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.











One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Maker of Japan’s first crane machine is looking for a working model, offering 100,000-yen reward
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Japanese military called in to deal with increasing bear attacks in rural prefectures
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Ice cream with Japanese dashi kelp stock shocks us enough to try it【Taste test】
Fried sandwiches arrive in Tokyo, become hot topic on social media
Survey reveals the average monthly allowance of Japanese high school students
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Tokyo all-you-can-eat senbei deal is perfect for newbies to the world of beloved Japanese snacks
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
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
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Japanese military called in to deal with increasing bear attacks in rural prefectures
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Ice cream with Japanese dashi kelp stock shocks us enough to try it【Taste test】
Fried sandwiches arrive in Tokyo, become hot topic on social media
Survey reveals the average monthly allowance of Japanese high school students
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
Ginza hotel serves up one of the best breakfasts in Tokyo
Totoro embroidered bags and pouches are as fluffy and cute as the Ghibli star himself【Photos】
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Yakushima: Checking out the island that inspired Princess Mononoke
Should you flush a Japanese toilet with your foot or your hand?
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says