New Year’s Shopping in Japan: 2019 Fukubukuro Lucky Bags
Fukubukuro, or “lucky bags,” are a Japanese New Year custom sold by many shops across the country. The contents of the bags is always unknown but they are sold at a discounted price. It’s exciting and a great chance to get your hands on a whole range of goodies for a bargain. We have compiled a list of recommended fukubukuro for you to check out.
Tobu Department Store, Ikebukuro – Fukubukuro
The Ikebukuro branch of Tobu Department Store is selling close to 57,000 fukubukuro.
The keywords for their 2019 lucky bags are “Heisei” (which refers to the current era of Japan), “Food,” and “Dual Wield.” Below are just a couple of fukubukuro you can get your hands on.
Kinokuniya is a fairly new store having opened in September 2017. They are just one fukubukuro aimed at those born during the Heisei period (1989-2019). But this is no ordinary lucky bag. You can receive a select number of items depending on your age from the store’s stock of 3,500 products that prices up to ¥39,000. This includes glossaries, everyday foods and more. For example, if you’re 30-years-old and were born during the Heisei period you will receive 30 items.
*1 bag per person
*Products included are those originally priced at ¥4,000 (including tax) and below.
Application Period: December 26, 2018 – January 3, 2019
How to Buy: You must sign up at the store for a chance to win one. Winners will be contacted via telephone on January 4, 2019.
Pick-Up Period: January 17, 2019 – January 23, 2019
*A separate fee will be charged for those who request delivery.
Another fukubukuro is the one at Pan Rizotta. Once again, you will receive a range of pastries from the store’s line-up of 120 items depending on your age. They cost ¥3,100 and there are 5 available.
Application Period: December 26, 2018 – January 3, 2019
How to Buy: You must sign up at the store for a chance to win one. Winners will be contacted via telephone on January 4, 2019.
Pick-Up Period: January 6, 2019 – January 10, 2019 (*takeaway only)
■Information
Tobu Department Store (Ikebukuro Branch)
Address: 1-1-25 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
PAPABUBBLE – Limited Edition Fukubukuro
For a limited time only the art candy shop PAPABUBBLE is now selling three different sized fukubukuro for the New Year. The small bag is filled with the shop’s classic confections, the medium with unreleased flavours, and the large with a bunch of rare items.
Running: At all branches of PAPABUBBLE until they sell out
Price: Small ¥1,500 / Medium ¥3,000 / Large ¥5,000
Don’t forget to check out their New Year candy mix which features pig designs for the 2019 Year of the Pig.
■Information
PAPABUBBLE
Participating Branches: Nakano, Shibuya, GINZA SIX, Yokohama, Daimaru Tokyo, Lumine EST Shinjuku, LUCUA Osaka, Fukuoka Tenjin Chikagai, Sendai PARCO 2, Sogo Chiba JUNNU, Nihonbashi, Keio Noren Street, Yokohama Landmark
*The Nihonbashi branch is not selling fukubukuro but will sell the New Year candy mix
Village Vanguard Online – Cheki Fukubukuro
Village Vanguard is selling must-get fukubukuro featuring a set of 7 instax items including the camera, films, an album and more.
For girls they are offering the “Kawaii Cheki Fukubukuro” which contains cute pastel colour cameras a rare Minion camera.
For guys they are selling the “Otona Cheki Fukubkuro” with various sleek designs. Select bags contain the Suguremono Smartphone de Cheki which enables you to print your photos from your smartphone, and the Neo Classic camera. These fukubukuro are very limited in stock so you’ll want to be quick!
Brooks – Overseas Fukubukuro
Online tea and coffee shop Brooks is now taking fukbukuro orders to celebrate its 50th anniversary. In line with this, they are also now selling them to 50 countries around the world. Their bags include popular brand drip coffee, tea and more.
2019 Fukubukuro: ¥5,400 (Tax Included) *Free Shipping
2019 Premium Fukubukuro: ¥10,800 (Tax Included) *Free Shipping
The overseas-only fukubukuro contains products from high quality brands, popular drip coffee, sencha sold only in Japan, genmaicha and more. Additionally, the first set of 100 sold will contain a special Onenga Coffee bag for a taste of Japanese New Year.
Overseas Fukubukuro
Running: December 18, 2018 – January 31, 2019
Price: ¥5,000 (*Free shipping. However, fees may apply depending on shipping laws in certain countries.)
■Information
Brooks Official Website:https://www.brooks.co.jp/?b=4002
Mister Donut – 2019 Fukubukuro
Mister Donut has teamed up with Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! for their fukubukuro. Items include blankets, clear files, mini tote bags, accessories and a calendar all featuring chubby designs of Pikachu and Eevee surrounded by delicious doughnuts. The fukubukuro line-up includes the two standard ¥1,080 and ¥2,160 bags as well as a new ¥3,240 version. These will no longer be available once they sell out so don’t miss out!
■Information
Mister Donut Fukubukuro 2019
Running: December 26, 2018 until all have sold out at each branch
Available: At most Mister Donut branches in Japan
*The start date and contents may vary shop branch to branch. Full details can be found on the Mister Donut website.
Official Website:https://www.misterdonut.jp
LOFT Shibuya & Ginza – “Thank You Heisei Fukubukuro Series”
LOFT Shibuya will resume business on New Year’s Day and LOFT Ginza on January 2nd. To celebrate, lots and lots of amazing lucky bags containing hit products from the variety store will be sold. Below is just a small example of what to expect.
Thank You Heisei Fukubukuro: Omotenashi
Japanese Food (Sake Bottle, Sake Cup, Bowl, Small Bowl, Chopsticks and more) *5 Available (Shibuya LOFT)
Thank You Heisei Fukubukuro: Boom!
Panda Panda Panda Blessing (Plushie Calendar, Standing Pencil Case, Cable Biter, and more) *3 Available (Ginza LOFT)
■Information
Thank You Heisei Fukubukuro Series
Price: ¥3,100 (Tax Included)
Re-Opening:
Shibuya LOFT – January 1, 2019 at 10:00am
Ginza LOFT – January 2, 2019 at 10:00am
Locations: Shibuya LOFT Floor 1, Ginza LOFT Floor 3
Did you enjoy this list? If you’re in Japan for the new year then you absolutely have to get your hands on a fukubukuro!
RELATED ENTRIES
-
McDonald’s Japan Reveals 2021 New Year’s Fukubukuro Lucky Bags
15.December.2020 | FOOD
McDonald’s Japan is collaborating with the camping and outdoor brand Coleman to release fukubukuro lucky bags for the New Year in limited quantities.
McDonald’s Fukubukuro 2021 | ¥3,000 (Tax Included)
Those in Japan can sign up to enter a lottery to win one of the bags up until December 22, 2020 at 23:59 (JST).
Tote Bag / Square Pouch / Mug
Fries Clock / McDonald’s VoucherThe lucky bags include a variety of merchandise combining McDonald’s and Coleman designs as well as an alarm clock, a McDonald’s voucher priced at ¥3,160, and more.
Gold McCard | ¥500
One in every ten lucky bags also contains a Gold McCard voucher worth ¥500 too.
Information
McDonald’s Fukubukuro 2021
Web Applications: Until December 22, 2020 at 23:59 (JST)Winners Contacted: December 24, 2020
Fukubukuro Delivered: January 1, 2021 – January 3, 2021
Campaign Site: https://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/campaign/fukubukuro/ -
BT21 Fukubukuro Lucky Bags to Drop For 2021
02.December.2020 | FASHION
LINE Friends Japan has announced that it’s releasing “2021 BT21 Happy Bag” fukubukuro lucky bags on December 12, 2020. Fukubukuro is a Japanese New Year custom where customers can buy bags filled with unknown contents, usually at a discounted price.
The Japan-exclusive lucky bags feature a set of nine limited-edition items and are based on the seven BT21 characters KOYA, RJ, SHOOKY, MANG, CHIMMY, TATA, and COOKY.
The bags will be available to purchase on the LINE FRIENDS online store, LINE FRIENDS Harajuku store, and 34 branches of LOFT in Japan. The LINE FRIENDS line-up features the BT21 Baby Series while LOFT will be selling the BT21 Basic Series.
2021 BT21 Happy Bag Baby – LINE FRIENDS Store Designs
¥6,600 Each (Tax Included)
If buying the fukubukuro at the LINE FRIENDS online store or Harajuku branch, the bags come in pastel colours along with the BT21 Baby design.
2021 BT21 Happy Bag Basic – LOFT Store Designs
¥6,600 Each (Tax Included)
If buying at LOFT or LOFT’s online store, you get bags with the BT21 Basic design which features the seven characters wearing colourful berets.
Information
2021 BT21 Happy Bag Baby/Basic
Release Date: December 12, 2020Contents: Tote Bag, Travel Pouch, Socks, Plush Toy, Pouch, Die Cut Cushion, Mirror, Pin, Acrylic Key Ring
LINE FRIENDS Store: https://www.linefriends.jp/others/store
LOFT Online Store: https://loft.omni7.jp
*Available while supplies last -
Starbucks Japan Announces 2021 Fukubukuro Lucky Bag Orders
11.November.2020 | FASHION
Starbucks Coffee Japan has announced that it is opening orders for its 2021 fukubukuro on November 16, 2020. Recipients will be chosen randomly.
Fukubukuro is a Japanese New Year custom where customers can buy bags filled with unknown contents, usually at a discounted price. Starbucks is also joining in with the annual tradition to deliver luck to its customers.
2021 Starbucks Fukubukuro | ¥7,500 (Tax Included)
Starbucks’s fukubukuro are canvas tote bags made partly with recycled cotton. The contents are unknown but it is confirmed that there will be fukubukuro-exclusive items as well as original merchandise, drink tickets, and more. This year, they have also added a special coffee bean card which customers can exchange at Starbucks in Japan for a bag of coffee beans of their choice.
Information
2021 Starbucks Fukbukuro
Online Entries: November 16, 2020 – November 26, 2020
Winner Announcements: December 7, 2020
Shipping: January 1, 2021 – January 6, 2021
Starbucks Japan Official Website: https://www.starbucks.co.jp/luckybag/
-
Roppongi Hills Kicks of New Year’s Celebrations with Luxurious Food, Fukubukuro, Traditional Games and More
Roppongi Hills will be kicking off the New Year’s celebrations from January 1 to 3, 2020 with New Year’s good fortune around every corner.
January 1 will be filled with exciting lion dances and Japanese drum performances. January 2 and 3 will see traditional and nostalgic games that are free to play, providing fun for the whole family.
Restaurants and cafés will be serving New Year’s food themed around good fortune, happiness, good omens and new beginnings. Indulge on Spiny Lobster, fatty tuna, sea bream and many other luxurious “good fortune” foods.
Spiny Lobster and Sea Bream Acqua Pazza (Limit of 15 sold per day): ¥3,278
Mohri Salvatore Cuomo
Colourful Chirashizushi Pintokona (Limit of 10 sold per day): ¥2,020
Angus Beef Steak Burger (Limit of 15 sold per day): ¥2,800
AS Classics DinerCrêpe 2020 (Limit of 10 sold per day): ¥980
Cafe CrepeThere are also New Year’s “Fukubukuro” to look out for. This is a Japanese New Year’s custom where “lucky bags” are filled with unknown contents and sold at a substantial discount. There are even January sales with items up to 70% off. Travel agency H.I.S. Co., Ltd. is bringing back their yearly dream holiday package which includes a top-quality resort lodge in the Savanna and safari experience for just ¥4 million.
Have a wonderful New Year’s celebration at Roppongi Hills.
Information
Event Information
January 1: 12:00-15:00
Free Entry
Japanese Drum Performance Start Times: 12:30, 13:30, 14:30
Lion Dance Start Times: 13:00, 14:00
Sake Offering: 13:00 (First-come-first-served, limit of 200 people, entry from 12:00. Obtain a ticket from the Seiriken Haifusho (整理券配布所)
January 2, 3: 11:00-16:00
Entry fee applies to certain areas
Japanese Drum Performance Start Times: 11:00, 13:50, 15:30
Lion Dance Start Times: 11:10, 12:30, 15:00
Koto Performance Start Times: 11:30, 12:30, 14:30
*The Koto experience corner will be closed between the following times: 11:30-11:50, 12:30-12:50, 14:30-14:50
Spinning Top Championships: January 2 from 13:00
*First-come-first-served, 12 places, please obtain a ticket from the Seiriken Haifusho (整理券配布所). Tickets will be available from 11:00.
Kendama Championships: January 3 from 13:00
*First-come-first-served, 20 places, please obtain a ticket from the Seiriken Haifusho (整理券配布所). Tickets will be available from 11:00.
Old traditional games available: Koma-mawashi (Spinning tops), kendama, beigoma, otedama and much more
Roppongi Hills
Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-6108, Japan
Official Website: https://www.roppongihills.com/en/
-
Laforet Harajuku’s 2020 Fukubukuro Lucky Bags Are Not to be Missed
Laforet Harajuku has finally dropped details on its 2020 fukubukuro. Fukubukuro is a New Year custom in Japan where stores make up grab bags full of random items for people to purchase at a discounted price. Around 50 stores in Laforet are set to participate, with pre-orders now running until December 31, 2019.
As always, the line-up this year is diverse, from the unique fukubukuro you can actually look inside to see what they have—which is a popular one every year—to the Laforet Gentei Fukubukuro which contains items exclusive to Laforet Harajuku, and more.
Those who pre-order a lucky bag will receive one of two things: either a coupon to get a random free item at one of the eateries at the GOOD MEAL MARKET on the second floor, or a ¥200 discount voucher to spend at Laforet Harajuku.
On New Year’s Day and January 2, a taiko performance by Yushima Tenjin Shiraume Taiko will take place at the first floor entrance to drum in the New Year.
Around 70 stores in the shopping complex will also sell items at a special price between January 1 and 7 to celebrate 2020. Select stores will be handing out bag hooks in collaboration with the popular South Korean boy band SEVENTEEN.
The “Look and Choose” Fukubukuro
OLIVE des OLIVE (Floor 5F) – Set of up to 6 items priced at ¥7,700 (Tax Included) (Original Price: ¥25,000)
Cosme Kitchen (Floor 1.5F) – Set of 7 items priced at ¥5,500 (Tax Included) (Original Price: ¥14,000)
Laforet Harajuku Exclusives-Filled Fukubukuro
POU DOU DOU (Floor 4F) – Set of 7 items priced at ¥13,200 (Tax Included) (Original Price: ¥56,000)
la belle Etude (Floor B0.5F) – Set of 6 items priced at ¥11,000 (Tax Included) (Original Price: ¥70,000~¥80,000)
Other Fukubukuro
Ank Rouge (Floor 4F) – Set of 6 items priced at ¥16,500 (Tax Included) (Original Price: ¥50,000)
jouetie (Floor 4F) – Set of 5 items priced at ¥11,000 (Tax Included) (Original Price: ¥39,600)
This is just a small look at just some of the fukubukuro set to be sold, there are so many more to get your hands on. Start your 2020 year with some delicious discounts from Laforet Harajuku.
*Contents subject to change without notice
*Listed photos are select look only – more fukubukuro to be sold
Information
2020 Fukubukuro
Opening Hours: January 1, 2020 at 9:00-19:00 / Regular hours from January 2 onward at 11:00-21:00
Details (Japanese): http://www.laforet.ne.jp/fukubukuro/
Laforet Harajuku
Address: 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.laforet.ne.jp/
-
New Year’s Sales Arriving in Tokyo & Yokohama in January 2019
Like many other countries, the New Year season is the time for bargain sales where you can get your hands on lots of great deals.
We have selected a number of steals you can grab at various shop around Tokyo and Yokohama in January.
Shibuya Mark City’s Winter Sale
The winter sale at Shibuya Mark City will take place from January 2 to 15. A total of seventeen stores are taking part with whom you can get your hands on a range of winter fashion trend clothing, everyday use items and more with up to 70% off.
What’s more is that for every ¥5,000 (tax included) you spend at select stores you will receive a ¥1,000 voucher to use at shops in Shibuya Mark City. These are available to the first 10,000 people with a maximum spending limit of ¥25,000.
Expect plenty of good deals for your New Year’s shopping at Mark City in Shibuya.
■Information
Shibuya Mark City Winter Sale
Running: January 2, 2019 – January 15, 2019
Shibuya Mark City
Address: 1-12-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3780-6503
Website: http://www.s-markcity.co.jp
Odaibargain
Odaibargain is now taking place across 4 facilities in Odaiba: AQUA CiTY ODAIBA, VenusFort, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza and DECKS Tokyo Beach until January 14.
Wintertime bargains to look forward to in Odaiba includes not just shopping but themed menus at restaurants too. There are also food coupons being handed out as well as entertainment and leisure services. The diverse line-up includes everything from clothing to kids and pet items with up to 90% off.
An event will also take place on New Year’s Day which consists of traditional Japanese lion dancing backed by traditional wagakki music.
■Information
Odaibargain
Running: December 26, 2018 – January 14, 2019
AQUA CiTY ODAIBA
Address: 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Shops 11:00-21:00 / Restaurants 11:00-23:00
Website: https://www.aquacity.jp
VenusFort
Address: 1-3-15 Aomi, Koto Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Shops 11:00-21:00 / Restaurants 11:00-23:00
*Business hours may differ for certain establishments.
Website: https://www.venusfort.co.jp
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Address: 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Shops 10:00-21:00 / Food Court 10:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30) / Restaurants 11:00-23:00
*Business hours may differ for certain establishments.
Website: https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/divercity-tokyo/
DECKS Tokyo Beach
Address: 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours:
Shops/Cafes – 11:00-21:00
4F Odaiba Takoyaki Museum – 11:00-22:00
5F Restaurants – 11:00-23:00
6F Restaurants – 11:00-Midnight
*Business hours may differ for certain establishments.
Website: https://www.odaiba-decks.com
Lion Dancing & Traditional Music
Date: January 1, 2019
Time: 1st Performance – 11:00 / 2nd Performance – 13:00
Location: Around each location listed above
Yokohama Landmark Plaza & MARK IS Minato Mirai’s W★SALE
Landmark Plaza located inside Yokohama Landmark Tower is teaming up with MARK IS Minato Mirai to hold a New Year’s sale from January 2 to 14.
Close to 120 popular shops are participating in the sale across both establishments selling a range goods from clothing for men, women and kids as well as interior design items, food, drinks and more with up to 70% off and select stores.
Fukubukuro lucky bags will also be sold at select shops containing clothing, food and drinks, restaurant coupons and more.
■Information
Yokohama Landmark Plaza & MARK IS Minato Mirai’s W★SALE
Running: January 2, 2019 – January 14, 2019
Landmark Plaza
Address: 2-2-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Participating Stores: 40 fashion and variety shops
Opening Hours:
Shops – 11:00-20:00 (from 10:00-20:00 on January 2)
Restaurants – 11:00-22:00 (Mirai Yokocho – 11:00-23:00)
*Business hours may differ for certain establishments.
Website: http://www.yokohama-landmark.jp
MARK IS Minato Mirai
Address: 3-5-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Participating Stores: 80 fashion, variety and food shops
Opening Hours:
Shops & Food Court – 11:00-20:00 (until 21:00 on Friday, Weekends & Holidays and January 2)
Restaurants – 11:00-23:00
*Business hours may differ for certain establishments.
Website: http://www.mec-markis.jp/mm/
Laforet Harajuku’s LAFORET GRAND BAZAR
The LAFORET GRAND BAZAR will take place at Laforet Harajuku from January 24 to 28.
There is lots planned for Laforet’s sale. If you line up outside before it opens you will receive a special “Morning Ticket” that gets you a further 10% off select shops inside until 2:00pm. Lots of timed sales will also take place at fixed hours. This includes the “Laforet Card Discount” where using your Laforet Card at certain times will earn you another 5% off.
The GOOD MEAL MARKET on the second floor will serve different discounted food for ¥390 each day. Each meal is available to the first 300 people only so don’t miss out.
■Information
LAFORET GRAND BAZAR
Running: January 24, 2019 – January 28, 2019
Opening Hours:
January 24 – 9:00-21:00
January 25 to 28 – 11:00-21:00
Event Page: https://www.laforet.ne.jp/grand_bazar/
Laforet Harajuku
Address: 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00
URL: 03-3475-0411
Website: https://www.laforet.ne.jp/
Make sure to take advantage of all the deals on offer in the New Year!
-
Kaori’s Easy Recipe : Learn How to Make “Pressed Sushi of Sanrio’s character”
With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s easy recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish. In this character recipe you’ll learn how to make a “Sanrio Character’s Pressed Sushi”, the perfect dish for a new year♡
1:Ingredients
Sashimi of your choice (for this time, try salmon, snapper and tuna) Shredded cooked egg
Salmon roe
Boiled podded peas
Green shiso
Vinegar rice
Pudding cup☆You can use as much as you want.
☆You can use a cake pan instead of a pudding cup.For Topping
Kamaboko of your choice
Shimeji mushroom(for pompompurin’s hat) ※pour men-tsuyu a bit and use microwave.Cookie cutters
Dried seaweed puncher3:
1 Put saran wrap into the pudding cup
2 Put in sliced sashimi with a slight overlap
3 Let the vinegar rice cool a bit and stuff it tightly.
4 Wrap it well and let the sashimi and rice keep for a while.4:
Cut the white Kamaboko out with a cat shaped cookie cutter (for Hello Kitty).
Cut the green Kamaboko out with a round shaped cookie cutter. Place the small round eyes on the round shaped face.(for Keroppi)Cut the yellow Kamaboko out with a bear shaped cookie cutter, then take the ear pieces away, and replace them with raindrop shaped Kamaboko. Use pasta to fix Shimeji mushroom cooked in a microwave for the hat(for Pompom purin).
Put seaweed-eyes and nose on each face.
☆All cookie cutters except the aluminium one, and Kitty’s bow, are available at Seria.5:
Take Sushi from picture3 out and turn upside down on the green shiso.
Place shredded cooked egg, boiled podded pea, salmon roe, kamaboko on the picture5 and your pressed sushi is complete.Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series! Please check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!
Information
■Profile
Kaori Kubota (@kaopan27)
I live in Hokkaido and I love to make character themed foods, desserts and pastries♡I want to see my family smile, so I enjoy putting in a bit of effort to make character foods and changing food into something cute♡
You can see more of my character foods and character bento boxes on my Instagram page→@kaopan27
-
With the New Year almost upon us, lots of restaurants are prepping ‘osechi’―food served during the New Year’s Holidays.
Over at Daimaru Tokyo they have 25 different osechi ready to serve from 20 brands which can be bought from 10:00am to 6:00pm on December 31. Here are 5 you can expect to be sinking your teeth into.
Rakushougatsu (Serves 2) @ Nadaman Chubo – ¥12,960
This long-standing restaurant is cooking up a very traditional meal. Indulge in New Year’s classics like sweet rolled omelette, black soybeans and herring roe. Added to this is roast beef.
Edo no Niji (Serves 2-3) @ Kanda Myojinshita Miyabi – ¥15,660
Enjoy the flavours of Edo with this dish that both looks and tastes delicious. It comes in three mini boxes portioned very cutely!
Wafuu Osechi Ichidan’e (Serves 1-2) @ Minokichi – ¥14,040
Minokichi has created this delicate arrangement of party snacks, fried food, vegetables and more.
Gyutan Otsumami Osechi (Serves 2-3) @ Gyutan Kanezaki – ¥16,200
From classic osechi picks to otsumami―snacks that go with alcohol―this one has it all.
Gindara Nishikyou Yaki Osechi Wafuu Nidan’e (Serves 2-3) @ Aji no Hamato Tsukiji – ¥21,600
The ultimate celebratory selection consisting of Japanese bluefish, fried food, boiled food and more.
There’s plenty of great osechi to be enjoyed in Japan for the New Year so don’t miss out.
Information
Daimaru Tokyo
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00
TEL: 03-3212-8011
Website: https://www.daimaru.co.jp/tokyo/
-
7 Souvenirs Celebrating the Year of the Pig & 2019
28.December.2018 | FOOD
Onenga are an important part of the New Year holidays in Japan. They are gifts given when looking back over the past year with a person and are usually handed over with the phrase kotoshi mo douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu which thanks the person for their support over the past year and into the next.
The Daimaru Tokyo department store is selling a whole range of confections based on the 2019 “Year of the Pig” from December 26 to January 3 which will make for perfect New Year gifts. Not only can they be used as onenga but as souvenirs for anyone visiting Japan during the New Year season.
Pig Shaped Monaka Bean Jam Wafer Cakes (Set of 12): ¥1,850 / Sold at Funabashiya
Both the wafer cake shell and the red bean paste are separate from each other which retains the freshly-made crunch. It’s made in the cute shape of a pig which is unique for a monaka wafer cake.
Pig Shaped Sweet Jelly: ¥918 / Sold at Ryoguchiya Korekiyo
This sweet jelly features a pig and piglet in it so adorable you’ll want to take a photo. The light that filters through creates a beautiful scene of a pig and its child.
2019 Mochi (Set of 6): ¥1,080 / Sold at Ginza Akebono
This assortment of sticky rice cakes comes with various designs including “2019,” pine trees, pigs and more.
Small Sweet Jelly With Pig Packaging (Set of 12): ¥3,240 / Sold at Toraya
The artistry of a long-standing store shines through on the piggy packaging of these sweet jellies.
Sweet Cigars (Set of 20): ¥1,458 / Sold at Yoku Moku
These are a hallmark product at Yoku Moku loved by men and women of all ages.
Shoufuku Tafuku (Set of 5): ¥864 / Sold at Akasaka Kakiyama
These mochi are cut thin, dried and baked before being put into cute boxes that feature illustrations of a pig dressed as a daruma.
Shichifukujin (Set of 7): ¥2,700 / Sold at Kanou Shoujuan
This set comes with a range of different confections inspired by the Seven Deities of Good Luck.
You’re sure to find the perfect pick for a New Year’s gift in this line-up!
Information
Daimaru Tokyo
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00
TEL: 03-3212-8011
Website: https://www.daimaru.co.jp/tokyo/
-
Sanrio Puroland Announces New Year Celebratory Event ‘The Final Heisei Celebration’
22.December.2018 | SPOT
2019 will mark the final year of Japan’s Heisei period under Emperor Akihito. To toast to the final New Year celebrations of this era of history, Sanrio Puroland is holding a special event called The Final HEISEI Celebration which will run from December 26, 2018 to January 8, 2019.
Sanrio has much planned for the event. Its line-up of characters who were created during the Heisei period (1989-2019) will make appearances on a daily rota and there will be a chance to meet with each of them.
Win Character Prizes
Different characters born in the Heisei period such as Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, Pochacco and more will appear on different days to hold a fun lottery event. Get involved and win prizes.
Running: December 26, 2018 – January 8, 2019 (No Planned Holidays)
Location: Wisdom Tree Stage (Floor 1F)
Meet Your Favourite Characters Wearing Kimono
The Sanrio cast will appear throughout the event wearing traditional colourful Japanese garments. A special ‘greeting’ will also take place on New Year’s Eve where all the most popular characters will come together.
Running: December 26, 2018 – January 8, 2019
Location: Around the park
*There will be other characters appearing not dressed in kimono too.New Year’s Even Special Greeting
Date: December 31, 2018
Location Puro Village (Floor 1F)Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin & Pochacco Turn Into Pigs
From January 1 through January 8 one of each character―Cinamoroll, Pompompurin and Pochaccoーwho are all dogs representing the 2018 Year of the Dog in the Chinese Zodiac will transform into a pig in line with the 2019 Year of the Pig. They will go around hugging guests in the park and let you take photos with them. Be sure to hug them tight!
Running: January 1, 2019 – January 8, 2019
Location: Wisdom Tree Stage (Floor 1F)Observe the Character Cast On Stage
For the first time ever Puroland is holding an event where guests can simply observe the Sanrio characters with no performance. They may even react to the audience’s reactions and calls.
Running: December 26, 2018 – January 8, 2019 (Expect December 29 and 31)
Location: Discover Theater (Floor 1F)Kagamimochi Cinnamoroll Fukubukuro Lucky-Dip Bags
Puroland will sell fukubukuro lucky bags with a kagamimochi Cinnamoroll design on them who has a mikan orange on his head. The contents of the bags include Hello Kitty merchandise, a large photo of Cinamoroll and more. 150 bags will be available per day.
Running: December 28, 2018 – January 3, 2019
Location: Sanrio Town (Floor 1F)Price: ¥3,000
Quantity: 150 available per dayPuroland End-Of-Year Countdown
Puroland will hold “the world’s earliest” countdown event. The island republic of Kiribati is known as the earliest place to pass into the new year. Puroland will join Kiribati in the celebrations.
Date: December 31, 2018
Time: 18:40-19:10 (JST)
Location: Puro Village & Wisdom Tree Stage (Floor 1F)
*PUROPASS tickets into the priority area will be sold for ¥500. Full details can be found on the park’s homepage.“New Year’s Passport Coupon” – Official Puroland App
Those who download the official Puroland app and present their QR code upon entering will receive a discount on their passport entry ticket. You do this as many times as you like for the duration of the event.
Running: January 1, 2019 – January 8, 2019
Passport Discount Price: ¥2,500 (for both adults and children)
To receive the discount you must meet the following two conditions.
①Download the official Puroland app
②Present your QR code on the app at the ticket window upon entryApp Page: https://www.puroland.jp/app/
My Melody’s Birthday Celebration
To celebrate My Melody’s birthday on January 18, guests who enter the park dressed in pink and white clothing inspired by My Melody will receive a special discount on their passport entry ticket.
Running: December 26, 2018 – March 20, 2019
Passport Discount Price: Weekdays & Holidays ¥2,500 (for both adults and children) / ¥1,500 from 2pm on weekdays and 3pm during holidays
*Applies to children aged 3-17 years on holidays only.
*A holiday constitutes as a weekend, national holiday or school holiday.To receive the discount you must meet the following two conditions.
①Co-ordinate one piece of plain pink clothing and one piece of plain white clothing.
②Present your QR code at the ticket window upon entryMore Details: https://www.puroland.jp/2019_mm-narikiri/
Enjoy a very special New Year’s celebration this year at Sanrio Puroland!
Information
The Final HEISEI Celebration
Running: December 26, 2018 – January 8, 2019Event Page: https://www.puroland.jp/2019newyear/
Sanrio Puroland
Address: 1-31 Ochiai, Tama, Tokyo
Opening Hours: https://www.puroland.jp/calendar/
TEL: 042-339-1111
Official Website: https://www.puroland.jp/
-
GINZA SIX New Year Sale: Free Performances, Lucky-Dip Bags, Food & More
Ginza’s largest shopping complex GINZA SIX has announced a huge sale for the new year which will begin on January 2. It take place at around 100 stores where they boast the latest global trends.
A host of free performances will also take place on January 2 and 3 at the Kanze Noh Theater on floor B3F. Look forward to a brass band jazz show and much more. Year-end fukubukuro lucky dip bags will also be sold by world class quality brands and there will be plenty of delicious gourmet food to enjoy.
Premium Fukubukuro Lucky-Dip Bags
‘Fukubukuro’ are a type of lucky-dip bag sold in Japan at the end of the year. You pay a certain amount of money that is lower than the actual cost of the items in the bag and you never know what you’re going to get. For the GINZA SIX sale you can expect a whole range of premium products from fashion to lifestyle goods, beauty, food and so on. Maison de NADIA on the second floor has a Pear Diamond up for grabs at ¥2,000,000 (the original price of which is ¥4,000,000). BEAUTY TERRACE GINZA ~DRESS CIRCLE~ on floor B1F has a whole range of goodies up for grabs that could even include a trip to Hawaii. They are selling lucky bags by weight: 3kg for ¥100,000, 5kg for ¥150,000, 8kg for ¥200,000 and 15kg for ¥450,000.
Running: January 2, 2019 until bags are sold out at each individual store
*Running dates differ at select stores.
2019 at GINZA SIX: Gourmet Food for the New Year
GINZA SIX will welcome the new year with fantastic food at both their B2F food floor and restaurants throughout where they will serve everything from classic Japanese ‘osechi’ celebratory meals to food you can take home as gifts.
Premium New Year Strawberry Afternoon Tea Set (THE GRAND GINZA): ¥6,500 (Pre-Tax)
Auxamis’s Specially Made Osechi Meal (Bistro Auxamis): ¥29,630 (Pre-Tax)
This afternoon tea set comes with an authentic Japanese tea experience in a tea room which is served with traditionally prepared new year food.
Kagami Mochi (Nakagawa Masashichi): ¥4,000-¥20,000 (Pre-Tax)
4 Drawer Noshi Makie (Yamada Heiando): ¥2,500,000 (Pre-Tax)
Products from lifestyle brands will also be sold including ‘kagami mochi’ mirror rice cakes which are a traditional new year decoration, as well as items themed on the 2019 Year of the Pig, cutlery crafted by traditional artisans and more.
Free Noh Performances
Enjoy a free and authentic Noh performance at the Kanze Noh Theater on floor B3F of GINZA SIX.
Date: January 2, 2019 – January 3, 2019
*Two performances a day
Morning Performance: 11:00-12:30 (Opens at 10:30)
Afternoon Performance: 15:00-16:00 (Opens at 14:00)
*Free to watch. Those under the age of 3 not permitted entry.
*Entry is first-come, first-served. The reception will open one hour before each performance.
*For enquiries, please contact GINZA SIX Information at 03-6891-3390 (10:30-20:30)
Edo New Year’s Pine Decoration
A large Edo-style new year’s pine decoration will sit at the entrance of GINZA SIX. It’s made from three trees and bound together with straw. Its traditional shape has been passed down since Ginza Matsuya opened in 1925, allowing you to witness a tradition that has gone unchanged since the Edo period.
Location: GINZA SIX front entrance
Running: December 26, 2018 – January 7, 2019
There’s plenty of other things to look forward to at the GINZA SIX sale too, from pop-up shops to events and more. If you’re in Japan for the new year then why not check out GINZA SIX?
Information
2019 GINZA SIX SALE
Running: January 2, 2019 – January 20, 2019
*Dates may differ for certain shops.
*Select stores not participating in the sale.
GINZA SIX
Address: 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Shops/Cafes (B2F-5F) 10:30-20:30 / Restaurants (6F, 13F) 11:00-23:00
*Business hours differ from shop to shop.
No Fixed Holidays.
Access: Directly connected to Ginza Station via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line and Hibiya Line.
TEL: 03-6891-3390
Website: http://ginza6.tokyo/ -
Don’t miss this chance to meet with ex-sumo wrestlers! -Ryogoku- Edo NOREN’s events
31.December.2017 | SPOT
Various kinds of New Year’s events which all generations can enjoy will be held at -Ryogoku- Edo NOREN which was created under the concept of “enjoying stylish food cultures of the Edo Period.”
During the first season of the grand sumo tournament, a routine event where poems regarding sumo will be presented. The events are gaining much popularity among many people. Also, limited menu items using special ingredients produced in Kagoshima Prefecture will be held in accordance with the first season of the tournament.
Shinshun! Furumaizake
The venue will offer nihonsyu (sake) sold at “Tokyo Shoten” for free as a celebrative event of New Year’s Day.
Date: 01,03 (Wed.) from 12:00 (the amount of nihonsyu is limited)
Customers who have a receipt of a product they bought on the same day (older than 20 years old) can participate in the event.
Rice cake-making event with ex-sumo wrestlers!
Mochi(rice cake) is a food which has been loved by Japanese people since the Edo Period and many people still participate in mochitsuki events. The mochitsuki event which will be held at -Ryogoku- Edo NOREN will invite ex-sumo wrestlers to participate! Performances by experts in mochitsuki can also be enjoyed.
Date: 01,06 (Sat.) from 14:00
※mochi will be handed out after the event is finished
Customers who have receipts of products bought on the same day (older than 20 years old) can participate in the event.
Ex-sumo wrestlers will show you some sumo performances!
Ex-sumo wrestlers will explain some techniques including forbidden techniques. After the explanation is finish, you can fight with them or take some photos with them. Both adults and children can enjoy the event!
Date: 01,06 (Sat.), 21 (Sun.) from 16:00
Delicious food from Kagoshima Prefecture will be offered!
2018 is the 150 anniversary-year of the Meiji Ishin (Meiji period revolution). “Shokuno Miyako Kagoshima Fair” offering original menu items using lots of ingredients produced in Kagoshima Prefecture will be held at -Ryogoku- Edo NOREN. The theme of the fair is “black.” They will offer dishes using ingredients related to the color black, such as black pork, black Satsuma chicken and kanpachi (greater amberjack), black vinegar and black koji shochu.
Date: 01,14 to (Sun.) to 02,11 (Sun.)
Let’s experience the culture of the Edo Period during the New Year’s holidays.
■Information
-Ryogoku- Edo NOREN
Address: 1-3-20, Yokozuna, Sumidaku, Tokyo (beside JR Ryogoku Station)
Business hours: 10:00 to 23:00 ※the business hour of each store differs.
Fixed holidays: 01,01& 01,02, facility-inspection-day (random)