hidden gems
Casual mention elicits enthusiastic response from commonly overlooked tourist destination.
Filled with a special “phantom butter” from Calpis, you won’t find a treat like this anywhere else in Japan.
If you don’t get here half an hour before opening, chances are they’ll already be sold out.
Local tip-off takes us to a hanami cherry blossom viewing site that’s yet to be discovered by overseas tourists.
A rare onsen that uses 100-percent natural hot spring water pumped directly from the source.
All this awaits you on a short train ride from Tokyo.
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Unique visitor’s record tells the story of a ramen dish that remains unchanged for decades.
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Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime stationery collection, with a Spirited Away River God memo stand
Pikachu plushie actually goes into space as part of Pokémon/European Space Agency collaboration
Famous Kyoto shrine has a message for foreign tourists who think it’s okay to dance at sacred sites
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Final Fantasy VII’s Buster Sword gets real-world practicality as a giant towel [Photos]
Converse Japan and one of Japan’s greatest painters combine for fine fowl shoes [Photos]
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Weekly
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month- Studio Ghibli unveils new anime stationery collection, with a Spirited Away River God memo stand
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Bear spotted near most popular hiking trail on Tokyo’s most popular hiking mountain- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Get more room in your luggage with new clothing compression machines at Haneda and Narita airports- Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
OC Japan Fair returns to California packed with all kinds of Japanese culture
Japanese convenience store is very focused with its new bento…maybe TOO focused
Tokyo’s Square Burger claims it’s a viral hit with foreign tourists who’ve given it near-perfect Google reviews
Monthly
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors- New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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Final Fantasy VII’s Buster Sword gets real-world practicality as a giant towel [Photos]
Converse Japan and one of Japan’s greatest painters combine for fine fowl shoes [Photos]
Japanese sweet potato ice cream season! Häagen-Dazs and Muji take different paths to our hearts
Three amazing Japanese convenience store sweet potato desserts to eat right now (and 11 for later)
New Cardcaptor Sakura fashion line delivers magical girl style for real-world ladies
Emperor of Japan poses for photo with Studio Ghibli’s No Face [Video]
My night trapped in Nagoya’s flood: what do you do when Japan’s trains shut down?
Denny’s Mapputatsu? Parfait is hiding a big secret in plain sight that splits us down the middle
Bear found on Japanese fishing boat, escapes into the sea
Here’s why you’ll never want to hit a hole-in-one in Japan
Japanese convenience store is very focused with its new bento…maybe TOO focused
Car-floating sheets selling well to cope with increasing flood risk in Japan
Three Daiso ideas for a super-cheap but still cool (or cute) Halloween look
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
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