Benny's Japan Tips Vol. 11 | Kinosaki Crab Burger, Sakurazaka46 Overseas Ticket Lottery, Saitama Ranzan Autumn Leaves, Kyoto Liminal and BANDAI Card Case

I'm Benny. For this issue of "Japan Insider," I want to take you from enjoying a crab burger after a soak in Kinosaki Onsen, to maple leaf viewing in the suburbs of Tokyo, and finally to a free exhibition in Kyoto that you need to experience with both your eyes and ears. For those following Sakurazaka46, remember the overseas ticket lottery deadline, and if you like fun gadgets, keep an eye out for BANDAI’s business card case that transforms with a single click. There’s a schedule for each of these five items; I’ve broken down the dates, prices, and entry requirements so you won't arrive only to realize you got the dates wrong.

Travel Storage Pick | Branden Safe Plus

When transferring trains or wandering through markets, I like to have my passport and cards organized. This ~190g crossbody wallet bag features multi-compartment storage, cut-resistant fabric, and RFID-blocking slots.

View and Buy Anti-theft Bag →

Maple Viewing Power Up | Sothing Camera Style Power Bank

Whether shooting red leaves or checking navigation, I rely on my phone, so a backup battery is essential for long days. It has 10,000mAh capacity and a retro camera design—it’s a power bank, not a real camera.

View and Buy Camera Style Power Bank →

The above are PriseMall product recommendations and do not imply that Benny has personally used them. Anti-theft designs do not guarantee zero theft; please still keep an eye on your belongings. Please refer to product specifications and manuals for charging compatibility and usage restrictions.

Data Date: October 15, 2026. This article is organized based on provided posts, images, and official source lists, and is not a real-time inquiry of on-site operations, availability, or stock. Prices are in Japanese Yen including tax. Event times are in Japan Time (JST) unless otherwise noted, which is 1 hour ahead of Hong Kong time. Please check official updates before finalizing your itinerary.

1. Kinosaki Onsen Kasumi Crab Burger: CRAB & SHRIMP Opens October 15

When I go to Kinosaki Onsen, besides soaking in the baths, I like to leave some room for snacks. Maruchika announced the opening of CRAB & SHRIMP (scheduled for October 15, 2026), specializing in crab and shrimp takeout. The Kasumi Crab mini-burger is 1,000 yen à la carte.

Let me clarify the photos and prices for you: The set of four mini-burgers with fries shown in the graphic is 3,000 yen. The whole set is not 1,000 yen, and they are not all the same type of crab burger.

Where is the Kinosaki crab burger shop? Is there seating?

Address: 694 Yushima, KAWAI 1F, about a 6-minute walk from Kinosaki Onsen Station. Weekday hours: 10:00–17:00; Weekends/Holidays: until 18:00. Closed on Tuesdays. It is a takeout-only shop with no seating.

I treat it as a snack stop during my travels rather than a sit-down restaurant for a full meal. The opening arrangement is scheduled as per the operator's announcement, so it is advisable to confirm their operating status before heading out.

Official Reference: Maruchika / CRAB & SHRIMP Opening Announcement.

2. Sakurazaka46 Chiba Anniversary Performance: Overseas Lottery Deadline Oct 19, 22:59 HKT

If you want to go to Chiba to see Sakurazaka46, I’d mark this date in your calendar: the overseas ticket lottery deadline is October 19, 2026, at 22:59 Hong Kong time (which is 23:59 Japan time). The performances take place on November 14 and 15 at ZOZO MARINE STADIUM; the graduation ceremony for Rina Matsuda is only on November 15.

How are ticket prices and fees calculated for the overseas lottery?

Each person can apply for up to 2 tickets per show. Reserved seats are 12,000 yen each, plus a 330-yen system fee and a 165-yen service fee per ticket. PayPal also incurs an additional processing fee. Don’t look only at the face value when calculating the final payment.

What do the applicant and companion need to prepare?

Both parties must have a Plus member ID, a compatible phone/SMS, and a photo ID. This isn’t a standard order where you just fill in a name. I would confirm that my companion has completed all the necessary requirements before submitting the application.

Once you win the lottery, you cannot cancel or change your order; your credit card/UnionPay will be charged automatically. Double-check the dates, companion arrangements, and payment terms before entering. Tickets for November 14 do not include the graduation ceremony held only on the 15th.

Official Reference: Overseas Ticket Announcement, Tixplus English Lottery and Real-name Terms, Anniversary Performance Special Page.

3. Saitama Ranzan Valley Maple Viewing: Market runs for two days only, check road closures

Speaking of maple viewing near Tokyo, this time it’s Ranzan in Saitama Prefecture, not Arashiyama in Kyoto. The autumn leaf promotional period is from November 14 to December 6, 2026, but the food market is only open on November 28 and 29 from 09:00–15:00 (canceled in bad weather).

What I want to emphasize isn't the best photo spot, but that some riverside walking paths are closed due to collapses and require following the official detour. Old travel guides might not be accurate, so check the latest route map before leaving and do not cross any closed areas on site.

How do I get to Saitama Ranzan? What about parking?

It's about a 35-minute walk from Musashi-Ranzan Station or take the "To 02" bus to "Kyoyochi Iriguchi." During the two event days, parking shifts to the "Sennen no Sono" parking lot; the autumn leaf walking parking fee for standard vehicles is 500 yen. The event entry fee isn't clearly stated, so don't assume the parking fee is the entry fee, nor should you assume the event is completely free.

The graphic is a promotional photo and doesn't represent the peak viewing state today. I will decide my actual departure date based on the latest foliage conditions, weather, and trail announcements.

Official Reference: 2026 Event, Transport, and Detour Guide, Ranzan Town Tourism Association Event Announcement.

4. Kyoto Free Exhibition "Liminal": Yoshikatsu Ikeuchi, listen with your ears

If you want some quiet artistic time during your Kyoto trip, look into Yoshikatsu Ikeuchi’s "Liminal." The exhibition blends oil paintings, sculptures, and sound installations into changing light, allowing viewing and listening to participate together—rather than just snapping a photo and leaving.

Location: Kyocera Museum of Art, Kyoto, "Hikari no Hiroba."
Period: October 13 to 25, 2026; closed on October 19.
Hours: 10:00–18:00, last admission at 17:30.
Admission: Free, no reservation required.

Free doesn't mean open every day. I’ve specifically circled October 19 to avoid heading there on that Monday. The graphic shows a detail from the 2026 piece "A Trace of Seeing," not a full view of the gallery; take your time when you arrive and observe how light and sound change your perception.

Official Reference: Kyocera Museum Exhibition Page, Kyoto Prefecture Exhibition Announcement and Work Introduction.

5. BANDAI Mobile Stationery Business Card Case: Transforms on click, Japan launch Oct 17

This last item is a gadget I think can bring a bit of playfulness to the office: the BANDAI "Mobile Stationery" auto-transforming business card case. With one press, it flips 180 degrees to present a card, turning the exchange into a mini transformation scene.

The Japan release date is October 17, 2026. There are three styles, each with a suggested retail price of 3,300 yen. They will be sold at Japanese toy stores, electronics stores, and online shops, but stock at individual shops and overseas availability haven't been verified. Don't assume every store will definitely have them.

It doesn't hold many cards and is recommended for ages 15 and up; business cards are not included. I see it as a fun stationery piece, not a high-capacity tool. The graphic uses official operation demos; the real item may differ slightly from photos, so check the style before buying.

Official Reference: Standard Color Product Details, Mobile Stationery Brand Intro, BANDAI SPIRITS Release Calendar.

FAQ: Kinosaki Crab Burger, Sakurazaka46 Lottery, and Saitama Maple

Is the Kinosaki crab burger 1,000 yen for a full set?

No. The Kasumi Crab mini-burger is 1,000 yen à la carte. The four-mini-burger set with fries shown in the graphic is 3,000 yen. The shop is takeout-only with no seating.

When is the Sakurazaka46 overseas lottery deadline in HK time?

October 19, 2026, at 22:59 (23:59 Japan time). Performances are November 14 and 15; the graduation ceremony is only on the 15th.

Is the Saitama Ranzan Autumn Market open for the whole promotional period?

No. The promotion runs Nov 14–Dec 6, but the food market is only open Nov 28–29 from 09:00–15:00; it's closed in bad weather. Some trails are closed, so follow official detours.

Does the Kyoto Liminal free exhibition require reservations?

No. It runs Oct 13–25, 2026, but is closed on Oct 19. Last admission is 17:30.

How much is the BANDAI transforming card case, and does it come with cards?

Suggested retail is 3,300 yen (tax included) each; it launches Oct 17 in Japan. Business cards are not included. Recommended for ages 15+.

Before I head out, I’ll double-check these dates

For the concert, remember the October 19 lottery deadline. For Kyoto, avoid the closure on the same day. For the Saitama market, pick November 28 or 29, and check the detour map for the maple trails. For the Kinosaki burger and BANDAI stationery, keep the opening/release dates in mind. Save these five graphics, check the latest official arrangements before finalizing your plans, and you'll have a great trip with fewer disappointments.

Image source and rights disclaimer: Kinosaki photos courtesy of Maruchika / CRAB & SHRIMP; Sakurazaka46 graphic uses official assets and stadium stock photos; Saitama Ranzan photos courtesy of Ranzan Town Tourism Association (promotional material); Kyoto work is a detail of Yoshikatsu Ikeuchi's "A Trace of Seeing" (2026), source: Kyoto Prefecture official press release; BANDAI demo is ©BANDAI / BANDAI SPIRITS. Authorization for the five images and works is pending confirmation. Public readability does not imply the right to repost; please verify rights and attribution requirements before publication.