Driving in Japan
Some special parking areas in Japan have more thrills to offer than luxury high-tech toilets.
Local resident reveals the real reason why their roads are wider than other parts of Japan.
Although the results are an improvement on previous years, a worrying number of drivers aren’t stopping at pedestrian crossings.
Among the many superstitions that exist in Japan, fortune telling based on blood type still remains popular. Most profiles of anime and manga characters or celebrities include blood type, and it’s not uncommon for some Japanese to attempt to predict the behavior of others based what kind of blood is coursing through their veins.
But with only four personality types to choose from, that doesn’t leave very much room for variation. That may be one reason why over the years Japan has seen a boom in Western astrology, with many fashion magazines, books, and character items catering to those interested in finding out or showing off what their zodiac sign purportedly says about their personality. In fact, considering the recent release of driving horoscopes by one prefecture’s police department, it seems even government officials are now in on the craze.
It’s okay, you can admit it. The second you finished watching The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, you wish and hoped and prayed that some day you would be able to live in Tokyo and be a badass street racer. For most of us (all of us?) that is just a mere fantasy. Short of hopping a plane, foolishly challenging the local Drift King, destroying a Nissan Silvia S-15, drift practicing your ass off, watching your friend die in a fiery car crash, and eventually beating the Drift King himself…what’s a daydreamer to do?



















7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Everyone in the office wears a bra in search of the true meaning of Brassiere Day
Bat soup in Palau is pretty intense
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Everyone in the office wears a bra in search of the true meaning of Brassiere Day
Bat soup in Palau is pretty intense
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
More people in Japan quit sending New Year’s cards and many have started to regret it
Japanese airlines offer discounted fares to international tourists
Hamburg and Hamburg Shibuya: A Japanese restaurant you need to put on your Tokyo itinerary
We try Uniqlo coffee at first-ever cafe inside Ginza flagship store
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment