Your guide to the start dates for hanami season at major sightseeing spots around the country.
climate
You, Me, And a Tanuki is a weekly featured blog run by Michelle, a Californian who is currently one of only two foreigners living in Chibu, a tiny fishing village on one of the Oki islands in Japan. Check back every Saturday for a new post or read more on her website here!
Japan is cold. No, I’m not talking about the people; it’s the weather that sends a chill down my spine. No insulation, central heating, or double-paned windows, and in most public buildings – schools included – there’s no hot water; modern Japanese construction ensures that you will feel every bone-chilling drop in temperature once November rolls around.
When the mercury dips below freezing and there’s nothing to stop the cold from leeching in to your home, sometimes you have to take drastic measures. And when you’re backed into a (freezing cold) corner, it makes you do some crazy things… like wrap your entire house in bubble wrap.
If you don’t live in Hokkaido, Japanese summers are hot and humid! A good way to stay cool, other than staying in a confined room where air-conditioned air is piped out from a room cooler, is to use a uchiwa. It only takes just a little muscle to keep a constant breeze and recently there are highly functional ones that will help send cool air your way!
Stainless Steel type, put it in the Freezer!


Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Canned cuteness as Hello Kitty and friends kick off Can Chara capsule toy line【Photos】
Which Japanese beef bowl chain’s near-identical demon grater onioroshi ponzu gyudon is the best?
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
This quiet forest cafe in Japan lets you read all day in the house of a famous author
Does a poopy butthole translate to lottery-winning riches in Japan? The results are in!
The “Party Lucky Bag” from Amazon wasn’t quite the party we were expecting
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
This quiet forest cafe in Japan lets you read all day in the house of a famous author
Does a poopy butthole translate to lottery-winning riches in Japan? The results are in!
The “Party Lucky Bag” from Amazon wasn’t quite the party we were expecting
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Fashion for the young at heart! A different take on what it means to get older in Japan
Poké Ball cakes here for limited but long time to celebrate Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Is Oni Koroshi sake in a drink box wino fuel or a hidden gem?
Eat Kuroge Wagyu beef at this Japanese restaurant in Ginza for less than 10 bucks!