Questions are being raised over whether money from foreign tourists is being used as intended.
sakura
7-Eleven Japan reinvents convenience store fruit sandwiches with new salty pink sakura peach variety
The Yokohama-based donut specialty chain incorporates a unique ingredient into its dough that results in a divine texture and taste.
![Japan’s favorite sandwich pockets now come with sakura filling, but how do they taste?[Taste test]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/lp-1.jpg?w=640 "Japan’s favorite sandwich pockets now come with sakura filling, but how do they taste?[Taste test]")
Produced by Kawaii Monster Cafe creator, the Future Train diner serves up pink teriyaki burgers and wobbly pancakes aboard the Sakura Express.
![Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/nm-1.jpg?w=640 "Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]")
Once an under-the-radar sakura spot, this neighborhood near Shibuya has become dangerously congested.
![When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/mk-1.jpg?w=640 "When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]")
Limited-edition pink dessert seems unseasonal at this time of year, but all will be forgiven if it meets our high standards.
Three cities share the status of this year’s first sakura arrivals, with a fourth joining them one day later.
Why sit on a tarp when you can zoom through flowers on a 100-meter slide or risk falling into the trees from 370 meters in the air?
From covers of classics to altogether newer songs, these are the melodies that Japanese youth associate with graduation in this current Reiwa age.
MOST POPULAR
Today
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
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s remake can be played with an actual ocarina [Video]
Megadeth guitarist becomes voice of reason regarding tourists dancing at shrine in Japan
Converse Japan releases green tea cup sneakers so you can wear your love for sushi on your feet
Starbucks Japan unveils new Chilled Cup drinks for autumn
Anime magical girls grow to gigantic size with new Madoka Magica plushies [Photos]
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
New Japanese ice cream is Ballin, in more ways than one
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
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
Starbucks Japan unveils new Chilled Cup drinks for autumn
Anime magical girls grow to gigantic size with new Madoka Magica plushies [Photos]
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
New Japanese ice cream is Ballin, in more ways than one
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
Okinawa man convinced he won 700 million yen by scammers, saved by convenience store staff
Uniqlo’s sister brand will be waiting with Pokémon sweaters and parkas this fall [Pics]
Tokyo’s red-light district cafe lets you dine inside a real 1960s cabaret
Japan’s 20-year Ig Nobel winning streak continues thanks to people blowing their noses
New Transforming Business Card case brings anime mecha to Japanese work meetings
Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden announces nighttime foliage illumination event ahead of autumn
Starbucks Japan proves Pumpkin Spice is NOT dead, with a new take for autumn
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
-
