rocks
Does this mean the priest’s purification ritual has placated the beast? Or is it an omen of something else to come?
Voldemort, Donald Trump, and Johnny Depp are just some of the famous faces you’ll find at this one-of-a-kind museum.
Shimane Prefecture awards a college student’s family a settlement in restitution for the roadside accident that took her life.
It’s hard to say which game is more highly anticipated, Final Fantasy XV or Kingdom Hearts 3, but with both of them tentatively scheduled for a 2016 release date, we just might find out. Or not…because a recent tweet about the latest Final Fantasy game is causing us to believe that a 2016 release date could be a pipe dream. Although there has been no delay announced, if the date is pushed back it might be in part due to the rocky situation they are in: they need more rocks!
The Japanese have long had a fascination with rocks. In fact, rock worship is an integral part of Shinto, Japan’s original religion. Iwakura (sacred rocks) can be found all over Japan. Rocks can be found in any Japanese garden, whether as stepping stones or objects of admiration themselves in dry landscape gardens or Zen rock gardens. One thing is for sure: Rocks are an integral part of the Japanese psyche.
So it’s no wonder that sacred rocks are popular among the Japanese as power spots. By harnessing the energy of these rocks, the Japanese are rediscovering their roots and the power of nature. But before we tell you about the three top rock power spots in Japan, we investigate how these monoliths and boulders gained their rock star status. Our rockin’ reporter uncovers the history and folklore of iwakura in Japan and gives suggestions on how to access the power of these rocks!








Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Ramen shop manager arrested for punching self in the face and pretending he was robbed
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Chocolate Totoro cream puffs and cakes coming to Japan’s Ghibli bakery for Valentine’s Day【Pics】
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
Mt. Fuji is officially closed for the year
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Eat Kuroge Wagyu beef at this Japanese restaurant in Ginza for less than 10 bucks!
100-year-old hanko signature stamp maker offering free digital stamp designs for teleworkers
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
Mt. Fuji is officially closed for the year
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Eat Kuroge Wagyu beef at this Japanese restaurant in Ginza for less than 10 bucks!
100-year-old hanko signature stamp maker offering free digital stamp designs for teleworkers
Cool onigiri holders from Japan let you carry your rice balls in style
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Kura Sushi opens new high-end revolving bar restaurant in Tokyo
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
Here’s where to find all of Japan’s new Pikachu Pokémon manhole covers in Yokohama【Photos, maps】