Izu Shaboten Zoo’s annual “Capybara Yuzu Hot Bath” event is set to return this winter from December 19, 2020 to January 5, 2021.
In Japan, there’s a saying that you won’t catch a cold if you take a hot yuzu bath, and so it has been a custom since the Edo period to float the fruits on top of the water during the winter season.
Izu Shaboten Zoo’s “Capybara Yuzu Hot Bath” event first started in 1996 and has continued every year since throughout the winter and over the New Year. Visitors flock to see the capybara looking content as they enjoy their warm citrus-smelling baths.
The zoo’s adorable capybara plush toy makes a return this year too. They are made with traditional Japanese colours like indigo blue and emerald green. Their cute appearance are sure to have you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Information
Izu Shaboten Zoo
Running: December 19, 2020 – January 5, 2021
Location: Izu Shaboten Zoo
Address: 1317-13 Futo, Itō, Shizuoka
Event Page: https://izushaboten.com/kapiroten/
Izu Shaboten Zoo Official Website: https://shaboten.co.jp/
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■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi AppA 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 ARWhen 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 Information
Hirosaki x Hakodate x Snow Miku Tourism Campaign
Beginning December 2022
Details: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=hirohako
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A winter tradition in Izu, the capybara open-air bath at Izu Shaboten Zoo will be held again this year from November 19 until April 2, 2023. During the event period, guests can watch the adorable capybaras as they enjoy a hot bath once a day at 1:30 PM on weekdays and twice a day at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM on weekends and holidays.
This season marks the 40th anniversary of the popular event, though it all began as a happy accident. In 1982, an employee cleaning the enclosure with hot water noticed that the capybaras were huddling together in a warm puddle. Since then, each year, employees prepare a warm bath for the animals during winter and early spring. During the event period, in addition to the standard open-air baths, the water will be decorated with unique items depending on the season, from yuzu to rose petals. 40th-anniversary goods will available at the Animal Mart Gift Shop at the zoo, as well as the official Izu Shaboten Zoo online store. For more information about the event's schedule, visit the official website. Information
The Original Capybara Open-air Bath
Running: November 19, 2022 – April 2, 2023
Official Website: https://izushaboten.com/kapiroten
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This year, the Flower Lantern Area and Sweets Lantern Area have been completely redesigned and upgraded to be even more three-dimensional and colorful. Come enjoy this incredible world of lights and have some fun with the whole family! Information
Izu Kogen Grand Illumination ~8th Season~ (Hands-on)
Venue: Izu Granpal Park
Running: November 11, 2022 – August 2023
Official Site: https://granillumi.com
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Medical Diary Cover: ¥550 / Pen: ¥550 / Mechanical Pencil: ¥550 / Clear Folder: ¥385
Wet Tissue Pack (2 varieties): ¥550 each / Mini Towel: ¥880 / Hand Sanitizer Spray: ¥880 / Acrylic Stand: ¥1,430
*Sample Image A campaign is also underway at Chibi Maruko-chan Land. Those spending ¥2,000 or more on Maruko goods or collaboration goods will receive an original sticker while supplies last. Come have fun with Maruko and Rascal during this special event!Information
Chibi Maruko-chan Land
Collaboration Event Dates: August 11-15, 20, 21, 27, 28
*The photo session will only be held on August 11.Address: S-Pulse Dream Plaza 3F (13-15 Irifunecho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka)
Official Website: https://chibimarukochan-land.com/ -
From July 22 until August 21, fans of the adorable character Chiikawa will want to visit Shizuoka PARCO! The Chiikawa Chinese Restaurant and Drink Stand will be offering up some themed dishes for a limited time.
Original Menu at a Glance
Cream Soda with Winning Lottery Number
Otter's Iced Cocoa
Hot Spring Style Hot Apricot Milk with Marshmallows
Chestnut Manju Alcohol-Free Drink
Chiikawa Meat Bun
Bonus for Drink Orders: Original Cafe Coaster (17 varieties)
Original Goods at a Glance
Mini Glass
Clear Folder
Acrylic Smartphone Ring
Silicon Ice Tray
Drawstring Bag
T-Shirt / Meat Bun
Goods Purchase Bonus
The Chiikawa Chinese Restaurant is a collaborative cafe project featuring a Chinese-inspired menu and newly-drawn illustrations. This cafe was a huge hit in Tokyo in the past, and those who missed out will have another chance to enter the world of this popular character! The collaboration menu includes three kinds of cream soda with a winning lottery stick, iced cocoa similar to a strawberry parfait, and other items to enjoy the world of Chiikawa. Guests can also purchase goods featuring illustrations of Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi in Chinese costumes. Come have a tasty snack and a refreshing drink while you grab some limited Chiikawa merch! ©nagano / chiikawa committeeInformation
Chiikawa Chinese Restaurant and Drink Stand
Running: July 22 – August 21, 2022
Venue: Shizuoka PARCO (6-7 Yoichi, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka)
Drink Stand: 1F Parque CafeGoods Shop: 3F Special Event Space
Hours: 10:00-20:00
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The globally popular 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 original comic has sold over 7 million copies, and the series has helped people around the world destress. In 2018, the first anime series premiered, inspiring a spin-off Room Camp in 2020 and a second season in 2021. An animated film will arrive in theaters on July 1, 2022. The series has announced a collaboration with Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, which are both depicted in the work, as well as JR Central. The ‘Laid-Back Camp Dramatic Puzzle Solving Game: Two Treasure Maps and a Trip Down Memory Lane’ event will run from July 1 until August 31, 2022. The Rin Route will begin in Kofu and the Nadeshiko Route will start in Shizuoka. Participants will receive a small gift for completing each route. In conjunction with the event, JR Central will sell special Laid-Back Camp one-day round-trip tickets, and a collaboration train will be decorated with illustrations from the series. The poster for the event shows new illustrations of Rin and Nadeshiko made by Green House, the illustrators behind Bikkuriman. These illustrations will also appear on a variety of original goods! When Japan opens again, how would you like to journey through these beautiful areas? ©あfろ・芳文社／野外活動委員会
Information
Laid-Back Camp Dramatic Puzzle Solving Game: Two Treasure Maps and a Trip Down Memory Lane
Running: July 4 – August 31, 2022
Booklet Distribution Locations:
Yamanashi Prefecture – Kofu City Tourist Information Center / Shimobe Roadside Station / Minobu Station Shop
Shizuoka Prefecture – Shizuoka City Tourist Information Center
Details: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/kankou/event/2022_yrcm_summer.html