Elliot Hale

From being introduced to the works of Rumiko Takahashi as a teenager in the UK, Elliot found himself falling ever deeper into the clutches of Japanese popular culture. It was not until he first arrived in Japan that he struggled free from its grasp and branched out into the wider aspects of its culture. From classical literature to baring it all in hot springs, he has become enamored with Japan as a whole. After working as a teacher in various schools, he has now decided to do his part for society and has thus stepped forth onto the path of sharing Japanese culture with the masses. He spends his time traveling through mountains and valleys, attempting photography, or cosying up at home with his books and board games.

Posted by Elliot Hale

Join Naked in the Niwa garden: Kyoto Station’s newest spot to craft traditional art

Workshops offer English instruction in making custom gold leaf bags, weaving bamboo baskets, and crafting samurai armor.

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Flock to Tomarigi, the viral app that lets you perch in over 1,000 spots throughout Japan

Letting virtual travelers swoop in on live webcams and train views across the country.

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Ministop brings bulked up Okinawan-style rice balls to mainland Japan for one week only

If you’re craving massive meals on a budget, portion-boosted convenience store foods are the way to go.

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Kyoto’s Meiji-era mansion opens a private tearoom with stained glass for just one day

A rare East-meets-West tea ceremony in a seldom seen tearoom.

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Burger King Japan brings back its insane all-you-can-eat One Pounder Challenge

Can you eat more than 12 mega burgers in just 45 minutes for a chance at winning the national final?

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Japanese workers reveal their top five mysterious rules they wish would disappear【Survey】

A single vacation can lead to near-forced souvenirs and apologies to the entire office.

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The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken

Just a short train ride from Tokyo and you’ll be left addicted to delicious skewers slathered in a fiery miso sauce.

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Japanese convenience store food gets turned into hyper-realistic stationery you can peel open

The rice ball and hot snack sets let you feel the fun of some of Japan’s best treats anywhere in the world.

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Tired of city life? Try out Japanese rural life for a few days on an active volcano in Kagoshima

Escape Tokyo to harvest mandarins, dig footbaths, or learn how to run an inn.

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Toyota Museum’s international retro vehicle parade returns to Aichi this autumn

Cruise over to Moricoro Park for 120 vintage cars or apply and show off your own pre-1997 classic.

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Tokyo security guard’s famous station tape font becomes official custom Nike streetwear

Upgrade your wardrobe with custom clothes featuring the iconic font of a Shinjuku Station legend.

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Pachinko industry rebounds on convenience and innovation, but smaller parlors struggle to keep up

No more heavy ball baskets or stacks of cash, but the same ol’ sensory rush with a modern flair.

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Dance with demons in Kyoto at this Edo-period Japanese Halloween festival

Turning a samurai film set into a monster dance party with J-pop choreography.

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Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu

We investigated a suspicious noodle store on Uber Eats only to have our curry udon dreams come true.

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Tokyo’s viral 90-yen cafe pop-up returns to Harajuku with yogurt coffee

Enjoy 45 unique drinks at budget prices.

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Enoshima’s magical night lantern festival is back this summer with spectacular views

An island transforms into a wonderland of digital art, musical sea shells, and 1,000 glowing lanterns.

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Set sail on top of a giant pirate ship to watch Japan’s summer fireworks

Why fight the landlubbers on shore for a decent view when you can take to the waters of Lake Ashi for a crowd-free festival?

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Tokyo’s giant Pokémon Stamp Rally is back for 2026 with exclusive prizes up for grabs

Including a chance to relive your starter Pokémon anxiety a whole nine times.

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Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir

Conquer Japan’s tallest mountain in style with a lineup born from the restoration of an ancient pilgrimage path.

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Testing Japan’s latest food hack trend: Adding instant corn soup powder to popcorn[Taste test]

A two-ingredient food hack promising a delicious upgrade.

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