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!


Many foreign tourists not picking up, paying for their orders at 100-year-old Tokyo sweets shop
Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated toy train is the perfect gift for kids who like to be confused
Here’s what to expect if it’s your first time seeing kabuki at Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater
Amazing time-lapse-style video shows 150-year history of the growth of train stations in Japan
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Hello Kitty isn’t a cat!? We called Sanrio to find out!
Japan has only one time zone, and sunset comes a lot earlier in Tokyo【Photos】
Japanese men list seven traits that would make it impossible for them to date a woman
Nintendo announces live-action Hollywood Zelda movie, co-financed by Sony
Japan gets skimpy, slippery and wet at “lotion x music” festival
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Hello Kitty isn’t a cat!? We called Sanrio to find out!
Japan has only one time zone, and sunset comes a lot earlier in Tokyo【Photos】
Japanese men list seven traits that would make it impossible for them to date a woman
Nintendo announces live-action Hollywood Zelda movie, co-financed by Sony
Japan gets skimpy, slippery and wet at “lotion x music” festival
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods, drinkware and candles for the 2025 holiday season
Ministop becomes Megastop in our minds by increasing certain food volumes by up to 50 percent
Super-cheap, super-convenient rice-cooking mug is a new kitchen gadget all-star from 3 Coins
Bone-chilling taxi tours of Japan’s most haunted places now include all-night course, livestreams
Live-action Legend of Zelda movie reveals cast for roles of Link and Zelda
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Hagi no Tsuki, how we love thee: Why you should get your hands on this Tohoku treat ASAP