The "Natural Ice" area is set to return to KERA-IKE Ice Rink, an outdoor ice skating area managed by Hoshino Resorts, again this winter, something made possible only by the cold winter weather and without cooling devices. KERA-IKE Ice Rink is connected to the Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary where countless wild birds and animals roam free. The ice rink opened for the winter season last Friday (October 18) and will run until March 8 next year.   The rink is formed of two areas: the "Man-made Area" which is made together with the cold air and the help of cooling devices, and the "Natural Area," which appears only during the coldest time of winter and sees the water freeze up naturally, allowing people to skate across 1,080 square meters of land. This Natural Area will open on December 20 and run until February 20, 2020.

Stroll across the forest's icy landscape

The freedom of skating across the natural ice is like taking a stroll through the forest. Enjoy skating around the little islands in the middle of the lake and finding the fallen leaves from the forest trees locked inside the ice.

Enjoy hot drinks with the sound of the wild birds as your soundtrack

Enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate at the neighbouring cafe. We recommend getting the Wild Bird Cafe Latte which comes with four different latte art designs of the wild birds you'll often spot around the ice rink. The drink can be enjoyed in the cafe or can be taken out so you can enjoy sipping it on the benches on top of the ice.  

Wild Bird Cafe Latte - ¥600 (Tax Included)

 Coffee/Hot Chocolate - ¥500 (Tax Included)

Couples can enjoy the "Starry Sky Nighter Skate" Valentine's event For Valentine's season, the ice rink has a special event in store for couples: the first ever "Starry Sky Nighter Skate." Not only do they get the luxury of skating after-hours, they can also bask under the radiance of Karuizawa's incredible star-filled sky. There will also be a guide providing commentary on the stars. After the event, all lights will be turned off to allow everyone to enjoy the pure light of the stars. There will also be hot chocolate with heart-shaped marshmallows for the Valentine's event.   Starry Sky Nighter Skate Running: February 10, 2020 - February 16, 2020 Time: 17:30-19:00 (Reception open 17:00) Price: ¥3,500 per person (Includes skating fee, skate rental fee, drink, binoculars, and consumption tax) Age: 18+ years Reservations: By 17:00 the same day by telephone or online. Reservations are mandatory. Capacity: 20 per day (Must book for at least 2 people)

Ginza's biggest shopping complex GINZA SIX is celebrating Christmas this year with an upcoming event entitled "Celebration of Life: Hoshi no Umi no Shukusai" (A Festival Under a Sea of Stars) which will take place from November 5, 2019 to December 25, 2019. Celebration of Life: Hoshi no Umi no Shukusai The visuals for "Celebration of Life: Hoshi no Umi no Shukusai" were created by Finnish artist Klaus Haapaniemi. The work is titled "Astral Sea" and Haapaniemi arranged the art specifically for the event. It features animals and living beings floating through space amongst the stars, each moving to the rhythm of the stars' revolution. With this grand work, Haapaniemi has created a new myth that makes one think of space and how it connections to the lives of humans. The space and time-transcending "Lightning Whales" which appear in the Astral Sea will be suspended from the shopping centre's atrium, and tapestries of Haapaniemi will also be draped down the centre, turning GINZA SIX itself into its own Astral Sea. The 10-meter long Lightning Whales floats have been designed in such a way that it looks like they are flying through space. Additional artwork can also be found in the front entrance, show window on floor B2F, and elsewhere.   Klaus Haapaniemi x GINZA SIX Christmas Collaboration Items Several stores inside GINZA SIX are also releasing items in collaboration with Haapaniemi.

Mimuro Sugi Junmai Daiginjo Imadeya Ginza Limited Edition Model - ¥3,000 @ Imadeya Ginza

This Junmai Daiginjo is part of the Mimuro Sugi Roman Series developed by a sake brewery in Nara. This transparent drink retains the delicate flavour of the rice and leaves a beautiful lingering aftertaste. It's best enjoyed with some tasty food. Available: November 5, 2019 - February 29, 2020 (While supplies last)  

Lightning Whales Frozen Fruit Bar - ¥600 @ PALETAS

These new frozen fruit bars from PALETAS are inspired by Haapaniemi's Lightning Whales. The bar's fantastic colouring is taken from the Astral Sea, while its flavour is blueberry gelato with salt. It's decorated with gold leaf and silver leaf. Available: November 5, 2019 - January 31, 2020  

Gloves - Whale Embroidery ¥9,000 / Swan Embroidery ¥10,000 @ Ginza Tsutaya Book Store

Gloves are a must-have during winter, and these ones come with whale and swan embroidery. You're sure to grab people's attention with these gorgeous fits. Available: November 8, 2019 - December 25, 2019   *Listed prices don't include tax. Items subject to change without notice.   Christmas Cake & Party Food Ginza is known for its long list of gourmet restaurants, serving food from around the world. This holiday season, GINZA SIX has plenty of Christmas delights lined up.

Noel Neige - ¥4,630 @ Pavlov Pâtisserie

This gorgeous, light cake uses cream for its snowy landscape, topped with bright-red strawberries.

Panettone Babbo Natale - ¥7,407 @ Café Cova Milano

Cova's panettone is made with a secret recipe that has been handed down since the beginning of the 19th century.

Assorted Mini Sandwiches - ¥3,704

This assortment of mini sandwiches are the perfect choice for Christmas parties, filled with a variety of delicious ingredients like smoked salmon, caviar, pastrami, and more. *Listed prices don't include tax.   This is just a small look at what GINZA SIX has in store for this Christmas. If you're spending the holiday season in Tokyo, be sure to stop by.

Another year heralds another heart-warming Christmas celebration at Tokyo Disney Resort®. From November 8 to December 25, Tokyo Disneyland will be filled with the fantastical magic of the holiday season and Tokyo DisneySea® will filled with gorgeous lights.    A special menu will be released on November 1 ahead of the official celebration period to whet our appetites. 

Special Set: ¥2,900

Special Set: ¥2,900, available at Ristorante di Canaletto Tokyo DisneySea 

Special Set: ¥1,980

Available at : Disnseyland The Plaza Inn Restaurant

If you are looking to go full on festive spirit mode then you absolutely must feast on the Christmas-limited special set, which is full of the luxurious flavours of Christmas and a healthy sprinkle of Christmas spirit. How about some luxurious Sea Urchin Spaghetti or a Jack Skellington-themed Hamburger Set? Make sure to check out this limited period Christmas menu. 

Apple and Cinnamon Hot Drink: ¥400 per cup

Available at: Tokyo DisneySea (Gondolier Snacks, etc), Tokyo DisneySea (Boiler Room Bites, etc)

Christmas Cake: ¥1,480

Available at: Tokyo DisneySea (Horizon Bay Restaurant), Tokyo Disneyland (Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall)

For those of you who are prioritising the attractions and shows, the small takeout meals are best for you. Warm up your body with a hot drink or buy a cake to share with your friends. There are many meals and drinks perfect to satisfy your Christmassy cravings. 

Fried Chicken Set: ¥1,180, Salty Lychee Bubble Tea: ¥700

* Taste of Christmas menu sold at: Tokyo DisneySea (Dockside Diner)

Tokyo DisneySea will be bringing back its Taste of Christmas event that was held last year which will see the return of Tokyo Disney Resort's alcoholic beverages and snacks you can devour with just one hand. This is the perfect place to indulge on Japan's traditional Christmas food: fried chicken. Munch on your fried chicken along with a very merry alcoholic lychee bubble tea. Enjoy the flavor of spice wrapped in the gentle sweet flavour of your drink.  Don't miss out on this special Disney menu this Christmas.    *The images in this article are representations. ©Disney