Plus, we share our recommendations for off-the-beaten-path places to visit in each of them.
ranking
Japanese idol units and songs about not giving up strike big in this year’s list of the most influential TikTok tracks in Japan.
Take a bite out of one of these popular places where you can see the behind-the-scenes manufacturing process of some of your favorite foods in Japan.
Gransta Tokyo have selected the best travel lunches for your next long train ride.
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Cat got your tongue on where to stay? Choose one of these lodgings where the felines play a purrfect part of the customer service.
Next time you’re passing through, keep an eye out for one of these station bento to treat yourself during your travels.
Only three other countries from East or Southeast Asia scored lower on the global ranking.
My Hero Academia now accepting votes for “World Best Hero” from its vast roster of quirky characters
Japanese kindness leaves a lot to be desired in World Giving Index, but there may be a reason for it.
Here are the most popular picks for cherry blossom-viewing in both eastern and western Japan, based on bookings.
You may want to consider one of these wards chosen by Japanese survey takers if you’re planning on settling in Tokyo during your golden years.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Megadeth guitarist becomes voice of reason regarding tourists dancing at shrine in Japan
Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successor
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
We tried Japan’s Wobbly Beer Glass that forces you to drink water, and it humbled us
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Legendary Pokémon statues installed in downtown Tokyo, will be there through the fall
Anime magical girls grow to gigantic size with new Madoka Magica plushies [Photos]
Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden announces nighttime foliage illumination event ahead of autumn
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s remake can be played with an actual ocarina [Video]
Weekly
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026- Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successor
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
Monthly
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors- Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
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]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Legendary Pokémon statues installed in downtown Tokyo, will be there through the fall
Anime magical girls grow to gigantic size with new Madoka Magica plushies [Photos]
Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden announces nighttime foliage illumination event ahead of autumn
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s remake can be played with an actual ocarina [Video]
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
Japan’s 20-year Ig Nobel winning streak continues thanks to people blowing their noses
Starbucks Japan unveils new Chilled Cup drinks for autumn
New Japanese ice cream is Ballin, in more ways than one
New Transforming Business Card case brings anime mecha to Japanese work meetings
Converse Japan releases green tea cup sneakers so you can wear your love for sushi on your feet
Join Naked in the Niwa garden: Kyoto Station’s newest spot to craft traditional art
Uniqlo’s sister brand will be waiting with Pokémon sweaters and parkas this fall [Pics]
Starbucks Japan proves Pumpkin Spice is NOT dead, with a new take for autumn
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