Transvaal Daisies & Wind Chimes Cool Down You This Summer at Kasuga Shrine in Fukuoka
Situated on the northern shore of Kyushu is Fukuoka Prefecture, a hot spot for tourists and travellers both Japanese and foreign, particularly those visiting from parts of Asia such as China, Taiwan and South Korea.
When it comes to delicious Japanese food, Fukuoka is high on the list, home to a bounty of incredible restaurants. It’s the same with shopping too―there are countless stores to rummage through with shelves lined with innumerable things you’ll want to buy.
But your Fukuoka experience will not be complete without a trip to one of the prefecture’s breathtaking tourist spots. Today, we are visiting Kasuga Shrine (not to be confused with Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara), and we are joined by Japanese Instagram user Rie, who posts about her trips around Kyushu, and who has provided us with her experience visiting the shrine along with photos. You’ll find out how to get there and the must-see aspects.
Kasuga Shrine is located in the city of Kasuga, Fukuoka. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Fukuoka city. But if you’re looking to catch the public transport, you’ll want to hop on the JR Line to Kasuga Station, or you can board the Nishitetsu Bus and get off at Kasuga (春日). The shrine is about a 7-minute walk from either of these stops.
The shrine has a long history. Its origins are said to lie in Emperor Tenji enshrining the male deity Ame-no-Koyane-no-mikoto there.
In the shrine grounds there is a camphor tree called “Kasuga no Mori” (The Grove of Kasuga) which is registered as a natural monument. The shrine is also home to a festival called “Kasuga no Muko Oshi” which has also been designated as an significant intangible folk cultural asset.
But what’s been catching people’s attention recently is the flower-filled chōzuya. A chōzuya, also known as a temizuya, is a water basin placed at shrines and temples in Japan which visitors use to cleanse themselves before entering the shrine or temple.
It’s more common in May and June to see hydrangeas placed in the basins, but at Kasuga Shrine they flutter in transvaal daisies♡
The flowers were placed in there on August 19 and will remain there until September 1. During the same period, there are lots of beautiful wind chimes being strung up around the shrine ground. Their tranquil sound as the breeze blows, together with the watery flowers, are enough to make you feel cool this summer.
If you’re looking to find more beautiful places to visit around Kyushu, Rie has plenty of recommendations on her Instagam page so be sure to give her a follow.
Photos by Rie
Information
Kasuga Shrine
Address: 1-110 Kasuga, Kasuga-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Official Website: https://www.kasugajinjya.jp/
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teamLab Forest Fukuoka to Introduce Spring Sakura Theme for a Limited Time
07.March.2023 | SPOT
Starting March 4, the permanent museum teamLab Forest Fukuoka will transform its artwork into a stunning spring theme. Guests will be able to enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms for a limited time, and starting March 24, the Catching and Collecting Forest will also be transformed in the same way.
TeamLab’s works are created in real time by procedural generation, meaning that they are always changing and evolving. Each work changes depending on the season.
▼Starting March 4
Both Shifting Valley, Living Creatures of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives – A Whole Year per Year and Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives II – A Whole Year per Year are only available to see during spring. Come and see animals made entirely of cherry blossoms as they roam through the museum!
The work titled Soft Terrain in Granular Topography shows multicolored grains of light pouring from the sky, while Flutter of Butterflies, Ephemeral Life surrounds visitors with brightly colored butterflies
▼Starting March 24
In the Catching and Collecting Forest, visitors can explore with their smartphones and catch various animals made entirely of cherry blossoms.
Information
teamLab Forest Fukuoka – SBI SECURITIES Co., Ltd.
Venue: BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA 5F, Next to Fukuoka PayPal Dome
Address: 2-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Official Site: http://forest.teamlab.art -
teamLab Forest Fukuoka’s Interactive Digital Art Installation Gets Autumn Theme
Starting September 23, teamLab Forest Fukuoka will be transformed for the autumn season! The interactive digital art installation will feature animals made entirely of fall foliage, and guests can enjoy red and orange leaves fluttering through the one-of-a-kind 3D world.
teamLab’s prolific works are known for changing with the seasons. This autumn version of the popular exhibition will only be on display for a limited time, and visitors can use their
smartphones in the Catching and Collecting Forest to catch and collect the animals on display! The forest and ocean scenery will change as you explore, and starting on September 23, the trees will begin to show off beautiful autumn colors.In the Forest of Movement, guests can enter the ‘Shifting Valley, Living Creatures of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives’ exhibit, where creatures made of autumn flowers exist in a three-dimensional space. The space is meant to make guests think about the cycle of death and rebirth, as flowers blossom and die each and every year.
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. This is a kind of autumn scenery you can’t see anywhere else, so be sure to come to Fukuoka during this beautiful season!
Information
teamLab Forest Fukuoka – SBI Securities Co., Ltd.
Venue: BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA 5F (Next to Fukuoka PayPay Dome)
Address: 2 Chome-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Official Site: https://www.teamlab.art/jp/e/forest/
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Popular Manga Series Chainsaw Man Gets Pop-Up at Iwataya in Fukuoka
07.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
Jewelry brand Tasaki has announced a special collaboration pop-up with the popular manga Chainsaw Man from September 7 until September 13, 2022 at KIRAMEKI BOARD on the first floor of the Iwataya Department Store in Fukuoka. The pop-up is being held to celebrate new items in the ‘danger’ line, one of Tasaki’s new iconic items.
At the venue, guests can peruse a selection of Tasaki’s fine jewelry, including the new ‘danger’ collection which was inspired by the beauty of insectivorous plants. This is a perfect mix with Chainsaw Man, which has captivated audiences around the world with its unique plot, savage content, and one-of-a-kind characters. Special visuals of the main characters wearing jewelry from the ‘danger’ collection will be on display, drawn by the original author of the series Tatsuki Fujimoto. Also on display at the venue will be a special Pochita figure, whose chainsaw will be lavishly set with pearls.
Exterior ©TASAKI
To celebrate the collaboration, unique jewelry inspired by Chainsaw Man, Pochita, and Power will be on sale exclusively at the pop-up venue. These will only be available in limited quantities.
Fans of the series who are looking for some gorgeous new drip shouldn’t miss this curious crossover event!
Information
TASAKI x Chainsaw Man Pop-Up
Running: September 7 – September 13, 2022
Venue: Iwataya Main Store 1F, KIRAMEKI BOARD
Details: https://www.tasaki.co.jp/tasakidanger-chainsawman/
Official Site: http://www.tasaki.co.jp/
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Kirby Cafe Tokyo and Fukuoka Reveal Peach-Inspired Summer Menu
29.June.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Kirby Cafe TOKYO and Kirby Cafe HAKATA will begin selling special summer-themed food and drink items on July 7. The Kirby Cafe Summer 2022 event will introduce seven peach-themed goodies to the menu through September 11.
Menu
Transform! Carby Cake ~WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD!~
Kirby’s Peach♡Peach Parfait
Summer Souvenir Parfait Glass
Awoofy’s Footsteps in the Desert Pizza
Waddle Dee’s Friendly Rice Croquettes
King Dedede’s Full Tummy! Massive Beast King Plate
Rolling ♪ Peach Soda
(Includes Summer Souvenir Parfait Glass)
Rolling ♪ Summer-Colored Pineapple Soda
Summer Souvenir Acrylic Muddler (3 varieties)
Visitors to the two cafe locations can enjoy peach-flavored treats like Kirby’s Peach Parfait and an adorable cake based on the pink puffball’s Carby form seen in the new game Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Those wanting something more savory can enjoy Waddle Dee’s Friendly Rice Croquettes and the absolutely huge King Dedede’s Full Tummy! Massive Beast King Plate.
Come enjoy the warmer months with Kirby and friends!Story
Summer is returning to the Kirby Cafe. Thinking of the warmer months, Chef Kawasaki has created a special menu! As a Waddle Dee, filled with great excitement, wandered through the forest…it saw tons of lush, ripe peaches.
“Huh? That pink, round peach reminds me of something…”
Then came Kirby, who was looking forward to the summer menu more than anyone else.
“Ah, that’s right! The peach looks just like Kirby!”
Happy to have solved the riddle, Kirby smiled brightly at Waddle Dee. Gazing at this glorious summer scene with tons of juicy peaches ready to be eaten, he couldn’t help but imagine tons of tasty treats! Peach parfait, sparkling soda, blue jelly sparkling like the ocean…not wanting to forget these ideas, Kirby and Waddle Dee gathered the peaches and began cooking.
Please come and enjoy this summer with Kirby and his friends under the dazzling sunshine!
©Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Information
Kirby Cafe Summer 2022
Available: July 7 – September 11, 2022
Locations: Kirby Cafe TOKYO, Kirby Cafe HAKATA
Official Site: https://kirbycafe.jp
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BT21 Amusement Park Event to Open in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka
NAMJATOWN, a theme park located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, will be holding a special BT21 event from May 14 until June 12, 2022! The ‘BT21 MerryLand ~Welcome to our Dreamy World!~’ event celebrates the popular LINE FRIENDS characters, and guests can enjoy lots of games and treats!
The event recreates MerryLand, an amusement park in the BT21 member’s dreams. Guests can participate in three unique mini-games inspired by amusement park attractions, along with a stamp rally and riddle-solving game! Original merchandise and menu items will also be available.Original Mini-Games
BT21 MerryLand Spinning Ferris Wheel / BT21’s Whirling Teacups ♪ / The Full Stomach Yum-yum Wagon
Mini-Game Prizes
A Prize: Relaxing Cushion (7 varieties)
B Prize: Bandana (7 varieties)
C Prize: Mini Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random)
D Prize: Character Pin (7 varieties, random)
*The design for A Prize and B Prize will differ depending on the mini-game.
(Guests can choose the design for each game.)
*For C Prize and D Prize, the design is the same for all mini-games.Venue Exclusive Project! Rally Game
Rally Game Prizes
Participation Prize: Mascot Rubber Charm (7 varieties, random)
*Prizes are the same for each Rally Game.Original Merchandise
Original Food & Drinks
Soft Drink with Acrylic Coaster / Fortune Latte (14 varieties) / Icing Cookie (7 varieties)
Those unable to attend the event can head to the Namco Parks Online Store to play some web-based mini-games offering the same prizes! Certain pieces of merchandise will also be available for purchase online.Following Tokyo, the event will head to HEP FIVE in Osaka from July 2 until July 24 and Canal City Hakata in Fukuoka from August 5 until August 28.
©Bandai Namco Amusement Inc.
Information
BT21 MerryLand
Tokyo Event
Venue: NAMJATOWN
Address: Sunshine City World Import Part Building 2F/3F (3-1-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
Running: May 14 – June 12
Osaka Event
Venue: Hugood! from NAMJATOWN
Address: HEP FIVE 9F (5-15 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka)
Running: July 2 – July 24, 2022
Fukuoka Event
Venue: Namco Canal City Hakata
Address: Canal City Hakata South Building B1F (1-2-74 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka)
Running: August 5 – August 28, 2022
Online Sales / Online Lottery Wheelhttps://parks2.bandainamco-am.co.jp/
Sales Period: May 16, 11:00 – June 13, 23:59
Official Site: https://event.bandainamco-am.co.jp/cx/bt21-merryland/ -
INN THE PARK Fukuoka Allows Guests to Spend the Night in a Public Park
30.March.2022 | SPOT
INN THE PARK Fukuoka is the first place in Kyushu where you can spend the night overnight in a public park! No, you won’t be sleeping on a bench or on the ground–this is way fancier. This is the second such location, with the first opening in Shizuoka in 2017.
Spherical Tent
Glamping
Cabin
Suite
Restaurant
The new facility will be located in Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City. The park is about 6km from east to west and includes a zoo, outdoor swimming pool, aquarium, outdoor theater, and more. Guests can overlook Hakata Bay while enjoying these many fun outdoor activities and delightful accommodations!
How about staying here on your next trip to Japan?
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Disney Cats & Dogs Exhibition to be Held at Mitsukoshi Gallery in Fukuoka
17.March.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Mitsukoshi Fukuoka has opened a new exhibition dedicated to the many lovable dogs and cats found in Disney films! The event is taking place at the Mitsukoshi Gallery on the 9th floor until March 27, 2022.
The Disney film Bambi aimed to take on the difficult task of portraying animals realistically. Animals were kept in the studio and artists studied their movements and expressions while creating the film. Audiences were stunned, and since that point, more and more beloved animals have appeared in Disney films. The Disney Cats & Dogs exhibition will also show the evolution and innovation of Disney’s animal animation and the history of the trial and error process in bringing them to life.
Pluto
Lady and the Tramp
101 Dalmatians
Cheshire Cat
Mochi
Marie
Photo Spot
The lineup will include Mickey’s sidekick Pluto, Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmatians, The Arisocats, and more. Figaro from Pinocchio, Lucifer from Cinderella, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, and Mochi from Big Hero 6 will also be appearing!
The exhibition will feature over 300 digitized works of rare art along with dioramas and more materials related to the creation of Disney films. Fans shouldn’t miss this opportunity to see these behind-the-scenes items!
©Disney
Information
Disney Cats & Dogs Exhibition
Running: March 9 – March 27, 2022
Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 (Closing at 18:00 on March 27 / Admission permitted until 1 hour prior to closing)
Location: Mitsukoshi Fukuoka 9F ‘Mitsukoshi Gallery’Tickets: https://l-tike.com/catsdogs-fuk
Details: https://www.iwataya-mitsukoshi.mistore.jp/mitsukoshi/event_calendar/catsanddogs2022.html -
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Collaborates with Mentaiko Manufacturer Fukuya for LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her major label debut, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is having a busy year. The artist will perform at this year’s Coachella, one of the largest music festivals in the United States, and released her first full-length album in three years ‘Candy Racer’ in October 2021. On January 16, Kyary embarked on the largest tour of her career, ‘Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 10th ANNIVERSARY JAPAN TOUR 2022 CANDY WAVE,’ which will see the singer performing 30 shows across Japan.
In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the “LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project” was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities. The 30 stops on the new tour include many that Kyary has not visited before, and were chosen based on the singer’s desire to perform for fans who may not typically be able to attend one of her shows. On March 5, Kyary will perform in Fukuoka, and will also be collaborating with Fukuya, the oldest mentaiko producer in Japan. Fukuya has been selling the pollock roe product since 1949.
The company’s logo has been reimagined, paying homage to the artwork associated with Kyary’s 2016 song Sai & Co.
Fukuya’s most popular product, pickled cod roe in oil, will be sold in an original collaborative package with new Kyary-inspired branding. Mentaiko and dried mentaiko will be packed in two unique packages that can be stacked to form one image. A message from Kyary is also included. These will be available at select Fukuya locations and online for a limited time, as well as at the March 5 concert in limited quantities.
A T-shirt with a collaboration logo and design has also been unveiled featuring the new color scheme and Kyary’s 10th-anniversary logo. This shirt will only be available on the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project website for two weeks and at certain Fukuya stores starting March 8.
Information
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu x Fukuya
Fukuya (Fukuoka) x LPJP
Sales: https://www.fukuya.com/lp/saiandoco/
Orders Accepted until March 31, 2022Fukuya x LPJP Collaboration T-shirt
Sales open until March 15, 2022
Where to Buy:
Fukuya StoresParticipating Locations: Nakasu/Kawabata/Fukuoka Airport/Hakata Station DEITOS/Hakata Station Underground Shopping Center/Dazaifu/HAKU HAKU
Buy Online: https://store-localpowerjapan.com/
Official Site: https://localpowerjapan.com
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Cherry Blossoms Coming to teamLab Forest Fukuoka for a Limited Time
The permanent museum teamLab Forest Fukuoka is bringing cherry blossoms to the virtual exhibition for a limited time only beginning March 1, 2022. A number of animals made of spring flowers will be roaming through the three-dimensional space, and you won’t want to miss this memorable experience!
A Whole Year per Year / Shifting Valley, Living Creatures of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives – A Whole Year per Year
A Whole Year per Year / Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives II – A Whole Year per Year
A Whole Year per Year / Soft Terrain and Granular Topography – A Whole Year per Year
A Whole Year per Year / Flutter of Butterflies, Ephemeral Life – A Whole Year per Year
TeamLab’s works are created in real-time by procedural generation, meaning that they are always changing and evolving. The works also change with each season. Both Shifting Valley, Living Creatures of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives – A Whole Year per Year and Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives II – A Whole Year per Year are only available to see during the spring. Enjoy wandering through colorful landscapes as you’re surrounded by butterflies and sakura blossoms while you can!
Information
teamLab Forest Fukuoka – SBI SECURITIES Co., Ltd.
Venue: BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA 5F, Next to Fukuoka PayPal Dome (2-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka)
Official Site: https://www.teamlab.art/jp/e/forest/
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Street Fighter 35th Anniversary Exhibition to be Held in Shibuya and Kitakyushu
18.February.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
A Street Fighter exhibition honoring the series’ 35th anniversary is currently being held in Tokyo! The event will also open in Kitakyushu on June 18, 2022.
‘Can You Shoot a Hadouken?’ Experience
Life-size Statues of Chun-Li and Vega
※All photos are from the Fukuoka venue.
Original Merchandise at a Glance
The Street Fighter series debuted in arcades in 1987 and is celebrating its 35th anniversary throughout 2022.
This exhibition was initially held in Fukuoka City in 2020, and will now travel to the Tokyo Anime Center and the Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art.
Street Fighter quickly became a social phenomenon upon release and is still beloved around the world. The release of Street Fighter II in 1991 established the fighting game genre, and the newest title Street Fighter V continues to be a fan favorite.
This exhibition traces the history of Street Fighter, displaying original drawings from the original title’s production, arcade machines, and more. With the help of Capcom, guests can enjoy hands-on digital content using the latest technology.
Information
Street Fighter Exhibition – ‘A World of People Stronger than Me’
Shibuya Exhibition
Running: February 10 – March 27, 2022
Hours: 11:00 – 20:30 (Last entry at 20:00)
*Closing at 17:00 on March 27 (Last entry at 16:30)
Location: Tokyo Anime Center, Shibuya MODI 2F (1-21-3 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Tickets/Details: https://tokyoanimecenter.jp/event/streetfighter_35th_anniversary/
Kitakyushu Exhibition
Running: June 18 – August 7, 2022
Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (Last Entry at 17:30)
Location: Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art, Riverside Gallery, Riverwalk Kitakyushu 5F (1-1-1 Muromachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka)Tickets/Details: https://streetfighter.artne.jp/
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Winter Scenery Coming to teamLab Forest Fukuoka for a Limited Time
The permanent museum teamLab Forest Fukuoka is bringing winter scenery to the virtual exhibition for a limited time starting November 20, 2021. Many of the virtual exhibits will be covered in fluffy snowflakes as butterflies flutter by in seasonal winter colors. Animals made of winter flowers will wander by guests as they explore this magical world.
Works to Feature Seasonal Changes
Soft Terrain and Granular Topography – A Whole Year per Year – teamLab, 2020
Flutter of Butterflies, Ephemeral Life – A Whole Year per Year – teamLab, 2020
Shifting Valley, Living Creatures of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives – A Whole Year per Year – teamLab, 2020
Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives II – A Whole Year per Year – teamLab, 2019
teamLab’s works are drawn in real-time by computer programs and are constantly changing and evolving, with many changing with the seasons. This is the perfect place to enjoy the winter season out of the cold!
Information
teamLab Forest Fukuoka – SBI SECURITIES Co., Ltd.
Address: BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA 5F, Next to Fukuoka PayPal Dome (2-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka)
Exhibition Details: https://www.teamlab.art/jp/e/forest/
Official Site: https://www.teamlab.art/jp/
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TRUFULL TOKYO Releases First Truffle Ice Cream
08.November.2021 | FOOD
Truffles aren’t something most people eat every day, but TRUFULL TOKYO wants to change that. The casual truffle brand wants to combine this luxury ingredient with simple dishes to make it easier to chow down on this tasty treat more often, and now, their first product release has been announced! TRUFULL ICE CREAM, playfully created by a French chef, aims to give people a new view of what food can be.
The truffles aren’t the only thing that makes this ice cream special. The milk used to create it is gathered at Zao Provence Farm in Miyagi prefecture in the morning and processed the exact same day! After the ice cream is made, it is mixed with plenty of French black truffles, making a flavor like no other.
The upscale TRUFULL ICE CREAM, a perfect dessert for the discerning adult, is available at CARBON COFFEE in Fukuoka.
Information
TRUFULL ICE CREAM
Release Date: November 15, 2021Price: ¥500 for 120ml cup (Tax Included)
Where to Buy: CARBON COFFEE
Address: Royal Building 1F 1-2-34 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Official Online Store: Scheduled to Open November 15
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trufull_tokyo/ (@trufull_tokyo)
Official Site: https://trufulltokyo.com/