Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru, a hot-spring hotel located in Owani, Aomori Prefecture, will hold a special snow and sake event from February 1 until February 28, 2022. Hotel guests will be invited to enjoy drinks before dinner with a special winter twist–under a kamakura! A kamakura is the Japanese equivalent of an igloo, and local sake will be cooled by the snow as guests enjoy a glass while taking in the gorgeous scenery.

Famed author Osamu Dazai described the seven types of snowfall found in the Tsugaru region in his work Tsugaru. To allow visits to enjoy the many different types of snow in Aomori, seven unique sakes will be prepared and depending on the snowfall each day, the sake guests are served will change. This unique experience is sure to leave an impression. Who would you like to bring along?

Tsugaru Snow Lanterns

Seven lanterns designed by Iemasa Yamahata will be placed on the inside of the kamakura. Each has a different color and pattern and each is based on one of the seven types of snow: powdery snow, large snowflakes, grainy snow, watery snow, granular snow, sleet,  and crusted snow.

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

Hoshino Resort Aomoriya, an inn where visitors are invited to fully enjoy Aomori’s culture, will begin its Hanami Kotatsu event from April 1 until May 31, 2022. Guests can enjoy local sake while warming themselves beneath a cozy kotatsu. In the chilly Aomori spring, a kotatsu) will be set up beneath the blooming trees for visitors to comfortably view the cherry blossoms. Hot-water bottles will also be available for rent if guests can a little too cold!

April in Aomori is spring according to the calendar, but it’s still quite chilly. Nevertheless, the people of Aomori look forward to flower viewing to overcome the cold winter and enjoy the long-awaited arrival of spring.

Three Fun Additions to Make Cherry Blossom Viewing More Fun

1  A Traditional Umbrella with a Sakura Pattern

Next to each kotatsu is a row of Japanese umbrellas with cherry blossoms painted on them, spreading the pink cherry blossom imagery all around. When opened, the umbrellas are covered with cherry blossoms, making you feel as if you are under the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

2 Choose a Local Sake and Sake Cups for a Flower Viewing Sake Tower

Choose your favorite local sake and three sake cups to make a sake tower! Guests can choose from 10 Aomori sake brands, each with unique aromas and flavors. 

3 Cherry Blossom Patterned Cotton-Filled Hot Water Bottle for Extra Warmth

To keep extra warm beneath the kotatsu, a cotton blanket with a cherry blossom pattern and a hot-water bottle are available for rent. Doesn’t it sound heavenly?

UNITED ARROWS has released its first craft beer in collaboration with Be Easy Brewing, located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. The brew is available at the UNITED ARROWS BOTTLE SHOP, which sells select alcoholic beverages from both Japan and abroad. ‘Apple Pie Ala Mode’ went on sale starting January 2 at the UA BAR on the first floor of the UNITED ARROWS Harajuku flagship store, H BEAUTY AND YOUTH, and the California General Store. 

Be Easy Brewing offers a selection of unique and constantly changing beers using ingredients found in Aomori like apples, strawberries and Tsugaru rice. From IPAs to wheat ales, the company is always experimenting with different styles. This strange collaboration was born after UNITED ARROWS expressed a fascination with the high quality and incredible taste of Be Easy Brewing’s beers.

‘Apple Pie Ala Mode’ is a Berliner Weisse with a slightly sour taste combining apple juice, cinnamon, and vanilla. 

BEAMS Japan has collaborated with 13 businesses to develop nearly 100 unique products to highlight the wonders of Aomori Prefecture. Under the title ‘BEAMS EYE on AOMORI,’ these products are now available to purchase from the BEAMS Official Online Store. They will be available at the BEAMS Japan shop in Shinjuku starting January 19, 2022. 

BEAMS EYE on AOMORI Products at a Glance

BEAMS Japan travelled to Aomori to search for inspiration and to learn more about the prefecture famous for its blue skies and apple orchards. The areas rich nature and traditions come to life in this new line of merchandise, so why not enjoy some of these products for yourself?

The ‘Inaichō General Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization,’ a group striving for regional revitalization, has announced that the Oirase Gorge Ice Falls Tour will be available to tourists between December 17 2021 and March 6 2022. This will be the fifth year of the tour, which was first held in 2017. 

Winter Oirase Waterfall Night Tour© Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization

Winter Oirase Nature Guided Tour© Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization

The Oirase Gorge, which stretches for 14km between Lake Towada and Yakeyama, lies between Aomori and Akita prefecture. The gorge is located in Towada Hachimantai National Park and has been designated a protected area.

During Winter, the mountaintop waterfalls freeze over and become powerful icefalls, decorated with icicles. Time seems to stop as the river stops flowing and the area becomes still. On this bus tour you can enjoy the silvery-white Oirase scenery during the day, or be awed by the illuminated icefall and icicles at night. 

During the Night Tour, a dedicated light car runs alongside the bus to light up five spots along the Oirase Gorge, including the gorge icicles and the icefall itself. Each viewing spot has been carefully produced, using changing colors and lighting to set the scene.

Why not visit this beautiful icy scene, which can only be enjoyed in Winter? 

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.