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Edo-kiriko is a distinguished form of Japanese cut glass art, renowned for its intricate patterns and vibrant use of color. Originating in the Edo period, this craft combines delicate glasswork with detailed etching, producing pieces that are not only decorative but deeply symbolic, reflecting wishes for prosperity, longevity, and happiness. The history of Edo-kiriko dates back to the 19th century, evolving from simple glassware to an esteemed art form adorned with elaborate designs. Initially inspired by the introduction of glass-making techniques from the West, Japanese artisans infused their own aesthetic, creating a unique cultural hallmark that has been cherished and passed down through generations. Since discovering the art of Edo-kiriko, we’ve gotten the opportunity to team up with Japan Design Store to produce a collaboration Edo Kirko glass. They are made with esteemed glass maker Tajima Glass, who are instrumental in both preserving and innovating Edo-kiriko. Founded in Tokyo, the heart of Edo-kiriko's origins, Tajima Glass stands as a testament to the art's enduring appeal. Through dedication to craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to quality, Tajima Glass has become synonymous with Edo-kiriko, fostering its growth and appreciation both in Japan and internationally. We co-designed a cup with a young Japanese craftswoman, who has embarked on preserving the 200-year-old craft of Edo-kiriko. She has mastered the intricate art of carving original designs into glass, a task requiring precision and patience. This partnership celebrates her first project from start to finish that she brings to life, painstakingly carving each one by hand. The hand carved design features two types of Sakura blossoms and the Mount Fuji in the base that beautifully reflects the color of the drinks you pour in. We invite you to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of a piece that bridges generations, a true embodiment of the spirit and skill inherent in this magnificent Japanese art form. To check out our listing with Japan Design Store: https://japan-design.imazy.net/en/220871

Cherry Blossom season in Japan is one of the most vibrant experiences that the country has to offer. Marking the season of change and new beginnings, however with an average bloom of only two weeks it can be shortlived. That being said... If you want to catch the cherry blossoms, where in Japan should you go and when? The blossoming time varies from year to year and by region. For 2024, the expected to peak blossom for the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka is from late March to early April. Typically you can find early blossoms in southern Japan and later blossoms in the north. Tokyo The cherry blossoms estimated to begin blooming on March 23 and reach full bloom one week later on March 30. Kyoto The first blossoms in the old capital are estimated to begin on March 23 and reach their peak a little later than Tokyo, around April 1st. Osaka Osaka is expected to see the first bloom a little later than both Kyoto and Tokyo on March 25. However, its peak bloom is expected to be on par with Kyoto on April 1. Sapporo, Hokkaido For one of Japan's most northern cities, Sapporo the bloom is expected to be much later. The first bloom is estimated to be on May 2nd with peak bloom on May 6. Sendai Sendai, another northern city just south of Hokkaido is expected to see its first blossoms on April 6 with peak bloom around April 11. Kanazawa Kanazawa is expected to see its first blossoms on March 31 with peak bloom around April 6. Nagoya Nagoya is expected to see its first blossoms on March 20 with peak bloom around March 30 Hiroshima Hiroshima is expected to see its first blossoms on March 22 with peak bloom around April 1 Fukuoka Fukuoka is expected to see its first blossoms March 22 with peak bloom around March 31

While Japanese cuisine is famous worldwide, traditional elements such as cultural practices, techniques, locally sourced produce, and ingredients have begun to fade. So, these four men came together to create a marketplace in Japan's busiest airport that celebrates local businesses. In an age of convenient "simple and instant" consumption, these four men have dedicated themselves to preserving these traditional elements that make Japanese cuisine so unique. Through their "Japan Tero World" marketplace in Haneda airport they are helping showcase and educate visitors about traditional practices and small businesses all throughout Japan! Tadayuki Iwasaki-san / Head of the Product Department / Food General Buyer Meet Tadayuki Iwasaki-san, during his time in university he studied nutrition and food where discovered a passion for the rich culture attached to Japanese cuisine and a desire to share that culture with the world. He currently visits local sites and the explores the production areas of primary producers nationwide. Here, he develops an understanding of the farmland, local culture and explores ways to collaborate with the small businesses and producers in a way that celebrates the local area and its traditions. Masaki Tanii-san / F&F System Co, Managing Director Masaki Tanii-san is dedicated to delivering fresh produce and collaborating with small farmers all across Japan. As the Managing Director for F&F Systems Co, he dedicates his time to ensuring a natural means of produce production, making sure that he delivers fresh and safe produce to his customers. In order to support local businesses and farmers, Tanii-san only sources raw materials domestically, and if domestic options are not available, F&F outsources to organic overseas producers. The agricultural products F&F search for, are grown without using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. When it comes to Mr. Tanii's relationship with farmers, he skips the middleman and contracts directly with local farmers. This ensures that the farmers are supported directly by F&F and that the flavor of the produce remains as fresh as possible and that the farmer's traditional farming practices are maintained. Takamasa Oono-san / President of Daiju Co. When it comes to finding a way to adapt in a world of fast-paced and convenience oriented consumerism, there is no better expert than Oono-san. Oono-san runs several "Oonoya" supermarkets that are committed to delivering healthy options directly to consumers. Unlike other supermarkets, in addition to prioritizing convenience, Oonoya prioritizes safety, freshness, health and flavor. He follows a philosophy known as "Rakushoku," which directly translated means "easy meal." This implies that the customer will have no concerns regarding the safety, freshness and convenience of their meal. Through this philosophy Oono-san was motivated to help create the the "Japan Tero World" marketplace. Yohichi Yugeta-san / Fourth Generation Soy Sauce Maker / Yugeta Shoyu As a fourth generation Japanese soy sauce maker at Yugeta Shoyu, Yohichi Yugeta is a preservationist of tradition. For over a hundred years they have been crafting their traditional soy sauce using a process maintained over generations. Here at Ohako, we got to see firsthand how they carefully craft their soy sauce, utilizing wooden barrels called "kioke." These giant kioke barrels are made using local Nishikawa cedar. Sourcing the lumber locally allows for the mold used in soy sauce to grow more easily. This is because the mold and cedar come from the same climate. Yugeta Shoyu has been making soy sauce since their inception, with some of their barrels in use dating all the way back to the Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). Until the Edo period, foundational seasonings for Japanese cuisine such as soy sauce, miso, vinegar, mirin, and sake were made in these "kioke" wooden barrels. However, in today's modern age, in order to cut costs, barrel-brewed seasonings have declined significantly. Within the soy sauce industry less than one percent of manufactures use kioke barrels, making Yugeta Shoyu one of the last remaining kioke soy sauce producers. Ohako's ShotasPOV and Yugeta-san stirring the fermenting Soy Sauce. This stage in the soy sauce making process has little involvement from the craftsmen of Yugeta Shoyu. The microorganisms take care of the "soy sauce making" here! Natural Ingredients Other Soy Sauce manufacturers outsource ingredients from other countries. However, Yugeta Shoyu sources all of their ingredients locally using rare produce such as organic JAS authorization soybeans and wheat which only account for around 0.018% and 0.009% of Japan's domestic consumption. All flavors within their soy sauce are natural, meaning no extra chemical seasonings, such as amino acids, are added. Perhaps the most simple, yet most shocking factor about Yugeta Shoyu's dedication to maintaining tradition is the fact that even the water, yes the water, is drawn from an 80m deep well from the Chichubu Mountain range. Even in the age of fast paced convenience, their dedication to tradition and authenticity is incredibly admirable. Come Learn About Traditional Culinary Practices at Japan Tero World! Located on the second floor of Haneda Airport Terminal one, come learn more about what these four incredible men are doing at Japan Tero World and taste the authenticity of traditional Japanese craftsmanship firsthand! There are over thirty unique small business showcased here, each with their own history and traditions! The marketplace is open from September 2023 to January 2024.

Japan is known for breathtaking nature and wondrous mountain ranges, making it ideal for winter sports. After two winter Olympics and over 500 plus ski resorts it can be hard to figure out which of these spots are worth visiting. So here are our recommendations for the best ski spots in Japan for every type of Winter enthusiast! 1. Niseko, Hokkaido Located in Japan's most northern prefecture Niseko is perhaps the most famous of all the ski areas in Japan. More often than not this area is covered in fresh powder with amazing views and includes slopes for all levels. In addition to its great conditions, the area is extremely English friendly and has a lively nightlife scene for nights out. Featuring horseback riding, onsens and more, with how popular the area is, transportation options also make the area easy to navigate, which cannot be said about other ski resorts. Perhaps the only downside to Niseko is that it does fall on the pricier side. 2. Rusutsu Nozawa Onsen, Hokkaido Much like Niseko, Rusutsu is known for its fresh powder and some of the deepest snow you'll find at Japanese ski resorts. It also includes slopes for all levels with much smaller crowds when compared to Niseko. However, this area favors those only interested in skiing as it lacks a nightlife scene and can only be accessed by car and bus. 3. Hakuba Valley, Nagano If you're looking for a family oriented area to ski, as well as Nagano's biggest terrain park and don't want to make the trip up north to Hokkaido, Hakuba is a great area to check out! Located about 4 hours outside of Tokyo by car Hakuba is an English friendly area that also features hot springs for post-ski decompressing. However, it lacks a little bit of a nightlife scene for partygoers. 4. Appi Kogen, Iwate If you're looking for the largest resort in Tohoku with powder for miles, then Appi Kogen is the place for you. The area is english friendly with a wide variety of entertainment areas for post-slope adventures but it hasn't quite hit the radar for most tourists yet making it a great place to go if you want to explore a more lowkey area of Japan! 5. Naeba Niigata Variety is Naeba's specialty, making it a great place to explore. The area features over 20 ski resorts with slopes for all levels including a terrain park for those trying to show off a few tricks! Not to mention it also features Japan's longest gondola lift called the "dragondola."

Looking for good spots to spend your New Years in Japan? Looking to learn more about unfamiliar Japanese New Year traditions? Ohako has you covered! New Years in Japan New Year's is perhaps the biggest holiday in Japan, so while in other countries it is common for it to be a party heavy holiday, the Japanese New Year revolves around family. This holiday period is so important that it extends itself into the first few days of the year. So How Do They Celebrate? Nengajo Similar to Christmas cards, in Japan people will send New Year's Cards called "nengajo (年賀状)" to friends, family and coworkers. These cards should be delivered by January 1st and are meant to convey a sense of thankfulness to the reciever for all that they have done for you in the past year. If you've recieved a nengajo from someone who has not recieved one from you, send one back quick! With nengajo there is a cultural "send one, recieve one" rule! Decorations There are several traditional New Years decorations that are placed around Japanese homes to bring in the New Year. Kagami mochi: The most common decoration that can be found in a Japanese home is this particular offering to the gods. It features two stacked mochi balls topped with an orange and is positioned on the household Shintō altar. Kadomatsu: This display contains three bamboo shoots, all a different length which represents prosperity. In also includes pine which represents longevity as well as plum branches which represents fidelity. It is believed that during this period of time that they contain visiting gods who will bring good fortune to the home. Shimekazari: These objects are meant to invite and welcome gods of good fortune and to ward off evil spirits. They can be found above entryways and are made of of shimenawa (a sacred straw rope) as well as other objects. Hamaya: These are arrows that are meant to destroys evil spirits. While some can be found hanging before the New Year, it is not uncommon to purchase new ones during the first few days of the new year. Osechi Ryōri Osechi Ryōri is the traditional Japanese food served on New Years day in Japan. This meal consists of a wide variety of different kinds of foods and are often placed in special containers called "jubako." With so many different foods, preperation for this meal tends to take quite some time. Some foods include Toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodles), ozoni (a mochi soup), datemaki (sweet rolled omelet) and much more! Hatsumode Japanese people will make a "Hastumode" trip on one of the first three days of the year. This refers to their first visit of the year to a Buddhist tmeple or Shinto Shrine. Here, people pray for the New Year ahead and purchase traditional items such as amulets called "omamori." Fukubukuro Perhaps the only western equivalent to Fukubukuro is "Black Friday," though the comparision is still slightly off. Fukubukuro is a Japanese New Year tradition for businesses in which they prepare bags filled with random items for customers. These bags will be priced extremely low in comparison to the contents within so while the business may lose money, this practice is meant to welcome customers for the New Year. Events: Looking for places in Tokyo for the New Year? 1. Countdown at Tokyo's Citizens' Square' If you're looking for a free Tokyo countdown, be sure to check out the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Plaza in Nishi-Shinjuku on New Years Eve! Starting at 6:20 PM the event launches with a spectacular projection mapping light show which is scheduled to have appearances from singer-songwriter Pikotaro and Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty! The event builds up to a countdown lantern release. Participation in the lantern release is no longer available but the designated viewing area is open! 2. Zojo-ji Temple New Year’s Countdown If you're looking for a tradtional way to experience New Years in Japan, Zojo-ji Temple is located right under the bright lights of Tokyo Tower! Here, you can experience the monks ring the "Joya no Kane," a bell rung 108 times around midnight to usher in the New Year. Each hit of the bell marks the removal of 108 temptations, so that those at the temple can start the New Year pure. Other temples will have slightly different traditions but some other great temples include Sensoji Temple, Gohyakyrakan-ji Temple and Araiyakushi Baishoin! 3. Clubbing If you're looking for a loud and proud place to bring in the New Year Shibuya, Shinjuku and Roppongi's clubs are known to have a plethora of New Year's events! However, Shibuya has been cracking down on public drinking during big holidays and this New Year's Eve is no exception, with the area banning public drinking. Be safe and be responsible! 4. Countdown Cruise If you're looking for a unqiue countdown expereince, scenic countdown cruises are the way to go. These cruises will typically depar around 10:50 pm for a two and a half hour journey around Tokyo bay. These curises feature bands, a 20 dish buffet and all you an drink bar. However, these tickets do come at a high cost of 18,000 yen per seat. 5. Watch the first Sunrise in Tokyo If you're an early riser (or an all-nighter) type of person then you might want to check out Tokyo's best viewpoints to watch the first sunrise of the year! Tokyo Tower opens at 6 am and offers a commemorative coin to the first people up the Tower, but line up fast because there's sure to be a lot of people there! Osanbashi in Yokohama is a free attendance area where you can watch the sunrise over the ocean Mt Takao is a great spot to go if you're a hiker. Located on the edge of Tokyo you'll also get the chance to visit Yakuoin Temple for your hatsumode! Kasai Rinkai Park is along the coastline and is only 15 minutes from Tokyo Station. Here you;ll have and endless horizon to view the sunrise! 6. 73rd Kōhaku Uta Gassen If you're a homebody and want to experience a night in the Japanese way then tune your TV to watch the 73rd Kōhaku Uta Gassen! Kōhaku Uta Gassen is yearly New Year's eve "song battle" in which a Red and White team consisting of the year's most popular artists compete for the judges and audiences votes! The show ends just before midnight and is a lot of fun to watch, especially if you're a music fan!

Looking for things to do in Tokyo this December? From holiday celebrations, winter illuminations and traditional Japanese festivals, we got you covered! Chichibu Night Festival Saturday December 2nd - Sunday December 3rd Hitsujiyama Park Photo Courtesy of https://www.chichibu-matsuri.jp/en/ The Chichibu Night Festival is one of three major float festivals in Japan, otherwise known as "hikiyama" festivals! Here, you can see handmade floats parade through the area, decorated with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, flowers and lanterns! This festival will take place over two days, Saturday December 2nd and Sunday December 3rd. On Saturday you can find the floats being showcased around the streets from 12pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm in addition to a direworks display from 7pm to 10 pm! On Sunday, the "Grand Festival" will take place from 9 am to 10pm with the peak of the festival occurring from 7pm to 10pm. There will also be a fireworks display on Sunday from 7:30 to 10pm! Akibasan Fire Festival Wednesday December 6th Akibasan Shrine, Odawara City Photo Courtesy of https://www.akihasan-shuyoji.or.jp/himatsuri/ This event is about 2 hours outside of Tokyo but definitely worth the trip! The Akibasan Fire Festival is a "fire protection festival" that has origins reaching as far back as the 16th century. However, contrary to what you might think these activities can come off as more of a celebration of fire. Some displays that you can witness involve writing Kanji in the air with fire, and shooting flame arrows into a larger flame as well as other traditional dances. These fire events will begin at 7 pm with the festival itself taking place from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tokyo Comic Con 2023 Friday, December 8th - Sunday, December 10th Makuhari Messe Photo Courtesy of https://tokyocomiccon.jp/ Comic Con is well known all across the world but Tokyo's Comic Con is always something special. This year will even feature the following celebrities with more coming! Tom Felton (Harry Potter) Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) Evangeline Lilly (Lost and The Hobbit Trilogy) Mads Mikkelsen (Indiana Jones, Casino Royale) Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange) Tom Hiddleston (Loki) Ewan McGregor (Obi-wan Kenobi) Temuera Morrison (Boba Fett) There is however a fee of typically over 20,000 yen to meet these celebrities. Additionally, if you're looking to cosplay at this event you will need to pay an additional fee. Tickets for the event can be found here! Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas 2023 November 9th - December 25th Tokyo Skytree At the bottom of Tokyo's most prominent building will be a vibrant Christmas market that features an 8 meter tall Christmas tree and shops selling everything from beer, sweets and other foods! The venue is filled with an insurmountable amount of decorations making it ideal for photo opportunities. From December 15th to the 25th a projection mapping will also be featured. Photo Courtesy of Photo by ©TOKYO-SKYTREETOWN STAR DANCE: Japan Anime and Character Drone Show December 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31 Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Photo Courtesy of https://www.seaparadise.co.jp/special/stardance/ The Japan Anime and Character Drone show in Yokohama will feature 1,000 drones that will create displays of famous Japanese fictional characters from the likes of Demon Slayer, Ultraman and Evangelion. The drone show itself will start at 5 pm and take place for 15 minutes with an hour interval in between. Each show will feature different characters so it makes for a good opportunity to explore the area! Tickets for this event start at 4,300 JPY. Midtown Ice Rink November 16th - February 25th, 2024 Tokyo Midtown Photo Courtesy of https://www.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/event/6734/ If being active is more your speed, Tokyo Midtown will have an outdoor ice skating rink not dissimilar to one you may find in New York! The ice rink is featured right next to the Midtown Winter Light displays so this area is perfect for photos but can get a little crowded. The rink is open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Yomiuriland October 19th - April 7th, 2024 Yomiuriland The Yomiuriland amusement park will be COVERED in millions of LED lights for a truly stunning display this winter season! The amusement park itself features rollercoasters, a ferris wheel as well as other activities throughout, making it perfect for families, friends and dates. The park opens from 4:00pm and closes at 8:30 pm. There is a variety of different ticket options which can be found here.

If you're looking to explore Japan's hot-springs theres no better location than Kusatsu Onsen. Located about three hours outside of Tokyo in the Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen has what's regarded as the purest hot-spring water, believed to cure a number of diseases. With the largest volume of flowing hot spring water in Japan, the more acidic waters kill bacteria and microorganisms that might otherwise be lingering. The area features rich culture and history paired with a number of Japanese ryokans so that you can fully immerse yourself in the refreshing and relaxing experiences that the area has to offer. Kusatsu Traditions "Yumomi" at Nestu no yu bathouse Yumomi is a traditional technique that features long wooden planks used to cool the bathwater. At a high temperature of 65 (149 Fahrenheit), the water is unbathable when left alone. After Yumomi, the water temperature is brought down to 45 degrees celsius (115 Fahrenheit) making it a more comfortable bathing temperature. To see this practice first-hand stop by Nestu no yu bathouse! Which Hot springs should I visit? Here are Ohako's Top 3 Recommendations when it comes to which hot springs to check out! 1.Nestu no yu bathouse This is perhaps Kusatsu's most famous Onsen since you can see "Yumomi" in practice! If you're looking to experience Kusatsu to its fullest be sure to stop by here! 2.Sainokawara Rotenburo If you prefer an outdoor experience, Sainokawara is Kusatsu largest outdoor bath. Here you can breathe in the crisp mountain air without having to worry about being crammed too close to other visitors! 3.Otakinoyu If variety is what you're looking for, Otakinoyu features a plethora of different indoor and outdoor baths that each contain different water temperatures. Its recommended that you practice "Awase-yu," the action of moving from the coolest bath and slowly progressing your way to the hottest, which is closest to the hot spring source. Otakinoyu comes with modern amenities if you're also looking for a more luxurious experience stop by here! What To Experience Yubatake (Hot Spring Field) Yubatake is the centerpiece of Kusatsu which features a whopping 4000 liters of water running through it every minute. The hot spring field showcases the volume as well as the culture of Kusatsu as its surrounded by a wide variety of traditional shops and restaurants. The field lights up at night which in combination with the steam produces a beautiful display of colors. Sainokawara Park This park features decorative hot spring water pools as well as a few foot baths. At night the park features a beautiful light displays that makes for an other worldly experience. However, it is rumored that a demon lives here and makes appearances if one gets too loud... so speak at your own discretion! Shirane Shrine Shirane Shrine is dedicated to the god who discovered Kusatsu Onsen, Yudaki Dori. Its located at the top of a hill that overlooks the surrounding area, creating a separation between the shrine and Kusatsu itself. Its a great spot take in the area! For more information check out the official website at: https://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/guide/en/

Looking for things to do in Tokyo this November? From early holiday celebrations to traditional Japanese festivals, we got you covered! Dream Yosacoy (Yosakoi) Festival November 4th - November 5th Location: Odaiba, Tokyo Image Provided by Takeshi Oda (小田岳史） The Dream Yosacoy Festival is a Japanese dance festival held at the beginning of November that attracts crowds of over half a million that come to see the 7000+ performers! Here, the dancers perform "yosakoi" which is a more creative form of dance that combines artistic expression with tradition. The performers wear a variety of outfits and costumes in addition to unique dances! Tori-noichi Festivals Day One: November 11th Day Two: November 23rd Locations: Asakusa, Shinjuku Image Provided by Asakusa Tori no Ichi If you need some good fortune in your career definitely stop by a Tori-noichi festival! These festivals are a yearly occurrence in Japan that celebrate good prosperity in business and take place on three different days. Like most other Japanese festivals, here you can find a lively atmosphere with a variety of vendors. However, what is unique to these festivals is their "kumade" which is a decorative bamboo rake meant to bring good luck. If you decide to purchase one the vendors will perform a clapping ritual before handing it over to you. Here's a list of some of the festivals to help you find the right one! First Asakusa Tori-no-ichi Fair: November 11th Second Asakusa Tori-no-ichi Fair: November 23rd First Shinjuku Tori-no-ichi Fair: November 11th Second Shinjuku Tori-no-ichi Fair: November 23rd Image Provided by Okunitama Shrine Hachiōji Ginkgo Festival November 18th - November 19th (9:00-16:30) Location: Hachiōji Image Provided by Hachioji Ginkgo Festival Committee If you're looking for beautiful fall colors in Tokyo, you have to stop by the Hachiōji Ginkgo Festival. Here, you'll get the chance to see the ginkgo trees at the height of their fall colors surrounded by vendors, shows and even an activity that takes you back in time. At this festival you can pick up a "tsuko tegata" a block of wood that was used as a transportation pass. You can use this pass to explore the 12 checkpoints around the festival! Image Provided by Hachioji Ginkgo Festival Committee Link: https://www.ichou-festa.org/ 11th Hirosaki Neputa Asakusa Festival (Tentatively) November 18 - November 19 Location: Asakusa Image Provided by Aomori Tourism Normally you would have to go all the way to Aomori to see these magnificent paper floats that represent scenes from different Kabuki stories. But at the Hirosaki Neputa Asakusa Festival, for one weekend these floats travel to Tokyo! After 5 PM you can see these floats hoisted by people on the streets, with the lights on showcasing amazing craftsmanship! This is a rare thing to see in Tokyo so definitely don't miss it! Image Provided by Aomori Tourism Link: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/bunka_kanko/shotengaishinko/shotengaievent/20231101neputa.html Candlelight Concert: Best of Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli Concert) November 25th Location: Nakano Image Provided by Carey Finn At the Umewaka Noh Theatre in Nakano, you can witness a live string quartet play some of Joe Hisaishi's best pieces from Studio Ghibli movies! This is for sure a popular event so be sure to snag your tickets soon! Tickets start at 4,200 JPY and can go up to 8,000 JPY for the 4:00PM and 6:15PM shows. Set-list: Kikujiro: “Summer” Kiki’s Delivery Service: “A Town with an Ocean View” Howl’s Moving Castle: “Merry Go Round of Life” Spirited Away: “Chihiro’s Waltz” Laputa: Castle in the Sky: “Carrying You” My Neighbour Totoro: “Path of the Wind” Princess Mononoke: “Main Theme” Tokyo Mega Illumination November 11th 2023 - January 8th 2024 (Closed from Nov 13-17 + Dec 4-8 + Dec 26-Jan 1) Location: Oi Racecourse (Oimachi) Image by Greg Lane If you're a big fan of the holidays and are looking to get into the Holiday spirit early, then stop by the Tokyo Mega Illumination! The Oi Racecourse is a horse race-track thats converted into an amazing display. This yearly illumination features millions of LED lights, fountains and more! Image by Greg Lane

With Tokyo being one of the most populous cities in the world, you can imagine that a night out can be loud, exciting and maybe a little chaotic. That being said, sometimes fighting to get the bartender to pay attention to you in the middle of a crowded club isn't the move. Hidden in the back-streets of Tokyo you can find secluded, lowkey bars with welcoming bartenders and entertaining stories! Here are recommendations for Tokyo's lowkey nightlife havens! 1. Nakano Nakano might be known for its "Otaku" culture with anime and manga shops galore within Nakano Broadway, but come nighttime it shifts into an affordable and exciting place for a night out. Nakano at night is what you might call "real" Tokyo, its not too well-known as a nighlife spot for tourists and has a collection of small intimate bars with disproportionately large personlaities, some with their own unique retro themes! For those that still have an itch for a little bit of excitement you an even find some local clubs! Where to Start in Nakano: Juke 80’s If you're a music lover or simply dig 80s nostalgia, look no further than Juke 80's. You can experience the golden era with cult classics from ABBA, Queen and of course Michael Jackson. Even if mainstream isn't your thing, Juke 80’s also plays hidden gems from underground artists. We werent kidding when we said Nakano is affordable with drinks coming in from 350 to 500 yen during happy hour, making it a genuine bargain in the heart of Tokyo. Address: 164-0001 Tokyo, Nakano City, Nakano, 5 Chome−56−15 金井ビル B1 2. Golden Gai Despite being amidst the red-light district of Tokyo, Kabukicho has a hidden gem, or perhaps we should say "gems." In Golden Gai you can find over 200 bars within just six narrow alleyways, each with their own unique vibe or theme. With a long history, this area has been a very popular meeting place for famous creatives as well as many other celebrities. It's a great place to meet interesting, passionate and warmhearted bartenders! The one thing to remember is that etiquette is very important in this area. Bar-hopping is frowned upon in Golden-Gai with some establishments only allowing regulars and others with cover charges ranging from 500 to 1000 yen. Some places even come with a 5000 yen sleeping charge along with the possibility of being kicked out if you get a little too rowdy. But don't stress, all the rules of the bars will be posted for you to read! To find a bar, simply poke your head in and ask to be seated! Most bartenders will be happy to have you come in and chat about anything and everything! Golden Gai is popular for a reason, there's truly no other place where you can get one-of-a-kind experiences from interacting with such passionate bar owners. Where to Start in Golden Gai: Ace's Bar Its easy to be intimidated by the huge number of bars in Golden Gai. So we recommend stopping by "Ace's Bar" to dip your toes into the unique area. Known for its foreigner friendly vibe, this place comes with an English speaking staff, no cover charge and affordable drink prices! It's the perfect place for first timers to get to know the area and ask any questions that they might have. Address: 1-chōme-1-9 Kabukichō, Shinjuku City, Tōkyō-to 160-0021 3. Shimokitazawa Shimokitazawa, often heralded as Tokyo's thrifting hub during daylight hours, undergoes a magical transformation come nightfall, attracting a diverse crowd of music enthusiasts and creatives. If you're trying to learn more about the indie culture that surrounds Tokyo's local artists and creatives this is one-hundred percent the place to visit. If music is your thing, you can find music bars with live performances and even some small clubs! If traditional Japanese bars are more your speed, izakaya's are also around every corner. For those that are feeling adventurous, if you look carefully enough you'll even find hidden speakeasies. Shimokitzawa is a must visit for those looking to have a unique deep-dive into the artistic and creative culture of Tokyo. Where to Start in Shimokitazawa: Little Soul Cafe Little Soul Cafe is a Jazz bar owned by perhaps Tokyo's biggest Jazz enthusiast. This cozy bar has hundreds and hundreds of Jazz records placed all along the walls with the nightly playlist carefully curated by the bar tender. The vibe itself is calm and relaxed making it the perfect place to get your adventure in Shimokitazawa started! Address: 155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 3 Chome−20−2 大成ビル ２階

From Festivals to Spooky Displays, here's whats going on in Tokyo in October! Tachikawa Yokai Bon Odori 2023 October 7th 2023 (Saturday) - October 9th 2023 (Monday) The Tachikawa Yokai Bon Odori will go on for three days in early October. It will feature Bon Odori, live music and DJ's as well as a "Yokai" costume competition! "Yokai" is a broad term in Japanese that can encapsulate supernatural things like ghosts, demons, monsters and others! Meaning, you're bound to see some crazy creative costumes here! The Tachikawa area is on the outskirts of Tokyo towards the mountains, so its a great event if you're looking to get out of the city! Location: Tachikawa Dates: October 7th 2023 (Friday) - October 9th 2023 (Monday) Time: 11:00 - 20:00 Price: Free TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA September 15th (Friday) - October 31st (Tuesday), 2023 The Tokyo Tower Main Deck will be projected with wild art that fuses seasonal images along with the fantastic view of Tokyo. The general theme of this exhibit is "Halloween party" meaning you get to see vibrant and playful spooky characters along the skyline. Location: Tokyo Tower Main Deck (Height 150m) 2nd Floor North Floor Date: September 15th (Friday) - October 31st (Tuesday), 2023 Time(s): September 15th (Friday) - October 5th (Thursday) 18:00-22:20 October 6th (Friday) - October 31st (Tuesday) 17:30 - 22:20 Price: 500 - 1200 JPY (See Main Deck Admission Prices Here) Nihombashi Ebisu-ko Bettara-ichi Festival (Tokyo's Pickle Fair!) October 19th 2023 (Thursday) - October 20th 2023 (Friday) This "Pickle Fair" market contains anywhere from 400-500 street vendors selling local foods, beer and even sake! The market itself is held around Takarada Ebisu Shrine where a large number of vendors will be selling the locally renowned bettara-zuke (sweet and salty daikon radish pickles) as "Bettara-ichi" translates to Pickle Fair! Location: Takarada Ebisu Shrine Date: October 19th 2023 (Thursday) - October 20th 2023 (Friday) Time: 12:00 - 21:30 Price: Free Tokyo's 63rd Kanda Used Book Festival October 27th 2023 (Friday) - November 3rd 2023 (Friday) Photo From Nakagawa Shobo Within Jimbocho, Tokyo you can find a street lined with various different used bookstores! In October, this street transforms into the location for the biggest Used Book Festival in Tokyo! There are even special events within this festival that showcase book ownership stamps! This festival is somewhat of a year-end clearance sale so you can grab as many books as you want! Not even your backpack is the limit, because some shops also include delivery services won't need to carry them all home! Location: Kanda-Jinbocho Used Bookstore Street, Kanda-Jinbocho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo Date: October 27th 2023 (Friday) - November 3rd 2023 (Friday) Time: 10:00 - 19:00 Price: Free Tokyo Autumn Rose Festival October 7th 2023 (Saturday) - November 11th 2023 (Saturday) This festival celebrates the wide variety of over 5,000 seasonal roses where you can find beautiful autumnal roses such as dahlia and chrysanthemums for this brief period of time. The location features a Western-style garden, a Japanese Garden and a large Western-style mansion! Location: Kyu-Furukawa Gardens Date: October 7th 2023 (Saturday) - November 11th 2023 (Saturday) Time: 9:00 -17: 00 Price(s): Children up to Junior High School: Free Adults: 150 JPY Ages 65+: 70 JPY 45th Setagaya Ward Tamagawa Fireworks Festival October 21st 2023 (Saturday) This is Setagaya's Biggest Fireworks Festival! In it's 45th year, this festival is extremely popular so be sure to get there early! Each person is allowed a 90cm by 90cm tarp to sit on as well, so be sure to get there in time to claim your spot! Location: Futakotamagawa Station Date: October 21st 2023 (Saturday) Time: 18:00 - 19:00 Price: Free Shimokitazawa Curry Festival October 5th 2023 (Thursday) - October 22nd 2023 (Sunday) Believe it or not, curry is one of Japan's most popular dishes! Over 100 shops in the Shimokitazawa area will be participating in this festival that will feature innovative dishes from each business! The hours of this event will vary from business to business but you can check out the event website for more in-depth information! Location: 2 Chome-24-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan Date: October 5th 2023 (Thursday) - October 22nd 2023 (Sunday) Time: Dependent on Business Price: Dependent on Business

Oden is a "nabemono" (Japanese one-pot dish) that's so popular, that you can even find it in convenience stores in the winter! The pots of oden can feature foods such as boiled eggs, daikon or konjac as well as region specific foods which you can typically buy for around 100 yen each. The broth itself is "dashi" flavored and is shared by all of the ingredients, allowing all of the flavors to mix together. While its considered a winter dish, some of these shops keep what is known as a "master stock." Which means they never get rid of all of the broth but instead, refill it as it simmers to let the flavor develop for sometimes years.

The enchanting world of Studio Ghibli has captured the hearts of millions worldwide with its captivating animations, memorable characters, and breathtaking landscapes. For fans of Studio Ghibli, a journey to real-life locations offers a chance to step into a realm where fantasy and reality seamlessly blend. My Neighbor Totoro: Sayama Hills, Saitama 公益財団法人 トトロのふるさと基金 In the heart of Saitama lies Sayama Hills, affectionately known as "Totoro's Forest" (トトロの森). This serene area served as the inspiration for the idyllic village in "My Neighbor Totoro." Notably, film director Hayao Miyazaki was an initial contributor to the National Trust of Totoro no Furusato, a foundation dedicated to preserving this expansive nature reserve. As you explore the lush greenery, rolling hills, and quaint rural landscapes, you'll feel like you've stepped right into the heartwarming world of Totoro. Princess Mononoke: Yakushima Island, Kagoshima @josef.diermair Princess Mononoke," renowned for its stunning forest landscapes and complex characters, draws inspiration from the ancient forests of Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. This mystical island is home to some of Japan's oldest trees, including the awe-inspiring "Jomon Sugi," a colossal cedar tree believed to be over 7,000 years old. As you wander through the dense, moss-covered Yakushima forests, you'll sense the echoes of an epic Ghibli adventure. Whisper of the Heart: Seiseki-Sakuragaoka, Tokyo framed in beige "Whisper of the Heart" weaves a heartwarming tale of self-discovery and dreams against the backdrop of the peaceful suburban neighborhood of Seiseki-Sakuragaoka, a real place in Tokyo. Here, visitors can stroll along quaint streets, visit the antique shop that inspired the film's iconic cat figurine, and even find the iconic hillside where the main characters frequently meet. In this neighborhood, the magic of the film is infused into everyday life. Ponyo: Tomonoura, Hiroshima @ekolu_hoku "Ponyo," a heartwarming story of a young boy and a magical fish, unfolds in a charming coastal village inspired by Tomonoura in Hiroshima Prefecture. Hayao Miyazaki himself spent two months in Tomonoura, drawing inspiration from its picturesque harbor, quaint fishing boats, and rocky coastline. These elements come together to perfectly mirror the idyllic seaside setting depicted in the film. From Up on Poppy Hill: Yokohama, Kanagawa Kanagawa Prefectural Government "From Up on Poppy Hill" is a heartwarming coming-of-age story set in the bustling port city of Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture. The film beautifully captures the vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere of the 1960s in Japan. Many of the locations depicted in the movie are directly inspired by Yokohama's rich history and charming architecture. These real-life spots in Japan are not just travel destinations; they're gateways to the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli. So, pack your bags and set off on an unforgettable journey where fantasy and reality blend seamlessly.