Iwate
Sure, Tokyo and Kyoto are nice, but this northeastern town is their top Japan travel pick.
The winning spot grabs the people’s vote for all of northern Japan for the fourth year in a row.
This preserved Tohoku building goes from completely devastated to practically unharmed in just a few floors.
Pikachu and Ash also watch over the crops, which were once destroyed by the tsunami in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
After this taste test, you’ll never want to go back to using regular drinking vessels again.
This “Festival of Tohoku Bonds” continues to pay homage to six of northern Japan’s most important annual festivals all at one time and one place.
The new release is a great example of how big companies can support local businesses in the wake of a disaster.
Morioka Zoo in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture has a host of both fierce and cuddly animals on its premises. Among the zoo’s current highlights are opportunities to see a baby giraffe, make dinner for the elephants, and feed raw meat to a lion. Oh, and did we mention that the animals there seem to have a penchant for looking dead while simply taking a snooze?
Tired of being called “uncultured” by those around them, our reporters Mr. Sato and Yoshio made a road trip to Iwate Prefecture and all of its historical sites such as the Chusonji Golden Hall and Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village. It was the perfect place to learn more about Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
However, as they drove along Route 4 heading for the over-900-year-old Morioka Hachiman Shrine, something unusual caught Mr. Sato’s eye. “It’s a big red Ferris wheel!” he shouted, immediately forgetting about the site where Emperor Ojin’s spirit is enshrined.
Grabbing Yoshio’s arm, he forced the car to an off ramp and closer to the Ferris wheel, which they would soon learn was not just any old wheel, it was the American World Ferris wheel!
At 4:55 p.m. today, the company behind many of Japan’s larger idol groups, AKS, released a statement regarding an attack on members of AKB48 and event staff during a handshake event in Iwate Prefecture this afternoon.
Members Rina Kawaei (19) and Anna Iriyama (18), as well as a male member of the venue staff, are said to have been injured, with a 24-year-old male taken into police custody.
MOST POPULAR
Now
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan
McDonald’s Japan partners with anime English teacher, but did they commit a cultural error?[Video]
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Giri? Tomo? Gyaku? A guide to Japan’s many different kinds of Valentine’s Day chocolate
Best breakfast in Akihabara? Might be the breakfast buffet at this “family restaurant”
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Weekly
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
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
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 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- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away- 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
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Giri? Tomo? Gyaku? A guide to Japan’s many different kinds of Valentine’s Day chocolate
Best breakfast in Akihabara? Might be the breakfast buffet at this “family restaurant”
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Studio Ghibli announces new anime short in production, now recruiting staff to make it
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at the Seria 100-yen chainstore in Japan?
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Abysmal viewer ratings for Pokémon anime series does not worry its broadcaster the slightest bit
Taiwanese Cosplayers Appear in their Droves, Show All-Out Passion for Hatsune Miku
Krispy Kreme Japan’s sakura donuts are almost here!
-
