Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Horyu Temple
Often overlooked in favor of Kyoto, Nara Prefecture is one of the most beautiful and significant places—culturally and historically—in Japan. If you happen to be traveling in the Kansai region, we cannot urge you enough to make the time to swing by!
In fact, there’s so much to see that we can’t possibly tell you about every amazing place in Nara, but here are a few of our favorites!
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Survey shows more Japanese married men, single Japanese women cheating on their romantic partners
Trouble making friends? Sticker collecting works surprisingly well
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan’s most-wanted manga pirate arrested in the Philippines, facing deportation
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the countryCherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacyAnd now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventuresJapanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminatingJapan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
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 TokyoStarbucks 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
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
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan’s most-wanted manga pirate arrested in the Philippines, facing deportation
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Japanese expat remembers the words that changed his life when he started working in Australia
Tokyo museum offers beautiful exhibit showcasing the architecture of Studio Ghibli
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Japan now has more foreign residents than ever before, even as country’s total population shrinks
100-year-old brush shop in Tokyo sells a Japanese body brush that’s painfully good
Sumikkogurashi cafes coming to five cities, may be so cute/cozy you’ll never want to leave【Pics】
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to the best Turkish rice restaurant in Nagasaki!