Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at GranSta Tokyo’s First-Ever Caramel Fair!

This winter, satisfy your caramel cravings at GranSta Tokyo’s inaugural Caramel Sweets Fair. From January 14th to February 14th, 2025, discover a delectable array of 20 unique caramel treats, including 18 exclusive to Tokyo Station. Explore exciting flavor combinations like the rich "Caramel x Cheese," the sweet and savory "Caramel x Salt," the decadent "Caramel x Fresh Cream," and the nuanced "Caramel x Fruit/Nuts." Find your new favorite winter indulgence among these limited-time offerings!

Caramel Creations to Tempt Every Taste

This fair goes beyond the typical caramel apple, offering innovative and exciting treats. Imagine a cheese fondue cake overflowing with rich caramel sauce or a buckwheat crepe filled with salty caramel and creamy Camembert. This is your chance to experience caramel like never before!

Fragrant and Rich "Caramel x Cheese"

• NEW GranSta Limited Cheese Fondue Cake <Caramel>: (3 pieces, ¥1,296, Terra Saison, B1 Inside Ticket Gates Marunouchi Slope Area) Imagine a soufflé cheesecake oozing with warm caramel sauce – that’s the magic of this new cake! The fluffy Hokkaido cream cheese dough perfectly complements the rich caramel, creating a dessert experience reminiscent of a sweet cheese fondue.

• NEW GranSta Limited Caramel Salt Cheesecake: (Diameter 12cm, ¥1,944, CHEESE CAVERY TOKYO, B1 Inside Ticket Gates Precious Sweets, January 14th – 26th only) This unique cheesecake features a double dose of caramel – bittersweet and sweet sauces drizzled over a rare cheesecake made with rich Parmigiano-Reggiano. Inside, moist sponge and more caramel await. It’s a sophisticated treat perfect for enjoying with wine. Enhance the flavor experience by adding the rich caramel sauce from the included dropper.

Exquisite Harmony of Sweet and Salty: "Caramel x Salt"

• GranSta Limited Salt Caramel Camembert: (1 piece, ¥360, SOBAP, 1F Inside Ticket Gates Open Ceiling Area) This isn’t your average crepe! This buckwheat mini crepe offers a delightful balance of sweet and salty. Bitter salt caramel meets rich Camembert cheese, layered over diplomat cream (a luscious blend of fresh cream and custard) and crunchy grissini for a symphony of textures and flavors.

• NEW GranSta Limited KASA-NETA Salt Vanilla x Caramel: (2 pieces, ¥850, Amami Kaori Kenkyujo, 1F Inside Ticket Gates Keiyo Street Area) The latest "Kasa-Neta" creation sandwiches two layers of cream between buttery sablés. This version features a chocolate sablé paired with caramel and salt vanilla cream. The rich, slightly bitter caramel combined with the salty vanilla creates a sophisticated, adult flavor profile, perfect for teatime or enjoying with wine.

• NEW GranSta Limited Caramel Okaki: (1 bag 50g, ¥486, Fujimido, B1 Inside Ticket Gates Gin no Suzu Area) Experience a Japanese twist on caramel with these caramel-coated okaki. Made with reduced-pesticide glutinous rice from Nagano Prefecture and fried in rice oil, the okaki’s natural sweetness shines through. The bittersweet caramel sauce makes these a perfect companion to coffee.

A Must-Have Indulgence: "Caramel x Fresh Cream"

• NEW GranSta Limited Caramel Banana Pancakes: (One plate, ¥1,580, Eat-in only, WK2, GranSta Marunouchi, B1 Marunouchi Underground Central Exit Outside Ticket Gates) These happy pancakes are drenched in caramel-flavored cream and sauce. Two fluffy pancakes are stacked high and smothered in caramel fresh cream, then finished with fragrant caramel sauce, bananas, and a crunchy hazelnut topping for a truly decadent treat.

• NEW GranSta Limited Caramel Cookie Cream Puffs: (1 piece, ¥799, Colombin, B1 Inside Ticket Gates Gin no Suzu Area) A tower of four cookie cream puffs filled with slightly bitter homemade caramel custard cream sits atop a crispy pie crust. Enjoy by dipping each cream puff into the extra cream in the center.

• NEW GranSta Limited Flan Caramel: (1 piece, ¥388 takeout, ¥396 eat-in, BURDIGALA TOKYO, B1 Inside Ticket Gates Gin no Suzu Area, 100 pieces per day) A caramel twist on the classic flan, baked fresh in-store. Caramel sauce is added to the custard before baking, intensifying the aroma. Enjoy it warm and melty or chilled for a cheesecake-like experience.

Bittersweet Accents: "Caramel x Fruit/Nuts"

• NEW GranSta Limited Caramel Parfait: (1 piece, ¥1,512, Kyobashi Senbikiya, B1 Inside Ticket Gates Marunouchi Slope Area) This stunning parfait is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Layers of slightly bitter caramel sauce, milky salt caramel mousse, pear custard, and fresh cream are topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Each bite offers a new and delicious sensation.

• NEW GranSta Limited Whole Banana with Caramelized Cream: (1 pack, ¥540, Sandwich House Märchen, B1 Inside Ticket Gates Square Zero Area) This generously filled sandwich features a whole banana paired with slightly bitter caramelized fresh cream. Made fresh in-store, this sandwich offers a burst of fresh flavor.

• GranSta Limited Caramel Macchiato: (1 piece, ¥756, Caffarel, B1 Inside Ticket Gates Marunouchi Slope Area, limited quantity) This adorable teardrop-shaped cake is inspired by the caramel macchiato. Three layers of flavor and texture await: coffee-flavored Italian meringue, bitter gianduja chocolate mousse with caramel and hazelnut notes, and a center of sweet and sour apricot cream for a refreshing finish.

• NEW GranSta Limited Caramel Cream Queen Aman Sand: (1 piece, ¥497, DEAN & DELUCA, B1 Inside Ticket Gates Gin no Suzu Area, 30 pieces per day, serving time: 10:30~) Almond-rich Queen Aman cookies are baked florentine-style and filled with a luscious caramel cream. A must-try for any caramel lover.

• NEW GranSta Limited Caramel Florentin: (1 piece, ¥486 takeout, ¥495 eat-in, THE STANDARD BAKERS TOKYO, 1F Inside Ticket Gates Central Passage Area, 30 pieces per day) Homemade caramel frangipane (a delightful blend of custard cream and almond cream) is encased in dough, topped with caramel almonds, and baked to florentine perfection. A truly satisfying treat.

Uniquely Captivating Caramel Sweets

• NEW GranSta Limited Caramel Almond Dorayaki: (1 piece, ¥280, KOURO-AN, B1 Inside Ticket Gates Gin no Suzu Area) Fluffy brown sugar dorayaki pancakes are filled with a rich caramel cream, crunchy chopped almonds, and fluffy red beans for a delightful textural and flavor experience.

• NEW GranSta Limited Caramel Latte: (1 piece, ¥690 takeout, ¥750 eat-in, DEPOT, B1 Outside Ticket Gates Square Zero Area) This caramel latte features creamy foam topped with sweet and slightly bitter caramel syrup and fragrant nuts. The home-roasted coffee beans provide a deep aroma and bitterness, balanced by the gentle sweetness of milk and the rich aroma of caramel.

Event Details

• Venue: GranSta Tokyo (Tokyo Station)
• Address: 〒100-0005 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo JR East Tokyo Station B1F/1F (MAP)
• Dates: January 14th (Tue) – February 14th (Fri), 2025
• Time: Follows facility opening hours.
• Website: GranSta Tokyo

Images are for illustrative purposes only. Prices include tax. Please check the official website for the latest information.

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What is GranSta Tokyo?

GranSta Tokyo is a shopping and dining hub within Tokyo Station, a major transit point in Japan. Offering a range of shops and eateries, it caters to both residents and visitors. The complex includes fashion, lifestyle, and gourmet food retailers, alongside sit-down restaurants. Blending traditional Japanese culture with modern features, GranSta Tokyo hosts regular events like the Caramel Sweets Fair, where exclusive treats are featured. Its central location and varied offerings make it a popular stop for people traveling through the city.

Discover the Delicate Power of Kana: Gen no Kai Exhibition

Delve into the captivating world of Japanese calligraphy at the Isaburo Memorial Museum’s special exhibition, showcasing selected works by the Gen no Kai. This group of dedicated calligraphers has spent years mastering the art of kana, a writing system unique to Japan. Unlike other writing systems, kana allows artists to express the subtleties of human emotion and the essence of nature with remarkable depth. This has profoundly impacted various forms of Japanese literature, from evocative waka poetry to captivating narratives.

Even with identical sounds, kana characters offer limitless artistic possibilities. Calligraphers can freely manipulate character choice, size, and interconnectedness, transforming the script into a unique visual experience. From the flowing lines of connected characters to the delicate shading of ink and the elegant forms of individual symbols, this exhibition reveals the infinite potential of kana. Experience the captivating interplay of flowing grace and powerful expression, delicate nuance and grand scale.

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Exhibition Details:

• Dates: January 7th (Tuesday) – January 26th (Sunday), 2025
• Closed: Mondays (Open on January 13th for National Holiday, closed the following day)
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Venue: Tamezaburo Memorial Museum (Furukawa Museum Annex)
• Admission:
  • General: 1,200 yen
  • High school/University students: 500 yen
  • Elementary/Junior high school students and younger: Free
  • Various discounts available

Contact Information:

• Furukawa Chisokukai Furukawa Museum Annex Tamezaburo Memorial Museum
• Tel: (052) 763-1991
• Fax: (052) 763-1992
• Website: https://www.furukawa-museum.or.jp/

What is Kana Calligraphy?

Kana calligraphy is a Japanese art form focused on the syllabic scripts of hiragana and katakana, essential elements of the Japanese writing system. Unlike kanji, which are logographic, kana scripts represent sounds and convey linguistic subtleties through their distinct forms. This calligraphic style has historical roots in ancient Japan and is celebrated for its elegance and flow, bringing out the aesthetic charm of the language through thoughtful stroke work.

In the practice of kana calligraphy, artists emphasize the seamless transitions and refined simplicity of hiragana to express everything from classical poetry to everyday language. Katakana, on the other hand, adds a modern and dynamic touch, often used for stylistic expressions. Both scripts offer calligraphers a wide range of artistic possibilities, inviting experimentation with brush techniques to evoke specific emotions and effects.

Mastery of kana calligraphy transcends mere technical proficiency; it demands an appreciation of its deep cultural and historical contexts. Practitioners immerse themselves in these traditions to produce works that resonate with both age-old elegance and modern nuances. At Nagoya’s Tamezaburo Memorial Museum, visitors can explore and appreciate the skill and artistry involved in these calligraphic compositions, gaining insights into the enduring appeal of this traditional art form.

Uncover the Secrets of a Lucky New Year at the Hohsa Library Exhibition

Discover the fascinating origins of Japan’s most cherished New Year’s traditions at the Hohsa Library’s special exhibition, "Auspicious New Year." Explore the history behind iconic symbols like kadomatsu and kagami mochi, and learn how these traditions shape contemporary celebrations. Unlike previous exhibitions, this year’s focuses specifically on the symbolism and historical context of good fortune practices, offering a deeper dive into the cultural significance of the New Year.

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Exhibition Details:

• Dates: January 4th (Sat) – January 26th (Sun), 2025
• Closed: Mondays (If a national holiday falls on a Monday, the exhibition will be closed the following weekday).
• Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)
• Venue: Nagoya City Hohsa Library Exhibition Room
• Admission: Combined ticket with the Tokugawa Art Museum:
  • General: ¥1,400
  • University/High school students: ¥800
  • Elementary/Junior high school students: ¥500

Contact Information:

• Nagoya City Hohsa Library
• Address: 〒461-0023 1001 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya City
• Tel: 052-935-2173
• Fax: 052-935-2174
• Website: https://housa.city.nagoya.jp/

Getting There:

• City Bus (Trunk Bus Route No. 2): From Nagoya Station Bus Terminal Platform 10 or Sakae Bus Terminal (Oasis 21) Platform 3, get off at "Tokugawaen Shin-deki" (approximately a 3-minute walk).
• JR Chuo Line: Get off at "Ozone Station" (approximately a 10-minute walk from the South Exit).
• Subway Sakuradori Line: Get off at "Kurumamichi Station" (approximately a 15-minute walk).

What is Hohsa Library?

Hohsa Library is a cultural and information center in Nagoya City, Japan. It features an extensive collection focusing on Japanese history, literature, and arts. The library often serves as a community hub, providing resources and hosting events that encourage learning and cultural engagement. Among its highlights are various events and exhibitions dedicated to traditional Japanese customs.

During the New Year period, the library emphasizes Japanese New Year traditions through workshops, lectures, and interactive displays. These activities include making mochi (rice cakes), crafting kagami-mochi (decorative rice cakes), and kakizome (the year’s first calligraphy). Through these offerings, the library helps visitors gain insight into Japanese New Year practices.

Celebrate New Year’s in Tokyo’s Tranquil Kiyosumi Garden

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and embrace the serene beauty of winter at Kiyosumi Garden this New Year’s. From January 2nd to 3rd, explore the unique winter landscapes, adorned with traditional New Year’s decorations, and discover a tranquil oasis in the heart of Tokyo.

Special New Year’s Events

This year’s celebration offers a blend of traditional Japanese culture and the quiet beauty of nature:

1. Iwasaki Family Garden Exhibition:

• Dates: January 2nd (Thursday) and 3rd (Friday)
• Time: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Location: Taisho Memorial Hall
• Delve into the history of the four "Gardens Related to the Iwasaki Family," designated as Tokyo Metropolitan Cultural Heritage Gardens. Explore photographs and informative panels showcasing their unique legacy.

2. Auspicious New Year’s Potted Plant Display:

• Dates: January 2nd (Thursday) and 3rd (Friday)
• Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: In front of the Taisho Memorial Hall
• Admire beautiful potted arrangements of pine, bamboo, and plum, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the New Year.

3. Relax and Refresh:

• Dates: January 2nd (Thursday) and 3rd (Friday)
• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Location: Taisho Memorial Hall
• Enjoy light meals and refreshments, including sets of matcha and exquisite Japanese sweets. Savor the flavors while taking in the panoramic garden views.

4. Guided Garden Stroll (Weather Permitting):

• Dates: January 2nd (Thursday) and 3rd (Friday)
• Time: 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM (approximately 1 hour each)
• Meeting Point: In front of the Service Center
• Enhance your visit with a guided tour led by knowledgeable garden volunteers. Discover hidden gems and learn fascinating insights about the garden’s history and flora.
• Cost: Free (Garden admission fee applies).
• Cancellation Notice: Check the garden’s X (formerly Twitter) account for updates in case of rain.

Visitor Information

• Location: Kiyosumi Garden
• Nearest Stations: Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Morishita, and Monzen-Nakacho Stations
• Address: 3-3-9 Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 〒135-0024
• Google Maps Link
• Dates: January 2nd (Thursday) – January 3rd (Friday), 2025
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
• Admission:
  • General: ¥150
  • Seniors (65+): ¥70
  • Free for elementary and junior high school students living or attending school in Tokyo.
  • Free for individuals with disabilities and one accompanying person (certificate required).
• Contact: Kiyosumi Garden Service Center: 03-3641-5892
• Weather: The event will proceed regardless of weather, except for the guided tour.

Please note that event details are subject to change. Refer to the official website for the latest information.

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What is Kiyosumi Garden?

Kiyosumi Garden is a Japanese stroll garden situated in central Tokyo. Originating from the Meiji era, the garden offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s lively atmosphere through its well-crafted paths, ponds, and diverse plant life. The design exemplifies traditional Japanese gardening principles with a central pond, stepping stones, koi fish, and stone lanterns. Its carefully pruned trees, strategically placed rocks, and quaint teahouses create a setting conducive to calm and contemplation. As you explore Kiyosumi Garden, the integration of nature and design showcases its enduring appeal and peacefulness, making it a valued and serene spot in Tokyo.

Ring in the New Year with a Delightful Japanese Afternoon Tea at the Royal Park Hotel ☕

Celebrate the New Year in style with a limited-time afternoon tea experience at the Royal Park Hotel, featuring traditional Japanese sweets and New Year’s motifs. From December 26, 2024, to January 19, 2025, indulge in a delightful array of treats and savory bites that capture the spirit of the season.

Begin your culinary journey with a welcoming glass of plum kelp tea infused with shimmering gold flakes – a truly auspicious start! The New Year’s theme continues with meticulously crafted chocolate decorations shaped like kagamimochi and hamaya (lucky charms), and a vibrant green kadomatsu roll cake made with pistachio.

Savor a unique Western-style okoshi confection with hazelnuts and maple sugar, a refreshing glass dessert balancing ginger and tart kinkan (kumquat), and a delicate terrine featuring the subtle sweetness of Japanese chestnut and the fragrant aroma of yuzu. The experience also includes a rich matcha tart chocolat, a light and airy hojicha shortcake, and a selection of other traditional Japanese sweets.

Complementing the sweet treats are savory delights such as a soba salad topped with duck and green onions, a refreshing smoked salmon and cream cheese monaka, and a kamaboko (fish cake) and basil gratin with the comforting flavors of chawanmushi (steamed egg custard). This special afternoon tea offers a unique blend of Japanese and Western flavors, setting it apart from typical holiday afternoon tea offerings.

Event Details:

• Location: Royal Park Hotel (Website)
• Nearest Station: Suitengumae Station
• Address: 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Kakigaracho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 〒103-8520 (Map)
• Dates: December 26, 2024 – January 19, 2025
• Time:
  • Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, and December 31 – January 3: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Price: 8,000 yen per person
• Contact: Royal Park Hotel (03-3667-1111)
• Official Website (for reservations and latest information): https://www.rph.co.jp/restaurants/plan/c8mwiq0t4/

Please note that event details are subject to change. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

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What is Traditional Japanese New Year Cuisine?

Traditional Japanese New Year cuisine, known as "osechi-ryori," plays an integral role in Japan’s New Year celebrations. It combines cultural tradition with culinary creativity and is typically served in tiered lacquer boxes called "jubako." Each dish in osechi-ryori carries a symbolic meaning, conveying various hopes for the coming year.

A selection of key components includes kuromame (sweet black soybeans) for health, kazunoko (herring roe) for fertility, and tazukuri (candied sardines) to signify a plentiful harvest. Dishes such as kobumaki (kelp rolls) and datemaki (sweet rolled omelet) represent wishes for happiness and academic success, respectively. These dishes not only highlight seasonal ingredients but also emphasize a harmony of flavors, colors, and textures.

Osechi-ryori is traditionally enjoyed with family on New Year’s Day morning, following detailed preparation in the days leading up to the holiday. By partaking in this meaningful feast, families in Japan express gratitude for the past year and hope for future prosperity, combining joy and reflection.

Greet 2025 with the Rising Sun at the Sunshine 60 Observatory! 🌅

Witness the first sunrise of 2025 paint Tokyo in hues of orange from 251 meters above the city at the Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou Park’s special New Year’s sunrise opening! This unique event offers an unobstructed panoramic view and a commemorative medal to mark the occasion.

This year, we’re bringing back the popular ring-shaped swings for individual seating and couple seats (limited to 10 couples). These coveted spots offer the best view of the sunrise from the front row of the east-facing windows, so book your tickets early – these sold out quickly last year!

Kick off 2025 with an unforgettable experience at the Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou Park. What better way to start the new year?

Catch the Lion Dance! 🦁

A traditional Lion Dance will parade through the Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou Park on January 1st and 2nd. Legend says that a nip from the lion’s mouth wards off evil spirits and brings good fortune for the year. Don’t miss this chance to get your dose of luck!

• Lion Dance Schedule:
  • January 1st (Wednesday/Holiday): 11:30 AM
  • January 2nd (Thursday): 1:00 PM

Event Details

• Venue: Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou Park
• Nearest Stations: Higashi-Ikebukuro Station, Ikebukuro Station
• Address: 〒170-8630 Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Higashi-Ikebukuro 3-1, Sunshine City, Sunshine 60 Building, 60F
• Map
• Sunrise Viewing Date: January 1st, 2025 (Wednesday/Holiday)
• Sunrise Viewing Time: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM (Last Entry: 7:30 AM) Sunrise expected around 6:51 AM.
• Regular New Year’s Day Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last Entry: 5:00 PM)
• Ticket Price: ¥5,000 (Standing viewing only)
• Official Website: https://sunshinecity.jp/observatory/event/entry-30844.html

Important Note: Event details are subject to change. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

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What is Sunshine 60 Observatory?

Sunshine 60 Observatory is an observation deck located on the top floor of the Sunshine 60 building in the Ikebukuro district of Tokyo, Japan. Situated on the 60th floor of a skyscraper that was once Tokyo’s tallest, the observatory offers expansive views of the city and beyond from a height of over 240 meters.

From the deck, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view that includes city landmarks such as Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and occasionally Mount Fuji on clear days. The observatory is equipped with telescopes and information displays to complement the view, offering insights into the city’s layout and geography.

In addition to its panoramic vistas, Sunshine 60 Observatory also hosts seasonal events and exhibitions, making it a destination worth visiting throughout the year. Whether observing the city lights at night or catching a sunrise, the observatory provides a distinctive perspective on Tokyo’s dynamic landscape.