The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022.

[Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project

■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku

・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023

・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas

■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition Event

Over 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter!

・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki)
                    Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate)

■Snow Miku Photo Spot

Snow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths. 

・On Display: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki)
                        JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)

■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi App

A number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!

・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka  Information Center,

                         Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village

　　　　　　(Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower,

Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video 

The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!

・On Air: December 1, 2022~

・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu)

■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc. 

A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!

・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities

■Snow Miku Filters Using AR

When each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.

・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

On November 19, Nijigen no Mori, an amusement park located on Awaji Island in Hyogo, will begin its fifth collaboration with the popular anime series Demon Slayer. New merchandise, such as acrylic keychains and long-sleeve t-shirts, and menu items will be available, so fans shouldn’t miss their chance to visit!

A limited number of hand warmers with an original illustration of Kyojuro will be given to guests who participate in the Natagumo Mountain Night Walk event after November 19. Don’t let the cold weather stop you from taking part in the festivities!

New Merchandise

Rectangular Pin

Acrylic Keychain

Acrylic Stand

Long-sleeve T-shirt (White/Black)

The new lineup of original goods includes pins, keychains, acrylic stands, and long-sleeve T-shirts featuring beloved characters from the series. All illustrations were provided by ufotable exclusively for this collaboration event.

New Menu

Tanjiro’s White Dashi Udon

Kyojuro’s Spicy Korean Soup with Shredded Beef

Drinks: Original Clear Bottle (8 varieties)

Exclusive Lunch Mat

Hand Warmer with Original Design

The Demon Slayer food truck will offer warm food and drinks for the winter season. The White Dashi Udon features tasty noodles and yams, while Kyojuro’s collaboration dish is filled with spiciness. Hot drinks will be served in a special way–just pick a clear bottle featuring your favorite character!

Those who purchase items from the collaboration menu will receive a coaster with an exclusive design, and those who want to purchase a special lunch mat can do so for only ¥650. Come enjoy the cold months with your favorite characters!

©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

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!

Nijigen no Mori, an amusement park located on Awaji Island in Hyogo, has teamed up with the popular anime and manga series Demon Slayer for a special collaboration event. While the event wrapped up at the end of September, due to fan response, it will be extended for a further 87 days starting on October 15. Many fans weren’t able to attend due to the pandemic or due to distance, so this decision was made at the last minute. All guests visiting during the extended period will receive an original postcard as a special gift.

Original merchandise and food items inspired by Demon Slayer characters will be available during the event period, with some merchandise newly-created for the extended period. Check out the official website and Twitter page for the latest information.

Nijigen no Mori x Demon Slayer Collaboration Event Contents

Venue: Awajishima Anime Park, Nijigen no Mori  (2425-2 Kusamoto, Awaji, Hyogo)

Details: The Nijigen no Mori theme park will be taken over by characters from the popular Demon Slayer franchise, with unique events taking place in the morning and at night. Original food and merchandise will also be available.

① [Nighttime Event] Nijigen no Mori x Demon Slayer ‘Natagumo Mountain Night Walk’

 Participants will go on to experience the world of Demon Slayer on a 1.2 km long walk through the night forest, brought to life by a projection mapping spectacle showing Tanjiro and friends and their battle against the demons.

On the Natagumo Mountain Night Walk, where they become members of the Kakushi and participate in a battle to the death between the characters Tanjiro Kamado and Rui. Those who fulfill their mission will get a special report.

② [Daytime Event] Nijigen no Mori x Demon Slayer Mystery Walk ‘The Flower Falling Village and Scene of Illustions’

Participants will go on a riddle-solving quest in an area with original character panels illustrated by ufotable. Those taking part in the event will receive an original wooden strap as a special gift.

③ Original Goods

At the Demon Slayer store in the event area, event-exclusive goods will be available for fans to enjoy.

④ Original Collaboration Menu

An original collaboration menu, featuring character-inspired dishes, will be featured at Mori no Terrace, a forest hideaway restaurant within Nijigen no Mori. A food truck will also be open. Guests can enjoy many different treats, including Tanjiro’s Charcoal Stew, a rich black stew inspired by the main character of the series.

⑤ Premium Ticket Bonus

Those purchasing a Premium Ticket will receive Tanjiro’s Backpack as a special gift.

©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

The Grand Chariot Big Dipper 135° Hotel is a luxury hotel located within Awaji Island Park in Hyogo Prefecture. The hotel has an incredible Crayon Shin-chan collaboration room, and guests reserving this room will receive an original postcard featuring a new illustration for a limited time starting on August 1, 2022. Those finding Buriburizaemon within the room will receive this exclusive gift only available at the hotel!

Original Postcards

The collaboration room, dubbed ‘My Cocoon,’ is a one-of-a-kind suite filled with Crayon Shin-chan imagery. Perfect for fans, the room is filled with playful gadgets, a massive skylight, and a large rug in the shape of the dog Shiro. 

©臼井儀人／双葉社・シンエイ・テレビ朝日・ADK ©臼井儀人／双葉社・シンエイ・テレビ朝日・ADK 1993-2022

Mizu to Takumi, a company associated with the Toyama West Tourism Promotion Association, has teamed up with SKYTREK to offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit the area via private jet. Reservations for the incredible experience began on June 17, 2022.

Offering an entirely new tourism experience in Toyama Prefecture, visitors can see the area’s natural wonders from miles above the Earth. The program also aims to share local culture and more about traditional craftsmanship and cuisine.

Toyama Prefecture boasts dramatic topography, from the massive peaks of the Northern Alps and the Tateyama Mountains to the deep waters of Toyama Bay. To better allow visitors to see the sights, these private jet tours will be chartered on special courses different from standard airlines.

After the flights, guests will be welcomed to explore Takaoka’s deep history and culture. Kane no Sanzun, a restored and preserved inn, will welcome visitors, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating time.

Visitors can also book optional excursions to further explore the area, such as a Zen meditation experience at a famous temple in Takaoka, a traditional crafting workshop, and a tour and tasting of the only whiskey distillery in the Hokuriku region.

Come enjoy a trip to Toyama with a whole new perspective!

Airbnb boasts one of the largest travel communities in the world, filled with users offering up lodging and those eager to visit somewhere new. The Japanese subsidiary of the company has revealed the top spots added to Japanese users ‘Favorites (Wish Lists)’ from May 1 to May 17, 2022. Where will travelers in the country be headed this summer?

Golden Week is long gone and users are starting to think about where to visit during the hottest part of the year. This national ‘Wish List’ might make it easier to pick a spot, with many locations highlighting lesser-known areas!

Gujo Hachiman Villa, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Gifu)

This completely private rental villa was made for sauna enthusiasts. One lucky pair per day can book this suite along the Yoshida River flowing through Gujo Hachiman, known as the “City of Water and Dance.” Currently booked through the end of August, reservations for September and beyond will be available in early June. Book a stay to enjoy the gorgeous autumn foliage!

A House Surrounded by Lush Greenery in the Countryside (Tottori)

Hosted by a family of musicians and architects, this guesthouse invites guests to enjoy gorgeous Nordic-inspired interiors and the serene quiet of the countryside. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect spot.

Hoshina Satomachi, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Nagano)

There’s nothing like spending the summer in a traditional Japanese home. Enjoy a barbeque on the terrace and relax on the massive lawn. This is the perfect spot for families with children or pets!

Coastal Cabin (Chiba)

You can’t have summer without a pool. This luxurious coastal retreat boasts a 15-meter pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, bonfire space, and a barbeque. Relax by the pool while listening to your favorite songs or soak in the outdoor bath as you watch the waves crash along the shore.

An Elegant and Peaceful Log Cabin (Nagano)

Located at 1,300 meters above sea level on the Iizuna plateau, this log cabin is situated in the midst of a dense forest. A perfect space for couples, families, or small groups of friends, guests are welcome to enjoy hiking through this gorgeous landscape in the center of Japan!

The Naruto and Boruto Ninja Village located at the Nijigen no Mori anime theme park in Hyogo is celebrating its third anniversary! A new event has begun celebrating Sakura’s birthday, and fans of the characters will be able to grab some neat merch.

Those who purchase tickets to this special event will receive a Mission Accomplished Sticker featuring an original, newly-drawn design. The celebration is running until June 30!

The escape game will have park guests running around the park looking for panels with hints on how to progress. For this event, the panels contain keywords and illustrations related to Sakura. Visitors will really have to use their brains to figure out the solution!

Guests will also be able to write congratulatory messages on cherry blossom petal stickers associated with Sakura and stick them to life-size character panels. Original goods featuring characters in original event costumes will be on sale.

© 岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ

In February, Godzilla fans were excited to hear that they would be tasked with protecting Atami Bay Resort Korakuen in a new escape room coming soon. Now, the Escape from Godzilla event has a starting date: May 27, 2022!

Atami Bay Resort Korakuen has been a familiar sight in Atami since 1965. The beautiful property sits on the gorgeous Sagami Bay, treating guests to unforgettable views. The Escape from Godzilla event will ask players to solve mysteries throughout the hotel. Visitors will need to explore rooms and sometimes interact with hotel staff to reach the end. SCRAP, known for its numerous crossover escape games, created the project.

Atami is the setting of the decisive battle in the 1962 film King Kong vs. Godzilla. 2022 is the 60th anniversary of the film, and guests are invited to enjoy an original story and original images showing Godzilla’s attack on present-day Atami in cooperation with Toho.

Five original pieces of merchandise have been announced as part of the project. These Godzilla-themed items can only be purchased during the event.

Commemorative Puzzle Game Set: ¥2,300 (Tax Included) / Door Plate / Sticker / Hotel Keychain

Plush: ¥1,800 (Tax Included)

Fans can grab a commemorative set including a special Godzilla sticker, a hotel keychain, and a door plate perfect for decorating at home. Clear folders and celebratory stickers for escape room winners will also be available, along with special hand towels printed with a special Atami design.

Tickets for the event are now on sale!

JR Tokai Tours has released a new travel plan for fans of Laid-Back Camp Season 2, which aired from January to March 2021. The tour will take place in the Izu area, which was heavily featured in episodes 10, 11, and 12. Guests can enjoy a travel plan with single lodging and original goods starting May 23 until June 29, 2022.

Original Stickers

The slice-of-life series Laid-Back Camp is currently serialized in COMIC FUZ.

Set in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Laid-Back Camp is a relaxing series following a group of high school girls going camping and enjoying their daily lives. The series is based on the author Afro’s personal experiences and interviews, and since serialization in 2015, the series has attracted fans from around the world. The original comic has sold over 7 million copies. In 2018, the first anime series premiered, inspiring a spin-off Room Camp in 2020 and a second season in 2021.

Four years after it was announced in 2018, a Laid-Back Camp animated film will arrive in theaters this summer.

The EMOCAL project aims to support small-town areas of Japan. As a new initiative in the project, specific soundscapes only found in certain areas of the country have been combined with music to create some unique tracks. A selection of musical artists have collaborated with the project to bring these songs to life!

EMOCAL was created by ZOWA’s original label, CatchyStuck. The project supports local regions and communities by using ASMR soundscape videos recorded in each region to convey their particular charms to all of Japan. The sounds recorded in each place are considered to be very valuable and are intended to serve two purposes: to bring tourism back after the pandemic and to provide fans of ASMR a way to experience these areas from afar.

Check out each of these unique ambient tracks created by four up-and-coming musicians! Each song is available on viviON’s ASMR platform ZOWA and on Spotify.

Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture / Ikkyuu x Hige Driver, I Love Ikkyuu

Beard Driver created this ambient track with sounds recorded inside of Ikkyuu, a ramen shop.

ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20019
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1RP4RcpJwMrFzoYQbnfDYm?si=f1f1e816adb14db0

Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture / Miyuki no Hama x Powerless, Seiren

Powerless created this track, inspired by the sounds of waves crashing at Miyuki no Hama, a seaside recreation area 20 minutes from Odawara Station.

ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20016
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5DkQ9FeM7jQBacUf7Nbuxc?si=c7d771e73ddd44b6

Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture / Wasabi Field x baker, On the silent hill

Utogi in Shizuoka city is surrounded by incredible nature. Known as the birthplace of wasabi cultivation, baker used sounds recorded in the area to create this ambient track.

ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20017
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0oIU4x7MjVKmpouRwEPaXZ?si=04dcb805cea540b7

Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture / Cape Tara x SeA0, Akushu

Cape Tara is a popular spot featuring an 800-meter-long sandbar at low tide. The sounds captured here were used by artist SeA0, and this track is sure to make you miss the water.

ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20018
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1Utz5j0oB4GmSDOMVdUcXU?si=eafa1949b3ea44d0

The Banyan Tree Rooftop Bar, located at Hoshino Resort Risonare Kohamajima on Japan’s southernmost island, is holding a special stargazing event until April 20, 2022. Visitors can enjoy a cocktail as they gaze at the countless twinkling stars overhead.

Kohama Island is located within the Yaeyama Islands. With a warm climate, it’s comfortable to spend long hours outside, even at night. Kohamajima was also the first island in Japan to be protected by the IDA (International Darkness Association), meaning that no bright manmade lights can interfere with stargazing. Visitors can see 84 of 88 constellations! 

Enjoy a Boundless Starry Sky

The Banyan Tree Terrace will bring guests together to feel the sea breeze and taste colorful mojitos as they enjoy the pleasant weather. Why not spend a relaxing time in a fantastic space lit with faintly glowing candles as you stargaze?

Taste Colorful Mojitos

A limited number of colorful mojitos will be available at a bar counter set up on the terrace for this event only. You can also enjoy Okinawan original mojitos with made with Okinawa lime, brown sugar instead of sugar, non-alcoholic mojitos for children, and tropical fruit mojitos with pineapple and passion fruit.

Munch on Snacks Perfect to Pair with Cocktails

Guests can also enjoy a snack set with salty nuts perfect for enjoying with alcohol!