout.
“It’d be great to have a camera that’s small and easy to use. One that I can take out and snap a photo with straight away. That’d definitely be fun!” said Yurippa while looking in earnest for a camera.
She continued to search with these keywords in mind, focusing on auto-focus film compact cameras. And then, she found it. In her hands was the Genba Kantoku from Konica. You can snap a photo just by pressing the shutter. It has auto-focus, flash and auto-load. “It’s a little big, but it’s affordable and seems easy to use!”
Chuko Camera Box is famous for its friendly store clerk and regular customers. Yurippa learned that the Genba Kantoku was formerly used for recording at construction sites. It’s durable and can get wet or be dropped and has an excellent lens. She’s finally made her purchase!
■Information
Chuko Camera Box
Address: 1-13-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5339-2701
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:30
Access: 2-minutes on foot from Shinjuku Station
Website: http://camerabox.web.fc2.com
Yurippa loaded her Genba Kantoku right away with 35mm film. Simply take out the film tip and close it on its back. Film cameras can seem tricky, but there are easy-to-use ones like this too!
Yurippa was hugely satisfied finally getting her hands on her long-sought film camera. In the second part of this article, she will develop and print the photos that she has taken with her Genba Kantoku at a photo shop.
How about getting yourself your own film camera and to start up photography yourself?
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Model: Yuri Suganuma @yurippa93
Yuri Suganuma is a model with a high fashion sense that has been picked up by various magazines. She receives much love and support from girls of the same generation as her to whom she is known by her nickname “Yurippa.” She has a huge influence across her social media. Recently, she has stepped into other fields outside of modelling, such as appearing in TV shoots and in music videos. She is skilled in make-up and involved in the development of cosmetics.
Photographer & Writer: Haruka Yamamoto
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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Sanrio Puroland is a theme park where you can meet some of the world's most iconic characters including Hello Kitty and My Melody.
The closest station to the park is Tama-Center Station which is often perceived as being quite a trip, but it's very easy to get to. Just hop on the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station and it's just one stop. It takes about 35-minutes.
If you're planning a trip to Sanrio Puroland, then consider the new ticket set that's coming out on April 1, 2018. The super affordable Odakyu Sanrio Puroland Tour contains both a round-trip train ticket as well as a passport ticket into Puroland.
The tour can be paid for at the Odakyu Travel Center in Shinjuku Station's West Hub, which was refurbished this month.
Have a fun trip and affordable trip to Sanrio Puroland with this new ticket set!
■InformationOdakyu Sanrio Puroland Tour
On Sale: April 1, 2018
Location: Odakyu Travel Center Shinjuku West Hub, Hakone Tabi Ichiba*Near Odakyu Line ticket gates at Shinjuku Station West
Price: Adults (18 years and above) ¥3,200 / Children (3-17 years) ¥2,400
Website: https://www.puroland.jp
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There are plenty of events going on in Tokyo to celebrate the holiday season, but this one might be the most peculiar. Elemis, a skincare brand from England, has teamed up with bus operator Upstar for Japan’s first bus tour featuring afternoon tea! This extremely limited event will drive guests around the city to see some of the most impressive Christmas lights in Shibuya, Roppongi, Omotesando, and other spots. Only 60 seats are available each day and the bus will run from December 1 until December 25, 2022.
5 Unique Features of the Elemis Special Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
① Enjoy a Special Christmas Afternoon Tea Menu by ElemisA special Christmas menu will be available on board, including a Santa Claus shortcake and a party popper-inspired sandwich.② Travel on a Bus Filled with Elemis Christmas DecorationsInside the bus, guests can enjoy fir trees and original decorations inspired by the Elemis holiday collection! ③ Best-Selling Elemis Goods will be Gifted to Guests!Guests will receive a trial size of Elemis’ best-selling Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm as a Christmas present! ④ A Special Gift Campaign will run from November 15 until December 25Prior to the start of the bus tour, a campaign will be held on Instagram and Twitter. Winners will snag tickets for the bus tour and an Elemis makeup set worth over $12,000! ⑤ Travel on a Special Route to Enjoy Tokyo’s Christmas Lights!The bus tour will take visitors to some of Tokyo’s best Christmas locales, from Shibuya and Omotesando to Keyakizaka and Roppongi. The 90-minute journey starts and ends in Omotesando. How would you like to enjoy Tokyo’s Christmas lights on a British bus enjoying some of the best beauty products on Earth? Get into the holiday spirit with this unusual and unique tour! Information
Elemis Christmas Afternoon Tea
Running: December 1 – December 25, 2022 *Not running December 12, 13
Times:
1st Service / 15:00~16:30
2nd Service / 17:00-18:30
3rd Service / 19:00-20:30Length: 90 minutes
Departure Point: In front of the Shioda Building (5-10 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Price: ¥6,800 (Adults, Tax Included) / ¥3,000 (Children, Tax Included)
Reservations: https://www.upstar-londonbus-travellingnewtokyo.com/booking
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Japan’s largest sake event, TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL 2022, will run from October 4 until October 6 at the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building’s Triangle Square. The event’s aim is to make sake more mainstream around the world, with the first festival taking place in 2020. Tokyo Sake Festival blends sake with entertainment, showing off the very best of Japanese culture to those who may be new to craft sake. For the third year, former NMB48 member Yui Takano will serve as ambassador. Takano is known for leaving her idol career to manage the sake specialty store Yui Sake Shop. Tokyo Sake Festival 2022 is bringing together forty carefully selected sake breweries from around Japan, including Inoue Seikichi, winner of the Champion Sake award at IWC 2022. Tonoike Sake Brewery, winner of Kura Master 2022’s President’s Award, will also be in attendance. The full lineup can be found on the official website. Popular influencers and artists from Raphael to BOYS AND MEN and Ukon Takafuji will take the stage during the event, so be sure to swing by if you’re a fan of Japanese spirits!
Information
TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL 2022
Dates:
October 4: Part 1 13:30-16:30 / Part 2 18:00-21:00
October 5: Part 1 13:30-16:30 / Part 2 18:00-21:00
October 6: 16:00-19:00
Venue: Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Square
(2-6-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)Buy Tickets/Details: https://tokyosakefestival.bitfan.id/
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To celebrate the debut of Dev-c, the new VTuber unit from VEE, a giant ad has appeared in Shinjuku Station! Fans should head to the Promenade connecting Shinjuku Station to Shinjuku 3-come from September 5 until September 11 to catch a glimpse of these new talents!
The ad shows Uriyone, Anew Uparu, Cotonoha, Luminous Sweet, and Aomiya Yozuri strolling down a Tokyo street. Spread out behind them are images of the members of Dev-a and Dev-b, who previously debuted. VEE has managed to bring together some incredible talents so far. On the right side, fans will see Dev-c’s key visual and a message from VEE to fans, so if you’re near Shinjuku, be sure to check it out! Information
Dev-c Billboard Celebrating the Group’s Debut
On Display: September 5 – September 11, 2022
Location: Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Station – Promenade Area
Official Site: https://vee-official.jp/
*To prevent the spread of COVID-19, try to social distance and enjoy responsibly.
*Please do not contact station staff regarding the billboard. -
From September 1 until October 31, the District Brasserie, Bar, and Lounge at the Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo will be offering a spooky Halloween-themed afternoon tea set. The tasty treats won’t be the only scary thing on the plate–the event will incorporate AR technology! By holding up your phone, you’ll be able to see monsters moving around on your plate.
The goodies will also be available for take-out, making them perfect for souvenirs or at-home Halloween parties! Nine types of Halloween sweets, six small dishes, and two tea sachets will be included. Why not spend Halloween in a more elegant way in 2022? Information
Kimpton Halloween MONSBLANC Afternoon Tea
Running: September 1 – October 31, 2022
Hours: 11:30-17:00 (Last Order at 15:00), 2-hour seatings
*Reservations must be made by 16:00 on the previous day.
Venue: Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, District Brasserie, Bar, and Lounge
Reservations/Details: https://bit.ly/3Qi5d3KOfficial Site: https://www.kimptonshinjuku.com/jp/
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Have you ever heard of Pickles the Frog? The adorable plush has become popular enough to inspire his own collaboration cafe in Shinjuku from May 25 until June 6! A special menu will be available at Brilliant Cafe located on the 11th floor of the Odakyu Department Store.
Green Curry Plate
Birthday Cake Plate
Fruit Tea Soda Float
As part of Pickle the Frog’s birthday celebration, the cafe will feature a limited menu of three delectable items. Why not come celebrate Pickle’s special day on June 1? A pop-up shop will also be opened soon, so keep an eye out!Information
Pickles the Frog x Brilliant Cafe
Running: May 25 – June 6, 2022
Venue: Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku 11F (1-1-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo) -
Popular on LINE and other texting apps and illustrated by Jyuuno, mofusand is a curious collection of cute and slightly surreal cats. As with most things that go viral in Japan, these adorable characters will be featured in a themed cafe for a limited time! The Tokyo location will open on May 19 and the Osaka location will welcome visitors starting May 26, 2022.
Cafe Visitor Bonus: Sticker (6 varieties)
Drink Order Bonus: Coaster (6 varieties)
Menu
Fried Shrimp Sandwich Plate
Grilled Vegetable Curry
Nyanko Burger
Salmon Mentaiko Cream Pasta
Taiyaki
Nyanko Parfait
Black Cat Pancake
Nyan Lime Nata de Coco
Green Nyanko Float / Yello Nyanko Float / Blue Nyanko Float
Nyanko Cafe Latte / Nyanko Milk Tea
Merchandise
Sticker
Clear Folder
All menu items draw inspiration from the many mofusand characters and are perfect for posting on social media! Special bonuses will be given to those visiting the cafe and making select purchases, and a merchandise corner will be selling limited-edition goods featuring new artwork! ©mofusandInformation
mofusand cafe
Venue/Dates:
TokyoBOX cafe&space Shinjuku Mylord #2
May 19 – July 10, 2022
Shinjuku Mylord 7F (1-1-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Osakakawara CAFE&DINING Shinsaibashi
May 26 – June 19, 2022
Shinsaibashi Opa 9F (1-4-3 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka)Reservations / Official Site: https://mofusand-cafe.jp
mofusand cafe Official Twitter: @mofusand_cafe