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.

Hi everyone! This is Midori from MMN's Editorial Department. Now that summer is here, it's the perfect opportunity to visit a beer garden! Having a refreshing cold beer on a rooftop during a hot summer's day is on a whole new level. Every year, beer gardens put a lot of effort into coming up with new ideas for their customers to have the time of their lives. The entire atmosphere is an entirely new experience. That's why today, I will be introducing you to 2019's must-visit beer gardens in Kyoto and Osaka.   Or click here to discover Tokyo's top 5 beer gardens instead!     Korean BBQ SakebaHead to the rooftop of Keihan City Mall which is attached to Temmabashi station  in Osaka for a Korea-themed beer garden. From grilled meats such as Korean grilled pork belly, (Samgyeopsal), and gourmet food such as cheese Dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), there are just so many delicious meals to try. You can treat yourself to the free self-service drinks or get your beers, highballs and lemon sours topped up as many times as you like! Korean grilled meat and beer is the perfect combination. No wonder it is so popular!   ▼ Temmabashi Korean BBQ SakebaAddress: Keihan City Mall rooftop, 1-1 Tenmabashikyomachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka,Running: May 22 ー September 30, 2019 (No regular holidays.) ※ Closed on days of severe or stormy weatherOpening Hours: 17:00 ー 22:30 (Last entries: 20:00)Official Website: https://www.matsuri-bbq.com   Hotel Keihan Rooftop Beer Garden Before the rooftop garden opens at Keihan Hotel, Osaka, you can still enjoy alcohol at the "Choi Nomi" alcohol stand. Here, you pay for each individual drink, which is perfect for those who do not want to drink too much. You can also enjoy a couple of drinks here with friends while you are waiting for the beer garden to open. Whether you want to drink a little or go all the way, this beer garden caters for all kinds of alcohol-lovers. ♪   ▼ Rooftop Beer Garden Location: Hotel Keihan Kyoto GrandeAddress: 31 Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward,Running: June 1 ー August 31, 2019 ※ Closed during bad weather Opening Hours: 17:30 ー 21:00 (Last orders: 20:45) (Choi Nomi alcohol stand opening times: 16:00 ー 17:30Website: https://www.hotelkeihan.co.jp/Kyoto/     Senri Hankyu HotelSenri Hankyu Hotel Poolside Beer Garden also has private spaces this year, allowing you to relax in private with your friends without having to worry about others around you. Amongst all the typical drinks, you can also enjoy Smirnoff and Sangria. There will also be a variety of dance performances to keep you entertained including samba, hula and belly dancing. Grab your girlfriends and boyfriends for the perfect summer reunion party.   ▼ Senri Hankyu Hotel Beer GardenLocation: Senri Hankyu Hotel PoolsideAddress:  2-1 Shinsenri Higashimachi, Toyonaka, OsakaRunning: June 1 ー September 30, 2019 Opening Hours: Mondays ー Saturdays (17:30 ー 21:00)Last orders: 20:30), Sundays, national holidays: 17:30 ー 20:30 (Last orders: 20:00)Website: https://www.hankyu-hotel.com/home/hotel/hh/senrihh/contents/beergarden/   Hotel New Hankyu KyotoRight now, the rooftop of Hotel New Hankyu, is home to a beer garden. From the same rooftop, you can enjoy a view of Kyoto Tower amongst the breathtaking scenery of nightfall in Kyoto. There is also a live performance menu at the grilled dish corner, performance desserts and much more. Treat yourself to a luxurious beer garden experience.   ▼Hankyu Top Beer Garden Kyoto Location: Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto (Rooftop )Address: Opposite Kyoto station (Karasuma central exit), Shimogyo Ward, KyotoRunning: May 17, 2019 ー September 23, 2019 On national holiday August 16, opening hours will change due to the Gozan no Okuribi festival of Kyoto.Opening Hours: 17:30 ー 21:30※ Open until 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays during July and August, however a time limit of 120 minutes for each group of customers applies. Website: https://www.hankyu-hotel.com/hotel/hh/kyotoshh/restaurants/beergarden   So, what do you think? A beer garden with friends is the perfect way to have fun with friends in the evening!

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of TV anime series Ojamajo Doremi, two themed cafes named Ojamajo Doremi Cafe&Kitchen will open in Tokyo and Osaka from July 12 and August 29 respectively.   Ojamajo Doremi is an original magical girl created by Toei Animation that ran from February 1999 to January 2003. The series was a huge hit with young girls in Japan when it was released, sending them into a magical daze and further spreading the love for magical girl series. The Cafe&Kitchen is aimed at today's young girls and the girls from back then who have now turned into women. The cafe promises to be kawaii through and through.

Doremi's Adoration! Steak Sandwich Plate: ¥1,490

Steak is Doremi's favourite so there was no way the cafe was going to leave it off the menu. This steak sandwich is served in a baguette and is served with cheese sauce to make the steak even more delicious.

Momoko's New York Memories... Meat Ball Pasta Salad: ¥1,290

This dish is inspired by Momoko's memories of how New York tasted back when she lived there as a young girl. The salad pasta bowl is colourful and filled to the brim, representing Momoko's overflowing energy and liveliness. Pour the saffron flavoured cream cheese over to make it look and taste even more American.

Ojamajo Doremi's 20th Birthday Cake: ¥1,190

The Cafe&Kitchen is a celebration of the series's 20th anniversary, so they whipped up a birthday cake fitting for a magical girl. It's a combination of roll cake and sponge cake so you're sure to never tire of the flavour. Help celebrate Doremi's 20th by tucking into this whipped cream covered birthday cake!

Magical Girl Apprentice's Rainbow Pancakes: ¥1,190

Based on the iconic colours of the magical girls, this stack of cute pancakes are shaped like hearts. Scoop up the anglaise sauce and eat together with the pancakes for an even sweeter flavour.

Onpu's Purple Tapioca Milk: ¥790

The famous idol Onpu gets her very own brown sugar bubble tea with tapioca pearls. Served in her image colour, the drink is whipped with whipped cream and showered with rainbow sprinkles♡

Aiko's Blue Lemonade Float: ¥890

You're sure to cool yourself down in the summer heat with Aiko's blue lemonade topped with deliciously refreshing ice cream, lime and mint.

Acrylic Key Ring (6 Designs): ¥600

Clear Pouch (1 Design): ¥1,500

With art director by popular creators Etoile et Griotte, who are popular with lovers of kawaii things, the Cafe&Kitchen will also sell a selection of cute and exclusive merchandise. Customers who book a table in advance (¥500 per person, excluding tax) and order from the menu will receive one of the six above-pictured original clear stickers chosen randomly. Those who dine at the cafe will also receive one of these two possible original lunch mats. Finally, customers who order a drink will receive one of six possible character coasters. Visit the Ojamajo Doremi Cafe&Kitchen this summer to celebrate 20 years since the series first aired.   *All prices listed are pre-tax prices. Photos are for illustrative purposes only©Toei Animation

It has been announced that Attack on Titan Exhibition FINAL will be on exhibit at Hirakata Park in Osaka from September 21 to December 1. It was announced earlier this month that the exhibition is also to take place at the MORI Arts Center Gallery on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills MORI Tower from July 5 to September 8. The exhibition serves to plunge fans into the world of Attack on Titan in a number of different ways, from art displays to diorama reconstructions of the world and more.   Advance tickets for the Hirakata Park event will be released on July 1.