We find happiness in a small Japanese confection that would require real effort to break the bank.
Hirosaki
Hop on the bus in downtown Tokyo, wake up in a beautiful historic city in the northernmost prefecture of Honshu.
The renowned Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival has now joined the long list of events to be cancelled this year due to the ongoing coronavirus epidemic.
Tokyo is still waiting for its sakura to start blooming, but Hirosaki Castle, in the frozen north, is already beautifully pink.
Shinobi training manual covers ingredients to make sleeping potions and smoke bombs, as well as magic incantations.













Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
What happens when our reporters show up to work dressed like their fathers?
Studio Ghibli re-releasing all past theatrical posters and program booklets
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
What happens when our reporters show up to work dressed like their fathers?
Studio Ghibli re-releasing all past theatrical posters and program booklets
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Seaweed lovers can rejoice at this bento with almost nothing but ultra-premium nori
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Continuing our tour of the best sushi in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market with Mr. Sato! (Part 2)
Is real Tokyo as dangerous as the Yakuza video games? Chapter 3: Crazy Town
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
Lady Gaga goes gaga for Hatsune Miku, makes virtual idol her opening act