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.

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 the New Year with Lion Dances, Koto Music, and Festive Fun at the Royal Park Hotel! 🎊

Looking for a unique and exciting way to celebrate the New Year? Join us at the Royal Park Hotel for a vibrant blend of traditional Japanese performances and family-friendly festival games! This year’s New Year’s celebration is bigger and better than ever, expanding on previous years’ events with even more games and delicious food options.

Experience the Energy of a Traditional Lion Dance and the Elegance of Koto Music

Start the New Year with a roar! Witness the dynamic energy of a traditional Lion Dance, believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. Afterwards, enjoy the serene beauty of a Koto performance, a classic Japanese stringed instrument. These captivating performances are free and open to all.

Festival Fair: Fun for All Ages!

Head up to the 2nd floor for our annual "Festival Fair," packed with exciting activities for the whole family. Test your skills at target shooting and ring toss, try your hand at the thrilling "Stop the Saurus" game, immerse yourself in virtual reality experiences, and try your luck at the Garapon (lottery) filled with luxurious prizes.

This year’s fair also features an expanded food stall corner curated by our hotel chef. Enjoy festival favorites like Takoyaki, Yakisoba, and fluffy Baby Castella, all prepared with a special hotel touch.

Event Details:

Festival Stage (Lion Dance & Koto):

• Dates: January 1st (New Year’s Day) & January 2nd, 2025
• Times: 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM (Koto performance only), 4:30 PM
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes per performance
• Location: 1F Lobby
• Cost: Free! No reservation required.

Festival Fair:

• Dates: January 1st & 2nd, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Location: 2F Lobby & Banquet Hall
• Cost: Tickets are ¥500 each or ¥2,000 for a set of 5 (tax included). Tickets are valid for both the festival games and food stalls.

Hotel Information:

• Royal Park Hotel: Royal Park Hotel
• Nearest Station: Suitengu-mae Station
• Address: 〒103-8520 Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Nihonbashi Kakigaracho 2-1-1
• Map: MAP
• Event Period: January 1st – 2nd, 2025
• Official Website: https://www.rph.co.jp/sp/newyear2025/

Accommodation:

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Please note that event details are subject to change. For the latest information, please visit the hotel’s official website.

What is Koto Music?

Koto music is a traditional Japanese musical form centered around the koto, a stringed instrument noted for its distinct and resonant qualities. The koto is crafted from wood with 13 strings and is played using finger picks. It has its origins in China and was brought to Japan in the 7th and 8th centuries, gradually becoming a significant element of Japanese cultural life.

This music is marked by its subtle and serene melodies, often reflecting nature’s beauty and the cycle of seasons. Koto compositions frequently use pentatonic scales, with musicians employing various techniques to produce a complex sound. Performances sometimes feature ensembles where the koto is joined by instruments like the shakuhachi, a bamboo flute, and the shamisen, a three-stringed lute.

For visitors at Tokyo’s Royal Park Hotel, koto music is often part of the New Year celebrations, offering a chance to hear traditional performances that highlight the skill and artistry of the musicians.

Step into Gintama World: Where Cool Lasts Only a Moment!

Prepare to enter the hilarious world of Gintama like never before! From December 27, 2024, to February 11, 2025, the Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo in Higashi-Ikebukuro will host "Gintama World ~You Can Only Act Cool At The Beginning~", a unique interactive event packed with games, exclusive merchandise, and themed food and drinks.

This isn’t just another anime exhibition. "Gintama World" offers a truly immersive experience, featuring brand-new attractions and mini-games designed specifically for this event. Test your Gintama knowledge, try your luck, and grab some exclusive prizes – all while surrounded by the eccentric charm of the Odd Jobs Gin crew.

What Awaits You Inside Gintama World?

Dive into the heart of Kabuki-cho with the interactive attraction "Aim for Employment! Kabuki-cho Joint Interview". Then, put your skills to the test with three unique mini-games:

• Judge of Just Away: …? (Details are yet to be revealed, adding a layer of exciting mystery!)
• Your Resolve Will Be Tested: Fortune Telling Paper: Unravel your destiny, Gintama style!
• Sadaharu’s Hardworking Gachapon: Try your luck with Sadaharu, the giant, fluffy, and surprisingly destructive dog.

Beyond the games, explore dedicated photo spots and an exhibition showcasing exclusive full-body illustrations of eight beloved characters: Gintoki Sakata, Shinpachi Shimura, Kagura, Toshiro Hijikata, Sougo Okita, Kotaro Katsura, Shinsuke Takasugi, and Kamui. Illustrator Tomoya Mizoguchi also contributes adorable chibi character illustrations, featured on a range of original goods available only at this event (some items will be available for purchase online). And don’t forget to refuel with Gintama-inspired food and drinks!

Event Details:

• Venue: Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo (Sunshine City World Import Mart Building 3F, 3-1-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 〒170-0013)
• Nearest Station: Higashi-Ikebukuro Station
• Address Map: MAP
• Dates: December 27, 2024 – February 11, 2025
• Official Website: https://event.bandainamco-am.co.jp/cx/gintama-world/

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official website. Event details are subject to change.

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What is Gintama?

Gintama is a well-known Japanese manga and anime series by Hideaki Sorachi, set in a fictionalized late Edo period. In this universe, Earth has been overtaken by aliens known as the Amanto. The narrative centers on Gintoki Sakata, a relaxed, silver-haired samurai, and his freelance business, Yorozuya, which he runs alongside Shinpachi Shimura and Kagura.

The series distinguishes itself with a mix of humor, action, and drama, offering a satirical view of both historical and contemporary issues. It often parodies cultural and societal themes, with characters frequently breaking the fourth wall to enhance its comedic style.

While primarily comedic, Gintama also addresses serious topics, such as friendship and loyalty. Its storytelling and characters have earned it a vast fanbase, making it a beloved global franchise. With adaptations that include animated series, films, and live-action versions, Gintama remains engaging for its audiences.

Slurp Happiness at Chiikawa Ramen Buta’s First Tokyo Location!🍜

Get Ready, Tokyo! Chiikawa Ramen is Coming to Shibuya PARCO!

Fans of illustrator Nagano’s adorable creation, Chiikawa, rejoice! The wildly popular "Chiikawa Ramen Buta" is opening its second location, and its first in Tokyo, at Shibuya PARCO’s CHAOS KITCHEN. This limited-time pop-up, inspired by the ramen shop featured in the Chiikawa series, is ready to serve you a steaming bowl of kawaii goodness.

Choose Your Chiikawa-Sized Bowl:

Ramen comes in three sizes, each named after a beloved character: "Mini (Chiikawa)," "Small (Hachiware)," and "Large (Usagi)." And guess what? Every bowl of ramen comes with a special sticker featuring the unique bowl design – a perfect memento of your Chiikawa dining experience.

Quench Your Thirst with Themed Drinks:

Beyond ramen, the menu boasts a delightful array of themed drinks:

• Original-label black oolong tea in collectible plastic bottles.
• Shisa’s refreshing mikan juice.
• Momonga’s fizzy white soda.
• Kurimanju’s special non-alcoholic cola.
• Draft beer served in exclusive Chiikawa mugs.

As a bonus, each drink purchase gets you a random clear card – collect them all!

Exclusive Tokyo Treat:

Enjoy the limited-time "Hiyashi Chuka" (cold ramen with crunchy kaki no tane topping), available from opening day until September 30, 2024. This refreshing dish is a must-try for summer!

Take Home a Piece of Chiikawa:

Dine-in customers can snag exclusive Chiikawa Ramen Buta merchandise, including tableware used in the restaurant. Can’t make it to Shibuya? Check out the official online shop "Chiikawa Market" for more adorable goods.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the charm of Chiikawa Ramen Buta – a truly unique culinary adventure!

Essential Information:

• Location/Nearest Station: Shibuya PARCO (5-minute walk from Shibuya Station)
• Address: 〒150-8377 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Udagawa-cho 15-1 MAP
• Venue: Shibuya PARCO Basement 1F
• Event Period: August 23, 2024 (Fri) – May 6, 2025 (Tue/Holiday)
• Time: 11:00 – 22:00 (Last entry 21:20) Business hours may change according to Shibuya PARCO’s operating hours.
• Official Website: https://the-guest.com/chiikawaramenbuta_nagoya/
• Official SNS: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/chiikawaramenSP

Important Notes:

• Advance reservations are highly recommended. Please check the website for reservation details.
• The shop is not accessible for merchandise purchases only. Dining is required.
• Product prices and content are subject to change.
• Allergy information will be available on the official website.

Published content may be subject to change. Always confirm the latest information on the venue’s or organizer’s official website.

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What is Chiikawa?

Chiikawa, short for "Chiisana Kawaii" meaning "small and cute" in Japanese, is a character franchise created by illustrator Nagano. Known for its simple yet endearing design, the series follows Chiikawa and its friends as they experience everyday life with a touch of humor. Its popularity has led to the creation of various merchandise, animations, and even themed cafes. The understated charm of Chiikawa is reflected in places like Chiikawa Ramen Buta, where fans can enjoy meals inspired by these characters within a setting that echoes their visual style.

Indulge Your Senses at Salon du Chocolat 2025 in Tokyo

Get ready, chocolate lovers! The renowned Salon du Chocolat is returning to Tokyo for its 23rd year, bringing a Parisian paradise of decadent delights to Isetan Shinjuku. This isn’t just another chocolate fair; it’s a multi-part extravaganza promising a unique experience with each visit.

Mark Your Calendars for Three Delicious Phases:

This year’s Salon du Chocolat unfolds in three distinct parts, allowing you to savor the experience at your leisure:

Part 1: January 16th (Thu) – 20th (Mon), 2025 (Ends at 6:00 PM on the final day)
Exclusive MI Card Member Preview Day: January 15th (Wed)

Part 2: January 26th (Sun) – 29th (Wed), 2025 (Ends at 6:00 PM on the final day)
Exclusive MI Card Member Preview Days: January 24th (Fri) and 25th (Sat)

Part 3: February 2nd (Sun) – 6th (Thu) and February 8th (Sat) – 14th (Fri), 2025 (Ends at 6:00 PM on February 6th and 14th)
Exclusive MI Card Member Preview Day: February 1st (Sat)
Please note: The Main Building 6th floor Event Hall will be closed on February 7th (Fri).

Event Details:

• Venue: Isetan Shinjuku Main Building 6th floor Event Hall, Isetan Shinjuku
• Address: 〒160-0022 Shinjuku 3-14-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
• Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Sanchome Station (1-minute walk), Shinjuku Station (5-minute walk)
• Hours: Follows Isetan Shinjuku store hours.
• Official Website: Salon du Chocolat

Plan Your Chocolate Adventure:

This year’s Salon du Chocolat promises an even more immersive experience. While details are still being unveiled, expect to discover exquisite creations from renowned chocolatiers, attend workshops and demonstrations, and perhaps even witness the iconic chocolate fashion show! Stay tuned to the official website for the latest updates and prepare to embark on a truly unforgettable chocolate journey.

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 Isetan Shinjuku?

Isetan Shinjuku is a well-regarded department store located in Tokyo, Japan. Since its inception in 1886, it has become a prominent shopping destination, known for high-end fashion and excellent service. Situated in the Shinjuku district, the store offers a wide range of products including designer clothing, accessories, and gourmet food. Notable for its creative visual displays, Isetan Shinjuku draws both local and international visitors who appreciate quality and style. The store’s food hall offers a vast selection of Japanese and international foods, also hosting events like the Salon du Chocolat.