parks (Page 3)
Pink sakura and baby blue eye flowers team up for gorgeous views at this seaside park in Japan【Pics】
Fukuoka isn’t particularly famous for its cherry blossoms, but these photos have us thinking it should be.
The often-overlooked Doto region of Japan’s northern island is off the beaten path, but should be on your itinerary.
From elegant gardens to stoic shrines and museums of fine art, Tokyo is full of places to stimulate the mind, soothe the soul, and please the senses.
Mie town’s garden opens its gates after nightfall so guests can see the gorgeous blossoms in a whole new light.
Childhood is notoriously short in education-and-work-come-first Japan, but these tykes’ throwback idea of fun got them out of trouble with the law.
For decades, locals have said a woman’s ghost appears in the park at night, and our visit ended with frightening female fury.
Today (October 1) is Citizen’s Day in Tokyo, celebrating the independence and welfare of the area’s residents. And what better way to do that than by giving them free access to over 20 of Tokyo’s cultural attractions from museums to art galleries to gardens and even zoos.
Now, considering it’s Citizen’s Day you might be thinking that such a deal is only open to people living in Tokyo, but no! Anyone who can get out here today and today only can get free admission to the following places.
Many of Japan’s tasty regional delicacies don’t exactly qualify as low-calorie dining options, such as Fukuoka’s pork stock ramen, Osaka’s deep-fried kushikatsu skewers, and Nagoya’s miso pork cutlets. However, Yamanashi Prefecture’s local specialty, hoto, is relatively healthy, as it’s primarily a vegetable stew with miso broth.
With that in mind, the fact that a zoo in Yamanashi is home to a raccoon who’s so plump he’s almost spherical is a little ironic…and also pretty adorable.


















Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Cup Noodle and Columbia team up for a weird and wonderful T-shirt that’s very Japanese
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Bearista collection…with beary cute details
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
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]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Cup Noodle and Columbia team up for a weird and wonderful T-shirt that’s very Japanese
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Yakuza members arrested for building a road on mountain they don’t own
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Yakuza members arrested for going to baseball game
Sanrio eco-friendly plushies are here for the earth-conscious lovers of all things kawaii
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japanese government sets up new group to deal with trading card boom
Beautiful exclusive Totoro tenugui towel is a gift from Disney to Ghibli physical media buyers
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken