Google Maps has been a great boon to me in my time in Japan. In fact, GPS maps were the biggest reason I got my first smartphone in 2009, followed closely by the ability to write unfamiliar kanji by hand into a dictionary I’d always have with me. But Google Maps was definitely the biggest draw.
In the interceding six years, Google Maps has grown from something useful to something indispensable to many people. It’s not just good for helping you find a tiny store in Shibuya, either, since the maps can open up a whole world of digital sightseeing for people. And where there are bored people on computers, there are also bound to be Easter Eggs and creepy pranks to be discovered.
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Fried sandwiches arrive in Tokyo, become hot topic on social media
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
New Travelling Bento pouches turn your luggage into a Japanese lunch box
Psychological horror anime gets new T-shirt line, and even the fabric is meant to be unsettling
Foreign man arrested for walking on Shinkansen tracks, claims he was on the run from yakuza
New rules allow Japanese adult film actresses to stop the sale of their videos after five years
Enjoy Kyoto (Part 2) — Take a tour of Sumiya, the only remaining ageya building in Japan
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
New Travelling Bento pouches turn your luggage into a Japanese lunch box
Psychological horror anime gets new T-shirt line, and even the fabric is meant to be unsettling
Foreign man arrested for walking on Shinkansen tracks, claims he was on the run from yakuza
New rules allow Japanese adult film actresses to stop the sale of their videos after five years
Enjoy Kyoto (Part 2) — Take a tour of Sumiya, the only remaining ageya building in Japan
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
Japanese manhole lid raises eyebrows with fertility god symbol that looks like… well, you know
We tried Tokyo’s “rent a middle-aged Japanese man” service, and it was awesome!
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
“World’s most spacious public toilet” baffles the mind in Japan
Japan’s new canned chu-hai with fresh lemon slice: disappointing gimmick or drink revelation?
Howl’s Moving Castle’s scene-stealing dog is here to clean your home as a plushie mop