Watch performers balance spectacular lantern poles on their chins in an unforgettable summer festival.
lanterns
Local resident reveals the secret spots you won’t want to miss during this breathtaking festival.
Centuries-old Kyoto craft workshop teams up with Tokyo luxury hotel for an unprecedented portioning system.
Filled with marvelous displays and breathtaking performances, this is one festival you won’t want to miss.
The Nagasaki Lantern Festival gives the city an amazing ethereal atmosphere for just a few nights every February.
Southern city’s lunar New Year celebration is even more ethereally beautiful when viewed from the rails.
In a short, short time from now, this awesome Star Wars lantern could be in a room very, very close to you.
If you are in Niigata this March, you can live out your Tangled fantasy with a breathtaking view of floating lanterns that rival the beauty of the Disney movie and the festival in Thailand that inspired the film’s iconic scene.
In case no one told you, it’s obon this week in Japan! For many people this means a well-deserved long vacation and a trip home. It also means lots of fun cultural events. As you may know, obon is a Buddhist holiday all about the spirits of deceased ancestors coming back for a short visit. Tourou nagashi, literally “lanterns flowing,” is a special ceremony where, as the name implies, lanterns are set afloat, usually down a river. It’s a fun way to spend your evening and an incredible sight as well! This week, we headed to Azuma Bridge in Asakusa, Tokyo to check out the ceremony!









Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Japan’s Poképark Kanto Pokémon theme park area shows first attraction photos
Studio Ghibli Rollbahn notebooks are both dynamic and subtle salutes to anime classics【Pics】
New virgin-killing sweater discovered, modeled in Japan【Photos】
Uniqlo releasing first-ever Pokémon T-shirts inspired by Trading Card Game artwork【Photos】
Mega meat noodles in Tokyo: 2.6 pounds of meat, one bowl of soba, no regrets【Video】
We make a super giant sushi using Costco salmon in Japan【SoraKitchen】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
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
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
Studio Ghibli Rollbahn notebooks are both dynamic and subtle salutes to anime classics【Pics】
New virgin-killing sweater discovered, modeled in Japan【Photos】
Uniqlo releasing first-ever Pokémon T-shirts inspired by Trading Card Game artwork【Photos】
Mega meat noodles in Tokyo: 2.6 pounds of meat, one bowl of soba, no regrets【Video】
We make a super giant sushi using Costco salmon in Japan【SoraKitchen】
Japan’s 10 best singing voices as chosen by people in the industry
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Travel tip: Fukuoka has a great luggage delivery service that’s cheaper than a coin locker
HacoKara Karaoke Box: The best way to de-stress at the cinema in Japan
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Japan has a new energy drink designed to pair with one of its favorite instant noodle brands
We tried “brain-flavored” zombie ramen from Hokkaido, with surprising results!