Get a Taste of Taiwan in Osaka! (Dec 13th-15th)

Following a hugely popular run in Tokyo with over 10,000 attendees, the vibrant "Taiwan Amusement Park" pop-up event is coming to Osaka! Get ready to immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture, from delicious street food to exciting games and unique photo opportunities.

This isn’t just another food festival – it’s a chance to experience the best of Taiwan without leaving Japan. What sets this event apart from previous ones? The unique "#ビビビビ台湾" social media campaign!

Free Treats for Social Sharers!

Step into our stylish Taiwanese cafe-inspired food area and snap a photo of your favorite dish. Share it on social media with the hashtag "#ビビビビ台湾" and receive a complimentary serving of Pepper Cakes (Hu Jiao Bing), a savory Taiwanese street food favorite, or Sweet Potato Balls (Di Gua Qiu), a sweet treat loved in both Taiwan and Japan!

Test Your Luck with the Giant Capsule Machine!

Don’t miss the giant capsule machine! Follow the Taiwan Tourism Bureau’s social media and try your hand at winning guaranteed prizes. Every capsule contains fun merchandise featuring the "#ビビビビ台湾" motif, and some lucky winners will score discount coupons for future trips to Taiwan!

Beyond Food and Fun:

Explore Taiwanese culture with our themed photo spots, perfect for capturing memories with friends and family. And for those curious about their travel destiny, get a unique Taiwanese fortune reading!

Event Details:

• Dates: December 13th (Fri) – 15th (Sun), 2024
• Hours:
  • Friday: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Last Order 8:30 PM)
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last Order 8:30 PM)
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last Order 7:30 PM)
• Venue: Grand Front Osaka North Building 1st Floor Knowledge Plaza (3-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
• Admission: Free
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.grandfront-osaka.jp/event/4429/

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What is the Taiwan Amusement Park in Osaka?

The Taiwan Amusement Park in Osaka is a cultural event aimed at bringing a slice of Taiwanese experience to Japan. Spanning three days from December 13 to 15, 2024, this event offers visitors a glimpse into Taiwanese customs and flavors right in Osaka.

Visitors can enjoy authentic Taiwanese cuisine with street food stalls serving dishes such as bubble tea, beef noodles, and pineapple cakes. Entertainment includes traditional dance performances and puppet shows, evoking the lively atmosphere of Taipei’s streets and other regions of Taiwan.

Beyond food and performances, the park includes interactive exhibits on Taiwanese innovations and crafts. Guests can participate in workshops, create traditional crafts, or learn basic phrases in Taiwanese Mandarin or Hokkien.

The event caters to families with games and attractions reminiscent of Taiwan’s night markets, offering entertainment for all ages with carnival-style games and prizes. The Taiwan Amusement Park facilitates cultural exchange and provides a chance for residents and tourists in Osaka to experience elements of Taiwanese culture without traveling afar.

Meat Lover’s Paradise: Dig in at the 2025 Meat Fair! 🥩

Get ready, meat enthusiasts! The wildly popular Meat Fair is back, bringing a carnivorous carnival to Sakae Oasis 21 (Green Great Earth) on January 12, 2025 (Sunday), from 11:00 to 14:00. This year’s event promises even more sizzling excitement than before!

Building on last year’s success, we’re bringing back the irresistible yakiniku (grilled meat) and chanko nabe (pork hot pot) tasting sessions. Be sure to arrive early, as these savory delights are available only while supplies last!

But that’s not all! This year, we’re spicing things up with a brand-new giveaway: the "Meat Knowledge Table Calendar." This unique calendar serves up fascinating meaty facts each month, all centered around the theme of "Eat Meat and Live Longer!" It’s the perfect way to expand your culinary knowledge while enjoying a delicious and nutritious diet.

So, come on down to Oasis 21 and discover the delicious world of meat, its health benefits, and its potential to contribute to a longer, more fulfilling life. Please note that the venue has changed from last year.

What’s Cooking?

• Meat Nutrition and Health: Explore informative panel exhibits and deepen your understanding of the role of meat in a healthy diet.
• Meat Knowledge Table Calendar Gift: Snag a free calendar (while supplies last!) packed with monthly meaty morsels of wisdom.
• Parent-Child Meat Quiz: Team up with your little ones for a fun and educational meat quiz with a chance to win a tasty snack set (limited to 200 groups).
• Tasting Sensations: Indulge in complimentary samples of yakiniku and chanko nabe (pork hot pot). Don’t miss out – these tasty treats disappear fast!

Event Details

• Date: January 12, 2025 (Sunday)
• Time: 11:00–14:00
• Venue: Oasis 21 (Green Great Earth), 1-11-1 Higashi-sakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya
• Admission: Free
• Contact: Meat Fair Office (Aichi Prefecture Meat Consumption Promotion Council), 052-612-6311

Getting There

• Subway: Take the Higashiyama Line or Meijo Line and get off at Sakae Station. The venue is directly connected to the East Exit.
• Train: Take the Meitetsu Seto Line and get off at Sakaemachi Station. The venue is directly connected to the ticket gate.

About Oasis 21

Oasis 21 is a unique three-dimensional park featuring the iconic glass-roofed "Water Spaceship." Explore the ground-level park "Green Great Earth," browse the underground "Galaxy Square" with its 30 shops, or simply admire the breathtaking view of the illuminated Water Spaceship at night – a truly Instagram-worthy spectacle.

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Understanding Oasis 21

Oasis 21 is a notable architectural structure situated in central Nagoya, Japan. Its contemporary design integrates elements of nature with the urban environment. The structure features a prominent glass roof known as the "Water Spaceship," which uses a shallow water layer to produce intriguing reflections. Beneath this, the space is a lively center housing various shops, dining options, and venues for events. The observation deck provides broad views of Nagoya’s cityscape, attracting both residents and visitors. Serving as a frequent site for cultural and community gatherings, Oasis 21 is a versatile venue, suitable for events like the Nagoya Meat Fair 2025.

Ring in the New Year at the Former Iwasaki Residence: A Meiji Era Mansion Adorned with Flowers

Celebrate the New Year in a truly unique setting: the historic Former Iwasaki Residence. This Meiji era mansion will be decked out with vibrant Japanese and Western flower arrangements, creating a festive atmosphere unlike any other. Enjoy traditional New Year’s games on the lawn and in front of the Western-style building, making this a memorable experience for the whole family.

What Awaits You

This isn’t just another flower display. The Iwasaki Residence offers a blend of history, culture, and festive cheer:

• Fresh Flower Exhibition: Admire stunning New Year’s floral displays throughout the Western and Japanese-style buildings. These aren’t your typical arrangements – they’re designed to complement the mansion’s unique architecture, offering a feast for the eyes.
• 2025 New Year’s Wishes: Pen your hopes and dreams for the new year on a special Iwasaki Garden Wishing Card and hang it in the designated booth. Share your aspirations and start the year with positive intentions.
• New Year’s Mini Children’s Plaza: (Weather permitting) Let the kids enjoy traditional Japanese New Year’s games like battledore and shuttlecock (hanetsuki) and kendama. It’s a fun way to introduce them to Japanese culture.
• Matcha Corner: Indulge in the rich flavors of matcha and exquisite Japanese sweets. It’s the perfect treat to complement your visit.
• Garden Guide: Explore the gardens with a knowledgeable volunteer guide, focusing on the intricacies of the buildings and their historical significance. Gain a deeper appreciation for this remarkable site.

Event Details

• Location: Former Iwasaki Residence Garden (Yushima Station)
• Address: 1-3-45 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0008 Map
• Venue: Western-style building, Japanese-style building, and lawn garden of the Former Iwasaki Residence
• Dates: January 2nd (Thu) – January 3rd (Fri), 2025
• Times:
  • Flower Exhibition: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wishing Cards: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Children’s Plaza: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Matcha Corner: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM (Last order 4:30 PM)
  • Garden Guide: 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM (Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour)
• Admission:
  • General: 400 yen
  • Seniors (65+): 200 yen
  • Free for elementary and junior high students living or attending school in Tokyo
• Contact: 03-3823-8340

Note: Event details are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

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What is the Former Iwasaki Residence?

The Former Iwasaki Residence is a notable example of early 20th-century Japanese architecture. Built in 1896, it was once the home of the Iwasaki family, founders of Mitsubishi. Situated in Tokyo’s Ueno district, the residence reflects a blend of Western and Japanese architectural styles, emblematic of the Meiji Era’s cultural exchange. Visitors can explore traditional tatami rooms, Western-style reception areas, and the well-maintained gardens that surround the building. The residence serves as a window into Japan’s history, offering insight into the lifestyle of one of the nation’s prominent industrial families. The property, now open to the public, allows for appreciation of both its architectural details and its historical context. It stands as a reminder of Japan’s industrial growth and the cross-cultural influences that shaped the period.

Rediscover Christmas: Vintage Ceramic Treasures from Nagoya & Seto

This Christmas, experience the holiday spirit with a nostalgic twist! ✨ The Nagoya Ceramic Tile Hall presents a unique exhibition of Christmas-themed ceramics, crafted in Nagoya and Seto between 1950 and 1970. Originally designed for export, these vintage pieces offer a charming glimpse into Christmases past.

From Nativity scene figurines to Santa Claus-adorned dinnerware, and even ceramic interpretations of Norman Rockwell paintings, this exhibition offers a festive feast for the eyes. This year’s collection focuses on this specific era and the export market, making it distinct from previous Christmas exhibitions at the hall. Come explore a bygone era of holiday cheer and discover the artistry of these unique ceramic treasures.

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Exhibition Details:

• Dates: November 18, 2024 (Mon) – December 25, 2024 (Wed/Holiday)
• Closed: Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays (Open on December 25th)
• Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)
• Venue: Nagoya Ceramic Tile Hall
• Admission: Free
• Contact: Nagoya Ceramic Tile Hall (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) – 052-935-7841
• Website: http://nagoya-toujikikaikan.org/index.html

Getting There:

• 15-minute walk south from Meitetsu Morishita Station
• 17-minute walk north from Subway Takabata Station
• 5-minute walk south from the "Akatsuka Shirakabe" city bus stop
• 7-minute walk south from the "Akatsuka" city bus stop

What is Seto’s significance in Japanese ceramics?

Seto is recognized for its enduring contribution to Japanese ceramics, with a history that spans over a thousand years. As one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan, it played a crucial role in the development of ceramic art. This region was the pioneer of glazed ceramics in Japan, which allowed for more complex and resilient designs. Seto made significant advancements with techniques such as ash and iron glazes, which added to the variety of ceramic styles available.

The term "Setomono" denotes ceramics in Japanese, a testament to Seto’s close association with pottery. Seto ceramics are notable for their wide range from everyday items to elaborate designs. The area’s wealth of high-quality clay and a tradition of skilled artisans have allowed it to sustain and evolve its ceramic techniques over time.

Seto’s impact transcends its ceramic products, influencing both Japan’s cultural and economic realms. It facilitated regional exchanges and became a pivotal aspect of Japanese ceramic art. The town’s commitment to its craft is honored through various festivals and museums that continue to attract those interested in ceramics, thereby preserving Seto’s heritage and fostering modern ceramic innovation.

Soar Above the City with the Tokoname Children’s Choir This Christmas!

Looking for a unique and enchanting way to celebrate the festive season? Join the Tokoname Children’s Choir this Christmas for a heartwarming performance 180 meters above Nagoya! Enjoy beautiful renditions of Christmas carols and Italian classical folk songs, accompanied by piano, all while taking in breathtaking panoramic views.

Event Details:

Date: 15th December 2024
Time: Two performances:

• ① 1:00 PM
• ② 2:00 PM (Each performance lasts approximately 20 minutes)
  Venue: Higashiyama Sky Tower 5th Floor Observation Room
  Genre: Christmas Carols & Italian Classical Folk Music
  Cost: Free (Higashiyama Sky Tower admission fee applies)

Higashiyama Sky Tower: More Than Just a View

Perched atop an 80m hill, the 134m Higashiyama Sky Tower offers stunning views from its 180m-high observation deck. On a clear day, you can spot Mount Ontake, the Suzuka Mountain Range, and even the majestic Japanese Alps. As night falls, the cityscape transforms into a twinkling wonderland, recognized as a “Japan Night View Heritage Site” and one of the “100 Best Night Views”. The tower is also a designated “Lover’s Sanctuary,” featuring a “Love Compass” on the 4th floor where you can leave a romantic memento.

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Ticket Information:

While the concert itself is free, access to the Higashiyama Sky Tower requires an admission fee:

• Adults (High school students and above): 300 yen
• Junior High School Students and Younger: Free
• Combined Zoo and Botanical Garden/Tower Ticket: Adults (High school students and above) 640 yen
• Discounts available for individuals with disabilities, welfare facilities, and various schools.

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Getting There:

• Approximately 15 minutes walk from Exit 6 of Hoshigaoka Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line (Hoshigaoka Terrace direction)
• Directly accessible from the Sky Tower Gate of Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Contact:

Higashiyama Sky Tower: 052-781-5586 (English inquiries accepted)

What is Higashiyama Sky Tower?

The Higashiyama Sky Tower is a notable structure in Nagoya, Japan, located within the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Rising to 134 meters, it provides expansive views of Nagoya and, on clear days, the Japanese Alps. The tower includes multiple observation decks that offer impressive sights, especially at sunset and night when the city’s lights become visible. Visitors can also find a restaurant and a café inside, where they can enjoy meals or refreshments while overlooking the scenery. In addition to its function as a popular tourist spot, the tower hosts various events and exhibitions, enhancing its role as a dynamic venue for cultural activities.

Experience the Magic of Ginza Winter Nights at Tokyu Plaza’s Rooftop

✨ Immerse yourself in a dazzling display of illuminations and projection mapping this Christmas at The Mint Ginza ✨

This Christmas season, escape the ordinary and ascend to the rooftop of Tokyu Plaza Ginza for a unique winter spectacle. From November 29th to December 25th, 2024, The Mint Ginza transforms into a captivating wonderland of light and storytelling, offering two distinct experiences:

The Garden: Enveloped in lush greenery, The Garden offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The illuminated wall greenery creates a cozy escape, perfect for a relaxed evening.

The Lounge: Step into a world of elegance and wonder in The Lounge. As darkness descends, "Story-Filled Ginza Winter Nights" unfolds through mesmerizing projection mapping. Watch as illuminated "letter" monuments emerge from the winter night, creating a truly magical ambiance. And don’t miss the special guest events planned for December weekends!

Event Details:

• Location: Rooftop Cafe & Bar "The Mint Ginza" (Tokyu Plaza Ginza Rooftop, Reception on 11th floor)
• Nearest Stations: Ginza, Hibiya, Yurakucho
• Address: 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza 5-2-1
• Map
• Dates: November 29th (Fri) – December 25th (Wed), 2024
• Illumination Times:
  • The Garden: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • The Lounge: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: ¥1,000 (tax included) from 5:00 PM onwards (includes one drink)
• Inquiries: Tokyu Plaza Ginza Information Center 03-3571-0109
• Weather: Event cancelled in case of rain.

Plan your visit and experience the magic of Ginza Winter Nights! Please note that details are subject to change. Check the official website for the latest information.

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What is The Mint Ginza?

The Mint Ginza is a rooftop venue situated atop Tokyu Plaza in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Renowned for its refined design and atmosphere, it combines modern elegance with urban appeal. The Mint Ginza hosts a range of events, including seasonal illuminations and social gatherings. During the winter of 2024, visitors can enjoy rooftop illuminations and projection mapping, offering a distinctive experience against Tokyo’s skyline. Whether attending a specific event or simply taking in the views, The Mint Ginza embodies the vibrant culture and innovation of Tokyo.