Japan Insider Vol. 15 | Autumn/Winter 2026 Japan Travel: Saga Ghibli Exhibition, Nara Hyakurakuso, Shinjuku Suica Penguin, and Kyoto Reservation Guide
Hello everyone, I’m Benny! In this 15th issue of "Japan Early Know," I want to talk to you about everything from Ado’s new song to Japan autumn/winter travel plans: the Saga Ghibli exhibition has exclusive JR gifts, Nara Hyakurakuso offers two days of free garden access, the Shinjuku Suica Penguin will join you for winter illuminations, and the "Zen & Ghibli" exhibition in Kyoto has new reservation arrangements. If you are preparing for a trip to Japan in November 2026, the most important thing I want to remind you of in this issue is: don't just focus on the attractions; pay close attention to details like "taking photos before passing the ticket gate," "physical meal vouchers," and "making reservations even if you already have a ticket."
Benny's Picks: Bringing Japanese Daily Life Home
Arnest eN Chinese Wok
If you want to stir-fry rice or veggies at home, I recommend this non-coated Japanese iron wok; remember to follow the instructions for seasoning the pan.
View styles & Purchase →
Arnest Honeycomb Yukihira Pot
Perfect for cooking udon or miso soup. The lightweight stainless steel body with bilateral pouring spouts is ideal for daily small-portion cooking.
View styles & Purchase →Compilation date for this issue: October 19, 2026. The following is based on this post and the attached official links; unless otherwise stated, all times are in Japan Standard Time and all ticket prices are in Japanese Yen inclusive of tax. Events, gifts, and ticketing arrangements may be updated, so please check official announcements before you depart.
2026 Autumn/Winter Japan Travel Highlights: 5 Key Updates
- Ado "Raven Sky": New song and MV released on October 16; related film premieres in Japan on October 23.
- Saga Ghibli Exhibition: November 3 to February 14, 2027. First 15,000 visitors get JR special benefits; remember to photograph the designated board before exiting the gate.
- Nara Hyakurakuso: Free garden access on November 11 and 15 during specific hours; "Autumn Meal" tickets go on sale October 20 at 13:00 HK time.
- Shinjuku Suica Penguin Illuminations: Lighting begins November 11 to February 14, 2027; stamp rally ends December 25.
- Kyoto "Zen & Ghibli": Exhibit runs until December 6; priority reservations start October 31—note this even if you already have a ticket.
1. Ado "Raven Sky" New Song & MV Released: Listen Before You Go
Let’s start with music. Ado’s "Raven Sky" was released on October 16, 2026. You can watch the new MV now. It’s a rock track with Japanese and English lyrics, and it’s the theme song for Shun Oguri's new movie, which premieres in Japan on October 23.
For Ado fans, I suggest using the official portal to choose your streaming platform and listen to the song while you do your travel research. Subscription costs and regional availability vary by platform, so don't assume that "released" means it's available for free everywhere.
Official links: UNIVERSAL MUSIC JAPAN Song Announcement | "Raven Sky" Official Streaming Portal
2. Saga Ghibli Exhibition 2026: How to Get the JR Folder? Take Photos Before Exiting
If you're visiting Kyushu and love Ghibli, I’d suggest adding Saga to your itinerary. The exhibition runs from November 3, 2026, to February 14, 2027, at the Saga Prefectural Art Museum. Admission is ¥1,900 for adults, and it's about a 15-minute bus ride from Saga Station.
What I really want to highlight is the JR-exclusive non-for-sale folder redemption: after riding the JR, remember to take a photo of the designated board inside the ticket gate before you exit, then present that photo along with your exhibition ticket or booking screen to redeem it. The gift is limited to the first 15,000 visitors; don’t assume buying an exhibition ticket guarantees you one.
Saga Ghibli Exhibition Ticketing & Redemption Steps
- Pre-purchase your tickets; there is no on-site ticket sales.
- For weekends, public holidays, and weekdays from December 22 onwards, select your entry time according to the ticketing schedule.
- After arriving via JR, take a photo of the designated board before exiting the gate.
- Present the photo and your exhibition ticket or booking screen per official redemption rules; gifts are available while supplies last.
I’m writing "take photo before exiting" in my travel notes because it’s easy to forget if you're in a rush to get to the museum.
Official links: Saga Exhibition & Access | Tickets & Timed Entries | JR Kyushu Campaign Details
3. Nara Hyakurakuso Free Garden 2026: Open Days, Meal Vouchers & Access
If you are in Kansai this November and want to spend time walking through a garden, check out Nara Hyakurakuso. The garden is free to enter only on two specific days, with different hours: November 11, 11:00–17:00; November 15, 15:00–17:00. Don't just note the dates—remember that on the 15th, you can't enter in the morning.
When do Autumn Meal tickets go on sale? What about HK time?
The "Autumn Meal" is ¥6,600 per person (40 spots per session). Sales start October 20, 2026, at 14:00 JST, which is 13:00 Hong Kong Time. Sales end November 1 at 16:00 HK time, or until sold out.
Before buying, I think the most important thing for Hong Kong travelers to confirm is the meal voucher delivery: vouchers are mailed starting November 2, and you must bring the physical voucher to the event. The provided info doesn't confirm if overseas or hotel delivery is possible, so check with the organizer before purchasing.
How to get there? Can I drive?
It's about a 5-minute walk from the East Exit of Kintetsu Tomio Station. Cars, motorcycles, and bicycles are prohibited at the venue, so I recommend taking the Kintetsu train and walking. The attached image shows fall foliage, which may not reflect the actual state of the leaves on the day of the event.
Official links: Hyakurakuso Event Announcement | Voucher Mailing & Restrictions | Autumn Meal Purchase Link | Official Access Info
4. Shinjuku Suica Penguin Winter Illumination 2026: Lighting & Stamp Rally
If you're heading to Tokyo, keep an eye on the Suica Penguin square outside Shinjuku Station's New South Gate. The lighting runs from November 11, 2026, to February 14, 2027, starting at 18:00 on opening day. Check the official schedule as lighting times may vary by date.
To get the penguin notebook, remember: compatible smartphone required, collect 4 out of 6 stamps, first 500 people only. The electronic stamp rally ends December 25, 2026—it does not run as long as the illuminations. I will check my phone compatibility before planning my route. Don't confuse the end dates for the light display and the stamp rally.
Official links: Odakyu Winter Illumination & Stamp Rally
5. Kyoto "Zen & Ghibli" 2026: Priority Reservations from Oct 31—Already Have a Ticket?
The "Zen & Ghibli" exhibition is being held at the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art until December 6, 2026. Adult/University student tickets are ¥1,900, accessible via an 8-minute walk from Higashiyama Subway Station.
My key tip: starting October 31, priority reservation is in effect, even for those with general admission tickets. If you already bought a ticket, go to the official portal and select "Timed Entry Reservation Only" (日時予約のみ) to book your slot—no need to buy another ticket. You may not be admitted during busy periods without a reservation.
Also, complimentary invitations do not require timed entry, but don't confuse this with regular paid tickets. Check the opening hours for your specific visit date, especially for November 8, 15, and 21, as some early entry exceptions apply.
Official links: Reservation & Early Opening Announcement | Exhibit Info | Ticket Purchase/Reservation Portal | Museum Access
Japan Autumn/Winter Travel FAQ | Benny’s Quick Q&A
Can I buy tickets for the Saga Ghibli exhibition on-site?
No, all tickets must be pre-purchased.
Does Nara Hyakurakuso’s free garden access include the Autumn Meal?
No. The garden is free during the two specific periods, but the meal is a separate ¥6,600 ticket that requires a physical voucher.
Does the Shinjuku Suica stamp rally run until Feb 2027?
No, the stamp rally ends December 25, 2026, while the illuminations last until February 14, 2027.
I already bought a Kyoto "Zen & Ghibli" ticket, do I still need to reserve?
Yes, from October 31, priority reservations apply even to those with existing tickets. Use the official "Timed Entry Reservation Only" option.
Are the times listed Japan or HK time?
Japan Standard Time, unless stated otherwise. Note that the Nara meal sale at 14:00 JST is 13:00 HK time.
Benny’s Final Reminder: Handle Reservations and Vouchers First, Then Plan Daily Routes
For these updates, I’ll deal with each separately: get Saga tickets and remember the photo step; verify Nara meal voucher delivery; book Kyoto entry slots; and distinguish between the illumination and stamp rally dates for Shinjuku. Sorting these out now means no need to do "homework" while you're on your trip.
Save this issue of "Benny's Japan Early Know" Vol. 15 and check the official links again before finalizing your autumn/winter 2026 itinerary. I’m Benny, see you next issue with more Japan updates!
