rural life
Complete with advice from a local side character, this off-the-beaten path adventure is wild and frightening at the same time.
What’s the appeal of the more rural southwestern prefecture over a centralized urban lifestyle?
If you’ve ever visited Japan, chances are your first stop in the country has been a big, bustling metropolis like Osaka or Tokyo. While the enormous flat screens, heaving intersections and impressive skyscrapers make for some memorable photo moments, it’s the serene, picturesque country towns that really hold the true essence and beauty of Japan.
For those of us who can’t make a trip out to soak in the serenity of the countryside, there’s a short, three-and-a-half minute film that will transport us there. If you loved Chihiro’s tranquil train ride in the Studio Ghibli movie Spirited Away, you’ll love this touching video, which introduces us to a stationmaster called Miyako, who waves at all her departing passengers—and keeps waving until they disappear into the horizon—showing us just how moving a simple gesture can be.
Although Nagasaki is one of the most populous cities on the island of Kyushu, many neighborhoods are built on steep coastal hillsides that are inaccessible by car. Then there’s the rest of Nagasaki Prefecture, which is dotted with isolated communities on its hundreds of islands.
But with the prefecture’s unique beauty and culture, it’s not hard to see why many residents of Nagasaki are happy living where they do. And while there may be some inconveniences that come with living in such remote homes, they can at least be assured of receiving their newspapers every day, as this surprisingly moving video of the incredibly complex delivery process shows.











A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
A visit to the oldest Yoshinoya chain in Japan for one last beef bowl before it closes for good
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
The young girl starring in this cool retro-style McDonald’s Japan video is actually 62 years old!
University of Tokyo announces new department with all classes taught in English
This is Japan’s, and the world’s, first capsule hotel, and you can still stay there
Tokyo cat shelter and coworking space lets you be productive with cats
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Japanese woman mistaken for bear
Return of Totoro sequel short anime announced for Ghibli Park
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
We go on a quest to find the cheesiest sushi at Japanese conveyor belt sushi chains【Taste test】
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
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
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
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
The young girl starring in this cool retro-style McDonald’s Japan video is actually 62 years old!
University of Tokyo announces new department with all classes taught in English
This is Japan’s, and the world’s, first capsule hotel, and you can still stay there
Tokyo cat shelter and coworking space lets you be productive with cats
New Evangelion short anime, written by Hideaki Anno, to have world premiere early next year
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
We found the “world’s best breakfast” at this Japanese hotel, and it was not cheap【Taste test】
Weathering with You anime cafe opening soon with beautiful Shinkai-inspired menu items【Photos】
Family Mart makes new anti-food-waste stickers, free for other stores and restaurants to use too
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Ikea Japan’s matcha sweets fair is back, and with all-new green tea desserts!
Black Thunder chocolate-bar-shaped fishing lures coming next year