In the Tokyo Stroll series, we take you on a trip to various locations around Japan’s capital. One of the frequent locations are shrines where our navigator Ellie adds to her goshuin collection.
Today, Ellie visits Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku which is famous as the place where the Tori no Ichi Festival is held, an open-air market that takes place every November.
The closest station to Hanazono Shrine is Shinjuku-Sanchome Station. The shrine is within mere seconds’ walking distance from the station’s E2 exit. An alternative route is from Shinjuku Station from which it is just a 7-minute walk. The shrine is smack in the middle of Shinjuku and near the Shinjuku City Office and Shinjuku Golden Gai.
Hanazono Shrine has been the tutelary shrine of Shinjuku since Tokugawa Ieyasu and the shogunate ushered in the Edo Period. It was originally located where Isetan Shinjuku stands today but was moved in the early years of the Edo Period to part of the garden belonging to the suburban residence of the daimyo of the Tokugawa Gosanke. It is there that many flowers bloomed into a beautiful flower garden which is where the shrine’s name originates – Hanazono Jinja (“Flower Garden Shrine”). Since then it became a place where many come to gather and worship the shrine as the protector and flourisher of Shinjuku.
Before heading to the main shrine to pray be sure to cleanse yourself beforehand at the chozuya (also known as temizuya). Firstly, take the ladle with your right hand, scoop up plenty of water, and rinse your left hand.
Next, switch hands. Hold the ladle with your left hand and rinse your right.
Then take the ladle with your right hand once more, pour some water into your left hand and rinse your mouth. Never bring the ladle directly to your mouth, and do not swallow the water or spit it back into the basin. There will be an area below the basin, like a bed of rocks, where you can spit the water out.
After rinsing your left hand one more time, use the pour remaining water to cleanse the handle of the ladle before returning it for the next person to use.
Uga-no-Mitama-no-kami, Yamato Takeru and Uke Mochi are those enshrined at Hanazono Shrine. Uga-no-Mitama-no-kami is associated with food and agriculture while Uke Mochi is the goddess of food. Yamato Takeru is associated with success, fortune, and family and company prosperity amongst other things. The famous Tori no Ichi Festival held at the shine every year takes place in November – the death anniversary of Yamato Takeru.
After placing a donation into the offertory, it’s time to pray. The rule is: two bows, two claps, one bow. Straighten your posture and begin by bowing twice.
Clap twice, pray, and bow one final time to finish.
You’ll also find the Geino Asama Shrine in the shrine grounds where Konohanasakuya-hime is enshrined. Since the Edo Period it has had deep ties with those in the entertainment industry such as actors and dancers so it is famous for receiving many offerings from those associated with the business including plays and songs. A tanka poem by Keiko Fuji, the mother of internationally acclaimed Japanese singer Hikaru Utada, is even placed beside the shrine.
There’s also another subordinate shrine called the Itoku Inari Shrine. It’s very popular with Japanese women for its associations with harmonious marriage, child-bearing and romantic realisation. There are red torii gates leading to the shrine which were given as an offering. When you walk through them feels like you’re stepping foot through the tunnel of the spirit world.
After praying Ellie went to collect her goshuin which cost just ¥300.
The goshuin is simple, reading the date on which Ellie visited and kanji reading “Shinjuku’s Tutelary Hanazono Shrine.” The plum blossom design is very typical of Hanazono Shrine. The Tori no Ichi goshuin also includes the Bird Day.
The Tori no Ichi Festival has continued since the Meiji Period and takes place of the days of the Rooster. This year it will take place on October 31, November 1, November 12, November 13, November 24 and November 25. The loud voices of thriving stalls at the market is a familiar and nostalgic sound of a town ready to welcome December. It’s a completely different atmosphere from the usual Hanazono Shrine. It flows with a mutual energy, so try visiting there yourself.
Information
Hanazono Shrine
Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
Shrine Office Times: 8:00-20:00
Praying Times: 9:30-16:30
TEL: 03-3209-5265
Access: Seconds from E2 Exit of Shinjuku-Sanchome Station via Tokyo Metro Line / 7-minutes on foot from East Exit of Shinjuku Station via JR, Odakyu and Keio Lines
Website: http://www.hanazono-jinja.or.jp
Model: Ellie
Writer: Sayoko Ishii
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Outfit/
GOOD GIRLS DENIM OVERALL：¥18,360
CLOWN KNIT：¥12,960
*all prices include tax (Aymmy in the batty girls)
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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In the Tokyo Stroll series, we take you on a trip to various locations around Japan’s capital. One of the frequent locations are shrines where our navigator Ellie adds to her goshuin collection.
In this entry, Ellie visits Azabu Hikawa Shrine which is located in the district of Azabu-Juban known for being referenced many times in the Sailor Moon series.
Azabu-Juban station is the closest station to the shrine. Naoko Takeuchi, the author of Sailor Moon, actually lived in Azabu-Juban when the series was being serialised in Nakayoshi from 1991 to 1997. The shrine was used as a model for Hikawa Shrine where Rei, or Sailor Mars, worked as a shrine maiden. The shrine can be found just a 10-minute walk from the station past the rich residential area where the embassy is. It’s enveloped in a bright green oasis of trees.
The main shrine is a vivid vermilion. Enshrined there are the deities Susanoo-no-Mikoto―the young brother of Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun and the universe―and Yamato Takeru no Mikoto. The shrine is seen as lucky for many reasons. People pray there for increased luck, business prosperity, warding off evil, better fortune, success in life, wealth, safe childbirth, protection against misfortune, academic achievement, exam success, family safety, marriage, national security, and more. When Ellie visited the shrine was decorated for Sendai tanabata.
There are many Inari shrines in Japan which are erected to worship the god Inari. There is one here too as pictured above. It was originally located at a nearby daimyo residence for the Sendai domaign Date clan during the Edo Period but was relocated to Azabu Hikawa Shrine at the beginning of the Showa Period.
For this reason it has strong ties with Sendai, hence the tanabata decorations, which will be there until August 8.
It was time for Ellie to head to the chozuya (also known as temizuya) to cleanse herself before praying which is part of shrine etiquette. Take the ladle with your right hand, scoop up plenty of water, and rinse your left hand first.
Next, switch hands. Hold the ladle with your left hand and rinse your right.
Then take the ladle with your right hand once more, pour some water into your left hand and rinse your mouth. Never bring the ladle directly to your mouth, and do not swallow the water or spit it back into the basin. There will be an area below the basin, like a bed of rocks, where you can spit the water out.
After rinsing your left hand one more time, pour out any remaining water into the rocks (never back into the basin), and return the ladle.
Having cleansed herself, Ellie headed to the main shrine.
When praying, remember this: two bows, two claps, one bow. Straighten your posture and begin with two bows.
Clap twice, pray, and bow one final time to finish.
It’s time for the main event. Getting that goshuin! It costs just ¥300.
This goshuin includes a stamp of Azabu Hikawa Shrine as well as blue and pink Sendai tanabata decorations. It’s a very colourful goshuin and is only available for a limited period of time.
Not only is Azabu Hikawa Shrine loved by locals as a place of worship, but because of its Sailor Moon references. Fans flock to the shrine, as do the staff of the ongoing Sailor Moon musical.
The number of people visiting the shrine from Japan and overseas is increasing. If you’re in Tokyo, make a trip to this iconic spot.
■Information
Azabu Hikawa Shrine
Address: 1-4-23 Motoazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Time: Shop 9:00am-5:00pm / Shrine 9:00am-4:30pmTEL: 03-3446-8796
Access: 8-minutes on foot from Azabu-Juban Station via the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line or Toei Oedo Line
Website: http://www.azabuhikawa.or.jp
Outfit
HEART HIT HAT：￥8,000 One-piece Dress：￥16,000
*all prices include tax (Aymmy in the batty girls)
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In the Tokyo Stroll series, we take you on a trip to various locations around Japan’s capital. One of the frequent locations are shrines. In this entry, navigator Ellie takes a stroll to Imado Shrine in the Imado area of Asakusa where the first maneki-neko, or waving cat was created during the Edo Period. The shine is said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko.
The closest station to Imado Shrine is Asakusa Station. It’s about a 15 minute walk from there, but you can reach it quicker on the Megurin Bus for just ¥100.
Emperor Ōjin is enshrined at Imado Shrine, as is Izanagi and Izanami, who are the central deities in Japan’s creation myth and the country’s first husband and wife deities. As such, the shrine is popular as a ‘power spot’ for successful marriage. The god of wealth and longevity and one of Asakusa’s Seven Lucky Gods, Fukurokuju, is also enshrined here. The shrine is also recognised as one of Tokyo’s 8 Shitamachi shrines that people make a pilgrimage to.
As always, when arriving at a shrine, wash your hands at the chozuya water purification basin before heading to the main shrine. Take the ladle with your right hand, scoop up plenty of water, and rinse your left hand first.
Next, switch hands. Hold the ladle with your left hand and rinse your right.
Then take the ladle with your right hand once more, pour some water into your left hand and rinse your mouth. Never bring the ladle directly to your mouth, and do not swallow the water or spit it back into the basin. There will be an area below the basin, like a bed of rocks, where you can spit the water out.
After rinsing your left hand one more time, pour out any remaining water into the rocks like the motion pictured above, and return the ladle.
Once you’ve finished purifying yourself at the chomizuya, it’s time to head to the main shrine. When praying, remember this: two bows, two claps, one bow. Straighten your posture and begin with two bows.
Clap twice and bow one final time.
Decorating the main shrine are waving cats the size of children! Their names are Nagi-chan and Nami-chan, a reference to Izanagi and Izanami. The patterned cat on the left is Nagi-chan, the male, and on the right Nami-chan, the female.
There are also stone cats sat by the shrine. There’s a rumour that if you set a photo of these cats to your phone’s wallpaper you’ll find a good matching partner for yourself! Generally, it’s said that waving cats with their right paw raised are for good financial luck while cats with their left paw in the air are beckoning humans. Nagi-chan and Nami-chan have their right paws raised. At Imado Shrine, it’s thought that it’s easier to call someone over with your dominant hand, and that people and money are interlinked, so even though they have their right paws up these waving cats are good for finding a match.
There are cats scattered all over the shrine grounds, so you’re sure to feel your heart warmed and healed simply by walking around.
The ema wooden plaques are an eye-catching sight around the grounds, packed together tightly around the sacred tree and around the chomizuya. Round-shaped ema aren’t seen very often, they are normally a square shape with a tip at the top. Ema are used for writing on your prayers and wishes. ‘Round’ in Japanese is en (円) which is a homophone also meaning ‘destiny’ (縁). The round-shaped ema originate from the idea of a sense of harmony and peace in life with nothing sticking out, i.e. a circle has no edges. To ensure your destiny, when you pray, write on the ema with a red string illustration around it, and when your prayer is fulfilled, write on the one with the kimono.
Once your prayers are all done, it’s time to head to the confer area. They have many things on display, including ema, waving cats, lucky charms and more.
Ellie gets herself a goshuin stamp for ¥300.
The goshuin stamp at Imado Shrine is waving cats and Fukurokuju.
They sell original goshuincho stamp books at the shrine with waving cat designs. There’s pink, blue and navy and they’re all very cute. If you’re thinking of starting to collect goshuin at shrines and temples around Japan then you should definitely visit Imado Shrine first.
There’s several different omamori charms too, including the regular designs as well as round designs. Just like the ema, the round designs are made to represent no ‘edges’ in your life, just harmony. They’re all ¥800 and each have the same effect. The pink one is limited-edition and has hearts embroidered on the front and back♡ The limited-edition designs change on a whim which many people look forward to.
Imado Shrine is also said to be the place where sword master Souji Okita met his fate, so if you’re a history buff be sure to check out the gravestone.
Imado Shrine is a must-visit while sightseeing in Asakusa. It has a happy aura to it thanks to the clowder of waving cats around. You can also see Tokyo Skytree from the grounds.
■Information
Imado Shrine
Address: 1-5-22 Imado, Taito, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm
TEL: 03-3872-2703
Access: 15-minutes on foot from Asakusa Station / 5-minutes on foot from Asakusa 7-Chome bus stop (浅草七丁目) via Toei Bus / 1-minute on foot from ‘Riverside Sports Center’ bus stop (リバーサイドスポーツセンター前) via Kita Megurin Bus in TaitoWebsite: http://imadojinja1063.crayonsite.net
Outfit
SODA SMILE T-shirt：￥8,000 FOUNTAIN SERVICE Cap：￥4,000
POP COLOR Skirt：￥12,500
*all prices include tax (Aymmy in the batty girls)
Model: Ellie
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Writer: Sayoko Ishii
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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Tokyo Stroll: Learn the Manners & Etiquette of Worshipping at Onden Shrine – The Site of Marriage & Beauty Blessings
In this featured series, we introduce you to ‘power spots’ and goshuin at shrines on the outskirts of Tokyo. Today, we’ll take a look at Onden Shrine, one of the locations where “MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA” will take place, Japan’s biggest inbound event set to hit Shibuya and Harajuku on March 24th and 25th. Ellie visited the shrine to learn about the manners and etiquette behind praying at shrines in Japan.
The Waterwheel at Onden (Katsushika Hokusai, Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, Reproduction)
Onden Shrine is located just a 10-minute walk from both Shibuya Station and Harajuku Station via the JR Yamanote Line or 7-minutes from Meiji-Jingumae Station via the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. It has been enshrined in Harajuku for more than 400 years where it has watched over the area. The area around Onden has a long history. In the Edo Period, the flowing Onden River was used for rice cultivation. This historical background is depicted together with Mount Fuji in Katsushika Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.
Deities enshrined at Onden Shrine include Omodaru no Kami and Ayakashikone no Kami. These deities give blessings for marriage ties between husband and wife, as well as in blessing and improved skill in art. The picture above is of Mutsuko Funada who lectured Ellie on the manners and etiquette of worship. You too can use this opportunity to learn together with Ellie.
Shrines are sacred places. Upon visiting one, be sure to bow once at the torii gate. Keep in mind that the center of the path up to a shrine is where the gods walk, so it’s best to walk at the edge of the path rather than directly down the middle.
Next, you must cleanse yourself at the temizuya, or “water purification basin.” Take the ladle with your right hand, scoop up some water, and rinse your left hand.
Do the same again but this time switch hands – hold the ladle with your left and rinse your right hand.
Take the ladle again in your right hand, pour some water in your left hand and rinse your mouth. It’s best not to show your mouth as you do this.
Lastly, tip the ladle to drain the water. Don’t scoop water from the basin multiple times – use just one scoop of water for the entire cleansing.
手水舎で身を清めたら、いよいよ参拝です。社殿の前で軽く一礼しましょう。お賽銭を入れて鈴を鳴らして、神様にお参りに来たことをご奉告します。そして、社殿に向かって二礼、二拍手、一礼をします。
Red and white plum blossoms dotted the surroundings of the shrine. We recommend taking photos in a photogenic area like this for your social media.
It’s common at shrines to see komainu. They take on the form of an imaginary lion-dog-like animal, and it’s said that the shape of their mouth makes express the sacred ‘om’ sound. The one with its mouth opened is called Agyou and the one with its mouth closed is called Ungyou. Be sure to check them out when you visit a shrine.
There is also an Inari shrine at the grounds which is home to the deity of agriculture, industrial manufacturing and commerce, so be sure to pray to them all collectively.
Today’s main mission was also a success – Ellie managed to collect her ‘goshuin’ shrine stamps! She received one for each shrine – the Inari shrine stamp is on the left and the Onden Shrine stamp is on the right. Both cost \300.
Onden Shrine is a site for blessings in things like marriage and beauty. It offers a lot of keywords particularly favoured by girls, so it’s definitely one to visit. There’s a range of good-luck charms for sale at the shrine, including one for marriage that’s inspired by the blooming plum blossoms in the shrine grounds, one for beauty and more, so if you’re interested you should definitely check them out. We will be holding an event called “MOSHI MOSHI ENNICHI” at “MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA.” You can look forward all sorts of stalls like you’d see at a Japanese festival lined with lots of food, activities like yo-yo fishing and more! There will also be a stage where you can witness a Japanese ‘taiko’ drum performance, and there will also be a character DJ festival where DJs will dress up and perform. The bustling atmosphere of a Japanese festival is perfect to enjoy on dates, please be sure to drop by.
■Information
Onden Shrine
Address: 5-26-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3407-7036
Access: 10-minutes on foot from “Shibuya Station” or “Harajuku Station” via the JR Yamanote Line / 7-minutes on foot from “Meiji-Jingumae Station” via the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Outfit： Aymmy in the batty girls
RELATED ENTRIES
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From December 10 until December 18, 2022, creative company NAKED will hold NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO at Ninna-ji! The event is part of a larger next-generation art project being held around Kyoto until Christmas Day.
This exhibition marks the first metaverse-centered event at Ninna-ji, and guests will be able to enjoy a virtual fashion show in collaboration with Jotaro Saito, a kimono designer from Kyoto. Participants will begin by creating their own avatar by snapping a photo of their face. After that, they will be able to choose a kimono by Saito to use as clothing for their avatar before taking to the runway with other visitors from all around Japan.
NAKED’s goal is to bring traditional Japanese kimono culture into the digital space, and the company believes that this is only the beginning. In the future, NAKED hopes to bring other artists into the metaverse as well.
NAKED Distanced Lanterns
NAKED Tsukubai
Five-Storied Pagoda Projection Mapping
DANDELION PROJECT
Virtual Fashion Show
Limited Edition Paper Goshuin
This year’s event also includes the DANDELION PROJECT, popular with art fans around the world. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace.
This year, the participatory art piece was installed in the main temple. Why not visit this stunning exhibition in Kyoto this winter?
Information
NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Ninna-ji
Venue: Ninna-ji (Five-storied Pagoda, Main Temple)
Running: December 10 – December 18, 2022
*No admission on December 17 due to a private event.
Hours: 17:30-21:30 *Last entry at 21:00
Official Site: https://garden.naked.works/kyoto/ -
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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Ryusenji Temple in Saitama is offering some exclusive summer goshuin! Goshuin are stamps or seals given to worshippers at shrines and temples around Japan, where somebody will stamp your goshuin-cho (stamp book) with the site’s unique seal along with the temple’s name and the day you visited handwritten in ink.
The two new goshuin feature summer fireworks and a cooling fan design. These will be available from June 1 until August. They might sell out, though, so be quick!
Summer Exclusive Paper-Cut Overlaid Goshuin: Fireworks and a Wish for Peace
The Fireworks and a Wish for Peace goshuin use five kinds of paper to depict fireworks in the summer night sky.
Fireworks are a popular summer tradition in Japan. It’s said that fireworks were born following the discovery of gunpowder and its use in guns when some decided to use the substance to make something beautiful rather than use it as a weapon.
Because of this, many see fireworks as a symbol of peace. The current war between Russia and Ukraine has seen gunpowder used as a horrific weapon used to end the lives of many innocent people, and this special goshuin was made in the hopes that the war will come to an end as soon as possible. Gunpowder should be used in fireworks to bring people happiness instead.
Summer Exclusive Paper-Cut Overlaid Goshuin: Refreshing Good Luck Charm
The Refreshing Good Luck Charm shows a traditional Japanese summer scene with a fan and goldfish swimming in clear blue water.
Fans are used by many Japanese to keep cool during the summer months, and some are even said to have the power to ward off illness and evil spirits. Goldfish are often seen during summer festivals, where visitors try to scoop them up using an easily-breakable net in a fun game with family and friends.
Goldfish became popular during the Edo period and were considered to be lucky creatures capable of bringing happiness into one’s home and bringing financial fortune.
If you’re heading to Saitama, why not add these intricate goshuin to your book?
Information
Saitama Yakuyoke Kaiun Daishi
Address: 3712 Mikajiri, Kumagaya, Saitama
Official Site: https://yakuyoke-kaiun.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) -
Former Toride Inn Honjin Someno Family Residence in Toride City, Ibaraki Prefecture Offering Special Seal for Visitors
Toride City in Ibaraki Prefecture began heavily developing during the Edo Period as a strategic town on the Mito Kaido road. The symbol of the town is the Former Toride Inn Honjin Someno Family Residence, designated as a prefectural cultural property and historic site. This stunning building will now be open to the public starting June 3, 2022!
In Japan, fans of temples and shrines often collect Goshuin. These are beautiful handwritten shrine seals collected in a special book, and they have recently become popular with younger generations. The first ‘honjin goshuin’ in Japanese history will be available at the Former Toride Inn!
A honjin was an inn for government officials, generally located in post stations during the later part of the Edo period. In Toride, the Someno Family Residence was designated as the main honjin for use by the Mito Tokugawa family in 1687. Since then, successors of the Mito Tokugawa family and many other feudal lords and samurai traveling between Edo and Mito used the location as a place to rest.
Of the three remaining honjin on the Mito Kaido road, the Former Toride Inn Honjin Someno Family Residence is the oldest and largest in scale. Today, it is also the only one with both the grounds and interior open to the public. With deep ties to the Mito Tokugawa family and Yoshinobu Tokugawa, the last shogun of the Edo Shogunate, it remains an incredible historical site.
Former Toride Inn Honjin Someno Family Residence Information (Released October 1, 2021)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKHGJsztC0Q
Visitors can obtain two honjin goshuin: one features an illustration of the main building, while the other features the seal of the Someno Family Residence.
Information
Former Toride Inn Honjin Someno Family Residence
Hours: Open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (excluding New Year’s holidays) from 10:00-16:00 *Last admission at 15:30
Admission: Free
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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!
©mofusand
Information
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 -
From April 13 until April 25, fans of Disney Pixar will want to visit the first floor of the Odakyu Department store in Shinjuku! The Pixar Fest Pop-Up Store by Small Planet will be selling a large collection of items featuring popular characters from Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Cars, and more!
A wide variety of PIXAR goods such as bags, towels, mugs, stationery, and apparel will be available, and the Disney Friend of Nature Pop-Up Store by Small Planet will be held simultaneously, featuring sustainable and eco-friendly Disney items.
PIXAR FEST POP UP STORE by Small Planet Goods at a Glance
[Exclusive Event Item] IC Card Case: ¥2,310
[Event Exclusive Item] Drawstring Bag: ¥660 *On sale April 16
[Event Exclusive Item] Random Pin Collection (12 varieties): ¥440 each
Purchase Bonus: Tote Bag
Purchase Bonus: Acrylic Coaster
Starting April 13, guests spending ¥6,600 (including tax) or more at the venue will receive one special tote bag while supplies last! Starting April 23, guests spending ¥2,750 (including tax) will receive a Toy Story acrylic coaster.
Disney FRIEND OF NATURE POP UP STORE by Small Planet Goods at a Glance
[Event Exclusive Item] Mug Made from Recycled Goods “Green Vibes Only!”: ¥2,310
[Event Exclusive Item] Eco Bag “Green Vibes Only!”: ¥3,190 *On sale April 15
Be sure to visit the pop-up shop to grab some exclusive merch while you can!
©Disney/Pixar
©DisneyInformation
Pixar Fest Pop-Up Store by Small Planet
Disney Friend of Nature Pop-Up Store by Small Planet
Running: April 13 – April 25, 2022
Hours: 10:00-20:30 *Closes at 20:00 on April 17 and April 24
Venue: Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku Main Building 1F, Special Venue (In front of the Central Entrance)
Address: 1-1-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: In front of the Shinjuku Station West Entrance
Official Site: https://www.odakyu-dept.co.jp/ -
From March 30 until April 12, fans of Moomin will want to visit the Odakyu Department Store in Shinjuku for a special pop-up store!
Lineup
Odakyu Preorder Items
Toto Bag
Synthetic Leather Coaster
Masking Tape
Event Exclusives
T-Shirt
Acrylic Keychain
Stainless Steel Tumbler
Purchase Bonuses
(March 30 ~) Bonus for purchases of ¥6,600 or more
Pocket Thermos Bottle, Joxter Cloud Design (Not for Sale)
(April 2 ~) Bonus for purchases of ¥3,300 or more
Sea Orchestra Acrylic Keychain (Not for Sale)
(April 9 ~) Bonus for purchases of ¥5,500 or more
Snufkin & Joxter Acrylic Stand Set (Not for Sale)
The pop-up store, which was very well-received last year, focuses on Snufkin, one of the most popular Moomin characters. This year, Snufkin’s father, Joxter, will also be making an appearance. The venue will be decorated with original artwork, and a wide variety of Moomin merch will be available, including plush toys, sundries, apparel, and much more.
Information
MOOMIN POPUP STORE by Small Planet
Running: March 30 – April 12, 2022
Address: Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku Main Building 1F (1-1-3 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Access: Shinjuku Station West Exit
Official Site: https://www.odakyu-dept.co.jp/ -
BEAMS Japan will hold an event highlighting the wonders of Okayama Prefecture in both Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Taipei, Taiwan! The event will feature specialty products from 11 businesses in Okayama, and is now open in Shinjuku, with the Taipei event beginning in February 2022. Certain items are also available at the official BEAMS online shop.
Selected Products
Okayama prefecture is known for its mild climate and nature. BEAMS Japan has developed 81 unique products, with some highlighting the denim creation in the region and others showcasing local crafts.
As Okayama is closely associated with Momotaro, a figure out of Japanese folklore, peaches are very prominent in the region and can be seen in a number of these special products.Selected products from the collection will be available at the Taipei location from February 24 until March 13, 2022. Although travel has been made incredibly difficult during the pandemic, this pop-up shop was made possible by Okayama prefecture and BEAMS Japan.
Information
BEAMS EYE on OKAYAMA
Running: December 22, 2021 – January 25, 2022
Location: BEAMS Japan (3-32-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Special Site: https://www.beams.co.jp/special/teamjapan/okayama/
BEAMS Official Online Shop: https://www.beams.co.jp/tag/211222_BJ_01/ （BEAMS JAPAN）BEAMS Japan Pop-Up Store Taipei
Running: February 24 – March 13, 2022
Address: 340 Fujin St, Songshan District, Taipei, Taiwan
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Anime series Code Geass is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2021. To celebrate, a winter-themed Code Geass Cafe will open in Shinjuku for a limited time, from December 2, 2021, until January 23, 2022. The cafe will feature a lineup of luxurious and stylish food and drink items to celebrate Lelouch’s birthday.
Bonuses
Menu
Food
[Lelouch] Chicken Steak
[Suzaku] Demi-glace Steak
Cream Pasta with Shrimp and Mushrooms
Dessert
Happy Birthday Plate
Student Council’s Afternoon Tea Set
[Nunnally] Black Tea Whipped Cream Millefeuille
Christmas Glass Parfait
New Year Glass Parfait
Drink
Lelouch, Suzaku, Nunnally
Student Council’s Tea Party (Black Tea, Coffee)
Original Goods
Pin (9 varieties, random)
Acrylic Keychain (9 varieties, random)
Acrylic Stand (9 varieties, random)
Clear Folder Set (2 included)
Acrylic Stand (Lelouch, Suzaku, Nunnally)
Acrylic Board
Muddler Spoon Set
Satin Pouch
Code Geass debuted in October 2006, and the series was recently re-aired in Japan with a new opening and ending theme. A new series, Code Geass: Z of the Recapture, is coming in the future.
Lelouch’s birthday is on December 5, so there will be plenty of treats to celebrate. Be sure to come give your well wishes!
©SUNRISE／PROJECT L-GEASS Character Design ©2006-2017 CLAMP・ST
Information
Code Geass Cafe -Winter Celebration-
Shinjuku, Tokyo
Address: BOX cafe&space Shinjuku Mylord Building 1 7F (1-1-3 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Running: December 2, 2021 – January 23, 2022
Reservations: https://cafe-cg.jp/
Online Shop Open: December 2, 2021 at 11:00 – January 23, 2022 at 23:59
Cafe Official Online Shop: https://cafe-cg.jp/online_store
