preservation
Historic building used to be a brothel, now its ornate interiors are in danger of fading away.
Architectural landmark will soon be gone forever, but there’s still a chance of preserving its history for the future.
If you’re looking for a spectacular tourist destination without all the tourists, you’ll want to visit Kyoto’s sleepy little fishing town that floats on the sea.
The city of Rikuzentakata was thoroughly devastated by the March 11 tsunami. However, following the destruction a single 27 meter 200 year-old pine tree was left standing, the sole survivor of a forest of 70,000 trees along the coast line. The tree had become a symbol of hope for the country and local government vowed to protect it at all costs.
However, for the past year the tree’s health had been fading fast and it doesn’t have much longer to live. And so the city’s government is going to enact a preservation scheme which is rubbing Japanese netizens the wrong way due to its 150,000,000 yen (US$1.9M) price tag.






We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
The most preposterous “adult” gacha capsule toys at Akihabara Station
Smallest hotel room in Tokyo? This cheap stay for two will turn friends into lovers
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best chanpon noodles in Nagasaki!”
Japanese team wins Ig Nobel prize for confirming that banana peels are in fact slippery
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
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
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
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
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
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
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
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best chanpon noodles in Nagasaki!”
Japanese team wins Ig Nobel prize for confirming that banana peels are in fact slippery
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japanese convenience store’s sweet potato dessert drinks and coffee may have you skip Starbucks
How does KitKat Japan’s Adult Sweetness flavor stack up to other fan favorites?【Taste test】
Beautiful Studio Ghibli photo frames let you put yourself in the worlds of Totoro and Kiki【Pics】
Tokyo cafe staffed by robots piloted by paralyzed and otherwise housebound people
How much money should you give children for New Year’s otoshidama? Adults weigh in
J-horror classic Ring 2 airing on Japanese TV with Zen monk offering prayers every time someone dies