Takanori Nishikawa’s home prefecture supermarket has a whole line of Christmas cakes named after his songs, but do they look the part?
Shiga Prefecture
Looking for a scenic outing this month? This lakeside park in Shiga will leave you transfixed with all of its autumn glory.
Move right along with your business–there’s nothing out of the ordinary going on at the city hall.
Koka City was once home to the legendary Koga Ninja Clan, and the local station pays homage with some fun trick art!
Soon it may become illegal to take any photos from “hidden cameras” in Shiga Prefecture, which may mean a ban on catching Pokémon with your smart phones – Nooooo!!!
Every day leading up to Ninja Day (February 22), Koka City public servants will come to work dressed as the secretive badasses!
When people think of Japan, they often think of towering buildings, tons of traffic, and commuters being packed in trains like sardines into cans. But you’ll find that if you travel outside of the city center, Japan also has a plenty of nature and wildlife to be enjoyed as well.
One of the more well-known sights to be seen are herds of wild deer found in areas like Nara Park and Miyajima. Without any predators or hunters to worry about, the deer can breed freely and herd numbers can get quite high. Overpopulation can become a problem, not just for farmers and people living in the area, but for the surrounding wildlife as well. So what can be done when wild deer numbers get out of hand? Well one solution could be to do as Shiga Prefecture did, and cook up some special venison curry.
There’s no doubt that crows are some of the smartest animals on the planet, so we have to admit that we’ve always found it kind of funny that they’re fooled by something like a scarecrow. Silly birds, those things look nothing like real humans! Unless you’re out driving around Japan’s Shiga Prefecture and happen upon Nobuou Onishi’s farm. Then even careful humans might be fooled by his incredible scarecrows.
In fact, Onishi’s scarecrows are so realistic–and have captured so much attention–that he’s been requested to create an installation for the Borderless Art Museum NO-MA in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture. Check out some of the photos from Onishi’s farm below to see if you can believe your eyes!









Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Japanese mom’s sketchbook of amazing anime character designs from 50 years ago amazes daughter
Beyond sakura: How to tell a cherry blossom from a plum or peach flower
Japanese government wants to build luxury resorts in all national parks for foreign tourists
Daiso’s 100-yen ramen egg makers even better in smaller sizes
Does changing your smartphone lock to 8376 bring good luck, as one Japanese book title suggests?
Life-size Totoro FOUND! Live out your Ghibli fantasies in Tochigi Prefecture
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Beyond sakura: How to tell a cherry blossom from a plum or peach flower
Japanese government wants to build luxury resorts in all national parks for foreign tourists
Daiso’s 100-yen ramen egg makers even better in smaller sizes
Does changing your smartphone lock to 8376 bring good luck, as one Japanese book title suggests?
Life-size Totoro FOUND! Live out your Ghibli fantasies in Tochigi Prefecture
Is real Tokyo as dangerous as the Yakuza video games? Chapter 3: Crazy Town
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
Crafting an easy hands-free umbrella with a few ordinary household items
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Tokyo government provides coronavirus home recuperation sets with instant ramen, curry, and more
Ghibli Park announces new ticket system, adds flexibility and low-priced options