When people think of international travelers visiting an island in the Seto Inland Sea, they may think of Naoshima, where the International Art Festival is located, or perhaps Shiraishi Island, with its international villa for foreign guests. But French tourists are heading somewhere else–to a tiny island of just 230 people. Although the place is known as one of Japan’s cat islands, that’s not why French tourists go to this island. And even though Ken Watanabe, Masako Natsume and Hiromi Go have been there, the French go for a completely different reason than they did. Our floating reporter takes a ferry to the remote island to find out what makes it so popular with French tourists.
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Gacha machine backpack is Japan’s hottest new fashion statement
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
7 hilarious/inexplicable Japan moments in South Park
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
7 hilarious/inexplicable Japan moments in South Park
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Beautiful Totoro bento box mixes classic and modern symbols of Japan
Say Hello (Kitty) to my little friend — Sanrio’s famous mascot as a custom assault rifle
Pokémon theme park area announced for Kanto region, opens in less than a year【Video】
Japanese government wants to remove tax-exemption limit for foreign tourists on consumables
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo