Hakuba
When you need to get in out of the cold, Pikachu and his pals are waiting for you with tabletop trick art opportunities.
Snowboard, pursued by a bear.
Snowboarding is fairly popular in Japan and there’s no doubt that anime and manga are deeply ingrained in the psyche of many people across the nation. So we suppose this ita-board, or “painfully nerdy snowboard” event isn’t too much of a surprise considering the constant appearance of ita-sha (painful cars), ita-suit (painful suit), and even ita-heli (painful helicopters). What did surprise us is the national association dedicated to nerdy snowboards and the annual event that hosts them.




Maker of Japan’s first crane machine is looking for a working model, offering 100,000-yen reward
Kandaba, moui, and sakuna: We have fun taste-testing Okinawan fruits and vegetables
Japanese pop idol A-chan reveals she’s always wanted to marry a fan, and she’s done it
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Hen na Hotel Haneda: What it’s really like to stay at Tokyo’s “Weird Hotel” with dinosaur robots
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
Hello Kitty learns sign language in newest friendship with Japanese artist
Does the maxixe live up to its promise of being a whole new flavor for our Japanese reporter?
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
Tokyo all-you-can-eat senbei deal is perfect for newbies to the world of beloved Japanese snacks
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
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
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
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Hen na Hotel Haneda: What it’s really like to stay at Tokyo’s “Weird Hotel” with dinosaur robots
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
Hello Kitty learns sign language in newest friendship with Japanese artist
Does the maxixe live up to its promise of being a whole new flavor for our Japanese reporter?
Edible 10-yen coins become a hot new trend in Tokyo【Taste test】
These Ajinomoto frozen Japanese dishes from France baffled our Japanese reporter【Taste test】
Petition to allow students to choose what they wear to school gathers almost 19,000 signatures
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Only 36% of Japanese High School Students Feel They “Have Worth as a Person”, MEXT Survey Says
The One Piece Mos Burger lucky bag basically gives you exclusive anime merch for free