Yakiimo Fest®︎ TOKYO 2024: A Sweet Potato Paradise

Get Ready for a Sweet Potato Extravaganza at Nakano Shiki no Mori Park!

This autumn, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary experience at Yakiimo Fest®︎, held in the beautiful Nakano Shiki no Mori Park. This isn’t just another food festival; it’s a celebration of all things sweet potato, showcasing the creativity and innovation of vendors pushing the boundaries of baked sweet potato cuisine.

From classic comfort food to exciting new creations, Yakiimo Fest®︎ offers a delicious journey for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned sweet potato aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s something to delight you every single day of the festival.

A Feast for the Senses:

This year’s lineup is packed with mouthwatering treats, from traditional baked sweet potatoes to innovative dishes that will surprise and delight. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the highlights:

• Returning Favorites: Indulge in the ever-popular "Direct from the farm! Aged Beni Haruka & Silk Sweet (The 3rd.Shibuya × Dried Sweet Potato Farm Kawakami)," a Yakiimo Fest®️ staple. Cool down with the returning "Aged Honey Baked Sweet Potato Smoothie (Smoothie & Bowl TUNE)," now available both hot and iced!
• Brand New Creations: Prepare to be amazed by the "Whole Baked Sweet Potato Rice Cracker (Shiawase no Wagon)," a show-stopping creation inspired by "Takosen," the giant octopus rice cracker.
• Savory Sensations: Craving something savory? Try the "Sweet Potato Sweet and Sour Pork (Hong Kong Dim Sum Restaurant)," a delicious twist on a classic Asian dish.
• Sweet Indulgences: Don’t miss the "Salted Butter Brulee Baked Sweet Potato (Romantic Baked Sweet Potato Imo no Su)," a delectable blend of sweet brulee, salty butter, and rock salt.
• And More! This year, the festival even features alcoholic beverages, perfect for complementing your sweet potato treats.

Event Details:

• Location: Nakano Shiki no Mori Park Event Area, Nakano 4-13, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0001 MAP
• Nearest Station: Nakano Station
• Dates: November 1st (Fri) – November 10th (Sun), 2024
• Time: Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Weekends/Holidays: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Admission: Free (Food and drink prices vary; Cashless payment ONLY)
• Website: https://yakiimofes.jp/

Plan Your Visit:

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

✨ Immerse Yourself in a Festive Planetarium Wonderland This Christmas ✨

Experience the Illumination Welcome Dome: A Dazzling Prelude to the Stars

This Christmas season, enhance your planetarium visit with a breathtaking pre-show experience: the Illumination Welcome Dome. Step inside and be transported to a magical winter landscape, where a radiant tree of light twinkles beneath a blanket of falling snow and a starry sky. This 5-10 minute immersive display sets a festive mood before the main feature begins. Feel free to capture the enchantment – photos and videos are welcome!

Making the Most of Your Visit

To fully enjoy the Illumination Welcome Dome, arrive shortly after the dome opens for your scheduled show. The pre-show runs for 5-10 minutes before the main feature begins. Arriving just before the main feature start time may mean missing this festive spectacle. Please note that not all shows include the Illumination Welcome Dome.

Event Details

• Dates: November 1st, 2024 (Fri) – December 25th, 2024 (Wed)

• Price: Included with your planetarium show ticket.

• Showtimes: Vary by location. Check the official website for specific times.

• Participating Locations:

  • Konica Minolta Planetaria TOKYO (Yurakucho / Ginza Station)
  • Konica Minolta Planetarium Manten in Sunshine City (Higashi-Ikebukuro / Ikebukuro Station)
  • Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku in Tokyo Skytree Town® (Oshiage ‘Skytree-mae’ / Tokyo Skytree Station)
  • Konica Minolta Planetaria YOKOHAMA (Yokohama / Shin-Takashima Station)

• Official Website (for show eligibility and times): https://planetarium.konicaminolta.jp/event/illumination/?rl=241022%5Fall%5Fillumination

• Accommodation: 🛏️ See hotels near Tokyo

Please note: Event details are subject to change. Always refer to the official venue/organizer website for the latest information.

Indulge Your Nostalgia at Hanshin Classic Cafe Vol. 4 (October 30th – November 4th)

Get ready to step back in time and experience the charm of traditional Japanese coffee shops ( Jun Kissa ) at the Hanshin Classic Cafe Vol. 4! From October 30th to November 4th, Hanshin Umeda Main Store will transform into a haven for coffee lovers and those seeking a taste of nostalgia. Curated by Rina Namba, a Jun Kissa aficionado with over 2,000 cafes under her belt, this event promises a delightful array of classic treats.

Imagine savoring creamy cream sodas, indulging in smooth puddings, twirling forksfuls of Neapolitan spaghetti, and enjoying perfectly toasted bread alongside aromatic coffee. This is the magic of Jun Kissa culture, and you can experience it all in one place!

Featured Jun Kissa Delights:

These beloved cafes will be serving up their signature dishes:

• Kissa Nijuusei (Tokyo・Shibuya)
• Coffee Sabou Kamenoya (Nagano・Matsumoto)
• Kissa Sunshine (Osaka・Higashi-Umeda)
• Arabiya Coffee (Osaka・Namba)
• La Voiture (Kyoto・Okazaki)
• Ze-Roku (Osaka・Kawachi-Yamamoto)

Don’t Miss These Limited-Time Appearances:

Some cafes will only be present for part of the event, so plan your visit accordingly!

• 10/30 (Wed) only: Maeda Coffee (Kyoto)
• 10/30 (Wed) – 11/1 (Fri) only: Kissa Soiree (Kyoto・Kawaramachi)
• 10/31 (Thu) & 11/1 (Fri) only: Sabouru (Tokyo・Jinbocho)
• 11/2 (Sat) – 11/4 (Mon/Holiday) only: Coffee Bigaku Abe (Nagano・Matsumoto), Coffee no Mise Unzen (Kyoto・Shijo-Karasuma)

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Event Details:

• Dates: October 30th (Wed) – November 4th (Mon/Holiday), 2024
• Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Venue: Hanshin Umeda Main Store 1F Shokusai Terrace (1-13-13 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka City)
• Admission: Free!
• Website: Learn More

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Experience the Heart of Japanese Culture at the Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand Festival

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Japanese arts and culture at the Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand Festival, celebrating the birthday of Emperor Meiji. From traditional music and dance to captivating martial arts displays, this festival offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Join the festivities from October 26th to November 3rd, 2024, within the serene beauty of the Meiji Jingu Shrine precincts.

A Celebration of Arts and Tradition

Witness captivating performances showcasing the essence of Japanese culture on a special stage in front of the main shrine:

• October 26th, 11:00 AM: Bugaku (Court Music and Dance)
• November 1st, 12:00 PM: Noh and Kyogen
• November 1st, 3:45 PM: San-kyoku (Shakuhachi, Koto, Shamisen)
• November 2nd, 11:45 AM: Japanese Music and Dance

Dynamic Demonstrations and Ancient Rituals

Experience the energy and precision of Japanese martial arts and traditional ceremonies:

• November 3rd, from 9:00 AM: Aikido demonstration and Koryu Budo (Ancient Martial Arts) Tournament (West approach along the lawn)
• November 3rd, 11:00 AM: Momoteshiki (Ceremony of a hundred hand-claps) (East lawn of the Treasure Museum)
• November 3rd, 1:30 PM: Yabusame (Horseback archery) (West approach along the lawn)
• November 3rd, 3:00 PM: Satsuma Biwa (Outer worship hall)

Explore the History of Meiji Jingu

Delve into the fascinating history and architecture of Meiji Jingu Shrine with the Treasure Museum’s Autumn Opening, "Meiji Jingu: Its History and Architecture", running from October 26th to November 4th.

Plan Your Visit

Location: Meiji Jingu

Nearest Stations: Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station / Harajuku Station

Address: 〒151-8557 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Yoyogi Kamizonocho 1-1 (MAP)

Venue: Meiji Jingu Shrine precincts (Inner Garden)

Event Period: October 26th (Sat) – November 3rd (Sun/Holiday), 2024

Shrine Opening Hours: 6:10 AM – 4:10 PM (Chrysanthemum exhibitions celebrating the Autumn Grand Festival can be viewed during opening hours. Check the official website for other celebratory events.)

Official Website: Meiji Jingu

Rain or Shine: The event will be held rain or shine. Dedication event locations may change in case of rain. Some events may be cancelled in case of severe weather.

Please note that the published content may be subject to change. For the latest information, please check the official website.

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Dive into Deliciousness at the Fish Japan Fest 2024 in Odaiba!

Get ready seafood lovers! The Fish Japan Fest, Japan’s largest seafood festival, is returning to Odaiba this November. Prepare your taste buds for an incredible four-day celebration of Japanese seafood culture, featuring a massive selection of gourmet delights from across the country. Last year’s event drew a staggering 170,000 visitors, and this year promises to be even bigger and better!

From fresh tuna and salmon to succulent crab and sea urchin, the Fish Japan Fest offers a truly diverse culinary experience. Indulge in delicious seafood bowls brimming with seasonal catches, savor authentic fisherman’s meals and regional specialties, and explore a fusion of Japanese, Western, and Chinese seafood cuisine, including seafood ramen and paella. There’s something for everyone at this seafood extravaganza!

Event Details:

Location: Odaiba Aomi Area P Block (Special Venue)

• Nearest Stations: Daiba Station, Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station, Tokyo Teleport Station
• Address: Around 1-1-16 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 〒135-0064
• Map

Dates: November 1st (Fri) – November 4th (Mon/Holiday), 2024

• Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Subject to change)

Cost: Free Admission (Food and drinks sold separately – Cash and electronic payment accepted: Suica, PASMO, etc.)

Contact: SAKANA&JAPAN FESTIVAL Executive Committee Secretariat 03-6811-1135

Website: SAKANA & JAPAN PROJECT

Accommodation: 🛏️ View hotels near Tokyo

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

Celebrate 10 Years of Friendship and Miracles at the Grand PriPara Exhibition! 🎉

Get ready to dive into the dazzling world of PriPara as it celebrates its 10th anniversary! This isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a vibrant journey through a decade of music, friendship, and the magic of becoming an idol. Explore the captivating story of Laala and her special bond with Falulu, two stars who’ve lit up the PriPara theme park stage since 2014. Relive your favorite moments and discover never-before-seen treasures from the anime and arcade game that captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

Top image: PriPara 10th Anniversary "Grand PriPara Exhibition" Key Visual © T-ARTS / syn Sophia / TV Tokyo / IPP Production Committee © T-ARTS / syn Sophia / ILPP

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Event Details:

• Open: Daily during the exhibition period
• Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
• Venue: Telepia Hall (Telepia 2F, 1-14-25 Higashi-sakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya)
• Access:
  • 5-minute walk east from Exit 4A of Sakae Station (Higashiyama and Meijo Subway Lines) and Sakaemachi Station (Meitetsu Seto Line).
  • 5-minute walk south from Takabatake Station (Sakuradori Subway Line).
  • Higashishinmachi City Bus Stop.

Ticket Information:

• Timed Ticket: ¥1,500 (Required on Saturdays and Sundays: 11/9, 11/10, 11/16, 11/17, 11/23, and 11/24)
• Advance Ticket: ¥1,500 (Valid for weekdays only)
• Admission Ticket: ¥1,800 (Valid for weekdays only)
• Preschoolers: Free!

Important Ticket Notes:

• Timed tickets are mandatory on weekends to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Advance and admission tickets are not valid on these days.
• A limited number of same-day timed tickets may be available at the venue entrance if there are unsold slots. Check Telepia Hall’s official X (formerly Twitter) for real-time availability updates. Don’t miss out!
• For weekday visits, purchase a regular admission ticket.

Learn More:

• Official Website: https://telepiahall.com/
• Contact: Telepia Hall Contact Form
• Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/telepiahall

Craft Beer & Local Sake Await: Sakemori Festival Returns to Katano! 🍻🍶

(November 3rd & 4th, 2024)

Get ready for another round of delicious brews and local flavors at the Sakemori Festival, returning to Katano City this November! Nestled at the foot of the Ikoma Mountain Range, Katano is known for its pure spring water – the key ingredient in its renowned sake. Home to two Edo-era sake breweries, Yamano Sake Brewery and Daimon Sake Brewery, Katano also welcomed its first craft brewery, CIVIC+BREWERS, in November 2023. This exciting addition sparked the inaugural Sakemori Festival in March 2024, a celebration of local and regional craft beverages.

Building on the success of its debut, this year’s festival promises an even bigger and better experience! Fourteen craft breweries and other vendors from across the Kinki region will gather at the beautiful Hoshino Sato Iwafune, a scenic venue surrounded by lush trees, the gentle murmur of flowing water, and refreshing clean air. Beyond the impressive selection of alcoholic beverages, you’ll also find a variety of food stalls offering local gourmet treats and refreshing soft drinks, ensuring a fun and flavorful experience for all ages.

Breweries & Vendors:

• Craft Breweries:

  • Bluewood Brewery (Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture)
  • Tsukarenaos Brewery (Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture) (November 3rd Only)
  • NAMI NO OTO BREWING (Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture)
  • Okuyamato Beer (Uda City, Nara Prefecture)
  • Golden Rabbit Beer (Nara City, Nara Prefecture)
  • BREWPUB CENTER POINT (Osaka City)
  • Derailleur Brew Works (Osaka City)
  • GAMO4 Brewery (Osaka City)
  • Shukujitsu Beer (Osaka City)
  • THE HOTANI CRAFT (Hirakata City)
  • The Beer Shop Hirakata City (Hirakata City)
  • CIVIC+BREWERS (Katano City)

• Local Sake:

  • Yamano Sake Brewery (Katano City)
  • Daimon Sake Brewery (Katano City)

• Bottled & Canned Beverages/Soft Drinks:

  • Kisaichi Aozora Saketen (Katano City)

• Food Vendors:

  • Harerani Shokudo
  • Harada Foods (Gyoza)
  • Nishi Shoten
  • Nikomaru Shoten (November 3rd Only)
  • DELIVERY BBQ BASE (November 4th Only)
  • Katano Orihime University Cafe Club

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Event Details:

• Dates: November 3rd (Sunday) & 4th (Monday/National Holiday), 2024
• Time:
  • November 3rd: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last Order: 4:30 PM)
  • November 4th: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last Order: 3:30 PM)
• Venue: Hoshino Sato Iwafune (9-4-8 Kishi, Katano City, Osaka Prefecture), a 10-minute walk from Kishi Station on the Keihan Electric Railway.
• Tickets:
  • Advance Ticket: ¥3,000 (6 drink tickets)
  • Same-Day Ticket: ¥3,000 (5 drink tickets)
  • Tickets are valid for alcoholic beverages only.
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: https://forrest-fes-katano.org/
• Accommodation: Find hotels near the event 🛏️

Cheese Festa 2024: Discover Your Next Favorite Cheese!

Calling all cheese lovers!🧀 Get ready for a two-day cheese extravaganza at Cheese Festa 2024, returning to EBiS 303 in Ebisu, Shibuya Ward, on November 10th and 11th.

This isn’t just another cheese event; it’s a celebration of all things cheesy, marking the 31st anniversary of this delicious festival and coinciding with Cheese Day (November 11th) and Cheese Month (November). This year’s theme, "Which is your favorite? The world of unique cheeses," promises a diverse and exciting exploration of cheese from around the globe.

What awaits you at Cheese Festa 2024?

• Sample and Buy: Explore a wide array of Japanese and international cheeses – discover new favorites and stock up on classics.
• Chee-1 Grand Prix: Witness the exciting culmination of the 13th Chee-1 Grand Prix, a cheese recipe contest judged by culinary experts, including Ryuta Mine.
• Cooking Demonstrations: Learn new and exciting ways to incorporate cheese into your meals with cooking demonstrations by Atsuko Ueda, known for her appearances on NHK’s "Today’s Cooking." Discover nutritious and delicious cheese dishes to impress your friends and family.
• Seaweed and Cheese Pairings: Explore innovative flavor combinations with collaborative recipes featuring seaweed and cheese, presented in partnership with the Seaweed for Health Promotion Committee and the National Rice Cake Industry Cooperative Association.
• Cheese Nutrition and Health Benefits Seminar: Enhance your cheese knowledge with a seminar led by Professor Kazuhiro Uenishi from the Department of Nutrition at Kagawa Nutrition University. This <media-oriented project> offers valuable insights into the nutritional power of cheese.

Event Details

• Venue: EBIS 303
• Nearest Station: Ebisu Station
• Address: 〒150-0013 Tokyo, Shibuya Ward, Ebisu 1-20-8 (MAP)
• Dates: November 10th (Sunday) – November 11th (Monday), 2024
• Time:
  • November 10th: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • November 11th: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
• Admission: Free!
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: Cheese Festa WEB

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

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Unleash Your Inner Ninja at the Nagoya City Science Museum! 🥷

Ever wondered what it took to be a ninja? More than just throwing stars and stealth, ninjas honed their minds and bodies to achieve incredible feats. This fall, you can explore the secrets of these legendary warriors at the Ninja Academy exhibition, held at the Nagoya City Science Museum. Get ready for an interactive experience that will challenge your senses and reveal the wisdom behind the ninja legend.

This isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a journey through time. Discover how ninjas sharpened their senses, mastered the natural world, and cultivated unwavering mental fortitude. Put your own skills to the test with hands-on activities designed to give you a taste of the ninja lifestyle. And who knows? You might even discover some hidden talents!

Ready to begin your ninja training? Here’s everything you need to know:

Event Highlights:

• Interactive Exhibits: Experience ninja techniques firsthand through engaging and challenging activities.
• Uncover Ancient Secrets: Learn the history and philosophy behind the ninja legend.
• Fun for All Ages: From seasoned history buffs to curious kids, there’s something for everyone.

Event Details:

• Dates: Open now! Closes January 3rd, 2025 (with some exceptions – see below).
• Closed: Every Monday, the third Friday, December 29th – January 3rd, January 14th. Open on January 13th and February 24th.
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
• Venue: Nagoya City Science Museum, Science and Technology Building, Basement 2nd Floor, Event Hall
• Access:
  • Subway: 5-minute walk from Fushimi Station (Higashiyama Line, Exits 4 & 5).
  • Bus: Approximately 6 minutes from Nagoya Station (C-758, platform 9) or Hirokoji Fushimi (Sakae 22, C-758, Me~guru, platform 3) bus stops. 5 minute walk from Shirakawa Koen Mae (Meitetsu Bus).
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Ticket Information:

• General: ¥1,800 (¥1,600 advance)
• University/High School: ¥1,000 (¥800 advance)
• Elementary/Junior High: ¥500 (¥300 advance)
• Preschoolers: Free
• Advance ticket sales begin in early October.

Discounts:

• Groups (30+): ¥100 off same-day price
• Nagoya City Transportation Bureau Ticket Holders: ¥100 off same-day price (includes One-Day Pass, Donichi Eco Ticket, Subway All-Line 24-Hour Ticket)
• Disability Certificate Holders: 50% off same-day price for the holder and up to two caregivers.
• Discounts cannot be combined.

Bonus: Your ticket also grants you access to the Nagoya City Science Museum’s permanent exhibits (excluding the planetarium).

Contact:

• Website: https://ninja-acad.com/
• Phone: 052-201-4486

Discover the Exquisite World of Tomoko Fuse’s Origami

Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking artistry of Tomoko Fuse, a world-renowned origami master. This exhibition at the Yamazaki Mazak Museum of Art showcases the infinite possibilities of paper folding, featuring Fuse’s innovative techniques like unit folding, spiral folding, and even knot-based shaping. See how she transforms simple squares of paper into complex, three-dimensional masterpieces. Don’t miss the chance to witness four entirely new installations, created specifically for this exhibition and designed to interact with the museum’s stunning Art Nouveau furniture. This exhibition redefines what origami can be, pushing the boundaries of this ancient art form.

Exhibition Highlights:

• Innovative Origami Techniques: Explore a diverse range of folding methods, from traditional to cutting-edge.
• New Installations: Be among the first to see four unique installations designed specifically for the Yamazaki Mazak Museum of Art.
• Art Nouveau Setting: Experience the interplay between Fuse’s modern origami and the museum’s elegant Art Nouveau collection.

Plan Your Visit:

Yamazaki Mazak Museum of Art

Beyond the Tomoko Fuse exhibition, the museum itself is a treasure trove of art, housing a diverse collection spanning from Rococo paintings to exquisite Art Nouveau glass and furniture by renowned artists like Émile Gallé. Explore the rich history of French art from the 18th to the 20th century all under one roof.

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Hours:

• Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Last entry 30 minutes before closing.

Closures:

• Mondays (Open on January 13th and February 24th)
• January 14th
• February 25th
• New Year’s holidays (December 30th to January 4th)

Admission:

• General: 1,300 yen (1,100 yen for groups)
• Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students: 500 yen
• Preschoolers: Free
• 200 yen discount for visitors with a disability certificate or the “Mirairo ID” app (plus one accompanying person).

Contact:

• Tel: 052-937-3737 (English inquiries accepted)
• Fax: 052-937-3789
• Website: http://www.mazak-art.com/

Access: Directly connected to Exit 1 of Sakae-machi Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line