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.
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Man in Japan calls in bomb threat because he doesn’t want to go to his own work farewell party
Japanese vending machine find introduces us to a new drink you can’t get anywhere else
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Memorial bell inside Hiroshima’s Peace Park has been silenced, but for a sweet reason
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
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
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Memorial bell inside Hiroshima’s Peace Park has been silenced, but for a sweet reason
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
The story of our reporter P.K. Sanjun’s heart attack
Pokémon Company to require Japanese government ID cards for some online Pokémon card purchases
7-Eleven Japan releases their second lineup of upsized foods from a muffin to bukkake soba
Suspected yakuza member arrested for having frequent flyer mile account
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Super! Eel Bread takes Japanese sushi into uncharted territory
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
McDonald’s Japan adds curry French fry flavor, regional-taste burgers to its menu with Gotochi Mac