Warm The Cockles Of Your Heart This Christmas at HOSHINO Karuizawa Area

06.September.2019 | FOOD / SPOT

This holiday season, Hoshino Resorts is set to hold a Christmas event at HOSHINO Karuizawa Area, a place managed by the company which brings together people who love culture and nature. It will run from November 16 to December 25.

 

The event’s theme is “A Town Where Happiness Shines.” From mistletoe illuminations to xmas desserts and more, you’re sure to have the cockles of your heart warmed this year at this happiness-filled festival.

 

Mistletoe Illuminations

At Harunire Terrace, where 16 shops line the cosy wooden terrace, the columns and overhangs will be adorned in Christmas garlands, and mistletoe-shaped illuminations will dangle from tree branches.

 

You can spot a lot of mistletoe in Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary. Even in wintertime the plant does not wither, instead keeping its green leaves, which in folklore has led it to be viewed as a symbol of immortality.

 

Mistletoe is known in many cultures as a symbol of happiness. In the Western world, lovers who stand under mistletoe are expected to kiss. The warm illuminations are set to light a warm and romantic atmosphere to all those who attend.

 

Mistletoe Lanterns

As well as the illuminations, there will also be mistletoe lanterns hiding in the trees to celebrate romantic love this Christmas. Get ready to count down with everybody at the event as when you reach zero, all of the lanterns will turn on at the same time. There will even be mini live performances where you can sing along to Christmas songs.

 

Christmas Sweets at Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court

Order the “Episode de Noel” at Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court for a delicious Christmas sweets dessert course of 4 treats.

 

This is just a peek inside the stocking of what’s to come at the festival. There will be a hot chocolate bar, fresh s’mores, kids events, photo spots, a Christmas market, and more. Ride your sleigh into HOSHINO Karuizawa Area this winter.

RECOMMENDED ENTRIES

  • A Magical Ice Village is Forming This Winter at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in Hokkaido

    01.September.2019 | SPOT

    Hoshino Resorts Tomamu―one of Hokkaido’s leading snow resorts―is set to open a new area called the Ice Village this winter. It will run for a limited time from December 10 to March 14.

    The Ice Village spans coolly across 3.2 hectares of land and is home to 11 domes made entirely of ice. This winter-only experience has been running every year since 1998. Made to look like a real village, some of its iconic sights include the Ice Church and Ice Hotel which can be found at the very back. Everything from the towering ceilings to the walls are formed solely of ice.

     

    The main street, named fittingly the “Ice Street,” includes a cafe, gallery, shops and more, all enveloped in a chilly white world.

     

    Ice Crystal Park: A New Addition to the Ice Village to Gaze at the Sights and Scenery

    The Ice Crystal Park is frozen over with tables and chairs made of ice and has snowflakes dotted here and there, creating a true winter wonderland. Order a hot drink from the Ice Bakery & Cafe or munch on a tasty treat from the Ice Sweets Shop as you sit and gaze at the snow-covered landscape of the Ice Village while surrounded by towering white birch trees. And everyday at 19:30, a 5-minute firework show will warm up the winter sky which is best enjoyed while sitting in the park.

     

    Time: 17:00-22:00

    Price: Free

     

    Bite Down Frosty Treats at the Ice Sweets Shop

     

    It wouldn’t be a complete Ice Village without its own glacial cuisine. At the Ice Sweets Shop you can order ice cream which is made from liquid milk on an ice block. The temperature of the air coupled with the frozen coolness of the ice block causes the milk to freeze into a yummy dessert. There’s also chocolate ice bars made from hot chocolate, colourful macarons, toasted marshmallows, and more.

     

    Time: 17:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:00)

    Price: Milk Gelato – from ¥1,100 / Macarons ¥550 / Ice Bar ¥550 / Marshmallows ¥550 (*All prices include tax)

     

    Grab a Drink From the Ice Bar

    The village even has its own Ice Bar, complete with an ice counter and ice cellar for serving sake. This year, the bar will serve an all-new original gin drink made using snowmelt from Tomamu. There are over 50 drinks to pick from, including original cocktails, whisky, and more.

     

    Time: 17:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:45)

    Price: Original Gin – ¥1,650 / Drinks With Ice Glass – from ¥1,100 (*All prices include tax)

     

    There are many other exciting things to find at the ice village, including the Ice Hotel which you can sleep in, the Ice Atelier, and more. Have a reason to go out this winter by visiting the Ice Village in Hokkaido.

  • Himeji Castle Places Number 1 On Japan’s Top 20 Castles For 4th Year in a Row

    03.September.2019 | SPOT

    TripAdvisor® has just released its list of the top 20 castles in Japan from 2019 as reviewed by travellers and tourists.

    Himeiji Castle

    This is the 7th time the website has run this list. Coming in at No. 1 for the fourth year in a row is none other than Himeiji Castle, located in the city of Himeiji in Hyogo Prefecture.

    Matsumoro Castle

    Kumamoto Castle

    Moving up from 4th place to 2nd place this year is Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture, and from not ranking at all last year to 3rd place this year Kumamoto Castle. These top three castles comes as a package as they are considered Japan’s three premier castles.

     

    Kumamoto Castle is set to re-open this autumn after reconstruction work is complete. The castle suffered damages after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Although time is required for the full restoration, you can still see the majestic tower keep surrounded by paling. Japanese users on TripAdvisor have commended it as a symbol of restoration and their joy with the repairs being done.

    Hirosaki Castle

    For the first time in four years, Hirosaki Castle ranks on the list in 12th place. Situated in central Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture, the castle is a known living symbol of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Construction work has been taking place since 2015 to repair the base of the castle structure on the east side due to deterioration. In summer 2015, the castle tower was moved 70 meters without taking the castle apart to allow for work to be carried out. A moving castle is certainly a rare sight to see in Japan-and something you only imagine from a Studio Ghibli movie!

     

    The castle has been praised on TripAdvisor for how beautiful its surrounding nature is, from the cherry blossoms in spring to the red and yellow leaves in autumn. The castle can be enjoyed throughout all the seasons.

    Tsuyama Castle

    Making the list for the first time ever is Tsuyama Castle which can be found in the beautiful Kakuzan Park in Okayama. When you ascend the magnificent stone steps of the castle and turn around you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Tsuyama. In spring, the castle’s white watchtowers look picturesque next to the pink cherry blossom trees.

     

    From castles that have been maintained since they were first built to others that have been rebuilt from their former forms, there are countless sites to behold while in Japan. Be sure to use the Top 20 list as reference when travelling there!

  • Kagoshima’s Sengan-en Gardens Nominated For Best Attraction in Travel & Tourism Awards

    29.August.2019 | SPOT

    Both Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum and Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks have been nominated for “Best Attraction” in the 2019 Travel & Tourism Awards, which are held in London every year as part of World Travel Market London (WTM).

    This year marks the 40th run of WTM London, which brings together over 50,000 travel and tourism professionals from 186 countries to spread the latest tourism trends and must-visit locations around the world. The Travel & Tourism Awards is a universally recognised stamp of approval, held in front of over 500 seniors in the travel industry.

    Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum, and Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks have been recognised and nominated for their renovation efforts which have increased tourism. They are up against six other facilities in the same category, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter by Warner Bros Studios.

     

    With only one entry from Japan, which location will take home the award? Japan will be watching intently for the reveal on November 5.

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  • Nagomi Chosen as Ambassador for the ‘CASETiFY Holiday Gift Guide’

    26.November.2024 | FASHION

    The 2024 holiday campaign by CASETiFY, the global lifestyle brand that advocates for its customers to embrace their individuality with its customizable smartphone cases and tech accessories, has officially begun. Nagomi has been named an ambassador for this year’s CASETiFY Holiday Gift Guide.

     

    The key message of the campaign is “You will definitely find the perfect gift for that special someone.” The Holiday Gift Guide features a selection of gifts selected by Nagomi either for yourself or a loved one at CASETiFY’s official online store and physical stores.

     

    On December 14, Nagomi will hold at event at CASETiFY STUDIO Shibuya PARCO.

  • Licaxxx Announces Tokyo Community Radio’s Second Event Series ‘communities’ to be Held in Tokyo and Osaka

    24.May.2023 | MUSIC / SPOT

    Tokyo Community Radio (TCR), an online radio platform run by Licaxxx, has announced a new event titled communities. The event will be held at Daikanyama UNIT / Saloon in Tokyo on June 30 and at Osaka JOULE on July 1.

     

    The guest lineup includes re:ni and Laksa, two hot up-and-coming DJs and producers reshaping the UK music scene. The duo has a monthly program on NTS Radio titled re;lax, along with a party series of the same name. In February 2023, they released a new EP, Body Score, on their new label founded to explore music with faster tempos and to carry the torch of UK techno, jungle, dubstep, and grime. Each DJ is also active individually and the two have constantly been in the spotlight.

     

    Music fans are invited to partake in this stunning musical event led by Licaxxx and targeted at the current generation of music makers as they extend beyond Asia and take their activities around the world.

    re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)

     

    Licaxxx

  • ZEROTOKYO and ASOBISYSTEM Collaborate on ASOBIZA Party Event

    06.April.2023 | MUSIC

    ZEROTOKYO, an entertainment mecca known for heating up Tokyo nights, is teaming up with ASOBISYSTEM to create an exciting new party! ASOBIZA, named after the origin of Kabukicho, will be held on April 28.

     

    The lineup includes music artists as well as charismatic figures at the top of their fields in fashion, beauty, and art. Transcending musical genres and generations, this night will embody ZEROTOKYO’s concept of being a true “Entertainment Junction.”

     

    Additional performers may be announced in the future.

  • Akiyoshido Cave in Yamaguchi to be Illuminated for Christmas & Valentine Theater Event

    26.December.2022 | SPOT

    The Mine City Tourism Association has announced a Christmas & Valentine’s Day event at Akiyoshido Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan. The event will see the natural wonder illuminated by a number of colorful lights. The Christmas event will run from December 21 to 25, 2022, while the Valentine’s Day event will run from February 10 to 14, 2023.

     

    Akiyoshido Cave is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions. The interior will be decorated with colorful lights and unique soundscapes, creating a once-in-a-lifetime setting for visitors. These illuminations and sounds were directed by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, known for her work on Tokyo Tower and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.

  • Eve to Hold YouTube LIVE on Christmas Eve with Afterparty for Premium Members

    21.December.2022 | MUSIC

    Eve has announced a special YouTube LIVE scheduled to take place on December 24 at 19:00. The stream will take place on the artist’s official YouTube channel and those with YouTube Premium memberships will be able to take place in an Afterparty starting at 19:30. 

     

    Starting at 19:00 on Christmas Eve, fans can enjoy a rare live studio performance complete with a full band. The Afterparty will include a special chat with Eve in which the artist reflects on the past year and gives hints on what’s to come. Fans won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity!

  • British Beauty Brand Elemis Sponsors Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Through Tokyo

    22.November.2022 | FASHION / FOOD

    There are plenty of events going on in Tokyo to celebrate the holiday season, but this one might be the most peculiar. Elemis, a skincare brand from England, has teamed up with bus operator Upstar for Japan’s first bus tour featuring afternoon tea! This extremely limited event will drive guests around the city to see some of the most impressive Christmas lights in Shibuya, Roppongi, Omotesando, and other spots. Only 60 seats are available each day and the bus will run from December 1 until December 25, 2022.

     

    5 Unique Features of the Elemis Special Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

    ① Enjoy a Special Christmas Afternoon Tea Menu by Elemis

    A special Christmas menu will be available on board, including a Santa Claus shortcake and a party popper-inspired sandwich. 

     

    ② Travel on a Bus Filled with Elemis Christmas Decorations

    Inside the bus, guests can enjoy fir trees and original decorations inspired by the Elemis holiday collection!

     

    ③ Best-Selling Elemis Goods will be Gifted to Guests!

    Guests will receive a trial size of Elemis’ best-selling Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm as a Christmas present!

     

    ④ A Special Gift Campaign will run from November 15 until December 25

    Prior to the start of the bus tour, a campaign will be held on Instagram and Twitter. Winners will snag tickets for the bus tour and an Elemis makeup set worth over $12,000!

     

    ⑤ Travel on a Special Route to Enjoy Tokyo’s Christmas Lights!

    The bus tour will take visitors to some of Tokyo’s best Christmas locales, from Shibuya and Omotesando to Keyakizaka and Roppongi. The 90-minute journey starts and ends in Omotesando.

    How would you like to enjoy Tokyo’s Christmas lights on a British bus enjoying some of the best beauty products on Earth? Get into the holiday spirit with this unusual and unique tour!

  • Eve to Sing Theme Song for Christmas Comedy Film ‘Black Night Parade’

    15.November.2022 | MOVIE / MUSIC

    Popular singer Eve will sing the theme song for the film Black Night Parade, coming to theaters nationwide on December 23, 2022. A new trailer featuring the track has also been released alongside the announcement.

     

    Eve’s YouTube channel has over 4.2 million subscribers with video views of over 1.9 billion. The new song, Shirayuki, was written by the singer himself, who has become incredibly popular with overseas music fans as well. The track manages to be both gentle and powerful in equal measure, combining an orchestra with Eve’s unique vocals. In conjunction with the release of the trailer, an exclusive pre-release version of the song has been posted to TikTok.

     

    Black Night Parade Trailer: https://youtu.be/57CkdVMky4o

     

    Black Night Parade was originally manga series by Hikaru Nakamura, the creator of Arakawa Under the Bridge and Saint Young Men. The live-action film will be directed by Yuichi Fukuda, who has worked on a number of live-action film adaptations of manga series including Gintama and Kyo Kara Ore Wa! Fukuda also wrote the screenplay along with Tetsuo Kamata. The protagonist Miharu Hino will be played by Ryo Yoshizawa, while Shino Hojo will be played by Kanna Hashimoto. Taishi Nakagawa will play Kaizer Tanaka and Keisuke Watanabe will play Teppei Kohira.  

     

    The story follows Miharu Hino, a man who is completely hopeless at everything he does. He failed his entrance exam, failed at job hunting, and has no love life to speak of. After working at a convenience store for three years, he meets a man in a black Santa suit who kidnaps him, offering him a job. Miharu then begins working at Santa Claus House, a mysterious company at the North Pole that delivers gifts to children around the world.

     

    Comment from Eve

    “I’m incredibly honored because I loved both the original manga and Fukuda’s past works. I wrote this song Shirayuki with the hope that Christmas could be an important day for everyone. I would be so glad if this song makes you nostalgic for winter, making you imagine the cold air that stings your nose and the stars in the clear night sky. I love Kunehito, so I am looking forward to seeing him in the film.”

     

    ©︎2022「ブラックナイトパレード」製作委員会 ©︎中村光/集英社

  • Sailor Moon Museum Releases New Christmas Menu

    15.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT

    The Sailor Moon franchise’s 30th-anniversary museum is open from July 1 to December 30 at Tokyo’s Roppongi Museum. The series became a global phenomenon in the 1990s and remains incredibly popular with audiences around the world to this day. The museum itself is located near Azabu-Juban, where Sailor Moon took place.


     
    Volume 3 of the museum, the final installment, will take place from November 12 until the museum closes on December 30. During this period, fans can see over 100 pieces of rare Sailor Moon goods from its run in Nakayoshi magazine.

     

    All of the original color drawings currently on display will be replaced, with over 60 new pieces being added including previously unreleased works. Fans will also get a glimpse of the original drawing that appeared on the cover of Nakayoshi when the final chapter of Sailor Moon was published!

     

    Christmas Menu

    Sailor Moon Museum Christmas Pancake

    Sailor Moon Museum Cheese Melt Muffin

    Latte Art featuring Famous Quotes

     

     

    THE ALLEY Collaboration Drinks

    Christmas Tapioca Banana Pumpkin

    Princess Serenity Cream Cheese Yogurt

     

    New Christmas menu items will also be available during Vol.3. Guests can enjoy the cafe’s original Christmas tree-inspired pancakes and collaboration drinks with THE ALLEY. The main menu has also been overhauled and now includes plenty of dishes perfect for the cold winter months. The drink menu will also feature original coasters and straw tags only available at the museum.



    Will you be visiting the museum during its last few weeks?

     

    (c) Naoko Takeuchi

  • Mister Donut Reveals Limited-Time Pokemon Christmas Collection

    06.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD

    Mister Donut has revealed its annual Pokemon Christmas collaboration. This marks the 5th year that the popular sweets chain is teaming up with the legendary franchise, and starting on November 9, fans can find themed sweets and merchandise for a limited time. 

     

    Pikachu Snowman Donut

     

    Christmas Collection Donut Set

     

    New to the lineup in 2022 is the Pikachu Snowman Donut. This will be sold alongside the always-popular standard Pikachu Donut which will be sold in a cute Christmas sleeve. Customers can also look forward to the sleepy Pikachu Donut and the fluffy Jigglypuff Donut this holiday season.

     

    Mister Donut Blanket (White)

    Mister Donut Glasses (Set of 2)

     

    The Christmas Set will include the Mister Donut Pokemon Blanket, which is available in two patterns, as well as a pair of Pokemon glasses. Fans are sure to enjoy these new illustrations of Pikachu and Jigglypuff made exclusively for the collaboration. 

    Pikachu Donut

     

    The popular Pikachu Donut is back! The fluffy yeast pastry is filled with whipped cream with a pudding flavor and chocolate coating. 

    Pikachu Snowman Donut

     

    Also filled with whipped cream, the Pikachu Snowman Donut is coated with white chocolate.

     

    Be sure to check out this exclusive collection of sweets and goods before they’re gone!

     

    ©2022 Pokémon. ©1995-2022 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.

    ポケットモンスター・ポケモン・Pokémonは任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲームフリークの登録商標です。
    Nintendo Switchのロゴ・Nintendo Switchは任天堂の商標です。

  • The World of Peanuts to Take Over Grandberry Park this Winter

    31.October.2022 | SPOT

    The limited-time Christmas event ‘SNOOPY Merry Colorful Christmas’ will be held at the Grandberry Park shopping mall from November 12 until December 25, 2022. The complex is directly connected to Manami-Machida Grandberry Park Station on the Den-en-toshi Line. 

     

    This year’s event is the most colorful one yet, focusing on diversity and individuality. Fans of Snoopy and friends are in for a treat, as the area around Grandberry Park will be illuminated in beautiful colors and decorated with unique Christmas decorations that will excite the whole family. 

     

    Colorful Sculpture

     

    Colorful Illuminations

     

    Snoopy Ice Rink

     

    Snoopy Happiness Float 2022

    During the event period, a giant 8-meter-tall Christmas tree decorated with Peanuts-inspired ornaments will be set up for guests to enjoy. A huge and very colorful sculpture measuring 6 meters across and over 2 meters tall will also welcome visitors to this Christmas wonderland. In addition, colorful lights will be scattered around the entirety of Grandberry Park, and a special Christmas menu filled with cakes and hors d’oeuvres is sure to delight.

     

    On December 10, the Snoopy Ice Rink will open at Oasis Plaza, and the Snoopy Happiness Float 2022, a giant Snoopy that has traveled across Japan, will return for another year of fun.

     

    Come have a fun time this holiday season with Snoopy and friends! A series of events will be held over the next year to market the Colors of Peanuts marketing campaign throughout the country, so keep an eye out for more news!

     

    *Sample images only.

  • Grand Front Osaka to Hold Harry Potter Christmas Event

    28.October.2022 | MOVIE / SPOT

    The Grand Front Osaka mall has announced an incredible Christmas celebration in collaboration with the magical world of Harry Potter! Fans will want to visit the massive shopping center between November 10 and December 25 to take part in the festivities.

    Standard Decorations

    Showtime Decorations

    Harry Potter-Inspired Decorations

     

    The highlight of the event is the 13-meter-tall Christmas Tree, which will be set up on the first floor of the mall’s North Building. The tree will be decorated with Harry Potter-inspired ornaments like moving staircases and window frames, which will look as though they are floating in the air. At night, a light show will take place around the tree, complete with projections inspired by the four houses of Hogwarts. 

    Decorated Ted E. Bear

    Stamp Rally Card

    House Flag Decorations

    Tully’s Coffee and Harry Potter Collaboration Goods and Menu

     

    Special Harry Potter-themed decorations will be attached to many trees in the area around the nearby Umekita Plaza, and fans can also find a Harry Potter panel exhibition. An Instagram photo campaign will be held in which visitors can enter to win collab merch, so don’t miss out!

     

    Come make some magical memories at this Harry Potter event in Osaka this winter.

  • Chainsaw Man Tokyo Special Division 4 Event and Pop-Up Shop to Open in Tokyo

    27.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    A story-based digital GPS rally inspired by Chainsaw Man will be held within Tokyo’s subway system from November 1 until November 28. Fans of the anime series won’t want to miss it!

     

    Participants will be tasked with one vital mission: to find five senior devil hunters who are currently undercover at subway stations around the city.

     

    Participants will download an app from the special website and follow the instructions within to find stamp locations at stations throughout Tokyo. When they reach the designated location, they’ll find a special poster, and they’ll just need to press a button in the app to earn a stamp. By collecting stamps in all six locations, fans will receive a unique key visual which can only be obtained through this event. 

     

    Pop-Up Shop

    During the event period, fans will also find a limited-time pop-up shop inside Ikebukuro Sunshine City. Original collaboration items will be on sale, and a game will be set up with winners able to walk away with unique prizes. From November 1 to November 20, admission to the shop will be by advance reservation only on a first-come, first-served basis to reduce crowding. Reservations can be made through the official website.

     

    ©藤本タツキ/集英社・MAPPA

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