Japan is well-known for its beautiful sightseeing destinations, particularly in and around Kyoto. From Kiyomizu Temple to the Gold Pavilion, there’s a nearly unlimited supply of gorgeous buildings to check out. But perhaps one of the most fascinating is the Phoenix Hall in Byoudou Temple, the expansive temple gracing the ten-yen coin.
Sadly, the hall has been undergoing repairs since September 2012, making it off-limits to visitors. Fortunately, the Phoenix Hall will reopen in March next year, but what a bummer it must have been for visitor who missed out over the last 16 months. Well fret not, disappointed sight-seers! We’ve found something almost as awesome: A Nico Nico Douga user has made a near-exact replica of the structure–using only cardboard!
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
All-you-can-drink Starbucks and amazing views part of Tokyo’s new 170 meter-high sky lounge
Studio Ghibli glasses cases let anime characters keep an eye on your spectacles
More foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
Kyoto’s 100 Demons yokai monster parade returns!
Beautiful Sailor Moon manhole cover coasters being given out for free by Tokyo tourist center
Beautiful new Final Fantasy T-shirt collection on the way from Uniqlo【Photos】
Michelin Guide gyoza in Tokyo: Worthy of the accolade?
The oldest tunnel in Japan is believed to be haunted, and strange things happen when we go there
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to your favorite restaurant in Tsuruga City!
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
Starbucks reopens at Shibuya Scramble Crossing with new look and design concept
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
Foreign English teachers in Japan pick their favorite Japanese-language phrases【Survey】
Japanese convenience store packs a whole bento into an onigiri rice ball
We try out “Chan Ramen”, an underground type of ramen popular in the ramen community
Studio Ghibli releases Kiki’s Delivery Service chocolate cake pouches in Japan
Japan’s bone-breaking and record-breaking roller coaster is permanently shutting down
New definition of “Japanese whiskey” goes into effect to prevent fakes from fooling overseas buyers
Our Japanese reporter visits Costco in the U.S., finds super American and very Japanese things
Studio Ghibli unveils Mother’s Day gift set that captures the love in My Neighbour Totoro
Foreign passenger shoves conductor on one of the last full runs for Japan’s Thunderbird train
Domino’s Japan now sells…pizza ears?
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
Kyoto creates new for-tourist buses to address overtourism with higher prices, faster rides
Sales of Japan’s most convenient train ticket/shopping payment cards suspended indefinitely
Sold-out Studio Ghibli desktop humidifiers are back so Totoro can help you through the dry season
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Tokyo’s most famous Starbucks is closed
One Piece characters’ nationalities revealed, but fans have mixed opinions
We asked a Uniqlo employee what four things we should buy and their suggestions didn’t disappoint
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Beautiful Sailor Moon manhole cover coasters being given out for free by Tokyo tourist center
Beautiful new Final Fantasy T-shirt collection on the way from Uniqlo【Photos】
Michelin Guide gyoza in Tokyo: Worthy of the accolade?
The oldest tunnel in Japan is believed to be haunted, and strange things happen when we go there
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to your favorite restaurant in Tsuruga City!
Cappuccino Ramen becomes super popular in Japan, but is it worth the hype?
Studio Ghibli unveils Mother’s Day gift set that captures the love in My Neighbour Totoro
Beautiful, intricate drawings of snowflakes from Edo-era Japan
Japanese expat remembers the words that changed his life when he started working in Australia
Japan’s lap-pillow ear-cleaning salons aren’t just for pervy guys, we find out
Sailor Moon Wedding Dress Collection lets you dress like Usagi, Tuxedo Mask as you say I do【Pics】
Father and son dissect a gachapon capsule toy machine to show us its magical insides【Video】
Five things that keep Japanese people chained to their jobs