castle
Despite its well-deserved reputation as an extremely hard-working nation, Japan is also a country that knows how to relax. Every city has a number of cafes where you can stop, sip a drink, and soak in the soothing ambiance.
Some of these establishments style themselves after a comfy living room, while others feel more like a stylish library or lounge. Or, if you happen to be in Tokushima Prefecture, there’s the café built into what appears to be a crumbling castle.
As Google Maps expands its reach across the globe, netizens are finding more and more hidden treasures amongst the usual images of street signs and roadways. Sure, we catch a flock of human pigeons every now and then, but this next photo gallery is a little subtler than mobs of masked people purposely trying to live on forever in Google Maps. No, this is a different kind of mob…the mob. The yakuza, rumored to number in the hundred-thousands in Japan, have landed themselves on Google Maps more than a few times and we’re not quite sure they appreciate being photographed.
Japan really loves to put its tourist spots into a top three list, such as the top three gardens or the top three hot springs. And a lot of tourists like to visit all three of the places to be able to say they’ve completed the set. But which of these famous trios do Japanese tourists want to visit the most? The website Web R25 recently surveyed 664 of their readers to ask them which of the top three lists they most want to visit. Click below to find out which trio of tourist hotspots topped the list and be sure to let us know which one you prefer in our RocketNews24 poll at the bottom!




Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Häagen-Dazs brings back its popular mochi ice cream line with two classic, luxurious flavors
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Visiting Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 anime locations in real-life Hakone【Photos】
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new S’mores Frappuccino and latte for Christmas 2025
Weird Japanese vending machine find of the day: Cream in cans?
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
We taste the Adult Cream Pie from McDonald’s Japan
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Starbucks Japan unveils new S’mores Frappuccino and latte for Christmas 2025
Weird Japanese vending machine find of the day: Cream in cans?
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
We taste the Adult Cream Pie from McDonald’s Japan
New marvelously mysterious mochi ice creams celebrate 40 years of Häagen-Dazs Japan
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
How to turn your leftover instant ramen broth into delicious chawanmushi Japanese egg custard
The new Namacha reminds us that not all bottled green teas are created equal 【Taste test】
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Can a woman have a good time at a Japanese love hotel on her own? Our reporter investigates
A visit to the birthplace of Kobe’s other famous food, sobameshi, to try it bokkake-style