With chairlifts, an illuminated slide, and a dazzling Tamagotchi display, Illumillion is a must-visit spot in Japan this winter.
illumination
Ashikaga’s Flower Park transforms into a fantastical fairytale world that you can step inside for the next few months.
Winter enthusiasts will gain a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes efforts involved with this breathtaking Hokkaido festival.
Sagami Lake Resort will light up in all the colors of the Sailor Soldiers and provide plenty of pretty photo opportunities.
One of Japan’s top three illumination parks in the Kanto region is going to get even better this year!
For a fee, visitors to Kyoto will have the chance to illuminate one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks with a color (or two) of their choice!
Tokyo may be trying to take the throne of “City of Lights” from Paris and we’ve seen some dazzling lights in Mie Prefecture, but inKansai, nothing says holiday spirit better than “Kobe Luminarie.” The light display is entering another year of brilliance, as it was originally a display to honor the victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995, pray for the revival of the city, and reintroduce tourism into the region.
In an effort to save energy after the Tohoku Disaster in 2011, Kobe Luminarie changed their lightbulbs to LED lights. Smart move, right? You would think people would be happy with the economically and environmentally savvy improvement, but apparently the results were a little more sparkling than they’d hoped, in the bad way.















Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
New Mt Fuji bra set lets you wear Japanese art under your clothes
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Nara deer leave park, head to station for food as tourist numbers tumble due to coronavirus
Japan’s most popular maid cafe, Akiba Zettai Ryoiki, opens new “Maid Cafe Winery” in Akihabara
Japan’s super easy sweet potato spread lets you make sweet potato bread thanks to Don Quijote
Japan’s biggest dating app says young people not interested in romance, creates AI girlfriend app
Second round of One Piece inspired wedding dresses now on sale
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
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
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
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】
Nara deer leave park, head to station for food as tourist numbers tumble due to coronavirus
Japan’s most popular maid cafe, Akiba Zettai Ryoiki, opens new “Maid Cafe Winery” in Akihabara
Japan’s super easy sweet potato spread lets you make sweet potato bread thanks to Don Quijote
Japan’s biggest dating app says young people not interested in romance, creates AI girlfriend app
Second round of One Piece inspired wedding dresses now on sale
Snoopy and Woodstock, ordinarily inseparable pals, getting separate themed restaurant in Tokyo
Keisuke Honda apologises for English mistake at press conference 【Video】
Felt kits from Felissimo let you make purrfectly adorable palm-sized kitty craft
Using Japan’s ancient recipe for homemade instant rice that lasts at least two years, possibly 20
It’s not Gunpla, it’s Gunele! Witch from Mercury fan builds awesome Gundam Aerial from Legos【Pics】
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created
Japanese company asks fans to refrain from sending Valentine’s chocolate to game characters