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The latest from Glos Travel
Explore the latest articles from Glos Travel, our travel publication, covering food, shopping, places, and practical travel knowledge in Japanese and English.
- PlacesMarunouchi Illumination 2026: Harry Potter Snow Tree & the December 25 CatchMarunouchi Illumination 2026-2027 (Nov 12-Feb 14) by Tokyo Station. The Harry Potter snow tree ends Dec 25; the champagne-gold lights last to Feb 14. Free.
- Know-HowYear-End Shinkansen 2026–27: When Tickets Go On Sale, and the Nozomi's All-Reserved Window (Dec 25–Jan 5)Year-end Shinkansen: tickets open one month ahead at 10 a.m.; Dec 25-Jan 5 every Nozomi is all-reserved (no non-reserved cars). How to book earlier, by line.
- Know-HowJump Festa 2027 Tickets: Free Entry, But Lottery-Only (Apply by Nov 16)Jump Festa 2027 is free but lottery-only: everyone school-age up needs a Jump NAVI ticket. General entry runs Nov 2-16; stage and goods need a second lottery.
- PlacesMidosuji Illumination 2026 (Osaka): Dates, Hours, and the One Night (November 23) the Street Opens to WalkersMidosuji Illumination 2026: Nov 3-Dec 31 in Osaka, nightly ~5 p.m.-1 a.m., free. The one night the street opens to walkers is the Nov 23 ceremony, 5-7 p.m.
- CultureMinamiza Kaomise 2026: Kyoto Kabuki Tickets, Prices & DatesKyoto's year-end kabuki at the Minamiza, Dec 1-24, 2026. Tickets open Nov 9, 10:00. Matinee or evening, seat prices (¥6,000-¥28,000), and dark days.
- PlacesNOT A MUSEUM: A New Cultural Complex Coming to the Former Imperial Hotel Plaza Tokyo in 2027NOT A MUSEUM, a new cultural complex at the former Imperial Hotel Plaza Tokyo, opens in summer 2027 and runs to March 2031. Here's what's confirmed so far.
- PlacesGinzan Onsen in Winter 2026-27: No Cars, the Shuttle, and the Day-Trip CatchNo cars enter Ginzan Onsen in winter: shuttle from Taisho Romankan or bus from Oishida. Evening gas lamps need a reservation, tour, or overnight stay.
- PlacesHuis Ten Bosch Winter Illumination 2026-2027: The Starlight Million (Formerly Kingdom of Light)Huis Ten Bosch's Kingdom of Light is now The Starlight Million, running Nov 6, 2026–Feb 25, 2027. Lighting hours, passport prices, and the cheapest way in.
- CultureOtsu Matsuri 2026: UNESCO Float Festival Near Kyoto, Eve or Main Day?UNESCO-listed and near Kyoto, Otsu Matsuri 2026 runs Oct 10 (eve) and Oct 11 (main day). The floats and karakuri are main-day only. Here's which day to pick.
