On White Day, March 14, six commercial districts under the Mori Building Company group jointly held the "Experience Japan Up Close" event. The company specializes in comprehensive real estate development, having led the construction of the Shanghai World Financial Center. Themed "Japanese Fashion, Food, and Culture," the event successfully drew public interest. Amidst various speculations, it’s now time to unveil the mystery.
The event runs all the way to Labor Day
It is reported that during the 2015 Chinese New Year holiday, 450,000 Chinese tourists visited Japan. As spring arrives and cherry blossoms bloom across Japan, the pink-petal-laden "city of cherry blossoms" has also entered its peak tourist season for visitors from China.
The "Experience Japan Up Close" event runs from March 14 to May 6, with another anticipated surge in Chinese visitors to Japan expected during the Labor Day holiday. This nearly two-month-long event will also promote cultural exchange between Chinese tourists and Japan, allowing people to enjoy a relaxing and delightful Japanese journey while admiring the spring cherry blossoms, bringing the people of China and Japan even closer.
A Different Side of Japan
Spring in Japan begins with cherry blossoms. During the day, you can admire the beauty of blooming cherry blossoms in every corner of Japan, but the nights are even more dreamlike. On streets lined with 150 cherry blossom trees, the branches are illuminated, creating a dazzling pink tunnel. From April 3 to 5, the "Cherry Blossom Festival" at ARK Hills is an unmissable experience, featuring popular music events and delightful surprises.
Of course, beyond cherry blossoms, Japan has many other uniquely captivating charms. Whether you’re in Roppongi Hills, Toranomon Hills, ARK Hills, Omotesando Hills, Laforet Harajuku, or VenusFort, you can feel the pulse of the city. These areas are home to elegant and fashionable luxury brand stores, serving as global trendsetters; they offer a wide variety of restaurants with enticing aromas, showcasing countless must-try delicacies; and Omotesando Hills’ creative space houses around 100 specialty shops and regularly hosts cultural and artistic events.
From April 24 to May 6, the most representative exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of Leonardo magazine — the Araki Nobuyoshi photography exhibit titled "Revealing the Faces That Make Women’s Hearts Flutter" — will be held at Omotesando Hills Space O (B3F of the main building). The legendary photographer Araki Nobuyoshi, through his serialized work "Araki’s Naked Faces" in the monthly magazine "Leonardo," has publicly unveiled the genuine faces of 200 men (including directors, writers, actors, athletes, and others) after 17 years of photography. Now’s your chance to experience this captivating exhibition in Japan.
A Fashion and Shopping Paradise
Japan is not only a fashion capital but also a shopping paradise. Beyond enjoying its cuisine and culture, the exceptional quality of Japanese goods has become one of the must-do elements of a trip to Japan for many travelers.
It’s worth noting: the event organizer has partnered with UnionPay. During the event, customers who pay with UnionPay debit cards can enjoy additional discounts. Additionally, when using UnionPay debit cards to make purchases of 2,500 yen (tax included) or more at Roppongi Hills, Omotesando Hills, Laforet Harajuku, Akasaka, and Toranomon areas, you’ll receive an original erasable pen as a gift.
This spring, how could you miss out on the long-awaited, enchanting journey to Japan?