When it comes to going up and down in life, stairs really seem to be the most inconsiderate. Rather than carrying you along like your friends the escalator or elevator, stairs just seem to lay there without moving an inch to help you.
Even in Japan where politeness is a way of life, the stairs still just sit there waiting for us to do all the heavy lifting. All except a few flights of extremely well-mannered stairs located in Kitakata Station in Fukushima Prefecture. While they don’t physically help you to go up, they do still have power… the power to move you.

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A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Starbucks Japan releases beautiful sign-language mug at its first sign-language branch in Tokyo
Brown-haired girl sues Japanese school for telling her to dye hair black, court makes decision
Meet Asuna, the hyperreal android that will leave your jaw hanging 【Video】
Ginza hotel serves up one of the best breakfasts in Tokyo
Permanent Sailor Moon stage show theater announced for Tokyo
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
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
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
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
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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
Meet Asuna, the hyperreal android that will leave your jaw hanging 【Video】
Ginza hotel serves up one of the best breakfasts in Tokyo
Permanent Sailor Moon stage show theater announced for Tokyo
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
Hanton rice — a delicious regional food even most Japanese people don’t know about, but more should
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Four things to think about before you and your Japanese sweetheart tie the knot
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This store in Tokyo will pull out your grey hairs for you, leave you looking years younger
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Tokyo’s busiest train stations have a new, free, English-compatible navigation app
The top five places to survive the zombie apocalypse in Japan
We tried Mama’s Poop served fresh from a Tokyo eatery