Visiting the imperial family unannounced is always a bad idea, especially when it’s the middle of the night and you’re hammered.
Imperial Palace
Hardly anyone stays in Nara while traveling, but this hotel shows how they’re missing out.
Whether you’re looking for the hustle and bustle or peace and quiet, this list has you covered.
Now’s your last chance to see structures that can’t be seen again until the ascension of the next emperor.
It’s time to plan your sightseeing campaign across Japan! Read More
Next year, the Japanese emperor, Akihito, turns 80 years old. That’s a pretty respectable age for just about anyone, we’d say. In celebration, the Imperial Household Agency has announced plans to open up the Imperial Palace to a select group of lucky commoners to be selected by lottery. Hmm…are you feeling lucky?
The Imperial Palace of Japan is a popular destination for tourists around the world. Aside from being the residence of the modern line of Japanese emperors, it’s also known for being the location of Edo Castle, home to the Tokugawa Shogunate. Being such a place steeped in culture and history, it’s definitely worth checking out, but that’s not the only reason. Tucked away in the imperial palace is a little known shop humbly called Kunaicho Seikatsu Kyodokumiai (Imperial Household Agency Cooperative) which sells food and items related to the imperial household. These items can only be found at this shop and they can’t be bought on-line.
This shop is largely unknown to even Japanese people, so our reporter Yoshio went in (after making the necessary reservation) to discover what limited edition treasures the Kunaicho Seikatsu Kyokumiai had to offer. Let’s see what he found in his photo-filled report!
According to a recent survey conducted by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), as of September 2012, numbers of foreign tourists visiting Japan reach 430,000, an increase of 32.7 percent. Japan’s tourist industry suffered as a result of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, but it looks like tourism is on the rise in Japan once again.
When foreigners do find themselves in Japan, travel guidebook in hand, they are inundated with advice regarding must-see places. But the worst part about taking a trip is arriving to one of these “must-see” locations and realizing it isn’t all that great. That’s why we’ve gathered up a list of the top five most disappointing tourist spots in Japan as recommended (unrecommended?) by users on Reddit.
MOST POPULAR
Now
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
New smartphone game turns car models into anime girls with model-worthy looks
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
‘A Cruel Angel’s Thesis’ took just two hours to write says Evangelion lyricist Neko Oikawa
Naruto jerseys coming to Major Leage Baseball theme nights, Hello Kitty to take over a field
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
Weekly
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now- Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Monthly
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 discriminating- Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Yearly
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- Starbucks 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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
New smartphone game turns car models into anime girls with model-worthy looks
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
‘A Cruel Angel’s Thesis’ took just two hours to write says Evangelion lyricist Neko Oikawa
Naruto jerseys coming to Major Leage Baseball theme nights, Hello Kitty to take over a field
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
JR East announces awesomely cheap one-day all-you can ride pass, Shinkansen included
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
Starbucks Japan releases new Chocolate Milk for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
-
