From whacking watermelons with sticks to burying your friends in the sand or holding sweltering Japanese style BBQs, Japan has a very specific beach culture. We’ve introduced some of these activities before on our site, but this time, we’ve supersized the experience by adding more activities–and extra cheese!
We’ll introduce 13 beach scenes that you’re bound to experience on any trip to a Japanese beach, and present most of them in a six-second Vine video. We picked one of our favorite places to Vine from: Shiraishi Island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea where one of our writers happens to live. This tiny island of 560 people in Okayama Prefecture, is one of Japan’s best kept secrets: the beach is never crowded, the sea is tranquil, the sunsets superb, and the beer never stops flowing.
Get ready to take the plunge into the sea of Japanese beach culture with a local to show you la plage–Japanese style!
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
McDonald’s Japan releases “intense” McPork burger, prompts Michelin chef to create jam hack
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
50-year-old instant noodle recipe is back from the past in Japan for a limited time[Taste test]
Rumors say this is Japan’s very best McDonald’s branch, but what makes it special?[Taste test]
This standing sushi bar inside a Tokyo train station blew us away with its speedy deliciousness
Star Wars and Tamagotchi team-up for the R2-D2 Tamagotchi virtual pet【Video】
Weird Japanese vending machine find of the day: Cream in cans?
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
50-year-old instant noodle recipe is back from the past in Japan for a limited time[Taste test]
Rumors say this is Japan’s very best McDonald’s branch, but what makes it special?[Taste test]
This standing sushi bar inside a Tokyo train station blew us away with its speedy deliciousness
Star Wars and Tamagotchi team-up for the R2-D2 Tamagotchi virtual pet【Video】
Weird Japanese vending machine find of the day: Cream in cans?
Why is Yoshinoya called Yoshinoya?
Eat a mountain of chicken katsu at this restaurant in Nara【Photos】
We investigate Sendagaya Tunnel and get a message from beyond【Haunted Tokyo】
Pikachus perform classical Japanese dance routine for Japan’s most famous cherry blossom song【Vid】
Is Starbucks Japan’s new sakura matcha Frappuccino a green tea lover’s dream?
New Kura Sushi revolving sushi bar in Ginza is the chain’s most beautiful restaurant in Tokyo
“Online streamer” tops dream job poll for young Japanese kids, older kids not so interested
7-Eleven Japan’s sakura sweets season is underway right now!
We try buying a giant Costco Japan purin that’s not purin and not at Costco【Taste test】