For eight years now, Shiraito Highland Way, Karuizawa has been showing its gratitude to its summertime visitors with a special nighttime illumination display. This year, that time has come yet again.
The illumination event will take place at Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝, Shiraito no Taki), which is a special area of conservation located in Joshin’etsu-kogen National Park. Abiding by the rules set by the Ministry of the Environment and after a careful study of the wildlife, ecosystem and natural surroundings, preparations have been made in order to hold a successful show without any negative environmental effects. This will be the first ever projection mapping event to be held in a national park in Japan amongst the nature.
The 2019 event will be filled with a rich variety of beautiful animation to highlight the beauty of Karuizawa’s natural undertones and will also celebrate the new Reiwa era. The theme of the projection mapping will be “the birth of the earth and our prayers for the Reiwa period”.
This has been recognised as one of Japan’s Nightscape Heritage sites, so please come witness it for yourself.
Information
2019 Shiraito Falls Projection Mapping, Karuizawa
Running: Friday ー Sunday from July 26 ー August 25, 2019
※ Running every day from August 12 ー August 15
Show Times: 19:00 ー 21:00
※ For safety reasons, the illumination will be prepared from 18:30
※ The projection mapping show will run 9 times on each day in 15 minute intervals starting from 19:00)
※ In times of overcrowding, there will be an entry limit.
※ To confirm whether the event will be postponed due to bad weather, please check the website below.
※ On August 13 and 14 only, the first 200 visitors will be presented with Karuizawa Chocolate Factory sweets
Official Website: http://www.karuizawa-shw.com/
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Maxell Aqua Park, Shinagawa will be running a special event called FLOWER AQUARIUM Directed BY NAKED ーBrand New Sea－ from Saturday 27th April ー Sunday 7th July 2019.
The main attraction of the event is the dolphin performances, which will be even more incredible as a new water fountain is going to be installed at the park. There will be different collaborations running during the day and night, creating an even more spectacular dolphin programme which crosses the boundaries of art! During the day, there will be a collaboration with female vocal group Little Glee Monster, whose powerful and beautiful vocals and harmonies are worthy of note. The dolphin show will really come alive with the power of their music! The nighttime version features a collaboration with one of Japan’s most creative companies called NAKED Inc., who will also be managing the water tank exhibition areas. Enjoy a show of multicoloured flowers blooming and sunlight glimmering through the trees with the 360-degree projection mapping show. The projection mapping is a fantastic representation of spring, and is further enhanced with the dolphins! There will also be an exhibition zone dedicated to the water tanks, artwork and colourful projection mapping area. Allow yourself to be completely surrounded by butterflyfish, fluttering like butterflies through the water. Spot the colourful light reflecting off the jellyfish which look like beautiful flowers. Enjoy the relaxing view of a countless number of flowers as the picturesque view of the beginning of summer unfolds. You can also grab a bite to eat at the cafe bar, which is serving up an original menu with a FLOWER AQUARIUM theme. Come enjoy a moment to yourself regardless of the weather. The cafe is indoors and is the perfect environment for you to enjoy the refreshing taste of the start of summer! Other event contents include a penguin performance and a jellyfish exhibition which also uses projection mapping over a large area! As we’re approaching the holidays, this is your chance to enjoy a magnificent world through the latest technology, so come on down to Maxell Aqua Park, Shinagawa! Information
Dolphin performance
Times: 10:00 am onwards, (5 ー 6 shows, each lasting approx. 15 mins)
※ The schedule of events running during this event period is subject to change.Maxell Aqua Park, Shinagawa.
Address: 4 Chome-10-30 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo (Inside Shinagawa Prince Hotel)
Entry prices:
Individual：¥2,200 (adults/ high school students+), ¥1,200 (elementary/middle school students), ¥700 (kindergarten)
Year-long passport ¥4,200 (adults/ high school students+), ¥2,300 (elementary/middle school students), ¥1,300 (kindergarten)
※ There are two event attractions. Each costs ¥500 to attend once.
Event period: Saturday 27th April ー Sunday 7th July 2019.
Saturday 27th April ー Monday 6th May (8:30 ー 22:00)
Tuesday 7th May ー ー Sunday 7th July (10:00 ー 22:00)
※ Last entries accepted up to 1 hour before closing time.TEL：03-5421-1111 (directory)
Maxell Aqua Park, Shinagawa official website: www.aqua-park.jp
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teamLab Open ‘The Life of Animals in Japanese Art’ Exhibition at National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
teamLab are currently holding an exhibition entitled "The Life of Animals in Japanese Art" at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. until August 18. The exhibition serves as the first devoted to artworks that represent animals―whether real, imaginary or religious. A selection of over 300 pieces are on display from artists back in the 5th century to today. The showcasing includes artirange from Sesson Shūkei, Itō Jakuchū, Soga Shōhaku, Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, to Okamoto Tarō, Kusama Yayoi, Issey Miyake, Nara Yoshitomo, and Murakami Takashi.United, Fragmented, Repeated and Impermanent World / teamLab, 2013, Interactive Digital Work, Endless, 8 channels, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi
Itō Jakuchū was a Japanese painter of the early modern period who was active during Edo times in Kyoto. He is known for his unique painting method called masumega which sees his works built up of tens of thousands of squares which are all painted individually. One of these pieces is the above-pictured famous Birds and Animals in the Flower Garden. The exhibition will feature a range of mediums including sculptures, paintings, textiles, ceramics, metalwork and more.Information
The Life of Animals in Japanese Art #teamLab
Location: National Gallery of Art, East Building, Concourse Galleries (6th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC)
Running: June 2, 2019 – August 18, 2019
Time: [Mon-Sat] 10:00-17:00 / [Sun] 11:00-18:00
Price: Free
Enquiries: Pace Gallery info@pacegallery.comTEL: +1(202)737-4215
Exhibition Page: https://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2019/life-of-animals-in-japanese-art.html
teamLab Official Website: https://www.teamlab.art/
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teamLab is a creative group of professionals and artists that creates collaborative digital art projects and exhibits them to the public. Visitors have the opportunity to fully immerse their bodies in the exhibition and become part of the art. Now, teamLab is heading to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa (Ishikawa). From Friday 9th August to Sunday 1st September, the exhibition Impermanent Flowers Floating in a Continuous Sea will take place in the museum. Tickets can be purchased from Seven Ticket (Seven-Eleven convenience stores) or from event's official website.
Continuous Life and Death at the Now of Eternity, Cannot be Controlled but Live Together teamLab, 2019, Interactive Digital Installation, Endless, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi
Learn more: https://www.teamlab.art/w/continuous_life_and_death/
Learn more: https://www.teamlab.art/jp/w/reversible-blackinwhite/The main exhibition features one continuous wave produced by one installation. The concept is; Black Waves: Lost, Immersed and Reborn. The movement of the patterns in the exhibition are influenced by the movements of the visitors. The exhibition aims to show people that the continuous cycle of life and death exists in a moment that lasts forever. You cannot control it, but you can learn to live alongside it. Black in White is another immersive exhibition. Here, you stand in the exhibition space and watch Japanese sho (calligraphy) being drawn all around you in 3D. The Graffiti Flowers Bombing exhibition is where visitors can draw their own flowers which then grow and bloom on the walls and spread all over the exhibition space.Reversible Rotation - Black in White teamLab, 2018, Digital Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi Graffiti Flowers Bombing teamLab, 2018, Interactive Digital Installation, Endless, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi
Learn more: https://www.teamlab.art/w/graffiti-flowers-bombing/All visitors are invited to become one with the art together. As your body intwines with the art, the borders between people and the exhibition disappear, creating a new borderless relationship with the world. This is a chance for anyone to experience the latest technology to their heart's content.Information
teamLab exhibition: Impermanent Flowers Floating in a Continuous Sea
Running: Friday 9th August ー Sunday 1st September 2019
Venue: Shimin Gallery A & B, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Opening hours: 10:00 ー 18:00 (until 20:00 onFri & Sat)
＊Last entries accepted up to 40 minutes before closing time
Tickets:
Seven Ticket: http://7ticket.jp/g/001913
Official website tickets: https://kanazawa21.teamlabticket.com
Hokkoku Shimbun Reader’s service centre: https://hk-event.jp/event/ev_pcMap.php?mp_kind=ticketcenter
No regular holidays
teamLab exhibition information: https://www.teamlab.art/jp/e/kanazawa21/
teamLab Official Website: http://teamlab.art/jp/
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Official Website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/
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Each Hoshinoya location has its own unique theme, and all offer an extraordinary experience. Hoshinoya Karuizawa, a resort in Nagano Prefecture, has opened reservations for the Starry Winter Anniversary Plan, allowing couples to celebrate their love away from the hustle and bustle of the city beneath the dazzling winter sky. The staff at the resort will assist couples in celebrating the special day at various locations around the resort, and a custom-made photo tour will also be included! Surrounded by rich nature at the foot of Mt. Asama, Karuizawa reaches low temperatures in winter, creating beautiful scenery dotted with icy trees and snow glistening in the sunlight. This plan is perfect for those who want to escape the stresses of the current pandemic.
A Special Seat on the Ice
The Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary is located directly beside Hoshinoya Karuizawa and houses the Kera Pond at the entrance. Used as an outdoor skating rink during the winter months, a large two-person seating area is erected on the ice which can only be reserved for couples. Lovebirds can enjoy champagne, dried fruits, and cheese as they gaze up at the starry sky. Guest Rooms Decorated for the Celebration
With rooms offering spectacular nature views, couples can enjoy herbal tea, sweets, and flower arrangements only included in this special plan. The flowers may be taken home, and the sweets include florentines made with miso, a specialty of the Shinshu area. They are said to be ‘sweets that bring happiness,’ and may be the key to many more happy years together! Custom-Made Photo Tour
The landscape around the resort pays homage to traditional Japanese landscaping and includes terraced rice paddies, rivers, and unique vegetation. The custom-made photo tour is a private tour limited to one group, in which couples stroll around the grounds with a photographer to take photos at these spectacular locations. These will be made into an album with the Hoshinoya Karuizawa logo. Information
Hoshinoya Karuizawa Starry Winter Anniversary Plan
Running: December 1, 2021 – February 28, 2022
Reservations: https://hoshinoya.com/karuizawa (At least 5 days in advance by 24:00)
Location: Hoshinoya Karuizawa
Official Site: https://www.hoshinoresorts.com
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Karuizawa Hoshino Area, a place known for bringing nature and culture lovers together, will be offering a new one-day hot spring spa plan from November 4, 2021, until March 19, 2022. This is the perfect way to unwind from the stresses of the past year while getting away from crowds and responsibilities. Because it’s only one day, it’s perfect for those who can’t take a long vacation, but who are still desperate for some relaxation! The package will include access to hot spring baths, body care, a choice of lunch and drinks, and plenty of skincare amenities.
Tonbo-no-Yu Hot Spring, open since the Taisho era, will serve as the main location for the getaway. The springs themselves are bicarbonate and chloride springs with soft and thick waters in which to achieve the perfect soak and detox. Getting out of the water will leave a veil of salt on your skin, moisturizing it and cleansing every inch of your body. The open-air bath is surrounded by trees, while the indoor baths offer excellent views through oversized windows. Five Luxuries to Enjoy on the One-Day Getaway
[Power Up] Proper Bathing Instructions for the Best Hot Springs Experience
For those looking to maximize their hot spring experience, a comprehensive bathing guide will be provided to all guests, including breathing exercises and techniques for a great facial massage. The plan includes rental towers, and guests can feel free to enter the springs as many times as they like. At the reception desk, guests will also be given a bottle of Apple Vinegar Water to help them stay properly hydrated while soaking.[New] Gentle Skin Care while Relaxing in the Spring
Those participating in the one-day plan will be given OSAJI amenities to use during their stay. The brand is made up of safe and organic products approved by dermatologists, to be applied before and after bathing. [Power Up] Improve Gut Health with Healthy Beverages
When guests get out of the bath, a warm brown rice amazake will be waiting, shown to improve the intestinal environment and boost natural immunity. By using brown rice, the drink contains larger amounts of Vitamin E and dietary fiber than traditional amazake. This tasty drink will be served at Cafe Hungry Spot, adjacent to the springs. Relieve Stiff Joints with Attentive Body Care
At Tokoyo, located within the Harunire Terrace in the Karuizawa Hoshino Area, guests will get a 30-minute body care treatment with their choice of foot massage or shoulder and neck massage. Unwind and let go of all of your stress. Choose From Six Different Restaurants for Lunch
For lunch, six restaurants in the Hoshino area are at your beck and call, from Japanese cuisine to Italian. There’s no need to make reservations in advance; choose what you’re craving the day of, and don’t stress! Information
Solo One-Day Hot Spring Spa Plan
Running: November 4, 2021 – March 19, 2022 (Excluding Dec. 29 – Jan. 3 and Jan. 11 – 20)
Reservations: https://www.hoshino-area.jp (Reservations required by 18:00 the day before)
Location: Tonbo-no-Yu, Karuizawa, Nagano
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HOSHINOYA Karuizawa has announced a special summer plan for guests called "Mori no Hotori cafe&Bar ~Suijo no Tokutoseki~" (Cafe & Bar by the Forest ~Special Seats on the Water~). The midsummer evening plan is available for one group per day and takes place at the hotel's cafe and bar which sits by a forest and faces the Kera-Ike Pond. It invites guests to relax under the starry night sky on the water and enjoy the sounds of nature while enjoying drinks and bites to eat. Japan is known for its summer hot summers. However, Karuizawa enjoys a cooler climate, so evenings dip to around 20°C for a comfortable temperature.
Stargazing on top of the water
HOSHINOYA Karuizawa is connected directly to Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary. At the entrance, by the Kera-Ike Pond, is the hotel's Mori no Hotori cafe&bar which is open all year. The cafe/bar fusion is surrounded by Karuizawa's lush forests, and it's here that guests can enjoy sitting on specially-prepared seats on the water. It will feel like they are walking on water as they approach their seats where they can take their shoes off and sit on the tatami mats to gaze at the stars. Calm the heart with an enchanting performance
When you walk up the stairs that face Kera-Ike from HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, your ears will be met with the enchanting sound of crystal bowls which add a mysterious depth to the natural sounds of the forest, spiriting guests away to another wonderful world. Indulgent drinks and food
Guests can pick from a range of drinks and bites to eat scented with fruits, wood, and other natural fragrances of the forest. There arw six drinks to choose from including a gin and tonic made with lindera umbellata, a type of camphor, as well as a whisky made with ripe fruits. Food includes chocolate made from lindera umbellata and kuma bamboo grass, cherry blossom and walut chips, and more. Information
Cafe & Bar by the Forest ~Special Seats on the Water~
Japanese Plan Name: 森のほとりcafe&bar ～水上の特等席～
Running: July 1, 2021 – August 31, 2021
Book Here: https://hoshinoya.com/karuizawa/*Bookings must be made 5 days in advance
Requirements: Must be aged 20+ years / HOSHINOYA Karuizawa guests only
Time: 20:00-21:00
Capacity: 1 group of two people per dayNotes: Will not take place if it rains
Official Website: https://hoshinoya.com/
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The Karuizawa-based hotel and hot spring complex Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu joined hands with local apple farmers last year to help support apple cultivation for their apple hot springs. This is now being taken to the next level with the opening of Ringo Tsuchi, an apple farm that Tombo-no-yu staff helped to build. The farm opened on March 19, and locals will be able to visit part of the farm for free starting on April 26.
The project ties in with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative, specifically the 12th goal: "Responsible Consumption and Production," which looks to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Karuizawa is located in Nagano Prefecture which is ranked as the 2nd biggest producer of apples in Japan. When growing apples, those fruits which incur any kind of damage or grazing isn't shipped to the country's supermarkets or stores. It's these not-so-perfect apples that Tombo-no-yu uses for its apple hot spring experience. Though it may just be a small step towards that goes, it still goes a small incremental way towards achieving it. Free entry to Ringo Tsuchi
The main raw materials at Ringo Tsuchi ("Apple Earth") are the apples used in the apple hot springs and fallen leaves from around the Hoshino area. In addition to compost and water, the materials are fermented, which adds the necessary nutrients to growing apples and creates soft and breathable soil. And since compost is added, it creates an environment where gardening tools can be used in the earth without any prior preparation.The completion of Ringo Tsuchi
In the mid-October last year, work was carried out at Nomoto Kajuen Orchards in Mimakigahara Okubo, Nagano, to carefully select picked apples and not-so-perfect apples. These apples were used for the apple hot springs at Tombo-no-yu over a three day period from October 23 to 25. The apples are placed in both the male and female hot springs to float on the water.After that three-day period, the apples were collected, washed, and cut to be used for compost. Since fermentation removes water content, the staff also had to add water twice a month to manage the compost. Working with the locals
Katsuya Nomoto is a representative of Nomoto Kajuen Orchards, a farm that grows apples, prunes, and more. The farm takes advantage of the area's high altitude and takes pride in its work to cultivate produce that is healthy to the body and environment using soil microbes as an organic fertiliser. It's also officially recognised as a farm dedicated to supporting Nagano's environment, and carries out school trips for children to visit, creating ties with the local community. -
Shiraito Highland Way has announced that this year's Karuizawa Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up will run from December 19, 2020 to February 14, 2021. The illumination event will take place at Karuizawa Shiraito Falls, a 3-meter tall waterfall that spans 70-meters in length. The lights will add a warmth to the cool evening and glow under a starry night sky. The event creates a different atmosphere from the summer light-up, allowing visitors to enjoy the enveloping nature in a way that they normally can't and see beauty they may not have noticed in the area before. The waterfall is located in Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park, a protected area which means the lights will be set up in a way that's considerate to the park. If you're in Japan this winter then don't miss out on this year's Karuizawa Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up which will be split into three sessions: the Christmas Session, New Year Session, and St. Valentine Session. More details below.
Information
Karuizawa Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up
Location: Karuizawa Shiraito Falls
Running: December 19, 2020 – February 14, 2021
・Christmas Session: December 19th-20th, 24th-27th (17:00-19:00)
・New Year Session: January 2nd-3rd, 8th-11th (17:00-19:00)
・St.Valentine Session: February 11th-14th (17:30-19:30)Access: https://karuizawa-shw.com/access/
*Please see the website for the latest information*Entry restrictions may be made depending on the number of visitors
Official Website: https://karuizawa-shw.com/
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Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by Hilton, a hotel in Karuizawa, Nagano that is managed by Tokyu Resort Service Co., Ltd. made it onto Tripadvisor's 2020 Travellers' Choice Best of the Best and also ranked on the website's Top 20 best hotels in Japan for high quality service.
Travellers' Choice Best of the Best is Tripadvisor's highest recognition, presented annually to the top 1% of businesses across select categories. Kyukaruizawa Kikyo hails as Hilton's first "Curio Collection by Hilton" in Japan. First open in 2018, the hotel's name "Kiyko" is a reference to both the flower of the same name and the Japanese word kikyo which means "to return to one's home" or "homecoming." The hotel is active alongside the community in working towards the Sustainable Development Goals and is committed to the Hilton CleanStay initiative to ensure the cleanest possible stay for guests. Hilton's first Curio Collection hotel in Japan
Curio Collection by Hilton is an upscale hotel brand first established by Hilton in 2014. To date, the brand has around 70 establishments worldwide, supporting guests who are looking for unique and authentic hotel experiences. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city
Karuizawa is a popular resort area that's easily accessible from Tokyo. It's loved by some of the biggest names in the political, financial, and celebrity worlds. Guests can enjoy a free rides in a Mercedes-Benz from Karuizawa Station to the hotel. Enjoy the sights while shopping and soaking up nature
The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Old Karuizawa Ginza Street with shops offering all things Karuizawa. It's also the perfect spot to enjoy walking and cycling while taking in the sights of nature. Information
Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: Kyūkaruizawa-491-5 KaruizawaKitasaku-gun, Nagano
Access: 1 hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo StationOfficial Website: https://www.kyukaruizawa-kikyo.com/