The historic Nagoya Castle will hold a special nighttime viewing event for 14 days only, from November 25 until December 8, 2022. During this period, Honmaru Palace will be open to the public at night, and the Chrysanthemum Corridor inside will be open to visitors for the first time. 

The Ninomaru Garden will also be illuminated and will transport guests to a different place and time by showing a space only possible during dark hours.

Inspired by the relationship between light and shadow, this event focuses on changes that occur over time and the creation and emergence of new ideas and things.

Honmaru Palace, Typically Closed to the Public, to be Open at Night

Nagoya Castle’s Honmaru Palace was completed in 1615 and served as the primary residence of the Lord of the Owari Domain and as the Domain’s government office. The interior of the palace was lavishly decorated with paintings and other art pieces and was praised as a masterpiece. Sadly, it was destroyed by an air raid in 1945. Restoration work began in 2009 and was completed in 2018 with unparalleled accuracy. The Honmaru Palace gives off a completely different aura at night. 

First Public Viewing of the Jodan-no-ma in the Joraku-den

The Joraku-den was added to Nagoya Castle to accommodate the third Shogun, Iemitsu, on his way to Kyoto. It is the most luxurious of all the Honmaru Palace buildings, and this event marks the first time that the Chrysanthemum Corridor on the north side will be open to the public. Visitors are welcome to admire the golden-blue paintings as they stroll through the historic site.

See Spectacular Paintings when Entering the Tsugi-no-ma Room

During this period, visitors can enter the Tsugi-no-ma room to view classical period paintings, giving a more clear idea of how people acted and dressed during this time in history.

[Ninomaru Garden Special Viewing] 

~Witness a Never-Before-Seen Feudal Lord’s Garden through a Spacial Presentation~

Scenography for this unique show was provided by the creative label PERIMETRON. In order to show another side of the Ninomaru Garden at night, the company focused on light’s characteristics, from reflection and transmission to refraction and absorption. Light and shadow intertwine in various ways, and guests will be transfixed by this curious showing.

HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, a theater and restaurant offering Hello Kitty-themed shows and meals on Awaji Island, and HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE, an apple-shaped observation theater based on the popular character’s home, are both currently holding the Apple Halloween 2022 event until October 31! 

Guests can enjoy a mystery-solving event and some adorable photo spots inspired by apples and the Halloween season. By solving certain riddles, visitors will be rewarded with candy!

Come have fun this Halloween with Hello Kitty, friends, and family!

Started in October, the New Show ‘HELLO KITTY THE PARTIES’ Gets Rave Reviews

HELLO KITTY THE PARTIES, a new show at the theater and restaurant HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, will run until December 30, 2022. The show features a new theme each month and currently features a jazz band.

October’s theme is Happy Halloween Party, and visitors can listen to a number of famous songs while enjoying tasty and healthy dishes packed with autumn flavors. At the end of the performance, a meet and greet with Hello Kitty will be held. November’s theme will be Hello Kitty’s Birthday Party, while December will focus on a Christmas Party!

Tsujiri, a staple of Uji, Kyoto, has announced an exclusive autumn menu! Guests can enjoy the Tsujiri Soft Autumn Parfait, the Kyo Latte Smoothie with Purple Sweet Potato, and the Kyo Latte with Hojicha at the Kyoto location and three other stores starting September 1, 2022.

Tsujiri Limited Time Autumn Menu

These three limited-time items are filled with fall flavors. The Tsujiri Soft Autumn Parfait is filled with Uji green tea carefully selected by tea masters and topped with purple sweet potato paste, sweet potato nectar, and other gorgeous goodies.

The Kyo Latte Smoothie with Purple Sweet Potato features an autumn-only flavor combining purple sweet potato bean paste, cream, and sweet potato nectar with Tsujiri’s matcha green tea smoothie. The Hojicha version is made with luxurious Uji Hojicha and milk for a soothing experience.

Enjoy autumn with these tasty treats filled with seasonal flavors!

High-casual brand MOUSSY has revealed the Disney SERIES CREATED by MOUSSY 2022 Autumn Collection! The items are now available to preorder at a number of online outlets.

QUATTING Design Series

BOA Series

THERMAL Series

The 2022 Autumn Collection lineup features original art drawn exclusively for MOUSSY. Each design was inspired by MOUSSY’s classic 70s and 80s feel, while also incorporating some 90s street style. The Mickey QUATTING Design Series is more casual, and for those wanting to stay more comfy and warm during the fall months, the THERMAL series has been updated with Mickey Mouse designs all over the fabric. 

An original acrylic stand featuring the Mickey Mouse QUATTING Design is available while supplies last when preordering any items from the 2022 Autumn Collection at the SHEL’TTER online store.

©Disney

McDonald’s Japan locations with ‘McCafe by Barista’ areas will begin selling special spring treats for a limited time starting April 6, 2022. Customers will be able to grab the ‘Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe’ and the ‘Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart.’

McCafe by Barista invites guests to enjoy high-quality frappes and smoothies. The Uji Matcha Frappe was added to the regular product lineup in June 2021, and features a mellow matcha flavor. The Strawberry variant is coming back for the first time in three years. The Mont Blanc Tart is a new addition, and is a perfect treat to enjoy with this popular frappe! 

Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe: ¥490

The Strawberry Matcha Frappe mixes together the full-bodied flavor of matcha together with sweet and sour strawberries. It includes both a strawberry paste made from whole strawberries and a strawberry whipped cream at the bottom. The drink is topped with more strawberry whipped cream and a sprinkling of matcha powder. The refreshing taste of the strawberry sauce coupled with the whipped cream serves to elevate the great flavor of the Uji Matcha even more.

Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart: ¥390

The Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart is made with Uji Matcha batter, Uji Matcha whipped cream, white bean paste, and green tea cream. The refined sweetness is complemented by the mellow aroma and slight bitterness of Uji Matcha.

How would you like to enjoy these treats beneath the cherry trees?

The Kurobe Gorge Trolley in Toyama will offer a special two-day journey through the fall foliage on October 29 and November 1, 2021. 

Atobiki Bridge

Okukane Bridge

Promenade

Babadani Jigoku

On the day of the tour, guests will enjoy a leisurely journey through nature as a Kurobe Gorge tour guide explains the features of the surrounding environment. 

Wedding venue Applause Square Nagoya will be opening a limited-time restaurant for eight days only during October and will offer some of the most artful desserts you’ve ever seen. The wedding hall is not normally open to the public, so this will be an opportunity to see this incredible mansion up close while savoring some unique fall flavors. 

Jewel Art Topaz Parfait, made with Rum Raisin and Iced Chestnut Mont Blanc with Orange Parfait, and three Chocolate Bonbons

Six hors-d’oeuvres, each a vibrant and unique color

Sea Bream Vapeur with Eggplant and Chips that resemble Autumn Leaves, paired with Hot consommé soup scented with sherry and served in front of guests

Roasted Chita Pork with Tomato Chutney Sauce and Ginger, covered with Brown Mushrooms

Each of the six hors d’oeuvres were inspired by birthstones. Following are a number of luxurious meat and fish dishes, followed by a rich and abundant parfait filled with autumn flavors.

The ‘Shiseido Parlour Ginza Salon de Cafe’ has announced that between October 1 and October 31 2021, customers can enjoy a limited edition Autumnal sweets menu. This year their menu includes the Jersey milk ‘Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc Parfait from Kyushu’ and the ‘Shine Grape Fruit Sandwich.’ There will also be two special additions to the menu to celebrate the 96th Azuma Odori.

Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc Parfait from Kyushu using Jersey Milk: ¥2,500 (Tax Incl.)

Strawberry Parfait using “Koihime” strawberries from Nagano’s Hatake Kobo: ¥2,100 (Tax Incl.)

Weekday / Limited Quantity Products

Shiseido Parlour Story: ¥2,600 (Tax Incl.) (Drink Incl.)

Shine Grape Fruit Sandwich with grapes from Iizuka Orchard: ¥1,700 (Tax Incl.)

Shinbashi Color Ice Cream Soda: ¥1,150 (Tax Incl.)

The Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc Parfait is made using Jersey milk ice cream, chestnut cream, and fresh cream, along with the “Koihime” Fruit Sandwich, made using Kashu “Koihime” Strawberries are available on both the regular and limited Shiseido Parlour Ginza menus. Meanwhile, the luxurious Shiseido Parlour Story and the seasonal Shine Grape Fruit Sandwich, filled with various Autumnal fruits and centred around the grape, are only served on weekdays and holidays in limited quantities.

In the late Meiji Era, Shinbashi geisha were often seen wearing blue and green kimonos, with the color combination being coined Shinbashiiro (Shinbashi Color.) The elegant and retro Shinbashi Color Ice Cream Soda recreates the iconic look using green apple syrup, lemon, and ginger ale, topped with a traditional vanilla ice cream.

 Immerse yourself in the season with a feast of Fall sweets in Ginza.

Nikko-Yumoto, a hot spring hotel located near the picturesque Nikko National Park, will hold a limited-time event starting October 6. On select nights in October and November, guests are invited to sit around a bonfire and enjoy the full moon, new moon, and meteor showers while learning about astrology!

Harvested throughout the autumn months, Natsuotome strawberries grown in nearby Senjogahara are used to make a hot fruit wine to enjoy while gazing at the night sky. A warm drink will be perfect for cold nights in Oku-Nikko, located over 1,500 meters above sea level. In October, the night temperature can be as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit! For those not wanting something alcoholic, feel free to enjoy some tasty hot cocoa. 

What’s the first thing you think of when you see a bonfire? Roasting marshmallows, of course! During the event, a bag of magical powder will be tossed into the fire, turning the flames into different colors. Don’t worry–the powder itself contains no harmful substances and is safe for both humans and the environment. 

The Kyoto Brighton Hotel is offering a special morning plan that will charter temples and shrines exclusively for hotel guests between November 17 and November 30 2021.

Hougon-in

Anrakuji

Kitano Tenmagu Shrine

Koudaiji

Shisendou

Taizouin

Touji

Even throughout Japan, Kyoto has one of the highest amounts of Autumn leaf viewing spots. This unique viewing plan allows guests to enjoy the vivid autumn leaves by charter, with special permission to visit each spot before it opens to the general public. With this plan, you can experience the wonders of Kyoto in Autumn while avoiding the crowds.

The “Morning Plan” proposed by the Kyoto Brighton Hote offers guests the chance to spend a peaceful time in the fresh, dignified early morning air while avoiding the crowds. This popular plan has been running for 20 years.

Not only is the viewing private, but you will also learn more about the area with guidance from the priests and staff. 

After returning to the hotel, you will be treated to a special “Kyoto Breakfast” which uses local ingredients arranged in both Japanese and Western styles. This breakfast will taste even better following the cleansing of body and mind in the crisp early morning air.

Why not take part in this purifying “Morning Activity” and immerse yourself amongst the Autumn leaves?

Fall is in the air, which means seasonal treats are back at Starbucks! The Sweet Potato Frappuccino will be available at participating Starbucks locations beginning September 22, which also happens to be the first day of autumn. 

The 4th annual Artful Autumn @ Starbucks promotion is back for 2021! This year’s concept is ‘Made by Earth,’ and the lineup of new products features fall ingredients that highlight the bounty of the planet. 

Tall Sweet Potato Frappuccino To-Go: ¥638 / In-store: ¥650

The new drink is filled with the flavor of baked sweet potato, honey, and molasses. Each beverage is made with roasted sweet potatoes that have been cut into pieces, keeping some of their unique texture. Sweet potato flakes sprinkled on top add a bit of crunch!

If you’re in Japan, be sure to grab one before they’re gone!

The permanent museum teamLab Forest Fukuoka is bringing autumn scenery to the virtual exhibition for a limited time only beginning September 18, 2021. A number of animals made of autumn foliage will be roaming through the space, and you won’t want to miss this memorable experience!

teamLab Forest Highlights

Shifting Valley, Living Creatures of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives – teamLab, 2020

Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives II – teamLab, 2019

Soft Terrain and Granular Topography –  teamLab, 2020

Flutter of Butterflies, Ephemeral Life –  teamLab, 2020

The prolific works of the teamLab art collective change with the seasons. In the Forest of Movement, guests can enter the ‘Shifting Valley, Living Creatures of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives’ exhibit, where creatures made of flowers exist in a three-dimensional space. For this fall event, these flowers will be those found in the autumn months. The ‘Soft Terrain and Granular Topography’ will display tons of colorful grains raining down on visitors, while the ‘Flutter of Butterflies, Ephemeral Life’ will change the usual butterflies to have autumn colors as they fly around guests. 

teamLab Forest is a new museum created by art collective teamLab. The museum consists of two sections: the first, ‘The Catching and Collecting Forest,’ invites guests to explore with their smartphone to capture various unique creatures, while the second, ‘The Athletics Forest,’ is a physical creative space which asks visitors to use their body to immerse themselves in interactive areas. 

Would you like to visit this distinctive museum in Fukuoka on your next trip to Japan?