From December 10 until December 18, 2022, creative company NAKED will hold NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO at Ninna-ji! The event is part of a larger next-generation art project being held around Kyoto until Christmas Day.

This exhibition marks the first metaverse-centered event at Ninna-ji, and guests will be able to enjoy a virtual fashion show in collaboration with Jotaro Saito, a kimono designer from Kyoto. Participants will begin by creating their own avatar by snapping a photo of their face. After that, they will be able to choose a kimono by Saito to use as clothing for their avatar before taking to the runway with other visitors from all around Japan.

NAKED’s goal is to bring traditional Japanese kimono culture into the digital space, and the company believes that this is only the beginning. In the future, NAKED hopes to bring other artists into the metaverse as well.
 

NAKED Distanced Lanterns

NAKED Tsukubai

Five-Storied Pagoda Projection Mapping

DANDELION PROJECT

Virtual Fashion Show

Limited Edition Paper Goshuin

This year’s event also includes the DANDELION PROJECT, popular with art fans around the world. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace. 

This year, the participatory art piece was installed in the main temple. Why not visit this stunning exhibition in Kyoto this winter? 

Ryusenji Temple in Saitama is offering some exclusive summer goshuin! Goshuin are stamps or seals given to worshippers at shrines and temples around Japan, where somebody will stamp your goshuin-cho (stamp book) with the site’s unique seal along with the temple’s name and the day you visited handwritten in ink.

The two new goshuin feature summer fireworks and a cooling fan design. These will be available from June 1 until August. They might sell out, though, so be quick!

Summer Exclusive Paper-Cut Overlaid Goshuin: Fireworks and a Wish for Peace

The Fireworks and a Wish for Peace goshuin use five kinds of paper to depict fireworks in the summer night sky.

Fireworks are a popular summer tradition in Japan. It’s said that fireworks were born following the discovery of gunpowder and its use in guns when some decided to use the substance to make something beautiful rather than use it as a weapon. 

Because of this, many see fireworks as a symbol of peace. The current war between Russia and Ukraine has seen gunpowder used as a horrific weapon used to end the lives of many innocent people, and this special goshuin was made in the hopes that the war will come to an end as soon as possible. Gunpowder should be used in fireworks to bring people happiness instead.

Summer Exclusive Paper-Cut Overlaid Goshuin: Refreshing Good Luck Charm

The Refreshing Good Luck Charm shows a traditional Japanese summer scene with a fan and goldfish swimming in clear blue water.

Fans are used by many Japanese to keep cool during the summer months, and some are even said to have the power to ward off illness and evil spirits. Goldfish are often seen during summer festivals, where visitors try to scoop them up using an easily-breakable net in a fun game with family and friends.

Goldfish became popular during the Edo period and were considered to be lucky creatures capable of bringing happiness into one’s home and bringing financial fortune. 

If you’re heading to Saitama, why not add these intricate goshuin to your book?

If you love adorable animal-inspired glassware, head to Keisei Department Store in Mito, Ibaraki from June 8 until June 14, 2022! Goodglas Japan will be selling a selection of over 30 unique pieces during this brief period.

The MyStraws collection has been incredibly popular to those more environmentally concious. Rather than use plastic straws, why not grab one of these glass straws decorated with an adorable penguin, sea otter, or polar bear? These straws come with a carrying case and a special cleaning brush.

Goodglas / MyStraw Glass – Penguin

Goodglas / MyStraw Glass – Penguin, Sea Otter, Polar Bear

Straw, Case, Brush (3-piece set)

Goodglas – Shiba

Goodglas – Rabbit Mug

These glasses are handmade by skilled artisans and are sure to make anyone smile!

Mobile Police Patlabor is celebrating 30 years with a special exhibition in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture from January 14 until February 13, 2022. 

The exhibition has traveled to four locations so far, starting in Osaka in 2019, then Tokyo, Nagoya, and Niigata soon after. It has been extremely well-received by fans, and this new iteration will exhibit original drawings and cells from Mobile Police Patlabor 2: The Movie, along with poster and cels. 

Other production materials from the 47-episode TV series broadcast on NTV from 1989 until 1990 will also be available to peruse for the first time. 

1. Exhibition of Original Drawings and Cels from the Original Time of Production on Display for the First Time
The original jacket illustrations for the TV anime version and Mobile Police Patlabor 2: The Movie drawn by character designer Akemi Takada, as well as celluloid images discovered by the editorial department of KADOKAWA Newtype, and valuable original art owned by the animation production company Production I.G will all be on exhibition.

2. Exhibition of New 3-D Works
The exhibition will feature new sculptures created by sculptor Hideki Kawabata.
Especially noteworthy is the 1.2-meter tall Griffon statue.

3. New Merchandise on Sale
New booklets featuring the anime and movie will be available for purchase prior to the start of the exhibition.
Also, new Griffon goods, still very popular among fans, will be available.

4. Commemorative Stamp Rally
To commemorate the opening of the exhibition, a stamp rally will be held around the city.
Those who visit every spot will receive a clear folder decorated with the main visual of the exhibition drawn by Yukio Kitta.

5. AR Audio Guide Exclusive to the Venue
As with the previous Niigata exhibition, guests can listen to AR voice guidance by Miina Tominaga (Noa Izumi) and Yoshiko Sakakibara (Shinobu Nagumo) while at the venue. 

Interactive digital art collective TeamLab will hold the Kairaku-en (Japanese Garden) Festival of Light at one of Japan’s three most beloved gardens located in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture from February 1 until March 31, 2022. A total of eight creative works showcasing the ‘longevity of life’ will be on display, utilizing the greenery of the surrounding 180-year-old garden itself. One work will illuminate over 1,500 plum trees, while another will see giant cedars interacting to guests’ presence. During this period, the Mito Ume Festival (February 11 – March 21) will also take place at the gardens. The festival has been held continuously for over 120 years.

Kairakuen is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan and was built by Tokugawa Nariaki during the Edo period (1842). The other two gardens are Kenroku-en in Ishikawa Prefecture and Koraku-en in Okayama Prefecture. In 1922, Kairaku-en was designated a National Historic Site and also a National Place of Scenic Beauty. In 2022, the garden will celebrate its 180th anniversary, and features over 3,000 plum trees of over 100 varieties. 

TeamLab’s ‘Digitized Nature’ art project utilizes technology to ‘turn nature itself into art in its natural state’ without destroying or uprooting any of the plants or trees. It can be difficult for humans to imagine the world that will exist after their particular life ends, and this installation hopes to show the beauty that is possible even after a hundred or a thousand years. Through the combination of human creations and nature itself, TeamLab wants to remind people what is possible when we live side by side in harmony with one another. 

The Oarai Tourism Omotenashi Promotion Council opened Cafe Amayadori, a rain and healing themed coffee shop, on September 18 2021. The shop was opened as a challenge and is located in the Umimachi Terrace Tourist Information Center.

Cafe Amayadori

Cafe Amayadori Menu

Cafe Amayadori Tote Bag

You can clearly hear the sound of the rain from inside the store, while the served cream soda changes based on both the weather and the time. On clear days where the sun is shining, you can order the traditional green-color  ‘Blue Sky Cream Soda,’ while on rainy days you can order the blue ‘Rain-color Cream Soda.’

The cafe also serves a wide variety of Japanese and Western meals and desserts, each cooked using local Oarai produce. Morning and lunch specials are also available, meaning you can easily work your visit around your own schedule.

The concept of the cafe is “Rain.” You can dash into the cafe as if you’re looking for shelter from the weather before sitting down to eat and drink in the calm space, emphasized by the soothing music that plays in the background. While the soundtrack depends on the day, the sound of rain is often played. However, the sounds played on rainy days are a little different to the usual. True to its name, the cafe can create a comfortable Amayadori (lit. rain shelter) no matter what the weather!

‘rain coat studio’ is a group of creators who have been working on ‘rain’ themed events and designs since 2016. The group was formed with the idea that “when it rains, our activities are limited due to the dull weather. On the other hand, the rain represents the season and soothes those who listen to it’s sound.” 

The group aims to create music, events, artwork, and more, that are cool like the rain but still convey a kindness. The ‘rain coat studio’ came up with the idea of a coffee shop as a way to try creating a restaurant business that followed their ideals.

The signature item on Cafe Amayadori’s menu is the ‘Weather Cream Soda.’ The flavor depends on whether the weather is clear, rainy, and after-rain, but can also depend on the time – They even offer special drinks for ‘Morning Fog’ and for drinking in the evening, along with a limited-time ‘Seasonal Cream Soda. 

The cafe doesn’t just serve Cream Soda! Customers who would like a full meal can also order from a selection of Japanese food, Western food, and desserts. A limited edition tote bag is currently on sale to commemorate the opening of the cafe.

Why not try relaxing on a rainy day at Cafe Amayadori?

The marvel that is the 375m-long Ryujinotsuri Bridge in Ibaraki, is a must-see this autumn season as maple trees, sawtooth oaks, and other autumnal spectacles dye the area in breathtaking reds from mid to late November.

Ryujinotsuri Bridge: Japan’s biggest suspension bridge

Ryujinotsuri Bridge is located in Okukujichanosato Park in Ibaraki Prefecture’s city of Hitachiota. From atop the towering bridge one can overlook at the expansive gorge 100m down below where the misty Ryujin Lake flows. Trees stretch to a horizon in this incredible breathtaking environment, offering beautiful vistas throughout all four seasons.

Bungee jump over Ryujin Lake

Ryujinotsuri Bridge is the biggest suspension bridge in Japan, and so of course it has to offer something special to visitors. And that would be bungee jumping which is sure to excite thrill-seekers travelling to Japan.

Outdoor activities galore

Visitors can enjoy the surrounding nature by taking a canoe or boat on top of Ryujin Lake.

BBQ and camping facilities

There are also BBQ and camping facilities in the area for people to enjoy the outdoors and see the stars at night.

A full hiking autumn experience at Ryujinotsuri

There are several hiking courses on offer that cater to both beginners and pros. Get close with nature and see the autumn colours, hear the birds sing, and breathe in that fresh air.

Ibaraki Prefecture has been promoting the areas of Mount Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura with a variety of events and programs since 2018. For 2020, one of the programs the prefecture has announced is ‘Mount Tsukuba PLAY 2020’ which invites people on a trial tour around Mount Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura.

About Mount Tsukuba

Mount Tsukuba is the doorstep to tourism in Ibaraki Prefecture, known for its iconic double peaks which has it listed officially as one of the “100 Most Beautiful Mountains in Japan.” The mountain offers 10 different courses for climbers, all of which boast gorgeous views and scenery throughout all four seasons. It also has a famous shrine halfway up the mountain known as Tsukubasan Shrine which is considered the physical enshrinement of the mountain itself. The shrine has long been a place of worship for people.

About Lake Kasumigaura

Lake Kasumigaura is the second-largest lake in Japan after Shiga Prefecture’s Lake Biwa. It is loved by locals and tourists for its beautiful natural environment and the expanse of its breathtaking view. It also has its own cycling route, Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road, which is an official National Cycling Route that has become a popular route with cyclists in recent years.

During the autumn season on weekends, the area offers a special long-ride cycling tour as an opportunity for people to soak up the local area, as well as kids programs, concerts for parents and their children, and other activity programs and guide tours. Bookings are now available online.

A Look at Mount Tsukuba PLAY 2020

Mount Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura – 2 Day 1 Night Sports Experience Tour

Mount Tsukuba PLAY 2020 is offering a special sports tour for elementary school kids where a guide will take them to climb Mount Tsukuba and canoe around Lake Kasumigaura, amongst other activities.

A Photogenic Tour in the Small Town by the Lake Shore

atacamaki, a ‘slow photographer’ and resident of Kasumigaura, will be taking photographers on a two day trip around the lake and surrounding area with rental bicycles to teach them how to shoot photos like a pro.

Concert in Tsukuba Forest

A concert will be held for children in the forest where they can lay down on the grass and be at one with nature as they enjoy the performance. The performance will be played by Akashi Yamada, the forest instructor and a singer-songwriter.

Cycling Along the Kokai River and Near Chikusei With Tsukuba Mounta in the Background

A local guide will give parents and children a tour of Tsukuba and all the must-see spots. The 37km cycling tour will offer plenty for people to see and encourages beginners to cycling.

A Long Cycling Tour Around Lake Kasumigaura, Kitaura, and Tsukuba

The program also offers a two-day long distance cycling tour of 100km.

This year’s Hydrangea Week at Yokokuji Temple is set to take place from June 13 to July 5 where 5,000 breathtaking hydrangea will take over the temple grounds.

Yanagidani Kannon, also known as Yokokuji Temple, is located in Kyoto Prefecture’s city of Nagaokakyo and has been used as a place of prayer for many people with eye disease since the Heian Period. It is believed that praying at the temple will cure eye disease.

Special Opening of the Joshoin: Spectacularly Lush Flowers

Normally, the Joshoin only opens on the 17th of every month, but for this autumn week event, it will be open every day. It’s an area normally limited to officials and those in the imperial family. The beauty of its autumn colours have come to be enjoyed by VIPs, dating back to the pre-war period when it was designated as a place of scenic beauty. The Nanboku-cho Period painting Amida Sanzon Raigo Zu of Amida standing on a lotus pedestal will be displayed during the opening.

Entry Price: ¥1,000

Entry Times: 9:30-14:30

Limited Edition Goshuin: “Oku-no-in,” “Wagan-aigo,” “Airyoku”

We’ve covered goshuin many times on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON. They are stamps or seals you can receive at most temples and shrines in Japan. Collected in a goshuincho, or stamp book, you pay a fee and the staff there will write gorgeous Japanese calligraphy in your book of the temple or shrine name and the date you visited along with a stamp. Every temple and shrine has their own unique stamps.

For Hydrangea Week, you can get the following words written in your book: Oku-no-in (Inner Shrine) Wagan-aigo, (Gentle Face, Loving Words), and Airyoku (Power of Love).

Goshuin: “Omoi”

This special goshuin prays for the fulfilment of people’s Omoi, which can mean thoughts, desires, wishes, affections, and so on. It also features a picture of the temple water basin.

Price: ¥600

Seasonal Pressed Flower Goshuin Kit

This special goshuin kit has you pressing your own flowers to create your own personal and unique design. The theme of this kit changes each season. For June, the theme is hydrangeas.

Price: ¥1,000

Hydrangea Goshuincho

The temple is also selling seven different goshuincho stamp books. Orders are being carried out on the official website.

Price: ¥3,500 (+¥500 handling fees)

Yanagidani Kannon Treasure Exhibition

The “Yanagidani Kannon Treasure Exhibition” is a monthly showcasing of the temple’s treasured articles which are normally unavailable to the public. For June, they will be showing the art piece Daffodils by Japanese painter Keika Kanashima who was active during the Taisho and Showa periods. Her work is also on display at the Imperial Household Agency. The painting incorporates the Shijō school of Japanese painting as well as the intai style.

Items Bestowed to the Imperial Household & Buddhist Art

The temple will display items bestowed to the Imperial Household from its collection, including Emperor Nakamikado’s mirror which has a deep green hue, a flower vase owned by Japan’s last empress regnant Empress Go-Sakuramachi, and more.

Movic has collaborated to release two special goshuincho books at Animate stores in Japan as well as the Animate and Movic online stores and select Mugiwara shops.

A Goshuincho is a book for collecting goshuin, which are stamps or seals given at shrines and temples across Japan. Every shrine and temple has its own unique goshuin which are stamped alongside calligraphy handwritten by the staff there and then who write the date and the name of the temple or shrine. We have covered goshuin here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON many times – click for more details.

Goshuincho – Luffy

Goshuincho – Trafalgar Law

The designs feature Luffy and Trafalgar Law made from gold leaf stood against backgrounds with traditional Japanese designs. Both books also feature their respective pirate logos. They are the perfect gift for any fan of One Piece heading to Japan to see the temples and shrinesーor to just add to their collection at home!

The order window for these books will run from March 16, 2020 to April 15, 2020 at Animate, Animate online, Movic online, at select Mugiwara storesーthe latter being the official One Piece merchandise shop. You won’t be able to order them after April 15, so be sure to get your order in quick.

*Photos are of the product still in development. Actual product is subject to alterations.

*Product sales subject to change, extensions, or cancellations.

©Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha・Fuji TV・Toei Animation

Hoshino Resorts is set to open Japan’s biggest cycling resort, named Hoshino Resort BEB5 Tsuchiura, at PLAY atré TSUCHIURA on March 19, 2020. The establishment will open right when PLAY atré TSUCHIURA celebrates its 2nd anniversary―after having opened back in 2018―and will be the fourth cycling hotel by Hoshino Resorts to open. It will act as a “base camp” to enjoy cycling, and the start point to the 180km Tsukuba Lake Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road cycling course.

PLAY atré TSUCHIURA is a 49-minute train ride from Tokyo and is directly connected to the station, making access very easy. It is home to Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road, one of Japan’s prominent cycling courses that runs past many gorgeous natural landscapes, including Lake Kasumigaura and Mount Tsukuba. It is becoming one of Japan’s foremost cycling facilities, catering to the needs of all cyclists.

1F BIKE BASE / Ring Ring Square Tsuchiura

2F & 3F

This cosy and casual hotel is the perfect choice for travellers looking to cycle and go sightseeing in Japan.

Capsule hotel Anshin-Oyado Premiere Kyoto Shijo Karasuma introduced a new plan on September 6 which gives guests the chance to go and see sacred places across Kyoto associated with Japanese swords.

October 4th is known as “Japanese Sword Day” in Japan. In Kyoto alone, the number of people visiting from distant places to see sacred sword places, as well as collect goshuin stamps from shrines and temples, is on the increase－as is the number of people staying at Anshin-Oyado Premiere Kyoto Shijo Karasuma. That’s where this new guest plan comes into play.

The plan will take guests around different parts of Kyoto, so the hotel as prepared three options to cater to all guests’ needs: one that offers a rental bicycle, a ticket to use the subway or bus, or the normal plan. You will receive a map which shows you the most efficient way to get around all the locations. There is also a QR code on the map which not only shows where you can park your bicycle if you go for that option, but also where to collect goshuin stamps.

Moreover, to really slash home those sword memories, guests will be lent a free selfie-stick which also acts as a tripod. There is also a separate powder room for guests wanting to dress up in full sword cosplay gear too which can be used until checkout.

Guests can also rent a portable power bank for their phone so they don’t have to worry about their battery running out when snapping photos amongst other amenities, and have free use of the massage chairs, foot baths, open-air baths, and more to rest up after their long pilgrimage around Kyoto seeing the different swords.