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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From November 11, 2022 until August 2023, Izu Granpal Park in Shizuoka Prefecture will host the 8th Izu Kogen Grand Illumination event! The Izu Kogen Grand Illumination was ranked #1 in the Walker+National Illumination Ranking for six consecutive years and is beloved by visitors of all ages. This isn’t just a collection of pretty lights–the Grand Illumination also includes a number of hands-on experiences for everyone to enjoy. In 2021, the event won first place in the Ninth Illumination Awards for the second year in a row. Known as Japan’s first ‘hands-on illumination experience,’ the park has continued to evolve year after year, adding more attractions and finding its unique style. These attractions include a zip line through the lights, Dinosaur Go-Karts, and more.
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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The Miffy Bath Set, made from environmentally friendly thinned wood, will be available in early September 2022.
Miffy Bath Set: ¥16,500 (Tax Included)
A three-piece Miffy bath set including a small bath chair, a large bath chair, and a hot water basin will be available next month. Perfect for parent and child use, the smooth wood surface will fit with any bathroom decor. Kanuma in Tochigi Prefecture is known for its thriving woodworking industry. The wood used for this set was thinned to protect the forest and minimize waste, and each product is handmade by local wood craftsmen and made entirely in Japan. The product is finished without paint to highlight its original quality.These items can also be stacked for compact storage. When you open the bathroom door, you'll be met with the fresh scent of cypress with the Miffy Bath Set!© Mercis bv Information
Miffy Bath Set
Where to Buy: http://www.hashy-topin.com
Product Details: https://hashy-topin.co.jp/2022/08/17/mf-8278/ -
From August 18 until September 19, 20 Gokurakuyu and Raku Spa locations will hold a special collaboration to celebrate the release of ONE PIECE FILM RED.
Goods
Menu
During the event, a new bath will be available each weekend. Guests can enjoy fragrant baths inspired by Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Shanks, and Uta. Check the website to see which baths will be available at which locations! Those visiting can find some new merchandise featuring exclusive illustrations made for the campaign and a tasty menu inspired by One Piece characters, so don’t miss it! Information
ONE PIECE FILM RED x Gokurakuyu Raku Spa ~Mugiwara Bathhouse~
Running: August 18 – September 19, 2022
Venue: 20 participating Gokurakuyu/Raku Spa locations
Gokurakuyu: https://www.gokurakuyu.ne.jp/
Raku Spa: https://www.rakuspa.com/
Collaboration Details: https://rakuspa.com/onepiece-film-red/ -
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.Information
Laid-Back Camp Season 2 Model Trip Plan
Release Date: May 16, 2022
Trip Dates: May 23 – June 29, 2022 *Some dates are excluded.
Shop: https://www.jrtours.co.jp/plan/shizuoka/yurucamp/Official Site: https://www.jrtours.co.jp/
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Hololive has announced a special collaboration between HoloFantasy and Raku Spa, with special merchandise and VTuber-scented baths at participating locations around Japan! Merchandise
Collaboration Menu (Coasters Available!) Photo Spot Guests can grab original merchandise with newly-drawn illustrations during the event period, and original food and beverages based on the five members will be on sale. Five unique baths have been prepared by the Hololive members, as each girl chose her favorite scent. The announcements in each location will also be broadcast by the popular VTubers. Starting February 6, called Bath Day in Japan, specially-drawn yukata and chibi versions of the characters will be available on limited-edition postcards and new merchandise. To get one of these postcards, visitors will need to follow the official Raku Spa Twitter, retweet the campaign Tweet, and present it at the reception desk at their Raku Spa of choice. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to grab them before they’re all gone! Information
Hololive x Gokurakuyu/Raku Spa Collaboration Campaign
Running: January 27 – February 28, 2022
Locations: 25 participating Gokurakuyu/Raku Spa locations nationwide *Not available at some locations.
Details: https://rakuspa.com/hololive/Online Shop: https://eshop.gokurakuyu.ne.jp/
Postcard Schedule ※Available while supplies last.
・Usada Pekora: January 27 – February 3
・Uruha Rushia: February 4 – February 10
・Shiranui Flare: February 11 – February 17
・Shirogane Noel: February 18 – February 24
・Houshou Marine: February 25 – February 28Collaboration Bath Schedule
・Usada Pekora Bath / Japanese Cypress Scent
January 27 – January 30
・Uruha Rushi Bath / Peppermint Scent
February 4 – February 6
・Shiranui Flare Bath / Grapefruit & Lemongrass Scent
February 11 – February 13, 2022
・ Shirogane Noel Bath / Milk Scent
February 18 – February 20
・Houshou Marine Bath / Flower Cologne Scent
February 25 – February 27
Gokurakuyu/Raku Spa Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/gokurakuyu_spa -
Shizuoka Prefefcture is once again collaborating with popular anime series Laid-Back Camp for a special stamp rally. Two courses will be open from January 21 until March 21, 2022, and will take guests on a journey throughout the most gorgeous localities in the region. This stamp rally is the third in a series of Laid-Back Camp and Shizuoka Prefecture stamp rallys held since November 2021. Those who finish the rally will be presented with a special clear folder featuring an exclusive illustration made for this event, so get traveling! (C) あfろ・芳文社／野外活動委員会
Information
Laid-Back Camp x Shizuoka Prefecture
Stamp Rally (Izu West Coast Course, Izu East Coast Course)
Running: January 21 – March 21, 2022
Location (Stamp Rally Points): Listed Below
Participation Fee: Free
Official Site: https://yurucamp-shizuoka.com/
Izu West Coast Course: 7 locations in total
・Numazu City
Seaside Inn Oosekan
Nishiuraenashi, Numazu, Shizuoka
・Izu City
Darumayama Kogen Rest House
Osawa, Izu City
・Izu City
Amagi Wasabi no Sato
Yugashima, Izu City
・ Izunokuni City
Roadside Station Izu-no-Heso
195-2 Takyo, Izunokuni City
・Nishiizu
Koganesuto
3566-7 Ugusu, Nishiizu
・Nishiizu
Dogashima Shokudo
2045-3 Nishina, Nishiizu
・Numazu City
Roadside Station Kurura Heda
1294-3 Heda, Numazu
Izu East Coast Course: 6 locations in total
・Ito City
Mt. Omuro
1317-5 Futo, Ito
・Ito City
1317-13 Izu Shaboten Zoo
Futo, Ito
・Ito City
Hiroi Liquor Store
1298-9 Yawatano, Ito
・Higashiizu
Hosono Plateau Tree House Village
3150 Higashiizu, Kamo District
・Kawazu
Izu Orange Center
1266-31 Midaka, Kawazu
・Shimoda
Shimoda City Tourist Information Center
Sotogaoka, Shimoda