Embark on Nagoya’s Heroic Pilgrimage: Collect Family Crest Seals!

Calling all history buffs and travel enthusiasts! From December 10th, 2024, to March 9th, 2025, embark on the "Nagoya Eiketsu Sacred Site Pilgrimage" and collect family crest seals of legendary warlords! This unique stamp rally invites you to explore Nagoya through the lens of its rich samurai history, focusing on iconic figures like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu – the Three Heroes.

Nagoya Eiketsu Sacred Site Pilgrimage "Family Crest Seal" Tour (712.88KB)

How to Participate: Your Quest for Family Crest Seals

Step 1: Gather Your Stamps

Journey through Nagoya, visiting key locations tied to these powerful warlords. Collect five unique family crest stamps at the following sites:

1. Okehazama Battlefield Tourist Information Center: Stamp of Oda Nobunaga
2. Toyokuni Shrine: Stamp of Toyotomi Hideyoshi
3. Nagoya Castle: Stamp of Tokugawa Ieyasu
4. Maeda Sokunenji Temple: Stamp of Maeda Toshiie
5. Hideyoshi Kiyomasa Memorial Museum: Stamp of Kato Kiyomasa

Step 2: Claim Your Prize

Once you’ve assembled all five stamps, present your completed sheet at one of the redemption locations: Oasis 21 i Center or Nagoya City Kanayama Tourist Information Center. Be among the first 1,500 participants to receive an exclusive set of five original family crest seals!

Bonus Prize: A Reward for the Dedicated

As an added bonus, the first 1,000 participants who complete the stamp rally will receive an exclusive Maeda Keiji family crest seal and a special family crest seal book! Claim your bonus at the Nippon Castle Festival 2025 Nagoya City booth on March 1st and 2nd, 2025. (This bonus is exclusively for those who have collected all five stamps.)

Redemption Locations and Hours

Family Crest Seal Set (5 seals):

• Oasis 21 i Center: 10:00-20:00 (10:00-18:00 on December 31st. Closed January 1st.)
  Oasis21i Center
• Nagoya City Kanayama Tourist Information Center: 9:00-19:00 (9:00-17:00 on January 2nd and 3rd. Closed December 29th to January 1st.)
  Nagoya City Kanayama Tourist Information Center

Completion Bonus (Maeda Keiji Seal & Seal Book):

• Nippon Castle Festival 2025 Nagoya City Booth (Admission fee required)
  • Dates: Saturday, March 1st, and Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
  • Venue: Nagoya City Industrial Promotion Hall, Fukiage Hall
  • Access:
    • Public Transport: ~5 minutes walk from Exit 5 of Sakura-dori Line "Fukiage" Station
    • Car: ~3 minutes from Nagoya Expressway Haruoka I.C., ~2 minutes from Fukiage-Higashi I.C.
      Nippon Castle Festival 2025

Pamphlet & Stamp Sheet Locations

Pick up your stamp sheet (pamphlet) at these locations:

• All five stamp locations listed above
• Nagoya City Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center
• Oasis 21 i Center
• Nagoya City Kanayama Tourist Information Center

Event Details

• Dates: December 10th, 2024 – March 9th, 2025
• Hours: See individual location hours above.
• Location: Nagoya City
• Fee: Free participation (excluding Nagoya Castle admission fee)
• Contact: Tourism and Cultural Exchange Bureau, Tourism Promotion Division, TEL: 052-972-2406
• Website: https://nagoya-eiketsu.jp/

🛏️ See hotels near the event

Individual Location Hours:

• Okehazama Battlefield Tourist Information Center: 10:00-16:00 (Closed December 31st – January 3rd)
• Toyokuni Shrine (Shrine Office): 8:30-16:00 (No closing days)
• Nagoya Castle (Nagoya Castle General Information Center): 9:00-16:30 (Closed December 29th – January 1st)
• Maeda Sokunenji Temple (Front right of the main hall door): 9:00-17:00 (Closed January 1st – January 2nd; Stamp stand will be available)
• Hideyoshi Kiyomasa Memorial Museum (Nakamura Park Cultural Plaza 2nd floor): 9:30-17:00 (Closed every Monday (following weekday if Monday is a holiday), every 4th Tuesday of the month (excluding holidays), December 29th – January 3rd)

What is an Eiketsu Sacred Site?

An Eiketsu Sacred Site is a location of historical, cultural, or spiritual importance, associated with renowned warriors or notable figures from Japan’s history. These sites are linked to stories of bravery, loyalty, and honor. The Nagoya Eiketsu Sacred Site Pilgrimage includes these places, allowing participants to connect with the past and experience the legacy of those who influenced the region’s history.

Visiting these sites offers an opportunity to honor the contributions of historical figures and understand the cultural heritage they represent. The pilgrimage invites reflection on their stories and achievements, with participants collecting family crest seals as a symbolic gesture of the insights and inspiration gained from each site.

Discover Your Next Literary Treasure at the Winter Hanshin Used Book Fair

Unearth hidden gems and celebrate the joy of reading at the annual Winter Hanshin Used Book Fair, returning to Osaka this winter!

From December 25th to January 7th, bookworms can explore a vast collection of pre-loved books spanning diverse genres, from literature and art to subculture and lifestyle. With a wide array of vendors from across Japan, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest.

This year’s highlight? The special New Year’s Gift Sale! Starting January 3rd, discover a treasure trove of books for just ¥300 each (including tax). This is the perfect opportunity to find your yomizome – your first read of 2025 – without breaking the bank.

Participating Bookstores: A Literary Journey Across Japan

Explore the offerings from these fantastic used bookstores:

Osaka:

• Used Books Yuraku
• Shiaru
• Shiori Bookstore
• Sunsindo Bookstore
• Daikichido
• Yano Bookstore
• Yano Bookstore Temmabashi Branch

Kyoto:

• Akibin Books
• Used Books Dandelion
• Mayaruka Used Bookstore

Hyogo:

• honeycombBOOKS*
• World’s End Garden

Mie:

• Used Bookstore Poran

Ishikawa:

• Oyoyo Bookstore

Toyama:

• Used Bookstore Saito
• Used Bookstore Irufu

Event Details:

• Dates: December 25th, 2024 (Wed) – January 7th, 2025 (Tue)
• Time:
  • 10:00 – 20:00 (General)
  • Until 16:00 on December 31st (Tue)
  • Closed on January 1st (Wed/Holiday) and January 2nd (Thu)
  • 9:30 – 19:00 on January 3rd (Fri)
  • Until 17:00 on January 7th (Tue)
• Location: Hanshin Umeda Main Store 8th Floor, Hall Culture 3, 4, & 5 (1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
• Admission: Free
• Contact: 06-6345-1201 (General Inquiries)
• Website: https://web.hh-online.jp/hanshin/contents/hsst/hsst05……

Please note: During peak hours, there may be a waiting time and numbered tickets may be distributed.

🛏️ Find accommodation near the event

What is Yomizome?

Yomizome is a Japanese tradition that encourages starting the new year by exploring fresh literary options. The term combines "yomi," meaning read, and "zome," meaning beginning. It involves selecting new books or genres to set the tone for your year’s reading.

At the Osaka Winter Hanshin Used Book Fair, Yomizome becomes a central theme. Visitors can explore a wide range of second-hand books, from classics to rare finds that might pique their interest. It offers readers the chance to discover new interests and establish new reading habits. By participating, attendees not only select their next read but also enjoy the prospect of beginning anew, making reading a meaningful part of their year.

Dive into a World of Adventure and Media at the "Tokyo Journal meets MISSION100" Exhibition

Witness the Japan Premiere of All 284 Tokyo Journal Covers!

Get ready for an unprecedented journey through media and adventure at the "Tokyo Journal meets MISSION100" exhibition, held at the Creative Space Akademeia 21 Harajuku from December 19th to 27th, 2024. This unique event blends the rich history of Tokyo Journal with the thrilling exploits of adventurer Touhei Kosaka’s MISSION100.

Explore 43 Years of Tokyo Journal History

For the first time in Japan, all 284 covers of the international magazine Tokyo Journal will be on display. This visual archive offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving trends and culture since the magazine’s launch in 1981. Delve deeper with student-produced articles, part of an exciting collaboration with the 21st Century Academia educational institution, and uncover the behind-the-scenes process of Tokyo Journal’s coverage of MISSION100. Witness the dynamic intersection of media and education firsthand.

Experience the Thrill of MISSION100

Prepare to be captivated by the story of Touhei Kosaka, an adventurer who takes on giant Pacific bluefin tuna exceeding 100kg using only a spear and freediving. Unpublished photos and footage bring Kosaka’s daring, record-breaking challenges to life, offering a visceral understanding of his philosophy of confronting nature. Don’t miss the chance to attend a talk show featuring Kosaka and special guests!

A Unique Fusion of Media, Education, and Adventure

The exhibition utilizes the two-story open-ceiling space of Creative Space Akademeia 21 Harajuku to create an immersive experience. The historical depth of Tokyo Journal merges seamlessly with the adrenaline-pumping world of MISSION100, resulting in an innovative exhibition where different genres collide. Gain new knowledge and inspiration as you explore the interwoven narratives of media and adventure.

Special Events

Mark your calendars for these exciting events during the exhibition:

• "Adventurer of the Sky × Adventurer of the Sea" Crosstalk: December 20th (Fri), 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Featuring aerial photographer Naohiro Yamamoto and spearfisher Kunpei Kosaka. Admission: ¥1000 for adults, free for elementary school students and younger. Capacity: 40 people.

• "Were 100kg Tuna Caught in 2024?" Expedition Report Screening: December 21st (Sat) and 22nd (Sun), 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Admission: ¥1500 for adults, free for elementary school students and younger. Capacity: 50 people.

• "Whale People × Tuna People" Crosstalk: December 23rd (Mon), 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Featuring documentary film director Bon Ishikawa and spearfisher Kunpei Kosaka. Admission: ¥1000 for adults, free for elementary school students and younger. Capacity: 40 people.

※Check the official website for event details.

Exhibition Information

• Venue: Creative Space Akademeia 21 Harajuku (Near Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) Station)
• Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 5-27-7 Albore Jingumae 1F/2F MAP
• Dates: December 19th (Thu) – December 27th (Fri), 2024 (No closures)
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Admission: Free (Some paid events at the 1st-floor MISSION100 Exhibition)
• Official Website: https://creativespace.akademeia21.ac.jp/exhibitions/2024/12/000079.php

※Content may be subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

🛏️ See hotels near Tokyo

What is MISSION100?

MISSION100 is an exhibition that combines art, technology, and cultural stories to explore themes of adventure and exploration. Located in Harajuku, a center of youth culture and creativity in Tokyo, it invites visitors to engage with contemporary media and storytelling. Through interactive installations, digital art, and live performances, MISSION100 tackles topics like sustainability, innovation, and the relationship between humanity and nature.

A central feature of MISSION100 is its focus on "tuna hunting," used as both a literal and metaphorical discussion point about environmental conservation and traditional industries amidst technological progress. The exhibition provides insight into the lives of coastal communities while showcasing technology designed to meet today’s ecological challenges. Virtual and augmented reality experiences aim to educate and encourage action for a sustainable future.

MISSION100’s carefully curated content connects the past with the future, prompting visitors to consider the interconnected global ecosystems and their own roles in preservation. Whether you’re familiar with art or exploring Harajuku’s lively scene for the first time, MISSION100 offers an engaging experience that informs and inspires.

Shimokita Craft Beer Fest 2024 Fall: Your Autumn Beer Adventure 🍻

Get ready to raise a glass (or several!) at the Shimokita Craft Beer Fest 2024 Fall, held at the Shimokitazawa Senrogai Akichi near Kitazawa Station. This isn’t just another beer festival; it’s a celebration of exceptional craft brews, delicious food, and good times with friends and family.

With the goal of making Shimokitazawa a craft beer haven, this festival showcases breweries with ties to the area, each known for their top-tier, innovative beers. Over 12,000 beer enthusiasts have joined the fun in previous editions, enjoying over 10,000 liters of delicious craft beer! Come experience the vibrant atmosphere, live stage events, and a mouthwatering food menu designed to perfectly complement your chosen brew.

Three Reasons to Mark Your Calendar

1. Award-Winning Brews in One Place: Discover beers usually only found at the breweries themselves. Whether you’re a craft beer newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, you’ll find something to love. Plus, chat with the brewers and learn about their craft!

2. Exclusive Collaboration Beer: Each festival features a unique collaborative brew. This year, the brewers teamed up at Sakamichi Brewing in Tachikawa to create a refreshing Yuzu-infused Session Hazy IPA. Grab yours at the Sakamichi Brewing booth – it’s a limited-edition treat!

3. Cheers to Sustainability: Great beer starts with a healthy environment. The Shimokita Craft Beer Fest is committed to sustainability by using reusable cups and dedicated rinsers, minimizing plastic waste and ensuring we can all enjoy delicious beer for years to come.

Featured Breweries and Craft Beer Shops

• TDM 1874 Brewery (Kanagawa)
• TITANS (Tokyo)
• USHITORA BREWERY (Tochigi)
• KAIGAN BREWERY (Chiba)
• Tokyo Aleworks (Tokyo)
• DevilCraft Brewery (Tokyo)
• West Coast Brewing (Shizuoka)
• Sakamichi Brewing (Tokyo)
• Ezo Beer (Hokkaido) *Plans to offer cocktails
• Shiokaze BrewLab (Chiba) ＜First-time participant＞

Event Details

• Venue/Nearest Station: Shimokitazawa Senrogai Akichi (Shimokitazawa Station)
• Address: 〒155-0031 Near 2-33-12 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo (MAP)
• Dates: October 5th (Sat) – October 6th (Sun), 2024
• Time:
  • Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Last Order 8:30 PM)
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Last Order 7:30 PM)
• Fees: Free Admission! Purchase a reusable cup for ¥200 with your first beer. Bring your cup from past events, or keep it for the next one (Spring 2025)!
• Official Website: https://senrogai.com/event/craft-beer-fest/

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