Does Carl’s Jr. have what it takes to survive the grand-opening frenzy that every American fast food chain enjoys in Japan? We wait in line four hours to find out.
grand opening
The Harajuku/Omotesando district in Tokyo is already a mecca of sweet shops from around the world, but things in the area just got even sweeter this past weekend as another internationally loved bakery opened its very first shop in Japan. Yes, we’re delighted that London’s celebrated LOLA’S cupcakes now has a shop in Tokyo, and as you may have guessed, we weren’t about to miss out on trying the sweet creations from one of London’s best-loved baking outlets, so there we were on opening day.
We already knew from the pictures that their cupcakes look simply amazing; now we couldn’t wait to try some for ourselves, and there were even going to be four original Japanese flavors too — Yum!
While you can certainly find countless restaurants offering a seemingly endless range of cuisines in Japan, if you’ve spent some time in the country, you may have noticed that options for Mexican food (or at least American-Mexican food) can be somewhat limited. So when news went around that American fast food chain Taco Bell was going to re-open in Japan, the response on the Japanese Internet was huge. And while we understand that not everyone is a fan of Taco Bell, there certainly seemed to be enough people overjoyed that the chain was finally returning to Japan after having opened shop here once for just a short time in the 1980s.
All of this meant that the opening of the new Taco Bell shop in Shibuya, Tokyo was bound to attract lots of attention as well as a good crowd, and not to miss out on the excitement and tacos, our very own Mr. Sato from the Japanese arm of RocketNews24 was there on opening day to bring you the following report!



Starbucks Japan unveils new S’mores Frappuccino and latte for Christmas 2025
7-Eleven Japan offering sakura extract lipstick blessed by 300-year-old Kyoto temple
What would convince Japanese people to live in a home where there’d been a death or “accident?”
How to make black fried chicken for Black Friday/Fry Day【Recipe】
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
We suspected this Japanese cable car was an overpriced tourist trip, but we underestimated it
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
The old-school awesomeness of the New Akao, a Showa-era hot spring hotel still standing tall
Snuggle up to a fried oyster with ingenious cushion and cover set from Japan
Japanese bikini model bursts fan’s nude hot spring video fantasy bubble
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
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
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】
We suspected this Japanese cable car was an overpriced tourist trip, but we underestimated it
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
The old-school awesomeness of the New Akao, a Showa-era hot spring hotel still standing tall
Snuggle up to a fried oyster with ingenious cushion and cover set from Japan
Japanese bikini model bursts fan’s nude hot spring video fantasy bubble
We try canned oyster okonomiyaki, a food we didn’t even know existed【Taste Test】
University of Tokyo announces new department with all classes taught in English
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Foreign athlete loses wedding ring competing on Tokyo streets, reunited in the nick of time
Nintendo opens free gameplay area in Japan’s Kansai International Airport
We buy oysters from a Japanese vending machine
Japan 201: How to tie a kimono sash
Putting on a magic show with Amazon Japan’s lowest rated magic props