Learn how to be “hot on the Tokyo streets” with this Japanese language lesson from heartthrob Tomohisa Yamashita.
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 162)
Worldwide competition nets 18,000 entries and 24 winners, but there’s controversy surrounding the winning design.
Taste the clouds on your tongue and float away to a better place in the heart of the capital.
With tatami mats, noren curtains and a zen garden, this is one of the most stunning and affordable ways to travel in Japan.
This cat likes to pull peace poses, stand on two feet and make a living selling hot potatoes.
Reports say the Canadian teacher regularly spanked children and shoved books into their mouths.
The former Oasis frontman throws in a f***ing cuss word, reminds everyone how extra he is, and Japanese fans love it.
Speech bubbles and pops of bright colour add a new comic twist to movies like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away.
Step back in time with the Purin A La Mode Frappuccino, only available for a limited time.
Before Starbucks existed in Japan, there were kissaten coffeehouses. Now there’s the Starbucks kissaten.
Ikea’s iconic blue bag becomes the hip new accessory for all comic-book character figurines this season.
Who needs a boring coin purse when you can surprise shoppers at the cash register by popping the lid on your miniature rice cooker?
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
McDonald’s Japan adds new Hello Kitty and Pompompurin drinks to the menu for a limited time
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Sailor Moon’s Artemis is part of the Artemis II NASA mission control team[Video]
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Japan’s prime minister exchanges Dragon Ball kamehamehas with president of France[Video]
Mars Japan releases first-ever Japanese-themed M&Ms with princess and samurai characters
Weekly
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]- Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Monthly
- Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
- Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
- Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
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Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Sailor Moon’s Artemis is part of the Artemis II NASA mission control team[Video]
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Japan’s prime minister exchanges Dragon Ball kamehamehas with president of France[Video]
Mars Japan releases first-ever Japanese-themed M&Ms with princess and samurai characters
The young girl starring in this cool retro-style McDonald’s Japan video is actually 62 years old!
Is Tokyo’s ultra-expensive Satsuki sweet bean bread worth it?【Taste test】
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Getting a driver’s license in Japan the hard way: The first written test
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
How do Japan’s host club hosts get their professional names? We talk with five Kabukicho pros
McDonald’s Japan releases “intense” McPork burger, prompts Michelin chef to create jam hack
Let’s try all the melon bread types sold by Japanese convenience store Family Mart【Taste test】
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