Here are four great places in Japan where you can enjoy both the fall foliage as well as a soak in the hot springs.
seasons
Ashikaga’s Flower Park transforms into a fantastical fairytale world that you can step inside for the next few months.
This artist’s pet cat marks the changes of the seasons as surely as the flowering of the cherry blossoms.
Elegant comparisons makes adding a sense of time to your skyscapes a snap.
Are there ever times when you feel really glad to have been born where you were? Maybe you’ve felt that way during a holiday, or while eating your favorite local food, but regardless, most of us have had those moments when we’re just plain thankful to be a citizen of a particular country.
Internet portal Mynavi Woman was curious to learn the specific situations and things that made Japanese people happy to be Japanese, and so in typical Mynavi fashion they opened up an internet survey in July to find out. Those results are finally in, and we’re happy to present to you the top 10 things that made Japanese respondents feel lucky to be nihonjin!
One of the trickier aspects of adapting to life in Japan is getting the hang of the numerous seasonal customs. While your acquaintances aren’t likely to get that bent out of shape if you miss a day or two, completely adhering to proper etiquette involves managing a year-round schedule of sending gifts and written salutations to friends, family, and business associates.
The sentiment is definitely admirable, but don’t Japanese people don’t find this all to be a huge hassle? Actually, it turns out some of them do, as shown in a poll of the top five seasonal traditions people in Japan would like to do away with.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Pikachu to cuddle with kimono-clad beauty on Tokyo street as part of flower art event
Sanrio’s best-loved butthole defies physics in adorable sumo collaboration[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
61-year-old Japanese fisherman falls off boat and defies odds to swim to safety
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Kinotake Mother AI developed to study Japan’s divide between chocolate cookie snacks
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
What’s inside Japan’s super-rare, super-popular Nara bread?
Which Gundam is the favorite for fans in different countries? Gundam election announces results
Weekly
- Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature- Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Monthly
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events- Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]- Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Yearly
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Kinotake Mother AI developed to study Japan’s divide between chocolate cookie snacks
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
What’s inside Japan’s super-rare, super-popular Nara bread?
Which Gundam is the favorite for fans in different countries? Gundam election announces results
Top Secret Cookie Recipe Finally Comes to Light
These 7-Elevens are gettin’ fancy! We try their pate and terrine【Taste Test】
In downtown Tokyo, we talk to a guy who says he’s from Orion’s belt, get called an “idiot”
Busty Japanese brushstroke calligraphy artist shares visual appeal in video series【Videos】
Pringles Chocolate, but with a Japanese twist, is the snack hack you should be trying right now
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 1)
Japanese Godzilla looks set to attack New York in teaser for Godzilla Minus Zero[Video]
-
