Ghibli Park Phase 1 will open to the public on November 1 in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture at Moricoro Park within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. Ahead of the exciting day, fans are getting their first glimpse at the Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse area!

 

For those looking to immerse themselves in the world of Ghibli, look no further. Phase 1 will see the opening of a theater, a shop, a cafe, and three unique exhibits. 

 

 

Cinema Orion

The theater will screen ten short films that were previously only available to watch at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. 

Trio of Special Exhibitions

The Famous Scenes Exhibition will invite guests to pretend to be a character in their favorite Ghibli films, stepping directly into recreated scenes. In addition, due to how often fans claim that food in Ghibli films looks exceptionally tasty, a special exhibition from the Ghibli Museum is also coming to Ghibli Park featuring these delectable-looking treats. 

 

The on-site store and cafe will also be selling original products only available at the park. A new trailer has been released for the park as well, showing what fans can look forward to in November. Tickets for Ghibli Park will go on sale on the 10th of each month and are reservation-only, with a date and time assigned for each area. Lottery sales for December admission will run from September 10 until September 21 at 23:59.

© Studio Ghibli

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu inspired music lovers around the world in April when she performed at Coachella, one of the largest music festivals on Earth. The second half of the singer’s 10th anniversary nationwide tour 31-show has begun, gaining even more momentum following the announcement of a solo concert at Nippon Budokan in October. In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities. As with past concert locations, a new collaboration has been announced ahead of Kyary’s June 19 performance in Aichi Prefecture. 

Since its opening in 1916, Myokoen has been providing high-quality tea leaves to tea lovers around Japan. The store is known for its hojicha, or roasted green tea, which is made by roasting the leaves over a gentle flame. With a particular focus on aroma, taste, and color, this secret blend of tea leaves is selected by tea masters from all over the country. 

 

Kyary’s collaboration with Myokoen draws inspiration from the singer’s 6th single Invader Invader (2013), in which a fashionable alien played by Kyary seeks to take over the world. The tea shop’s logo has been transformed with a bit of pop flare.

Myokoen (Aichi Prefecture) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project ‘Invader Hojicha’: ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

The special product released for the new collaboration is the Myokoen and LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Invader Hojicha. The recipe for the tea has remained unchanged for over six decades and this blend focuses on the golden color of fresh green tea after it has been roasted. This release features new packaging, and those interested can purchase a package at all Myokoen shops and on the company’s online store. Limited quantities will also be sold at the Aichi Prefectural Art Theater’s Main Hall starting at 2:00 on June 19, 2022.

Myokoen (Aichi Prefecture) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project T-shirt: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

 

A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. The shirt is available on the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project website for two weeks only!

Toyokawa Inari in Aichi Prefecture will be taken over by NAKED projection mapping and events with a spring theme from March 22 until April 3, 2022. 

NAKED Tsukubai – Spring Ver.

NAKED Distanced Lanterns – Spring Ver.

Projection-Mapping ‘Sakura Pilgrimage’ *Spring Exclusive

‘Sando Illumination – Rim of Light’ Spring Ver.

NAKED Flower Fortune Telling – Spring Ver.

 

The Tokyokawa Inari x NAKED YORU MO-DE is being transformed as spring approaches, and popular NAKED attractions are being reimagined with cherry blossoms in mind. The popular NAKED Tsukubai, in which guests have their hands purified with art, will show cherry blossoms blooming. The NAKED Distanced Lanterns, made to encourage social distancing, will also feature a sakura theme.

Visitors can also participate in Flower Fortune Telling, which has been very popular across social media. Why not come see the temple illuminated with cherry blossoms?

Okazaki Castle in Aichi Prefecture is one of the most beloved historical spots in Japan. The fourth-largest castle in the country and the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the spot was illuminated by an impressive projection mapping event in early January. Now, thanks to a new video of the show, people around the world can experience it for themselves!

During the event, incredible images of the city’s cultural assets and artworks were shone on the gate, including those by Reizi Tamechika. The region’s popular Mikawa Fireworks made appearances as well, along with more modern digital art. The 16.4-meter wide and 11-meter high gate to the castle was also covered in brilliant lights!

 

Video Recording of Event

 

In 1959, Okazaki Castle’s tower was reconstructed, and in 2006, the location was selected as one of the 100 best castles in Japan. Each floor inside the castle has a different theme, and the location’s history is introduced through a collection of exhibits and a diorama theater. Guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the observation room on the 5th floor

 

The creators of the event hope that visitors and viewers from around the world can experience Japanese culture, art, and tradition through digital entertainment.

The Aichi Prefectural Government announced that part of the Studio Ghibli theme park will open on November 1 in the city of Nagakute. 

 

During the announcement, the first video and key visual of the park was released, both created by Studio Ghibli. The tourism video highlights the appeal of Aichi Prefecture and features local tourist spots, encouraging those visiting the theme park to also spend some time touring the prefecture.

 

Three areas of the Ghibli Park will open on November 1 of this year: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, the Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest. Two additional areas–Mononoke’s Village and the Valley of the Witches–are scheduled to open in November 2023.

 

Ghibli no Daisoko (Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse)

Three times the size of the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse will be an indoor area featuring shops, restaurants, ongoing exhibitions, and a small theater. An interactive area featuring oversized objects will allow visitors to feel as though they’ve stepped into Arrietty’s world, while another part of the space will recreate the sky garden from Laputa: Castle in the Sky. The Warehouse will also have a My Neighbor Totoro-inspired playground complete with Catbus.

 

Seishun no Oka (Hill of Youth)

Serving as the entrance to the park, the Hill of Youth features a yellow observation tower which will double as the main gate. The area will showcase the antique shop from Whisper of the Heart, featuring curiosities from films like Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Howl’s Moving Castle. The Hill of Youth will also feature a mini version of the Cat Bureau from the movie The Cat Returns.

 

Dondoko Mori (Dondoko Forest)

Dondoko Forest will feature Satsuki and Mei’s house from My Neighbor Totoro. A completely immersive experience, guests will notice that much of the local nature is intact–Miyazaki himself asked that no trees were to be cut down in the building of the park. 

 

Which Ghibli film would you like to see brought to life at Ghibli Park?

 

 ©　Studio Ghibli

Okazaki Castle in Aichi Prefecture has a fascinating history, known as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu and once the fourth largest castle in Japan. Now, a new projection-mapping event by the digital artist group Hitohata will cover the main gate of the structure in incredible lights from November 12 to November 14. 

 

During the event, incredible images of the city’s cultural assets and artworks will be brilliantly shone on the gate, including those by Reizi Tamechika. The region’s popular Mikawa Fireworks will proudly make appearances as well, along with more modern digital art.

 

At the same time, the Sakurajo Bridge x FORUM 8 Central Rally 2021, also produced by Hitohata, will be held at the nearby Sakurajo Bridge. 

The INAX LIVE MUSEUM in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, specializes in sharing the beauty in soil and pottery. Between November 6 2021 and March 22 2022, the museum will be holding the ‘Spectacular! Nagoya Mosaic Era’ exhibition. 

 

 

One wall will be covered in countless tiny pieces of tile, glass, and stone to create one large mosaic mural. The architectural decorations have been colored in a Pointillism style, where even bold shades mysteriously fade with time to blend in with everyday landscapes.

　

During the era of high economic growth, mosaic art flourished in and around Nagoya, boosted by the national demand for decorating the newly built reinforced concrete buildings. Nagoya was also home to leading pottery producing areas such as Tokoname, Seto, Tajimi, with close links to Gifu which was known for its marble production. A Yabashi Marble Shop (now Yabashi Marble) was also located in Nagoya. Architect Murano Tōgo’s Maruei Department Store, painter Yabashi Rokurou’s piece in the Aichi Prefectural Office West Building, Kitagawa Tamiji’s mural which integrates with the architecture of the Seto Library… Each piece was made during this period. Many murals have been lost to rebuilding in the half-century that has since passed, but the remaining pieces still retain their brilliance.

　

The exhibition will focus on the years between the late 1950’s and 1970’s, featuring photos of 17 impressive pieces crafted during this golden age of Nagoya mosaic art, along with part of the ceiling painting from the Central Japan Building (Previously the China-Japan Building). The art from the old Nagoya Castle Hotel which was stored in the museum will also be on display, as well as both murals from the old Kagome Building lobby. You will be amazed at the expressive art, the masterful use of color, and the detailed handiwork.

 

 

 

Step into the world of murals and learn all about soil and pottery at the INAX LIVE MUSEUM, just one of Nagoya’s many impressive attractions.

 

The Boat Race track at BOATRACE Tokonome will be home to a 3-day Drive-in Theater event on November 19, 20, and 21. The vast west parking lot will welcome guests to enjoy three films from the safety and privacy of their vehicles. In past years, the Hamanako, Tokuyama, Naruto, and Mikuni locations have participated. Now, it’s Tokoname’s turn!

 

Selected Films

 

La La Land (with subtitles) – November 19, 2021

© 2017 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

The Secret Life of Pets 2 (dubbed) – November 20, 2021

© 2019 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

A Whisker Away – November 21, 2021

© 2020「泣きたい私は猫をかぶる」製作委員会

 

This lineup of films can be enjoyed by families, lovers, and friends. The final film, A Whisker Away, is a coming-of-age fantasy set in the city of Tokoname. Visitors can enjoy these films on one of the largest air screens in Japan, at 722 inches. Don’t miss some additional boat race content that even beginners can enjoy!

In promotion of SCRAP’s new Detective Conan themed escape game Escape From the Scarlet Investigation (Blood Task Force), five of the company’s past escape games made in collaboration with the anime series are being revived for a temporary period.

 

Escape From the Orient Express

 

Escape From the Magical Castle

 

Escape From the Black Assassin

 

Escape From the Final Public Examination

 

Escape From the Navy Blue Art Museum

 

Here’s what it’s like to play..

SCRAP’s escape games are made in collaboration with many different series and see players become a character in the story where they must solve puzzles and riddles to find a way out. They have collaborated with Detective Conan since 2013 during which over 1.3 million people have played. The newest entry to the series is Escape From the Scarlet Investigation (Blood Task Force).

Five previous escape games make a return this year including Escape From the Orient Express (2014), Escape From the Magical Castle (2015), Escape From the Black Assassin (2016), Escape From the Final Public Examination (2018), and Escape From the Navy Blue Art Museum (2019). Each features a completely original story set in the world of Detective Conan.

 

©青山剛昌／小学館・読売テレビ・TMS 1996
©青山剛昌／小学館

TEA HOUSE ANJO, a cafe in Aichi Prefecture, released a new shaved ice dessert to its menu last Friday which is made with seasonal figs.

Fig Shaved Ice | ¥1,080 (Tax Included)

Taste isn’t the only luxury of this dessert: it’s also made with appearance in mind. It’s crafted with whole fresh figs grown in Anjo that are in-season right now and is drizzled in a sauce made from fig juice. Perfectly refreshing for summer, the shaved ice also hides other tasty secrets too including homemade fig pudding and rich caramel pudding which mix deliciously with the sweet and juicy figs. The fig sauce and fig puddings that are used in this dessert will also be available to buy separately in Japan online at Oyatsu on July 12. Of course, this isn’t the only delight on the menu at TEA HOUSE ANJO, but you’ll have to pay the cafe a visit to see all the other treats they have to offer.

Imabari is a city in Ehime Prefecture that faces the Seto Inland Sea. Since olden times, it has flourished as an important location for marine traffic. It’s home to a bounty of recognised national treasures and historical heritage sights, and is also famous for its production of citrus fruits such as mikan. Japanese pop star, model, and icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu took a trip to this ancient city to discover its wonder and beauty.

 

A Visit to the Historical Sea Route

 

 

Oyamazumi Shrine

A ‘power spot’ revered by prominent people

Oyamazumi Shrine has been revered by prominent figures throughout history as a place dedicated to the god of the mountain, god of the ocean, and the god of war. It’s home to numerous Important Cultural Properties which are available for viewing by the public such as the armour worn by the military commander Minamoto no Yoshitsune when the Minamoto clan won the Genpei War (1180-1185), armour worn by women, and more. The shrine is also a notable power spot for the ancient tree that has stood there for 2,600 years and is now recognised as a natural monument of Japan. Power spots are places in Japan where the spiritually-inclined draw energy from.

 

Information

Oyamazumi Shrine

Address: 3327 Omishimacho Miyaura, Imabari, Ehime 794-1393, Japan

TEL: 0897-82-0032

Opening Hours: Sunrise to 17:00

National Treasure Building: 8:30-17:00 (Last Entries 16:30)

Official Website: https://oomishimagu.jp/

 

Kurushima Kaikyo Service Area

Lip-smacking food aplenty

If you’re one for great views, then the Kurushima Kaikyo service area is a must-visit, offering a panoramic look at the Kurushima Strait of the Seto Inland Sea. The service area is very well know particularly for the Jaguchi Mikan Juice, something of a city legend in Ehime where you can enjoy fresh mikan juice straight from a tap. You can also tuck a rice bowl dish made with tachiuo hairtail caught in the Seto Inland Sea that’s made to look like Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge, or try Imabari’s soul food dish: the Imabari Yakibuta Tamago Meshi, a pork, egg, and rice bowl. Don’t pass up the chance to snap a photo at the designated photo spot with the Seto Inland Sea in the back either like Kyary above.

 

Information

Kurushima Kaikyo Service Area

Address: 3-9-68 Ohamacho, Imabari, Ehime, 794-0002, Japan

Food Court: [Weekdays] 8:00-21:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 7:00-22:00

Shops: [Weekdays] 8:00-21:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 7:00-22:00

Outside Shopping Area & Cafes: [Weekdays] 9:00-17:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 9:00-18:00

Official Website: https://www.jb-highway.co.jp/sapa/kurushima.php

 

Murakami Suigun Museum

Dedicated to the Imabari heroes who protected the ocean

Murakami Suigun Museum is dedicated to kaizoku—pirates, or lords of the sea—something which conjures to mind villainy or bad guys, but the Murakami pirates were also considered heroes who helped maintain order and protect the sea during the Sengoku warring period of Japan. The museum features many displays of Murakami family treasures including the battle surcoat which the pirate leader wore over his armour, proudly bearing the Murakami family crest. Visitors can wear replicas of this coat, which Kyary tired herself: “Now I’m sorta like a military commander too,” she said.

 

Information 

Murakami Suigun Museum

Address: 1285 Miyakubocho Miyakubo, Imabari, Ehime 794-2203, Japan
TEL: 0897-74-1065

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00

Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if the Monday falls on a public holiday) / New Year Holidays (Dec 29-Jan 3)

Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/museum/suigun/

 

Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan

A bundle of fun and entertainment in one place

Roll on up to Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan to enjoy a shichirin BBQ feast with fresh seafood caught in the Seto Inland Sea while gazing out across Kurushima Kaikyo. This building complex serves as a resting spot and is also the perfect place to purchase local souvenirs including Ehime specialty products. It’s also famous for its offering the chance to board a boat to ride around Kurushima Kaikyo, renting out bicycles, and more. You’ll also be able to meet Koro-chan, a popular fish who has lived there for 30 years.

 

Information

Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan

Address: 4520-2 Yoshiumichomyo, Imabari, Ehime 794-2114, Japan

TEL: 0897-84-3710

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00

Restaurant: 10:00-16:00 (Last Orders 15:00)

Closed: New Year’s Day (and certain days in winter)

Official Website: http://www.imabari-shimanami.jp/ikiiki/

 

Dolphin Farm Shimanami

Meet the cute and friendly dolphins

 

Dolphin Farm Shimanami, which is connected to Hakata Beach, is the best and biggest place in Japan to interact with dolphins. Visitors can get close to them and the dolphins will show off their tricks and skills. There’s even a car camping area you can stay at.

 

Information

Dolphin Farm Shimanami

Address: 1673 Hakatacho Kanoura, Imabari, Ehime 794-2302, Japan

TEL: 0897-72-8787

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00

Closed: On days with bad weath

Official Website: https://www.df-shimanami.com/

 

Hakata Beach

A white sandy beach rolling out 200-meters 

 

 

Hakata Beach is located at the base of Oshima Bridge in Hakata. The beach is famous for its salt which is best tried on their popular sweet-tasting sea salt ice cream.

 

Information

Hakata Beach

Address: 1668-1 Hakatacho Kanoura, Imabari, Ehime 794-2302, Japan

Sea Bathing: Early July – Late August

Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/spot/?a=198

 

Imabari Towels

High quality towels woven with tradition and technique

 

Imabari is the biggest producer of towels in Japan. Even their white towels alone have countless types you can choose from, allowing you to pick which level of softness and comfort you want. The iconic brand logo is also impactful, capturing the quality, production, and enthusiasm that the makes have for the product. Kyary herself uses them all the time!

 

Information 

Imabari Towel

Official Website: https://www.imabaritowel.jp/

 

Sunrise Itoyama

Need a bike?

Sunrise Itoyama, located in the Imabari Central Cycling Terminal, is a rental bicycle service that has bikes and helmets for everyone’s needs. Rent out a bike and ride the Shimanami Sea Route which connects Ehime and Hiroshima with a series of bridges that hop across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

 

Information 

Sunrise Itoyama

Address: 2-8-1 Sunabacho, Imabari, Ehime 794-0001, Japan

TEL: 0898-41-3196

Rent-a-Cycle Details: https://www.sunrise-itoyama.jp/archives/rentacycle/

Official Website: https://www.sunrise-itoyama.jp/

 

Marutomi

The famous restaurant known to every local

If you want the real experience of Imabari’s yakitori soul food, you should visit Marutomi, a yakitori eatery. Imabari yakitori is different from the usual Japanese yakitori as it doesn’t come skewered. Instead, the chicken is cut into small pieces and fried that way. One of the most popular ways to have it is with the skin on so the outside is crunchy and the inside succulent. It goes perfect with a cup of sake too.

 

Information 

Marutomi

2-3-6 Katayama, Imabari, Ehime 794-0063, Japan

TEL: 0898-23-2740

Opening Hours: 17:30-22:00

Closed: Wednesdays

Official Website: https://maru-marutomi.jp/

 

Imabari Castle

A castle by the sea

Imabari Castle, built by the daimyo Tōdō Takatora, is known famously as one of Japan’s three “Castles on the Sea” and was also listed in Japan’s Top 100 Castles. When it was first constructed, boats could enter the moat from the ocean. It’s a site that breathes the prosperity that Imabari has enjoyed as a significant location for maritime traffic, the same Imabari that the Murakami pirates sought to protect. Head on up to the top of the castle to stand on the observation deck and gaze at an unbroken view of the city.

 

Information

Imabari Castle

Address: 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari, Ehime, 794-0036, Japan

TEL: 0898-31-9233

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00

Closed: December 29 – December 31

Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/museum/imabarijo/

 

Kirosan Observatory Park

A breathtaking spectacle to remember

Kirosan Observatory Park is officially recognised by Setonaikai National Park. Standing atop the observation deck fills the eyes with wonder as they gaze upon a panoramic stretch of Imabari, the Seto Inland Sea, and Kurushima Kaikyo all at once. Kyary wrapped up her time in Imabari here as the sunset coloured the sky and sea in warm evening hues.

 

Information 

Kirosan Observatory Park

Address: 487-4 Yoshiumicho Minamiura, Imabari, Ehime 794-2115, Japan

No Fixed Holidays

Open 24-hours a day

Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/spot/?a=182

 

Imabari Tourism Information: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/

 

We hope you enjoyed joining Kyary on her adventures across Imabari, and perhaps she even got you a little curious in wanting to visit the city yourself. It’s a treasure trove filled with vistas by the sea, in nature, and in the city itself with its Important Cultural Properties. Food is also a big part of travel for many people, so you can rest assured that your belly will be satisfied in Imabari as you try their speciality mikan, fresh seafood fished in the Seto Inland Sea, and more.

The reception staff are ready and waiting to greet customers with a smile

 

The all new Matsuyama Tourist Information Centre finally opened in the heart of Matsuyama—the capital city of Ehime Prefecture in Japan—in Okaido on May 27. You’ll find it on the first floor of Matsuyama Mitsukoshi which isn’t even a one-minute walk from Okaido Station. It features an interior fusion combining history and culture with a design inspired by Matsuyama Castle while also throwing in a contemporary feel.

Six giant screens serve as the perfect place for tourism-related PR of Matsuyama

The first sight many visitors will lay their eyes on upon entering the information centres are the six screens spanning 1.5 meters high and 4.5 meters across the wall. Here, a variety of promotional material centred on the highlights of Matsuyama will be displayed.

 

The information centre offers many useful services, including for foreign customers who don’t speak Japanese. There is a translation and interpreting service, money exchange, rental electrical outlets for smart devices, and more. The staff themselves are multilingual, but the interpreting service includes access to a call centre which you can access using the free WiFi or using an iPad. The availability of foreign currency exchange is also extremely beneficial as Matsuyama is a city abundant with long-standing shops that have been around for decades and longer. Another convenience with the centre is easy access to public transport. If you’re looking to travel around the prefecture, we recommend paying a visit to the centre first as it’s sure to provide valuable information. You can even rent mobile batteries for your smartphone to lessen the stress when sightseeing.

The pictogram shows the many handy services available

Visitors will also find a comprehensive duty-free counter inside the information centre which covers all stores in Okaido, Gintengai, Matsuchika Town, Dogo Shoten, and Ropeway Shotengai. You must spend over ¥5,000 (before tax) on products to be duty-free eligible. Since it’s a comprehensive service, if you have multiple receipts you can be exempt from tax as long as all your receipts exceed ¥5,000. Participating stores have special stickers plastered up inside so tourists can quickly and easily identify them.

Stores participating in the duty-free service have stickers and signs to show it

For example, if you spend ¥500 at participating stores in Dogo Shotengai, ¥1,000 in Okaido Shopping Street, and ¥3,500 in Gintengai Shotengai, and take all three of those receipts adding up to ¥5,000 to the information centre, you can get your items duty free. But keep in mind that the receipts have a validity period on them, so be sure to check opening hours.

 

The Matsuyama Tourist Information Centre serves as the perfect site for bringing in all kinds of tourists, including foreign travellers, to Matsuyama post-COVID. The information also goes by the cute nickname “Dan Dan info.” Dan dan is an old Ehime phrase meaning “thank you” and ties in with the smiling and hospitable welcome staff wish to greet guests with. It’s exciting to look into the future and see how Matsuyama’s tourism and economic growth will develop in its shopping districts, stores, and elsewhere. Make one of your first stops the Matsuyama Tourist Information Centre when visiting the city.