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
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
This quiet forest cafe in Japan lets you read all day in the house of a famous author
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Adorable New “Pokemomo” Brand Goods Coming to Pokemon Center Stores Across Japan
Studio Ghibli hair accessories keep your style tidy with help from Kiki, Moro, Calcifer, and more
Natto for beginners? How to half-make Japanese fermented soybeans at home【SoraKitchen】
One Piece devil fruit ice cream coming back to Baskin-Robbins Japan
Bandai to release super-mega-retro-robot made up of Doraemon and friends
Weekly
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Monthly
- 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 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
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
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
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Adorable New “Pokemomo” Brand Goods Coming to Pokemon Center Stores Across Japan
Studio Ghibli hair accessories keep your style tidy with help from Kiki, Moro, Calcifer, and more
Natto for beginners? How to half-make Japanese fermented soybeans at home【SoraKitchen】
One Piece devil fruit ice cream coming back to Baskin-Robbins Japan
Bandai to release super-mega-retro-robot made up of Doraemon and friends
We visit a Japanese cafe famous for John Lennon and epic pancakes
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to the best Turkish rice restaurant in Nagasaki!
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
Undead train station in Yokohama is beautifully nostalgic, poignantly desolate
Gorgeous Ghibli schedule books are here to help you get a jump on planning ahead【Photos】
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Play games, learn, and get your fortune at Ginza’s limited-time Tsunaguu “Shrine of the Future”
-
