Travel Virtually to Japan’s City of Komoro in Nagano to See Cherry Blossoms, Soak in the Onsen & More
02.April.2020 | SPOT
Komoro Tourism Bureau has developed the new “Komoro Tourism Channel” using Voicy, a news and media site which reports spoken information online. The channel focuses on the latest information with regards to tourism in Komoro, and focuses on the city’s many different hot springs.
About Komoro
Komoro is a city in Nagano Prefecture. Komoro Castle is home to Kaikoen Park, which was chosen as the 100 best cherry blossom spots in Japan. The city also boasts a wide variety of onsen (hot springs) which offer amazing views and numerous different bathing experiences. Komoro Tourism Channel covers all of this and more.
Komoro is about 2-hours by car via the Nerima Interchange on Kan-etsu Expressway. It’s also accessible from Tokyo via car. You can also reach it in around 24 minutes from Karuizawa Station via Shinano Railway.
Delivering the sounds of the relaxing onsen from Komoro
Komoro has eight water sources which provide water to its hot springs. The city sits 1,400 meters above sea level, from which each of its hot springs offer breathtaking views. The podcast on the hot springs, which is in Japanese, lets you feel like you’re experiencing them from your very own home. More podcasts on Komoro are planned to be released in the future, and QR codes will be implemented are various hotels and tourist facilities in Komoro which when scanned will offer voice guides to those places.
Komoro Tourism Channel: https://voicy.jp/channel/1074
The Komoro Tourism Bureau is coming up with measures to continue promoting the city during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As well as Komoro Tourism Channel, it is also releasing information on its website, Twitter page, and elsewhere.
Kaikoen Park at Komoro Castle
Kaikoen Park at Komoro Castle is a tourist hot spot in Komoro. The castle itself was chosen as one of Japan’s 100 most famous castle sites. It is also famous for the castle itself being situated lower than the town around the castle. Kaikoen Park was selected as one of Japan’s 100 best cherry blossom spots, where around 500 trees bloom Yoshino cherries, shidare-zakura, higan-zakura, and more through April every year. The “Komoro-yae-beni-share” tree is an endemic species of cherry tree to Komoro and has a deep pink colour. The park also has towering stone walls and is home to the the front castle gate.
Komoro Castle Official Website (Japanese): https://www.komoro-tour.jp/castle/
Komoro Castle Official Website (English): https://www.komoro-tour.jp/lg_en/
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Enjoy a Hot Footbath Inside an Igloo with a Glass of Sweet Sake at Hoshino Resorts KAI Alps
22.November.2022 | SPOT
Starting February 1, 2023, visitors to Nagano will be able to experience an unforgettable winter experience at Hoshino Resorts KAI Alps. The Kamakura Footbath will invite guests to soak their feet in a warm bath as they sit in a traditional Japanese igloo while sipping local amazake and enjoying the snowy scenery.
Soak your Feet Inside a Hot Footbath Inside a Kamakura
During February when snowfall is the heaviest, these kamakura, or igloos, can be spotted in the hotel’s courtyard. A private footbath is available inside each structure, which will keep guests from experiencing the cold wind. According to many, having a cool body and warm feet is the perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep and good health.
Taste Amazake from a Local Brewery
Kurazukuri Amazake is brewed at Hokuan Brewery in Omachi, Nagano. Made exclusively from home-grown, expertly polished sake rice, the sweet beverage has a delicate flavor similar to wagashi. Why not warm your body from the inside out with this traditional drink?
Enjoy the Winter Landscape Illuminated by Bamboo Lights
Around each kamakura are a sea of bamboo lanterns, popular in the area. Guests can gaze out at the cold winter landscape beneath the awesome peaks of the Japanese Alps while pondering what the spring will bring.
Information
Kamakura Footbath
Running: February 1 – 28, 2023
Price: ¥2,000 (Tax Included)
Reservations: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kaialps/activities/9929/*Reservations are required by noon the day before.
Time Slots: 18:00-18:45 / 19:00-19:45 / 20:00-20:45Capacity: Up to 3 guests per session
*Must be staying at the hotel.
**Bookings may be canceled due to weather. -
Cherry Blossom Menu Appears at Cafe Accueil Ebisu for a Limited Time
Cafe Accueil Ebisu is currently offering a limited Sakura-themed menu featuring pancakes, afternoon tea, and drinks until April 10, 2022.
Sakura & Strawberry Pancakes
Sakura Afternoon Tea
Special Latte with Cherry Blossoms
The seasonal menu includes Sakura & Strawberry Pancakes with pale pink and strawberry red accents, and savory items such as a croissant with cherry cheese cream. Guests can also enjoy Sakura Afternoon Tea, a colorful 12-item menu featuring cherry and strawberry delights. Come enjoy the coming of spring at this gorgeous Tokyo cafe!
Information
Cafe Accueil Ebisu Sakura Season Special Menu
Available until April 10, 2022
Address: 2-10-10 Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-22:00 (Last Order at 21:00)
Official Site: http://accueil.co.jp/ebisu/
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The Ryokan Tokyo Yugawara Opens in Kanagawa Prefecture, Features Hot Spring Bath Cafe
The Ryokan Tokyo Yugawara, a traditional-style Japanese inn and hot spring located in Kanagawa Prefecture, will open on March 18, 2022. The hot springs in the area have a storied history, appearing in the oldest collection of Japanese poems from the year 759 AD and loved by great writers such as Natsume Souseki and Ryunosuke Akutagawa. There is also a cafe inviting visitors to enjoy delicious meals as they relax in the springs.
Onsen Dojo operates and plans hot spring facilities, including the ‘Ofuro Cafe’ brand, resort facilities, and more. The company also provides support for local business investments.
Information
The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA
Grand Opening: March 18, 2022
Address: 742 Miyakami, Ashigarashimo, Yugawara, KanagawaReservations: https://theryokantokyo.snack.chillnn.com/
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NAKED Sakura Pilgrimage Event Comes to Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo
People flock to Kanda Myojin to pray for good luck at the start of the new financial year, surrounded by beautiful pink blooms. The shrine offers beautiful sights during the day, and this year, it’s collaborating with digital art collective NAKED to host a beautiful light-up event every evening from March 26 until April 10, 2022.
Kanda Myojin is a hidden cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo. This spring-only event is held in the hope that people will pray at Kanda Myojin, one of the most popular power spots in Tokyo, for a great start to the new year.
Guests will be able to see cherry blossom trees lit up in iridescent lights with pink petals projected on the ground. Some of the digital sakura are interactive and change shape and color when you’re nearby. Digital art is even incorporated at the hand sanitizing station, where you’ll see vivid pink sakura projected onto your palms. Visitors will also be handed a special Naked Distance Lantern, which naturally creates distance between others as you hold it up.Information
NAKED Sakura Pilgimage
Location: Kanda Myojin Shrine
Running: March 26 – April 10, 2022
Hours: 18:00-20:30
Admission: FreeOfficial Site: https://myoujin-sakura.com/
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Lake Biwa Canal’s Cherry Blossoms to Come to Life During Spring Illumination 2022 Event
28.March.2022 | SPOT
Lake Biwa Canal, one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Shiga, will be completely illuminated each night from March 25 until April 10! The nearby Onjo-ji Temple will also be lit up during the duration of the event.
Lake Biwa, Otsu Spring Illumination – Cherry Blossoms on the Lake Biwa Canal
The Lake Biwa Canal carries water from the biggest lake in Japan to Kyoto and was built during the Meiji era using the best civil engineering technology of the time. Both sides of the bank are lined with almost 200 cherry trees, making it one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots with a spectacular view leading to Onjo-ji Temple.
Onjo-ji Spring Illumination 2022
Over 600 lights will be set up around the temple grounds to illuminate the cherry blossoms. The national treasures and designated cultural properties will be completely open to the public for nighttime viewing.
Information
Lake Biwa, Otsu Spring Illumination – Cherry Blossoms on the Lake Biwa Canal
Running: March 25 – April 10 (Dates may change depending on when cherry blossoms bloom)
Hours: 18:00 – 21:30
Location: Lake Biwa Canal
Sponsored by the Lake Biwako Otsu Tourism AssociationOnjo-ji Spring Illumination 2022
Running: March 25 – April 10
Hours: 18:00 – 21:30 (Last Entry at 21:00)
Location: Onji-ji Temple
Admission: Adults ¥1,000 / Children ¥500
*Public transportation is recommended due to heavy congestion on surrounding roads during the event period. -
Cherry Blossom Drone Project 2022 to Bring Hanami to People Around the World
Wishing you could be in Japan to see the cherry blossoms? The Cherry Blossom Drone Project on March 27 will be live-broadcasting some of the most beautiful blossoms in the country to viewers around the world.
Incredible 4K aerial footage will be available to watch on YouTube LIVE for free from 12:00 until 19:00 on March 27, 2022. No matter where you are, you’ll be able to lose yourself in the feeling of spring.
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Information
Online Hanami
Date: March 27, 12:00-19:00
Fee: Free
Where to Watch: YouTube LIVE
https://www.youtube.com/channelUCb8WTSeDH2LcxPtkIrKwSEw
Official Site: https://drone-entertainment.co.jp/ -
NAKED Sakura Aquarium Digital Art Event Opens at Maxell Aqua Park in Shinagawa
Creative company NAKED has opened its popular annual spring event NAKED Sakura Aquarium at Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa until April 17, 2022.
Since winter 2015, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa and NAKED have held a number of collaborative events each season based on blending the concepts of sound, light, images, and living things. The centerpiece of this spring event is the immersive area titled ‘Patterns.’ The walls of the aquarium are decorated with fluttering cherry blossoms as petals dance across the ground, pulling guests into a virtual Japanese garden.
The Garden of Dancing Sakura
Fluttering Sakura
Flower Lantern
Nighttime Dolphin Performance ‘Sakura Story’
NAKED Tsukubai – Sakura Version
Guests can also enjoy a cherry blossom version of NAKED Tsukubai, a virtual hand-washing experience. Why not come experience spring in a whole new way?
Information
NAKED Sakura Aquarium
Address: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa (4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Running: March 12 – April 17, 2022
Details/Tickets: http://www.aqua-park.jp/special/sakuraaquarium2022/Official Site: www.aqua-park.jp
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Cherry Blossom Themed Drink Appears at Flower Miffy
Flower Miffy Juice Garden, a drink stand featuring Dick Bruna’s popular character Miffy, is now offering a limited-time cherry blossom beverage at its Asakusa location!
Strawberry
Green Apple
Cherry Blossom Season with Miffy
The Slightly Sakura Drink is inspired by springtime and features a sweet whipped topping with cherry blossom-colored copeau de chocolat. The base of the drink is sakura-colored milk available in green apple and strawberry flavors. Each beverage comes with a Miffy cookie for added cuteness!
A Cherry Blossom flower arrangement is also available for purchase at the Flower Miffy online store.
Illustrations Dick Bruna Ⓒ copyright Mercis bv,1953-2022 www.miffy.com
Information
Flower Miffy Slightly Sakura Drink
Available Now
Location: Flower Miffy Juice Garden Asakusa
Cherry Blossom Season with Miffy
Locations:Flower Miffy Net Shop: https://www.benelic-flower.com/
Product Page:https://bit.ly/3BHpNEL
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Hoshino Resort Aomoriya Holds Cherry Blossom Viewing Event Under a Cozy Kotatsu
21.March.2022 | SPOT
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?
Information
Hanami Kotatsu
Running: April 1 – May 31, 2022
Hours: 15:00-18:00 (Last Entry at 17:30)
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: ParkOfficial Site:https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/aomoriya/
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Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Marunouchi Launches Spring-Only Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea
From March 16 until April 20, Maison Marunouchi at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Marunouchi will offer a special spring-only cherry blossom afternoon tea set!
The restaurant’s head chef, Daniel Calvert, is also the executive chef of the French restaurant Sezanne, which was listed in the Michelin Guide last year. Starting in mid-March, visitors can enjoy a variety of cherry blossom-themed sweets created by executive pastry chef Elwin Boyles.
Covered in bright marzipan, the Princess cake was created by Boyles by combining the image of a princess cake, a Swedish cake traditionally eaten on special occasions, and the image of cherry blossoms, which symbolize the coming of spring and new beginnings.
The Pink Gateau Opera combines the image of cherry blossoms with green tea buttercream and almond cream. The Sakura Choux Bombe combines the sweetness of cherry cream and sour lime juice, while the Preserved Sakura Macaron will serve as the perfect Instagram photo.
Information
Spring Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea
Available: March 16 – April 20, 2022
Location: Maison Marunouchi, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi 7F
Reservations/Details: https://www.fourseasons.com/jp/tokyo/dining/restaurants/maison-marunouchi/ -
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo Introduces Cherry Blossom Viewing Room and Spring Menu Items
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is known for highlighting the best of Japanese culture, with some rooms used for art exhibitions. To celebrate the coming of spring and the cherry blossoms in full bloom, the location is offering some sakura-themed menu items and a room with a sweeping view of Meguro River and the many sakura trees that line it.
Special Sakura Kaiseki: ¥6,050 (Tax Included) / Available Weekdays from March 15 – April 8
Sakura Afternoon Tea: ¥4,950 / With Champagne: ¥6,820 (Tax Included), Available from March 14 – April 10
Lunch Set: ¥4,950 (Tax Included) / Available from March 14 – April 10
The hotel’s four restaurants are each offering limited-time cherry blossom items. The Japanese restaurant Tofutei will offer the Special Sakura Kaiseki Set, while the New American Grill Kanade Terrace has added cherry blossom petals to its popular seasonal afternoon tea. The Chinese restaurant Shun Yuki has a themed lunch set,
Spaghettini with Shrimp, Bamboo Shoots and Sea Urchin: ¥2,200 (Tax Included) / Available from March 1 – March 31
The Italian restaurant Ristorante Canoviano is offering guests a spring-inspired course using seasonal ingredients.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Bento: ¥4,320 (Tax Included) *Limited Availability
The hotel’s patisserie is selling a limited number of Cherry Blossom Viewing Bento sets perfect for taking on a picnic.
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Viewing Room: ¥89,000~ (Tax Included) / 1 room, 2 guests / Available from March 18 – April 7
For overnight stays, guests can enjoy cherry blossom viewing from the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Suite. The executive lounge, exclusively for guests, also overlooks the river and is open for afternoon and evening tea. The food and drink menu changes every hour.
Information
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
Address: 1-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Official Site: https://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/
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Japanese Sweets Brand Tohouen Offers Cherry Blossom & Cat-Inspired Spring Manju
09.March.2022 | FOOD
Tohouen, a Japanese confectionary maker in Gifu Prefecture, has begun selling a springtime version of its popular cat-inspired manju. Inspired by the many cats that like to stroll around the shop’s headquarters, the new release includes cherry blossom-colored cat paws.
A traditional sweet in Japan, Manju is made from flour, rice powder, and buckwheat, with a tasty sugar and anko (red bean paste) filling.
Do you think these are too cute to eat?
Information
Cherry Blossom Cat
Release Date: March 2, 2022
Where to Buy: Tohouen Stores, Tohouen Online Shop