Your guide to the start dates for hanami season at major sightseeing spots around the country.
Oona McGee
Half-Japanese Oona McGee hails from Sydney, Australia, where she worked as a journalist and copywriter before making the move to Japan over a decade ago. Now she spends her days exploring the streets of Tokyo with her laptop and camera, always in search of new cafes, restaurants, events and stories to share with our readers. As an experienced food and travel reporter, Oona has travelled extensively through all 47 prefectures of Japan, and is constantly researching new destinations and drawing up itineraries for her next adventure.
Posted by Oona McGee (Page 110)
Luxury spa facility is in the top 10 most booked wellness experiences in the world but not a lot of people know there’s a way you can spend the night there.
Japanese animation studio is searching for a hard-to-find product used by the director to create anime for many years.
A room so huge it’s more like a warehouse.
Lawson, 7-Eleven and Family Mart go head-to-head in this konbini battle but there can only be one winner.
Kimonos and gangsta flair to celebrate freedom and individuality before conforming to Japanese society.
Studio Ghibli answers Spirited Away fan questions, reveals exciting facts and trivia behind the film
Anime studio shares new production secrets, including the real inspiration behind the bathhouse.
Magical character from Howl’s Moving Castle makes the leap from the anime world and into our hearts and homes.
P.K. takes us behind the scenes and into the recording studio as he plays two characters in the latest film.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Japanese Shinkansen welcomes overnight guests for one night during summer festival
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
Tokyo Pokémon Center announces reopening after months-long closure following stabbing death
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Japan’s expensive “phantom” melon is so exquisite it sells out in just 12 hours
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Studio Ghibli Laputa figure looks like it’s really flying thanks to cool visual trick
Weekly
- Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Monthly
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it- Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]- New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo- Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Tokyo Pokémon Center announces reopening after months-long closure following stabbing death
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Japan’s expensive “phantom” melon is so exquisite it sells out in just 12 hours
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Studio Ghibli Laputa figure looks like it’s really flying thanks to cool visual trick
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Pikachu and Ditto Pokémon desserts at Baskin-Robbins Japan look AND feel like their inspirations
Why is Taco Bell failing in Japan, even as the country falls in love with tacos?
Japanese government okays plan to create a backup capital city
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
Starbucks Japan brings back the Caramel Waffle, but is it as good as it used to be?
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Pachinko industry rebounds on convenience and innovation, but smaller parlors struggle to keep up
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