Latest news with #TokyoDisneyResort
The Mainichi
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Tokyo Disney Resort teams up with Mrs. Green Apple in 'Summer Cool-off' program
URAYASU, Chiba -- Tokyo Disney Resort (TDR)'s special summer program "Summer Cool-off" began July 2 with a surprise appearance by members of popular rock band Mrs. Green Apple. Related parades and shows were revealed to the press on July 1. At Tokyo Disneyland, the program's theme song "Carrying Happiness," released by Mrs. Green Apple, played as band members rode in an open car with Mickey Mouse and friends. Later on, health care robot Baymax from Disney's animated film "Big Hero 6" appeared on two floats, with the "task" of protecting visitors from the heat. Sensing the heat was wearing guests down, Baymax sprayed water on the crowd of people, drawing loud cheers. In the evening at Tokyo DisneySea, Mickey and friends held a dance festival titled "Dockside Splash Remix" to blow away the summer heat. Fireworks and tons of spraying water energized the audience. The summer program at TDR in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, will run through Sept. 15. (Japanese original by Takashi Ishizuka, Chiba Bureau)
Metropolis Japan
27-06-2025
- Metropolis Japan
Day or Weekend Trip From Tokyo? Escape to Southern Chiba
"Micro-Tourism" Trend Puts the Spotlight on Chiba By Why Southern Chiba Has Become the Perfect Getaway From Tokyo Chiba is not exactly a hidden gem. While some travel influencers might be tempted to call it that—it's already a well-loved escape for locals. For centuries, Tokyoites (or Edoites) have flocked there, drawn by its history, nature and seaside charm, all conveniently close to the metropolis. Today, Chiba is gaining even more attention, particularly Southern Chiba, commonly known as Boso—the name of the peninsula where Chiba is located. This article explores the attractions of the Boso region and offers recommendations on what to do, along with a vision for Southern Chiba's tourism future. Why People Visit Chiba… But Usually Only the North Chiba is not short of attractions. Shinshoji Temple, founded in 940 AD in Narita, has reigned as Japan's most-visited temple for decades. Tokyo Disney Resort —despite the name—is also in Chiba, meaning countless visitors have set foot in the prefecture without realizing it. Chiba's culinary scene is equally impressive as Japan's center for both fishing and soy sauce production. It's home to Choshi Fishing Port, where the nation's largest fish hauls arrive, and is also Japan's top soy sauce producer — Kikkoman, founded in 1603, began its legacy here. However, you'll notice that these attractions are all in Northern Chiba. Despite Southern Chiba having its own long-standing sites, many visitors tend to focus on the northern half of the prefecture. This often comes down to factors like distance and transportation options. ・Undersea Tunnel Connects Southern Chiba and Tokyo Opened in 1997, the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line has transformed travel to the Boso area of Chiba. This innovative 'half-underwater, half-above-water' highway is so efficient, it made reaching Southern Chiba quicker than traditional land routes to Northern Chiba. The Aqua-Line itself is an attraction, offering stunning views and a unique driving experience. Although it has been operational for some time, its establishment laid the groundwork for the development of the Boso area by improving connectivity to Tokyo. Initially, only about 120,000 cars passed through daily, but the opening of the large-scale Kisarazu Outlet Mall in 2012 more than tripled that figure. By 2017, over 1.8 million cars were traversing this vital route. Along the route, visitors can stop at Umihotaru, an observatory deck on the water. This rest area is fully equipped with cafes, restaurants, shops and even a foot bath. ・ Umihotaru Nakajima, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0008 ・BOTANICAL POOL CLUB BOTANICAL POOL CLUB stands at the forefront of luxury travel in Chiba, offering an exceptional escape for visitors. Its stylish all-season pools are undoubtedly a highlight, but the resort's saunas draw young wellness-seekers as sauna culture experiences a revival in Japan. With tropical fauna and flora carefully curated by a professional plant collector, the resort takes full advantage of Southern Chiba's relatively mild climate. Dining here showcases the best of Chiba's renowned agriculture, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the nation's most self-sustaining prefecture. Since its opening in 2023, BOTANICAL POOL CLUB has already become a hotspot for locals and travelers alike, attracting attention from creative industries and fashion circles, with rave reviews from Vogue, WWD and Elle. Now, a growing number of secluded and exclusive retreats are opening in Southern Chiba, offering wellness-centered amenities such as saunas and onsens. BOTANICAL POOL CLUB exemplifies a new chapter for Chiba tourism, leading the region's evolution into a high-end destination. 1510-2 Shimosakuma, Kyonan, Awa District, Chiba Discover more about BOTANICAL POOL CLUB by reading the full article here. ・MUJI's Regeneration Projects in Chiba World-renowned lifestyle brand MUJI has contributed to Southern Chiba's appeal through its regeneration projects. In October 2024, MUJI BASE OIKAWA opened, repurposing a former elementary school into a unique accommodation that blends community engagement with minimalist design. Similarly, MUJI BASE KAMOGAWA, launched in 2023, transformed a century-old Japanese house into a modern hotel. MUJI BASE OIKAWA includes co-working spaces and a library for staycations and work-ations, as well as workshops like soy sauce-making and beekeeping that connect visitors with the local community. Located near traditional terraced rice fields, MUJI BASE KAMOGAWA offers views that have remained unchanged for centuries and visitors can connect with the local agricultural scene by visiting melon fields and dairy farms. These projects not only tap into Japan's retro trend but also emphasize sustainability by preserving and repurposing existing structures. ・Chiba's Roadside Stations (Michi-No-Eki) Michi-No-Eki, Japan's government-designated roadside stations, were introduced in the mid-1990s to enrich road travel with regional experiences. These stops offer local food, fresh produce, regional crafts and experiences. With a whopping 30 stations scattered across Chiba, the prefecture provides perfect routes for scenic drives. A standout among them is Roadside Station Hota Elementary School, a repurposed school building that brings together nostalgia and local pride. This station is especially popular for its community-driven vibe, with locals offering fresh produce, handmade crafts and delicious seasonal fare. The station's open layout allows visitors to explore classrooms filled with local goods, turning the nostalgic setting into an immersive experience. Also notable is Roadside Station Chikura Seabreeze Kingdom, offering fresh seafood and beach views. ・ ・ ・Viral Ghibli-esque Spots in Southern Chiba Another surge of tourism was fueled by internet trends, mainly on Instagram and TikTok. The tagline 'Ghibli-esque' has become especially popular, making destinations like Jiufen in Taiwan and Colmar in France go viral. Whimsical townscapes, nature reclaiming human-made structures and an overall sense of nostalgia—what we think of as Ghibli-esque encompass a wide range of aesthetics. Japan, too, has seen this trend and, coincidentally, many of these now-viral destinations are in Southern Chiba. Kameiwa Cave, dug nearly 400 years ago as a waterway, is a prime example of this. In the early morning, sunlight filters through the cave, creating a scene reminiscent of Princess Mononoke's godly forests The Kominato Train winds through countryside scenes straight out of My Neighbor Totoro, with one station even featuring a painting of Totoro himself. Tsukisaki Tunnel, Mukaiyama Tunnel and Kyoei Tunnel 's overgrown greenery and mysterious paths feel like portals to another world, while Kuzuma Beach, with its electricity pole stretching toward the horizon, creates an ethereal yet haunting scene—just like Spirited Away. Many of these spots aren't new, but the internet has helped rediscover their charm, shining a spotlight on places that might otherwise be overlooked. ・Chiba Leads the Micro-Tourism Trend of Japan 'Micro tourism' is a concept introduced by the CEO of Japan's leading hospitality company, Hoshino Resort, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea is simple: instead of rushing to distant destinations, take the time to explore places just an hour or two from home. It was initially popularized during the pandemic as a way to reduce travel across borders and prevent clusters. Today this concept has evolved into a sustainability-focused trend, now centered on small-scale, community-based tourism experiences perfect for weekend getaways. Chiba is leading this trend, thanks to its proximity to Tokyo and its multifaceted appeal, making it the perfect destination for a more relaxed travel experience.
Kyodo News
06-06-2025
- Business
- Kyodo News
Tokyo Disney Resort operator may cut ticket prices for theme parks
KYODO NEWS - 2 hours ago - 23:35 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism The Tokyo Disney Resort operator could lower ticket prices for its theme parks, company President Wataru Takahashi said Friday, as more people cut discretionary spending due to inflation. Oriental Land Co. will likely consider lowering prices or adjusting the price range for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Prices normally fluctuate in response to projected demand. A one-day ticket for either of the parks, located in Urayasu near Tokyo, currently costs between 7,900 yen ($55) and 10,900 yen per adult. Takahashi's remark came as Oriental Land considers a large-scale redevelopment of parts of its parks under the company's long-term business strategy through fiscal 2035. Speaking about the company's cruise ship that is slated to start operating in fiscal 2028, Takahashi, who was appointed president and chief operating officer on April 1, told reporters the company aims to get it "on track." He described the cruise ship as "the integration of a theme park and hotel sailing across the ocean," adding that every passenger will be able to enjoy a show with fewer restrictions like those experienced at theme parks where patrons often must win a seat in a lottery. Related coverage: New Universal Studios Japan chief eyes expansion of park attractions Disney-themed shinkansen bullet train shown ahead of launch Shanghai to open Harry Potter theme park in 2027
Kyodo News
06-06-2025
- Business
- Kyodo News
Tokyo Disney Resort operator may cut ticket prices for theme parks
KYODO NEWS - 8 minutes ago - 23:35 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism The Tokyo Disney Resort operator could lower ticket prices for its theme parks, company President Wataru Takahashi said Friday, as more people cut discretionary spending due to inflation. Oriental Land Co. will likely consider lowering prices or adjusting the price range for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Prices normally fluctuate in response to projected demand. A one-day ticket for either of the parks, located in Urayasu near Tokyo, currently costs between 7,900 yen ($55) and 10,900 yen per adult. Takahashi's remark came as Oriental Land considers a large-scale redevelopment of parts of its parks under the company's long-term business strategy through fiscal 2035. Speaking about the company's cruise ship that is slated to start operating in fiscal 2028, Takahashi, who was appointed president and chief operating officer on April 1, told reporters the company aims to get it "on track." He described the cruise ship as "the integration of a theme park and hotel sailing across the ocean," adding that every passenger will be able to enjoy a show with fewer restrictions like those experienced at theme parks where patrons often must win a seat in a lottery. Related coverage: New Universal Studios Japan chief eyes expansion of park attractions Disney-themed shinkansen bullet train shown ahead of launch Shanghai to open Harry Potter theme park in 2027
The National
21-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Toronto instead of New York City: Top alternatives to US destinations
The number of visitors to the US has dropped in recent months, with tighter border policies under US President Donald Trump impacting tourism. In February, the number of overnight visitors from Arab countries fell by 9.5 per cent compared to the same month last year, according to the US International Trade Administration. With the US losing its appeal, other cities around the world with similar cultural, dining and other tourism attractions are becoming more popular. Here are a few options. Edinburgh makes a strong case as an alternative to Boston, offering a similar blend of academic prestige, historic charm and a walkable city centre. It's a city deeply rooted in history, with centuries-old architecture, literary landmarks and top-tier universities. Edinburgh has a vibrant arts festivals and a slightly slower, more romantic pace. For big-city buzz, Toronto is a solid alternative to New York City. It has skyscrapers, diverse neighbourhoods, a vibrant food scene, a passionate sports fan base and a laid-back vibe. Toronto has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a mix of cultures and languages that reflects its global character. Tokyo Disney Resort has its own distinct charm. The Japanese attraction is often praised for its exceptional attention to detail, cleanliness, outstanding customer service and variety of food and shopping options. Tokyo Disneyland has classic attractions, while Tokyo DisneySea is known for its elaborate storytelling and appeals to an older audience. Lisbon can be a compelling alternative to San Francisco because it offers many of the same scenic and cultural draws, such as hilly streets, waterfront views and a strong creative arts scene. Both cities have trams, vibrant neighbourhoods and a blend of old-world charm with modern innovation. Lisbon is more affordable and has a Mediterranean climate that's generally milder year-round. Panama City is a good alternative to Miami, offering a similar tropical climate, coastal lifestyle and vibrant skyline. It's a city known for international business and finance, with a mix of modern high-rises and lively nightlife. Panama City also adds a unique blend of cultures, a growing culinary scene and access to natural wonders like rainforests and the Panama Canal. Macau is often seen as the 'Las Vegas of the East,' but has a different take on the gaming and entertainment experience. It has massive resorts, luxury shopping and nightlife, a fascinating blend of Portuguese-Chinese heritage and Unesco-listed architecture. The city also offers historic sites and top-notch dining options. Jeju Island in South Korea is a great alternative to Hawaii, with volcanic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Like Hawaii, Jeju is known for its natural beauty, with features such as lava tubes, waterfalls and Hallasan, a dormant volcano that's the highest peak in South Korea. There's a slower, laid-back pace and a unique local culture.
