There is the castle town called “Takato” located in Ina city which is in the middle of south Alps and central Alps of Japan; the southern part of Nagano prefecture. In April, Takato-kohigan-Sakura (Cerasus subhirtella) in Tokato-joshi park will be full-bloomed. It is going to be a wonderful scenery of beautiful pink flowers and alps that still has snow on the top of the mountains in the background. The festival called “Shinshu Ina Takato Sakura Matsuri in 2017” is going to be held from April 1st to 30th, which is the best season for those beautiful flowers.
There are about 1500 numbers of trees that are from about 60 to 140 years old in Takato-Joshi Park. If it is an older tree, the colors of flowers tend to be darker. This area, called Inadani, has a high rate of sunny days during the year, and this helps to make the colors of flowers get deeper. Takato-Higan-Sakura (Cerasus subhirtella) has relatively smaller and stronger pink color than Somei Yoshino (Prunus yedoensis) which is the typical kind of cherry blossom tree’s that most people think of. That’s why the scenery of full-bloomed flowers in Takato-Joshi park is beautiful and different. There is the bridge called “Ouunkyo” in the park. You should compare the view from both of on top and under the bridge. I would recommend to enjoy the view close from the bridge.
You can experience riding in an air balloon that has Arukuma’s picture, which is the Nagano prefecture’s local character on it for the first time this year. It is a rare chance to see cherry blossoms spreading like a rug on the ground, so you shouldn’t miss it. From April 5th to 7th, and from the 10th to the 14th, you can start riding the air balloon at the parking lot in Takato-joshi Park. The ticket office is open from 8:00 to 8:30AM, and the ticket will be only sold on that day. It will be about a five hour ride. It will be 2400 yen for over 12 years old, 1800yen for 6 to 11year’s old, 500yen for 2 to 5 year’s old. Under 11 year’s old must be accompanied by an adult. It might be canceled due to the weather.
Ina city, Nagano prefecture is full of attractions especially in spring. You should visit there to enjoy seeing the spring.
■Information
Event Schedule：From April 1st to 30th in 2017
Hours：8:00AM to 5:00PM
*The light-up event starts April 2nd till the flowers fall. The light-up start from sunset to 10:00PM.
Admission：500yen for general
250yen for elementary and middle schooler
This only charge you after an official announcement that the cherry trees are in bloom till the flower fall.
Parking ticket：700yen for general
200yen for motorcycle or scooter
Access：
25 minutes’ bus ride from JR Iida line, Ina-shi station, get off the Takato station bus stop, and walk about 15 minutes to get to the Takato-Joshi Park.
About 50 minutes’ drive on Route 152 from Chuo Expressway, Suwa Interchange, or about 30 minutes’ drive on Route 361 from Chuo Expressway, Ina Interchange.
Call for inquiries：Ina city tourism Assosiation TEL.0265-78-4111 (Ina city Office)
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■Related article：Amazing Views! 4 Sakura Viewing Spots In the Kanto Region
■Related article：Surround yourself with cherry blossoms at the digital art “Nihonbashi Sakura Festival”
RELATED ENTRIES
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Licaxxx Announces Tokyo Community Radio’s Second Event Series ‘communities’ to be Held in Tokyo and Osaka
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
Information
■Tokyo
Tokyo Community Radio presents ‘communities’ with re;lax
Date: June 20, 2023
Time: 22:00
Venue: Daikanyama UNIT / SALOON
Admission: ¥2,000 (Early Discount) / ¥3,000 (ADV) / ¥3,500 (At the door)
Buy Tickets: https://tokyocommunityradio.zaiko.io/item/356159LINEUP:
Licaxxx
Temple Ov Subsonic Youth (a.k.a Mars89) – Live
Romy Matsand more..
[Starring]
Special Guest:
re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)Lineup:
LicaxxxTemple Ov Subsonic Youth (a.k.a Mars89) – Live
Romy Matsand more!
■Osaka
Tokyo Community Radio presents ‘communities’ with re;lax in OSAKA
Date: July 1, 2023
Time: 22:00
Venue: Osaka JOULE
Admission: ¥2,000 (Early Discount) / ¥3,000 (ADV) / ¥3,500 (At the door)
Buy Tickets: https://peatix.com/event/3590421/view[Starring]
SPECIAL GUEST:
re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)LINEUP:
Licaxxx
kotsu(CYK)
Romy Matsand more..
■Attention
Guests under the age of 20 will not be allowed entry.
All guests will be subject to an ID check prior to entry. Please bring a photo ID showing date of birth. (Photocopies will not be accepted.)
If we are unable to confirm your identity, you may be denied admission.<About Tokyo Community Radio>
TCR is a distribution platform based in Tokyo that focuses on introducing both local DJs and up-and-coming DJs from around Japan. The program features all musical genres and showcases both DJ mixes and live performances. In featured podcasts, DJs talk about their music, hobbies, and interests, allowing fans the rare chance to learn more about their favorite creators. The station also cooperates with community radio stations in other Asian cities and supports DJs and artists from Asia and beyond when they visit Japan. In addition to regular DJ sessions and podcasts, TCR also collaborates with corporate events, produces music events, and matches DJs to places and brands -
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.
Information
ASOBIZA
Date: April 28, 2023
Venue: ASOBIZA (Tokyo)
Time: 21:00
Admission: ¥3,000 (Presale) / ¥3,500 (Day-of)Buy Tickets
https://zerotokyo.zaiko.io/e/ASOBIZA-230428Event Details
https://asobisystem.com/schedule/43726/ -
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.
Information
Christmas & Valentine Theater ~ Akiyoshido Cave ‘Fantasy of Light and Echoes’
Dates:
Christmas Theater: December 21 – December 25, 2022
Valentine Theater: February 10 – February 14, 2023
Times: (1) 10:00-11:00 (2) 12:00-13:00 (3) 14:00-15:00
3 events per dayVenue:
Akiyoshido Cave, Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Mine, YamaguchiTickets/Details: https://karusuto.com/event/christmas-valentine-theater-2022/
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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. -
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
Information
Chainsaw Man Tokyo Special Division 4 Event and Pop-Up Shop
Running: November 1 – November 28, 2022
Location: Various locations in Tokyo
Participation Fee: Free
Special Website: https://www.edith.co.jp/lp/CHAINSAWMAN-GPSRALLY/
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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!
Information
Apple Halloween 2022
Running until October 31, 2022
Hours: 11:00-17:00
Venue: Awaji Hello Kitty Apple Land ( 177-5 Nojimahirabayashi, Awaji, Hyogo)
Official Website: https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittyshowbox/
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The popular anime series Free! will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special event at Saitama Super Arena on August 13, 2023. Cast members from the series, including Nobunaga Shimazaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Mamoru Miyano, Tsubasa Yonaga, and Daisuke Hirakawa, will be in attendance. Free! -the Final Stroke- The Second Volume will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on April 5, 2023, and will include a priority purchase application ticket for the special event. Check out the official website for details!
The Free! anime franchise, which is loosely based on the High Speed! light novels by Kouji Ooji, began in 2013 and includes three TV series and multiple films produced by Kyoto Animation. The three anime series–Free!, Free! Eternal Summer, and Free! Dive to the Future–have been incredibly popular around the world. The first part of Free! The Final Stroke was released in theaters last year, with the second part hitting theaters in April 2022. Fans won’t want to miss out on the exciting 10th-anniversary activities in 2023!
©おおじこうじ・京都アニメーション／岩鳶町後援会2021
Information
Free! 10th Anniversary Special Event
Date: August 13, 2023
Venue: Saitama Super Arena (8 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama)
Cast: Nobunaga Shimazaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Mamoru Miyano, Tsubasa Yonaga, Daisuke Hirakawa, more
Free! -the Final Stroke- The Second Volume Blu-ray＆DVD
Release Date: April 5, 2023
Price: ¥11,000 (Tax Included)
Official Site: http://fs.iwatobi-sc.com/
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A special event is coming to Tokyo and Osaka this summer to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Kuroko’s Basketball anime series. Fans will want to visit Tokyo in July and Osaka in September.
Kuroko’s Basketball is a manga series by Tadatoshi Fujimaki which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump until 2014 and tells the story of a high school basketball team trying to make it to the national tournament. The anime adaptation began airing in April 2012.
Kuroko’s Basketball ~A Miracle One Day in the City~
Kuroko’s Basketball ~ Kyoto Exhibition
Gallery Corner
Voice Guide
Admission Bonus – Invitation Card (9 varieties)
Exclusive Goods – F6 Character Board
Goods
Acrylic Stand (9 varieties)
Mini Acrylic Charms 1 (Random)
Mini Acrylic Charms 2 (Random)
Pin (9 varieties, random)
Purchase Bonus – Shopping Bag
The event will feature exhibits highlighting the history of the series and will feature a special voiceover. Exclusive merchandise will be on sale and guests will be welcomed by Kuroko and his friends at the entrance, all wearing special costumes drawn for the event.
Are you a Kuroko’s Basketball fan?
© 藤巻忠俊／集英社・黒子のバスケ製作委員会
© 「黒子のバスケ」アニメ10周年プロジェクトInformation
Kuroko’s Basketball 10th-Anniversary PARTY!
Tokyo Venue
Venue: Ikebukuro Sunshine City World Import Mart Bldg. 4F, Exhibition Hall A
Running: July 16 – July 31, 2022
Hours: Weekends and Holidays, 10:00-20:00
Weekdays: 12:00-20:00
*Closing at 17:00 on July 31.
*Last entry until 30 minutes prior to closing.
Osaka Venue
Venue: Hirakata Park Event Hall I
Running: September 16 – November 6, 2022
Event Details: https://kurobas-ap.com/
TicketsOn Sale: July 16, 0:00 – July 31, 16:00
Where to Buy: Loppi at Lawson / Ministop locations
Online Reservations: https://l-tike.com/event/kurobas_ap/ -
Aniplex Online Fest 2022 will be available to stream worldwide on September 24, 2022! This is the third such event, with the first streaming in 2020. The large-scale online festival will share the latest information on Aniplex’s anime works and a number of live performances are planned. Participating artists will be announced soon, so keep an eye out for more information.
Last year’s Aniplex Online Fest featured information on 11 anime series and had a lineup of incredible musical artists, DJs, and live drawing events. The festival was streamed on YouTube worldwide in both English and Japanese for over six hours and recorded a total of 850,000 viewers.
To commemorate the upcoming event, the main visual has been revealed. The illustration was done by Kerorira, the character designer for Bocchi the Rock!
Comment from Kerorira“It’s not often I get to create an original image from scratch, so I’ve been given a very rare opportunity! Please enjoy it!”
Stay tuned for more Aniplex Online Fest 2022 information!
Information
Aniplex Online Fest 2022
Date: September 24, 2022 *JST
Streaming on YouTube Worldwide *Excluding some countries and regions.
Japanese Official Site: https://aniplex-online-fest.com/
English Official Site: https://aniplex-online-fest.com/en/
Aniplex Official Event Twitter: https://twitter.com/aniplex_event
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Massively popular VTubers from Hololive Productions will appear at Anime Expo 2022 in Los Angeles from July 1 until July 4, 2022. The contention is one of the largest anime events in North America.
Fans will be able to purchase exclusive merchandise featuring the Hololive Meet ambassadors: Gawr Gura, Tokino Sora, and Ayunda Risu. The three represent Hololive English, Hololive, and Hololive Indonesia, respectively. Everything from shirts to wall scrolls will be on sale, so if you’re in the LA area, be sure to come out and support your favorite streamer!
Information
Anime Expo 2022
Booth Number: Exhibit Hall #4606
Dates: July 1 – July 4, 2022
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Closing at 15:00 on July 4)
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
Official Site: https://www.anime-expo.org/ -
In 2021, the Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle- Hypnosis Flava event was held at Mixalive Tokyo, attracting tons of attention and making fans of the franchise extremely happy. Now, the event will travel to Nagoya and Osaka!
Hypnosis Flava -The Missing Case-
CAFÉ Hypnosis Flava
Food
Hypnosis Flava 〜 Rap Roll Buster Bros!!! （Curry-flavored Chicken）/ MAD TRIGGER CREW（Meatball）/Fling Posse（Meat Tacos）/Matenrou（Grilled Salmon）/Dotsuitare Hompo（Yakisoba with Mayo）/Bad Ass Temple (Miso Katsu)
Dessert
Hypnosis Flava -Division Rap Battle-
Hypnosis Flava 〜 Mille Crepe Buster Bros!!! / MAD TRIGGER CREW / Fling Posse /Matenrou / Dotsuitare Hompo /Bad Ass Temple〜Drink
Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-
Hypnosis Flava ~ Jelly Soda Drink Buster Bros!!! / MAD TRIGGER CREW / Fling Posse/ Matenrou / Dotsuitare Hompo /Bad Ass TempleMenu Order Bonus
Coaster (36 varieties)
Cafe Merchandise Corner
Sticker Set /Clear Photo Card／Square Pin Hypnosis Flava Ver.2（6 varieties) / Acrylic Block Keychain Hypnosis Flava Ver. (18 varieties) / Candy and Magnet, Hypnosis Flava Ver. (6 varieties) / Handkerchief Hypnosis Flava Ver. (1 variety)
Store
2nd D.R.B Winner: Commemorative Acrylic Smartphone Stand (Fling Posse) / Acrylic Panel (Division Leaders) /2nd D.R.B Postcard Collection
T-Shirt /Hoodie Hypnosis Flava Ver.
The event contains three events: Hypnosis Flava -The Missing Case-, an interactive riddle-solving attraction that challenges guests to solve a mission to find the missing Division team leader, Cafe Hypnosis Flava, offering food and drinks inspired by the world of Hypnosis Mic, and Store Hypnosis Flava, a shop selling exclusive merchandise featuring newly-drawn illustrations. A merchandise corner will be set up at the cafe, where six new items will be on sale to commemorate the Nagoya and Osaka events.
©︎ヒプノシスマイク-Division Rap Battle- HypnosisFlava@Mixalive TOKYO製作委員会
Information
Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle- Hypnosis Flava @ Mixalive TOKYO in NAGOYA & OSAKA
●Nagoya Event
The Missing CaseRunning: April 28 – May 22, 2022 (11:00-20:00)
Venue: Nagoya PARCO South Building 9F Event Space
CafeRunning: April 28 – June 6, 2022 (11:00-20:00) *Last food order 19:00 / Last drink order 19:30
Address: Nagoya PARCO South Building 8F THE GUEST cafe&diner
StoreRunning: April 28 – May 22 (11:00-20:00)
Address: Nagoya PARCO South Building 9F Event Space
●Osaka Event
The Missing CaseRunning: July 1 – July 31, 2022
Venue: Shinsaibashi Opa Main Building 6F Event Space
Admission: ¥2,100 (Tax Included)
CafeRunning: July 1 – August 7, 2022
Venue: Shinsaibashi PARCO 6F THE GUEST cafe&diner
Reservation Deposit: ¥300 (Tax Included)
Store
Running: July 1 – July 31, 2022Venue: Shinsaibashi Opa Main Building 6F Event Space
Admission: Free
Tickets/Official Site: https://art.parco.jp
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The NFT platform ‘Adam by GMO’ will offer the creative company NAKED’s first piece of NFT art. Sakura Ousai has been featured in the hands-on art exhibition NAKED FLOWERS held in Nihonbashi, Nijo Castle, Hong Kong, and Korea. The NFT will be available in late March and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support Ukraine.
Since its establishment in 1997, NAKED has constantly produced incredibly unique art installations to fit with the times. Starting with the projection mapping of Tokyo Station in 2012, the company has created unprecedented art and entertainment experiences by combining real space with virtual experiences. The current theme is ‘borderless creativity,’ and creating NFT art fits into this vision.
NAKED FLOWERS, one of NAKED’s signature events, has been held since the New Year 2016. The NAKED FLOWERS experience has now been converted into a piece of NFT art for the first time, and buyers can enjoy these cherry blossoms no matter their location!Information
Sakura OUSAI NFT Art
Adam by GMO Premium Category NAKED, INC.:
https://adam.jp/stores/nakedinc
Official Site: https://naked.co.jp
