Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro: Ring in the Year of the Snake with Exciting New Year’s Events!

Kick off 2025 at the Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store with a serpentine celebration! Enjoy an expanded selection of lucky bags, a unique opportunity to interact with a live snake, a vibrant lion dance, and a chance to win big with our special gacha.

This year’s lucky bag selection is 110% larger than last year’s, with approximately 20,000 bags brimming with surprises available for purchase. Beyond the thrill of the lucky bag hunt, a host of engaging New Year’s events awaits.

Get Up Close and Personal with a Ball Python!🐍

Date & Time: January 2nd (Thursday), 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (with breaks for the snake)
Location: 2nd Floor, Area 5, Special Venue

Commemorate the Year of the Snake with a photo opportunity and a chance to interact with a beautiful ball python (approximately 1.2 meters long). Our trained staff will hold the snake for a safe and memorable experience. The first 150 participants can capture a photo with their smartphone or other device, and afterwards, gently touch the python under staff supervision.

To participate, simply present your Tobu Card or display the Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store official LINE friend screen.

Catch the Lively Lion Dance Parade 🦁

Date & Time: January 2nd (Thursday), 11:00 AM & 3:30 PM (approximately 25 minutes each)
Location: Starts at B1F, Area 3 Entrance

Experience the energy and excitement of a traditional lion dance parade! The procession will wind its way through the department store, starting from the B1F Area 3 entrance and moving to the B1F Area 6 entrance, the 7F Children’s Clothing Floor, the 8F Event Space, and other locations. (Route subject to change.)

Test Your Luck with the Tobu Card Member Exclusive Gacha! 🍀

Date & Time: January 2nd (Thursday), starting at 9:30 AM
Location: 2nd Floor, Area 5, Special Venue

Tobu Card members can try their luck at our New Year’s gacha for a chance to win shopping vouchers worth between ¥1,200 and ¥10,000! Each try costs ¥1,000 and vouchers can be used for Tobu Card credit payments from January 2nd to 29th, 2025 (some exclusions and conditions apply). This opportunity is limited to the first 200 participants (one try per person) and is cash only. Receipts will not be issued.

Event Details

• Venue: Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store
• Nearest Station: Ikebukuro Station
• Address: 〒171-8512 Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Nishi-Ikebukuro 1-1-25
• Map
• Date: January 2nd, 2025 (Thursday)
• Official Website: https://www.tobu-dept.jp/ikebukuro/

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

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What is a Lucky Bag (Fukubukuro)?

A Lucky Bag, or Fukubukuro, is a Japanese New Year custom where retailers sell sealed bags containing various products at a discounted price. Customers purchase these bags without knowing their contents, which can include anything from clothing and accessories to electronics and household items. The combined value of the items inside typically exceeds the purchase price, making Fukubukuro a sought-after deal. This practice helps retailers manage inventory and entices shoppers with the prospect of a bargain and the intrigue of mystery. Fukubukuro events are popular, often drawing crowds eager to participate in this annual tradition.

Ring in 2025 in Style at Shangri-La Tokyo’s New Year’s Eve Countdown Party 🎉

Usher in the new year with a sophisticated celebration at the Shangri-La Tokyo. Enjoy an electrifying evening of free-flowing champagne, delectable cuisine, and pulsating DJ beats as you countdown to 2025. This exclusive party promises an unforgettable start to the year.

What sets this New Year’s Eve apart? Indulge in a live carving station featuring mouthwatering beef Wellington, alongside a luxurious spread of finger foods and desserts. Elevate your experience with a choice of two premium champagne free-flow options: Ruinart or Dom Pérignon. Red and white wine, as well as soft drinks, are also included for your enjoyment.

Event Details:

• Date: December 31, 2024 (Tuesday) – January 1, 2025 (Wednesday/Holiday)
• Time: 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM
• Venue: Piacere, 28th floor, Shangri-La Tokyo
• Address: Marunouchi Trust Tower Main Building, 1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8283
• Nearest Stations: Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi Station, Otemachi Station
• Dress Code: Black & Gold Dress to impress and embrace the festive atmosphere!
• Age Restriction: 20 years and older (ID may be required)

Ticket Options:

• Ruinart Free Flow Plan: ¥60,500
• Dom Pérignon Free Flow Plan: ¥99,000

(Prices include tax, but a 15% service charge will be added.)

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the New Year in style. Reservations are required, so book your spot now!

Contact & Booking:

• Restaurant Reservations: 03-6739-7264 or [email protected]
• Official Hotel Website: Shangri-La Tokyo
• Location Map: Google Maps
• Find Hotels Near Tokyo Station: Expedia 🛏️

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

What is Shangri-La Tokyo?

Shangri-La Tokyo is a luxury hotel situated in Japan’s capital. It is part of the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts group, offering both Asian hospitality and modern conveniences. The hotel is located near Tokyo Station, providing excellent city views and convenient access to key attractions, suitable for leisure and business visitors alike.

Dining at Shangri-La Tokyo includes both Japanese and international cuisines, with meals crafted by reputed chefs. Facilities include a spa, a fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool. Rooms and suites are designed for comfort and equipped with modern technology.

Shangri-La Tokyo extends beyond being a mere accommodation. It offers an environment of calm and elegance in the vibrant city of Tokyo. Regardless of your reason for visiting, Shangri-La Tokyo offers a remarkable experience.

Indulge in a Strawberry Dream at Anniversaire Cafe Omotesando 🍓

This winter, treat yourself to a luxurious strawberry-themed afternoon tea at Anniversaire Cafe Omotesando. From January 9th to February 18th, 2025, savor the taste of Japan’s finest in-season strawberries, bursting with sweetness and juicy perfection. This isn’t just any afternoon tea; it’s a carefully curated experience designed to delight your senses.

What sets this Strawberry Afternoon Tea apart? It’s the delicate balance of sweet and savory, the playful textures, and the sheer abundance of fresh, premium strawberries. Think delicate strawberry tarts and shortcakes, complemented by rich praline and cheese mousse. Lighter bites like ginger ale jelly and raspberry macarons add a refreshing touch. And because a perfect afternoon tea needs a savory counterpoint, the third tier offers exquisite treats like chilled mushroom and consommé royale, duck and seasonal fruit skewers, and other visually stunning delicacies.

A Three-Tiered Symphony of Flavors

Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:

Tier 1: Sweet Beginnings

• Strawberry Shortcake
• Strawberry Tart
• Passion Fruit Chocolate
• Praline Mousse

Tier 2: A Playful Mix

• Cheese Mousse
• Ginger Ale Jelly
• Raspberry Cream Puff
• Raspberry Macaron
• Crème brûlée

Tier 3: Savory Delights

• Chilled Mushroom and Consommé Royale
• Shrimp, Avocado, and Basil Tartine
• Prosciutto and Raisin Cream Gougère
• Duck and Seasonal Fruit Skewers

Beyond the three-tiered stand, you’ll also enjoy plain scones served with rose honey, and two types of grissini. Complete your experience with unlimited refills from a selection of 20 beverages, including a limited-edition specialty drink, coffee, and a variety of teas.

All the Details You Need

• Location: Anniversaire Omotesando (Nearest Station: Omotesando)
• Address: 〒107-0061 Tokyo, Minato-ku, Kita-Aoyama 3-5-30 Map
• Dates: January 9th (Thursday) – February 18th (Tuesday), 2025 (Irregular holidays; check the official website for details)
• Times: Lounge: 11:00 – 21:00 / Cake: 11:00 – 19:00 / Coffee: 11:00 – 20:00
• Price: ¥7,000 (tax included)
• Phone: 03-5411-5988
• Website: Anniversaire Cafe Omotesando

Important Note: Details are subject to change. Please refer to the official website for the latest information.

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What is Anniversaire Cafe Omotesando?

Anniversaire Cafe Omotesando is a café located in the Omotesando district of Tokyo, Japan. Known for its design that combines European charm with Japanese modernity, the café offers a menu featuring a mix of traditional Japanese and Western culinary techniques. This includes notable items such as afternoon teas, pastries, and seasonal dishes.

Situated in an area popular for its boutiques and architecture, Anniversaire Cafe provides a quieter retreat within the city. The café’s afternoon tea sets, which change with the seasons to incorporate fresh ingredients, are particularly appreciated. It is a destination for those who enjoy a refined setting with carefully crafted offerings, whether they are celebrating an occasion or simply looking for a pleasant experience.

Discover Your Sweet Potato Soulmate at the 4th Annual "Falling in Love with Sweet Potatoes" Festival!

Calling all sweet potato lovers! Get ready to indulge in a delicious celebration of everyone’s favorite root vegetable at the 4th annual "Falling in Love with Sweet Potatoes" festival. This year’s event promises to be even sweeter than before, with new vendors and exciting activities. Join us for 11 days of pure sweet potato bliss at the Hanshin Umeda Main Store’s 1st-floor Food Festival Terrace.

Returning this year are sweet potato aficionados Ayuki Hashimoto, representative director of the Sweet Potato Ambassador Association, and Yasuko Okuno, director in charge of "Daigaku Imo" (candied sweet potatoes). They’ve curated an impressive selection of sweet potato treats from 11 vendors across Japan, including four exciting newcomers:

• FLANDERS FRITES (Fukui): Discover delicious sweet potato fries with a unique twist.
• Tsuboyaki Imo Kyoto Yamashina Zento (Kyoto): Experience the traditional flavors of Tsuboyaki Imo, slow-roasted sweet potatoes.
• Kyoto Kinnohana Saga Arashiyama Store (Kyoto): Indulge in elegant sweet potato desserts.
• Imoya Itadaki (Osaka): Savor Osaka’s take on sweet potato specialties.

From classic baked sweet potatoes and crispy Imo-Kenpi (candied sweet potato strips) to the ever-popular honey sweet potato cheesecake, you’ll find a sweet potato treat to satisfy every craving.

New This Year: Discover your perfect sweet potato match with the "Sweet Potato Love Fortune"! Receive a personalized fortune and discover your ideal sweet potato pairing. Who knows, enjoying your recommended treat might just boost your romantic luck for the year! (Free paper fortunes available at the venue, limited to the first 6,000 people.)

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Event Details:

• Dates: January 3rd (Friday) – January 13th (Monday/Holiday), 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (9:30 AM – 7:00 PM on January 3rd)
• Location: Hanshin Umeda Main Store 1st floor Food Festival Terrace (1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka)
• Admission: Free
• Website: Hanshin Department Store

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Discovering Hanshin Umeda

Located in the bustling Umeda district of Osaka, Japan, Hanshin Umeda is a commercial complex renowned for its diverse shopping and dining options. As part of the Hanshin Department Store, a longstanding retail brand, it offers a wide variety of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. Both locals and tourists frequent the complex, drawn to its multiple floors of retail spaces that include gourmet food halls and specialty shops. Here, visitors can enjoy local and international cuisines. Positioned near key transportation hubs, Hanshin Umeda is an accessible meeting point within Osaka. The complex also hosts events like the "Falling in Love with Sweet Potatoes" Festival, where sweet potato enthusiasts can enjoy themed activities and unique culinary treats dedicated to this popular root vegetable.

Ring in 2025 at LEGOLAND® Japan’s Kids’ Countdown & Happy New Year Celebration! 🎉

Get ready for a unique New Year’s experience at LEGOLAND® Japan! From a kid-friendly countdown to traditional Japanese festivities, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. This year’s celebration runs from December 28th, 2024 to January 13th, 2025, packed with exciting activities to kick off 2025.

The World’s Earliest Countdown?! Kids’ Countdown! 🎆

For the third year running, LEGOLAND® Japan is hosting "Kids’ Countdown," a special New Year’s Eve event designed specifically for families with young children. Forget midnight – celebrate the New Year at a much more reasonable hour! At 6 PM, join your favorite LEGOLAND® characters and staff for a high-energy countdown show featuring dance performances and a dazzling fireworks display (pyrotechnics) perfect for little ones. The first 7,000 guests will even receive special 3D glasses that transform the fireworks and lights into LEGO® blocks!

Kids’ Countdown ~Let’s Welcome the New Year Together~

• When: December 31st, 2024 (Tuesday), 5:40 PM – 6:10 PM
• Where: In front of the special stage in the LEGOLAND® Japan event area
• Cost: Free (Park admission fee is separate)
• Bonus: Special 3D glasses for the first 7,000 guests!

Happy New Year 2025: A Japanese New Year Experience 🎍

Experience the magic of a traditional Japanese New Year at LEGOLAND® with "Happy New Year 2025." Participate in LEGOLAND de Hatsumōde (First Shrine Visit at LEGOLAND) by passing through a grand torii gate adorned with a sacred shimenawa rope and ringing the bell for good luck.

Happy New Year 2025

• When: December 28th, 2024 (Saturday) – January 13th, 2025 (Monday, national holiday), 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Where: LEGOLAND® Japan event area, and other locations
• Cost: Free (Park admission fee is separate)

More Festive Fun! 🎊

• Giant LEGO® Block Mosaic Art Dry Landscape "Snake" & "Kadomatsu": Marvel at a giant dry landscape mosaic art of a snake, crafted from 32,000 LEGO® bricks (6.5m wide x 2.8m high)! This impressive artwork, unveiled during the Kids’ Countdown, will transform the event area stage into a fantastic photo opportunity. Admire the returning "Kadomatsu" (New Year’s pine decoration) by LEGO® Certified Professional Builder, Junpei Mitsui, adding to the festive atmosphere. Available for viewing from after the show on December 31st until January 13th.
• Fun to Layer! New Year’s Card Making (Collaboration with Japan Post Co., Ltd. Tokai Branch): Keep the tradition of sending New Year’s cards alive! Collect stamps at designated stations throughout the park to complete a unique postcard. Write your New Year’s greetings and post it in the LEGO® brick mailbox (stamps sold separately for ¥85 each). Available from December 28th to 31st.
• LEGOLAND® de Hatsumōde: Visit the specially decorated aviary at the entrance of LEGO® NINJAGO World. Write your wishes for 2025 on picture-horse cards, which will be offered prayers after the event. Available from January 1st to 13th.
• Special Workshop "Make a Wish on a Daruma": Partake in the Japanese tradition of Daruma no Meire (painting the eyes on a Daruma doll). Build a LEGO® Daruma and brush, write your wish on a Daruma Ema, and set your intentions for a wonderful year. Available from December 28th to January 6th (1-2 sessions on weekdays, 2-3 sessions on weekends and holidays). Reservations open daily at 8:00 AM on the official website. Recommended for ages 3 and up (preschoolers should participate with a partner).

Lucky Bags and New Year’s Treats 🛍️

• LEGOLAND® Japan Resort Original Lucky Bags: Grab a limited-edition lucky bag containing a LEGOLAND® Train box set, a random wooden sake cup (one of four designs), a red and white tenugui-style towel, and a ¥500 voucher for in-park restaurants. Available from December 26th at the Big Shop and Hotel Shop for ¥3,000 (while supplies last).
• LEGOLAND® Limited Ollie’s Ceramic Fortune: Test your luck with Ollie’s Ceramic Fortune! This ceramic Ollie contains a hidden fortune and makes a great souvenir. Available from December 26th at the Big Shop for ¥700 (while supplies last).
• New Year’s Limited Food: Enjoy festive treats like Beef Sukiyaki-style Zoni Udon (¥1,000 at the event area food truck), Oshiruko (sweet red bean soup, ¥600 at Factory Sandwich Company), and Osechi (traditional New Year’s food set, ¥3,000 at Irodori Japanese Restaurant). Hotel guests can enjoy Toshikoshi Soba (year-crossing noodles) on New Year’s Eve at Bricks Family Restaurant for ¥1,200.

Plan Your Visit 🗺️

LEGOLAND® Japan Resort

LEGOLAND® Japan is the perfect destination for families with children aged 2 to 12. With over 40 attractions and shows across eight themed lands, there’s endless fun to be had!

Learn more here ⇒ LEGOLAND.jp (external link)

©2024 The LEGO Group.

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• Dates: December 28th, 2024 (Sat) – January 13th, 2025 (Mon/Holiday)
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Open daily during the event period)
• Location: LEGOLAND® Japan Event Area, and other locations
• Fee: Click here for ticket information (link not provided in the original text)
• Contact: LEGOLAND® Japan Resort (TEL: 0570-05-8605, Reception Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Open year-round)
• Access: 10-minute walk from Kinjofuto Station on the Aonami Line

What is LEGOLAND® Japan?

LEGOLAND® Japan, located in Nagoya, is a theme park centered around LEGO® bricks. It offers interactive rides, creative workshops, and LEGO® model displays suitable for both children and adults. The park features themed areas such as Miniland, where visitors can see Japanese landmarks made entirely from LEGO® bricks. LEGOLAND® Japan aims to provide an educational environment with hands-on activities and attractions. Activities include exploring rides, building challenges, and enjoying the park’s atmosphere, making LEGOLAND® Japan a destination for visitors of all ages.