Japanese trains
Overlooked luggage-forwarding service will become easier to use this autumn, especially for tourists staying in private rentals like Airbnbs.
New stores add a fresh taste and aroma to high-speed travel on Japan’s busiest bullet train route.
“Hands-Free” service lets Shinkansen travellers send their suitcases by bullet train without carrying them onboard.
Some passengers are grateful for the warmer carriages, while others say they’re the last thing Japan needs during an excruciatingly hot summer.
Railway fans are full of praise for this heartwarming display of thoughtful customer service.
Japan’s only Starbucks on a bullet train platform now has faster ways for passengers to get their coffee before boarding.
Japan is usually known for its world-class design, but this site didn’t see the optical illusion.
Produced by Kawaii Monster Cafe creator, the Future Train diner serves up pink teriyaki burgers and wobbly pancakes aboard the Sakura Express.
Train etiquette can be hard to navigate for tourists, but locals need to watch their manners too.
Complete with departure bell alarms, this is a unique way to wake up for your train in the morning.
A retired Thunderbird gets a pink facelift and futuristic interiors that’ll whisk you away to another world.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Starbucks Japan unveils first-ever vending machine, with an exclusive coffee drink
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
TeamLab is building a new Tokyo museum, and it’s the digital art group’s biggest ever
Ghibli store Donguri Kyowakoku now has special frames to protect your anime art Paper Theater kits
Japanese mayors challenge each other to nighttime ninja battle, now recruiting participants
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Roaming rubbish bin robot at Shinjuku Station solves the problem of where to put your trash
New Gundam megastore announced for one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist neighborhoods
Mt. Fuji may soon require off-season climbers to register with government or pay for their rescues
Weekly
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
- How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successor
Two American women attempt to smuggle US$1 million worth of cannabis into Tokyo for a free trip to Japan
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
New Shinkansen platform vending machine sells local-flavor treats from 127-year-old snack maker
Megadeth guitarist becomes voice of reason regarding tourists dancing at shrine in Japan
New Transforming Business Card case brings anime mecha to Japanese work meetings
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst- Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
Monthly
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Roaming rubbish bin robot at Shinjuku Station solves the problem of where to put your trash
New Gundam megastore announced for one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist neighborhoods
Mt. Fuji may soon require off-season climbers to register with government or pay for their rescues
Ghibli’s Toshio Suzuki not impressed by generative AI images, Hayao Miyazaki thinks even less of them
Two American women attempt to smuggle US$1 million worth of cannabis into Tokyo for a free trip to Japan
New Shinkansen platform vending machine sells local-flavor treats from 127-year-old snack maker
Don Quijote ear cleaner sucks, and was criticised by customers, but is the new version any better?
Join Naked in the Niwa garden: Kyoto Station’s newest spot to craft traditional art
Tokyo’s Shibuya puts up new posters asking visitors to use recycle boxes properly
Japanese restaurant chain offering free food for a year if you beat massive meat bowl challenge
Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successor
Megadeth guitarist becomes voice of reason regarding tourists dancing at shrine in Japan
-
