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!


Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Cup Noodle maker Nissin teams up with thick-broth ramen chain for instant ramen rice[Taste test]
Anime’s rudest little boy, Crayon Shin-chan, helps pledge support for hardworking moms
Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
What’s the best Rumiko Takahashi anime of all time? Fans decide, pick best characters too【Survey】
Kyoto Tower mascot termination reveals dark side behind cute Japanese characters
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Hunter x Hunter teams up with Shimamura clothing chain for clothing and more treasures galore
Anime holy ground – A visit to the real-world location of Look Back【Photos】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
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】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
Kyoto Tower mascot termination reveals dark side behind cute Japanese characters
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Hunter x Hunter teams up with Shimamura clothing chain for clothing and more treasures galore
Anime holy ground – A visit to the real-world location of Look Back【Photos】
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Line of figures depicting animals using toilets begins pre-orders three months in advance
Samurai Vader: a historical take on a favorite from a galaxy far, far away
New Studio Ghibli exhibition brings anime movie magic to cities around Japan
Put your kitsune up! BABYMETAL is set to dominate the world with ‘dangerous kawaii’【Interview】
Lawson convenience stores sell a mega katsu sando, and there’s a hack to get it cheap in Japan
East Japan’s 10 most magical winter scenery experiences, as chosen by travelers