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.






Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Japanese Twitterers share entertaining anecdotes of their experiences with foreigners
Survey reveals Japan’s Generation Z dresses for social media, not for self-expression
Anime holy ground – A visit to the real-world location of Look Back【Photos】
We suspected this Japanese cable car was an overpriced tourist trip, but we underestimated it
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】
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
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
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
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Japanese Twitterers share entertaining anecdotes of their experiences with foreigners
Survey reveals Japan’s Generation Z dresses for social media, not for self-expression
Anime holy ground – A visit to the real-world location of Look Back【Photos】
We suspected this Japanese cable car was an overpriced tourist trip, but we underestimated it
Studio Ghibli unleashes Turnip Head on the world
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods, drinkware and candles for the 2025 holiday season
Beautiful Starbucks in Kyoto blends into its traditional landscape in more ways than one
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
Ikea Japan’s matcha sweets fair is back, and with all-new green tea desserts!
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo