While passing by the Shinkansen ticket gates at Tokyo Station, I noticed a vending machine that didn’t seem to belong there. Strange in this land of vending machines, I know, but something about this machine was different.
Japan (Page 1677)
Has Odaiba seceded from Japan and created its own economy? You might think so if you looked at the price tags on the run-of-the-mill fare at this year’s United States of Odaiba, Fuji Television’s annual summer event.
In a country where 800 yen is considered pricey for a beef bowl, standard dishes like katsudon and butadon are going for 1390 yen a pop. A thread on 2channel broke the news on the menu, and there was no shortage of incredulous, mocking and sarcastic responses. Among them:
MOST POPULAR
Now
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Fan art of new Digimon cast in old style sparks debate on what qualifies as “f***ing disgusting”
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Live-action Castlevania all-female stage adaptation reveals first photo of Alucard and Maria
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
The top 10 themed cafes in Tokyo, according to Shibuya’s Harajuku girls
Weekly
- Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan- New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
Monthly
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]- Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo- Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
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- Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Live-action Castlevania all-female stage adaptation reveals first photo of Alucard and Maria
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
The top 10 themed cafes in Tokyo, according to Shibuya’s Harajuku girls
Japanese bath hack: Toss iris leaves in the tub for a traditional shobu yu soak【Photos】
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Got a question for Haruki Murakami? Website lets you ask the author directly, and in English, too
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
New unlimited-ride JR Japan rail pass is perfect for a laid-back trip in east and northeast Japan
New Japanese “Rent-a-Girlfriend” Service Offers Simulated Romance, and Probably a Little More
And now, a video of the voice of Dragon Ball’s Goku meeting the Emperor and Empress of Japan
-
