Tsuchiya Kaban is known around the world for its Japanese craftsmanship and handmade goods. The company has now opened TSUCHI-YA, a glassware specialty store! The shop opened on Asakusa’s Kappabashi Dougu Street on August 18, 2022.   At TSUCHI-YA, visitors can purchase the works of over 35 glass artisans from 13 prefectures throughout Japan, all of whom are dedicated to the art of making beautiful things. Aiming to share the beauty of glass with customers, many pieces on display are perfect for daily use. In addition to unique handmade glassware, the collection also features faceted glassware, each incorporating advanced techniques to bring traditional designs into the modern age. The techniques used to create each piece of glass are also incredibly diverse. Along with faceted glass, visitors can find sandblasted glass, which uses sand to create intricate patterns, as well as blown glass. Also keep an eye out for sustainable items such as Ryukyu glass, a traditional Okinawan craft made from recycled glass melted from used bottles, and coasters made from wood, leather and other scrap materials.The interior design for the shop was done by the creative team that also handles Tsuchiya Kaban stores. The dark tones found on the first floor make the transparent glassware shine. The second floor is an upscale gallery with a white ceiling, walls, and floor, featuring colorful faceted glasses and accessories, as well as vases, art, and more.TSUCHI-YA embodied Tsuchiya Kaban’s passion for craftsmanship and will continue to share incredible handcrafted Japanese glassware. The company wants to bring Japanese politeness to the world.

Flower Miffy Juice Garden, a drink stand inspired by Flower Miffy, a florist version of the Dutch character Miffy, has begun selling the perfect drink for the early summer weather. The Marguerite Cream Soda is on sale now at the Asakusa location.  

Marguerite Cream Soda

Flower Miffy Glass Vase Flower Frame

    The Marguerite Cream Soda features refreshing lemon soda topped with sliced lemon, thick vanilla ice cream, a Miffy cookie and a marguerite flower. Visitors can also find a special Miffy glass vase at the Asakusa store for a limited time, perfect for displaying flowers at home. Come enjoy shopping for Miffy goods while sipping a refreshing beverage this summer!   Illustrations Dick Bruna Ⓒ copyright Mercis bv,1953-2022　www.miffy.com

The amusement park Asakusa Hanayashiki will hold a collaboration event with the TV anime Gintama titled Gintama Festival from December 20, 2021 to January 16, 2022.    

Mission clear bonus acrylic coasters (4 types/randomly distributed).

   

Original Merchandise (example)

 

Reward for ordering original food: one original coaster (10 types/randomly distributed).

The lineup for the Gintama Festival includes sales of event-exclusive original merchandise, a riddle solving rally, and collaboration food. In addition, the special ticket, an advance ticket with special offers that will make the event even more enjoyable, will be available for purchase. Please look forward to this special event that Gintama fans can enjoy to the fullest.     ©空知英秋／集英社・テレビ東京・電通・BNP・アニプレックス

Asakusa Hanayashiki, an amusement park in Tokyo, has announced a summer event in collaboration with the ongoing anime series Kageki Shojo!! which will take place from August 21 to September 12.

Cute original artwork illustrated for the event

Take part in the stamp rally

Original Ticket Folder (With Pseudo Ticket)

 

Original merchandise

 

Bromides: ¥550 (Tax Included)

Acrylic Figure: ¥500 (Tax Included) / Acrylic Figures: ¥880 Each (Tax Included)

Acrylic Keyrings | ¥770 Each (Tax Included)

Pins: ¥300 Each (Tax Included)

Receive a free postcard when you order a drink or dessert

Receive a free coaster when ordering a drink

Receive an original tote bag when buying a special ticket

Kageki Shojo!! is a manga series by Kumiko Saiki. The anime adaptation began airing on July 4. A collection of cute original illustrations of 22 characters from the series have been drawn for the event which will be dotted around the park. Fans can also take part in a themed stamp rally, enjoy food inspired by the series, buy merchandise, and more.

Japanese IRL mystery game production company Haregake is launching a new game in collaboration with Cosmos Hotel Management who are known for managing the apartment hotel chain MIMARU. MIMARU Tokyo Asakusa STATION, a new branch, is set to open on April 22.This game will take place around Asakusa in Tokyo and can be played by couples, families, and groups. The event is being carried out with all necessary COVID-19 safety measures in place and aims to get people learning more about the wonders of Asakusa with a game that incorporates elements of the district's traditional buildings, culture, and more. It's a chance to sightsee around one of Tokyo's most iconic areas while solving puzzles at the same time.The game kit can be bought at the vending machine inside MIMARU Tokyo Asakusa STATION when it opens later this month. It includes the story, which you can read below, and everything you need to get yourself started. There's also no time limit, so players can take as long as they like while they enjoy the sights.  

The Game's Story

"I want you to find the treasure of Asakusa for me."So says the request that finds its ways to you - you, who are a detective. A certain wealthy individual once resided in Asakusa.He left a letter behind, and now this letter is in your hands."This map - perhaps it shows the location of this treasure."   Will you be able to locate the treasure resting in Asakusa?Head on out and solve the mystery as you walk around the district.

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is littered with countless leafy spots to enjoy the autumn colours. Here's a list of must-visit, little-known good spots in the city that enjoy all the visual treats of the seasonal, all of which are carrying out proper social distancing and anti-COVID-19 measures.  

Forgot about the time and enjoy the scenery with few people around

 

Soak up autumn with a boat ride | Hozugawa River in Kameoka

Ride the Hozugawa River along the 16km valley from Kameoka to Arashiyama. The autumn spectacle in this area is a grand sight to behold. Visitors can enjoy two hours along the valley stretch with the colours of the maple trees reflected off the water's surface, allowing them to fall into nature and forget their stresses for a while.   Hozugawa River Peak Autumn Time: Mid November - Early December Address: Shimonakajima-2 Hozucho, Kameoka, Kyoto Boat Times: 09:00-15:00 (Changes depending on season) Price: Adults ¥4,100 / Children ¥2,700 TEL: 0771-22-5846 (Hozukawa River Boat Service) Official Website: https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/  

Shrouded amongst it all | Kuwayama Shrine in Kameoka

Planed on the grounds of Kuwayama Shrine are around 1,000 individual trees which give rise to vivid colours during autumn. Since the shrine is located among the mountains, the site enjoys an earlier bloom than other parts of Kyoto, with trees blossoming from early to mid November.   Kuwayama Shrine Peak Autumn Time: Early to Mid November Address: Kamigaichi-22-2 Kamiyadacho, Kameoka, Kyoto Viewing Times: Any time Price: ¥300 TEL: 0771-22-1023 Official Website: http://www.kuwayama-jinjya.jp/  

Walk the autumn carpet | Komyo-ji in Nagaokakyo

Komyo-ji Temple, also known as Autumn Colour Temple (Momiji-ji), is famous for being the head temple of Seizan Pure Land Buddhism. Easily accessible from the city proper, the temple site is home to hundreds of towering trees which dye the area vibrant reds and yellows around this time. One of the main paths at the temple in particular has been nicknamed Autumn Colour Road (Momiji Sando) as the overhead trees and fallen leaves on the ground create a tunnel and carpet of brilliant colour.   Komyo-ji Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November Address: 26-1 Aosaijonai, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto Viewing Times: 9:00-16:00 Price: ¥500 (Free outside autumn season) TEL: 075-955-0002 Official Website: http://www.komyo-ji.or.jp/  

Thousands of fiery trees burn red and yellow | Kongoin in Maizuru

Kongoin is famous for its autumn scenery and is nicknamed Autumn Temple of Tango. The temple is home to thousands of maple trees all of various ages from decades to hundreds of years old. It faces Kahara Park which itself boasts incredible autumnal sights and is also home to a 3-storied pagoda which makes for a picturesque snapshot together with the trees.   Kongoin Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November Address: 595 Kawara, Maizuru, Kyoto Viewing Times: 09:00-17:00 Price: ¥300 TEL: 0773-62-1180 Official Website: http://www.maizuru-kanko.net/spot/sightseeing/kongoin.php  

Contrasting beauty of red maples and ordinary greens | Omoto Shinen in Ayabe

Omoto Shinen is a popular sightseeing spot in Ayabe, home to several must-sees including a wooden structure called "The Palace of Eternal Life," the Konohana-an building which is listed as an Important Cultural Property, and more. Its expansive grounds are also home to a garden where the autumn colours collide with the greens of ordinary trees, creating a beautiful contrast.   Omoto Shinen Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November Address: 1-1 Hongucho, Ayabe, Kyoto Viewing Times: 09:30-16:30 Price: Free TEL: 0773-42-0187 Official Website: https://www.ayabe-kankou.net/spot/omotoshinen/  

A magical scene at an Important Cultural Property | Gansen-ji Temple in Kizugawa

Gansen-ji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple that was built in 729. It's home to a three-storied pagoda which is is a registered Important Cultural Property which nestles amongst the trees. If you visit the temple this year by November 30, you will be treated to a very rare look at one of its treasures which is normally closed to the public.   Gasen-ji Peak Autumn Time: Mid November - Early December Address: Kaminomon-43 Kamocho Iwafune, Kizugawa, Kyoto Viewing Times: 08:30-17:00 (09:00-16:00 from December to February) Price: Adults ¥500 / Junior High School Students ¥400 / Elementary School Students ¥200 TEL: 0774-76-3390 Official Website: http://gansenji.or.jp/  

The garden of special scenic beauty | Joruri-ji Temple in Kizugawa

Joruri-ji is a temple of the Shingo Ritsu school of Buddism. It's also home to a famous garden which is listed as a Place of Special Scenic Beauty. The vibrancy of the reds trees is truly an overwhelming delight to the eyes which is enhanced by the bright-red three-storied pagoda.   Joruri-ji Temple Peak Viewing Time: Mid to Late November Address: Futaba-40 Kamocho Nishio, Kizugawa, Kyoto Viewing Times: 09:00-17:00 (Last Entries 16:00) Price: Adults ¥400 / Children - Free TEL: 0774-76-2390 Official Website: http://0774.or.jp/temple/jyoruriji.html  

Red and yellow hue fusion | Choanji in Fukuchiyama

Choanji's autumn colours make for a truly staggering experience as the dazzling reds and yellows complement each other. There's a 600-year-old tree in near the temple which throws in another huge chunk of yellow to the red dye of the temple grounds.   Choanji Peak Autumn Time: Early to Mid November Address: 577 Okunobe, Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Viewing Times: 09:00-16:30 Price: Adults ¥300 / Children ¥100 TEL: 0773-22-8768 Official Website: http://www.chouanji.jp  

Evening illuminations for a late-night autumn experience

 

Breathtaking in the day or night | Nariaji Temple in Miyazu

Nariaji is an ancient temple huddle among mountains that overlook Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views. The five-storied pagoda there is an example of Kamakura Period architecture and offers an unmissable view together with the hundreds of trees during autumn. On November 14 and 15, the area will be lit up in the evenings.   Nariaji Peak Autumn Time: Early to Late November Light Up Times: 17:20-21:00 (Regular viewing times are 08:00-16:30) Address: 339 Nariaji, Miyazu, Kyoto Price: Adults ¥500 TEL: 0772-27-0018 Official Website: http://www.nariaiji.jp/  

Autumn reflected on the water | Keihanna Commemorative Park in Soraku

Keihanna Commemorative Park is split into several areas such as the Suikei-en (Japanese garden) and Mebuki-no-Mori (Budding Tree Forest). There's also the Momijiya, a garden designed in a valley where maple trees grow. Talking a stroll along the bridge and looking down at the 80 trees in their autumnal garbs reflecting off the water surface is a sight to not be missed. especially at night when the lights are turned on.   Keihanna Commemorative Park  Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November Light-Up Period: Fridays, weekends, and holidays from November 3, 2020 - November 29, 2020 Light-Up Time: Sunset to 21:00 (Last Entries 20:30) Address: 6-1 Seikadai, Seika, Soraku District, Kyoto Price: Adults ¥200 / Children ¥100 TEL: 0774-93-1200 Official Website: https://keihanna-park.net/