A small act of kindness from the cafe’s member of staff still warms our reporter’s heart when she thinks about it.
Moomin
The cozy photos of a fun day spent with a Moomin friend had everyone online clamoring for a visit, too!
The much-anticipated park will resemble the original park in Finland and allow guests to explore the world of the beloved characters.
A quirky adventure game, or a terrifying ploy to brainwash children of the world into becoming hippopotamus-like big-nosed creatures?
Thanks to years of espionage and international intrigue, Hattifatteners and Snufkin were first brought to Japan.
Over two years ago, the Finnish Ambassador to Japan announced that a Moomin theme park was being developed in Japan with the expected opening date in 2015. Some of our readers might be asking, “What the heck is a Moomin?” but these hippo-like fairies who originated in Finland have a very strong following and fan base in Japan. You might not be familiar with Moomin before you come to Japan, but once you get here, you grow to welcome them at your dining table.
Well, it’s already halfway through 2015, and there is still no Moomin theme park ready to take our money. Or is there? There might be a forthcoming announcement that has us all in a tizzy.
MOST POPULAR
Now
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Japan’s super easy sweet potato spread lets you make sweet potato bread thanks to Don Quijote
Turn a persimmon into a pudding with one simple ingredient
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 strangest kanji ever 【Weird Top Five】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Drunk cycling can result in an instantly suspended driver’s license in Japan
Nara unveils new vending machines that sell deer crackers
Weekly
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】- Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
- Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Monthly
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 considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan- Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
Turn a persimmon into a pudding with one simple ingredient
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 strangest kanji ever 【Weird Top Five】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Drunk cycling can result in an instantly suspended driver’s license in Japan
Nara unveils new vending machines that sell deer crackers
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Saying a prayer can open a passage between men’s and women’s baths at this Japanese hot spring
Taste-testing Tokyo’s biggest, best edible bug vending machine【Photos】
How to order snacks on a Shinkansen bullet train in Japan
Imitation is the greatest form of flattery: Is Chinese animation really a “rip-off”?
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Meet the eerie police statues of Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture
-
