Japan is well-known for its unique hospitality culture, which partially stems from the concept of “ichigo-ichie” (lit. “one time, one meeting”), the tea master’s philosophy that every encounter is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to be cherished.
Now, Japan is flexing its hospitality muscles in the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by rolling out new services and products to help visitors and reduce the stress that comes with travelling in a country where things can sometimes get lost in translation. The latest display of impressive hospitality comes from Saitama City, where the city council is offering free SIM cards to its foreign visitors.
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
All-you-can-drink Starbucks and amazing views part of Tokyo’s new 170 meter-high sky lounge
More foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
Beautiful Sailor Moon manhole cover coasters being given out for free by Tokyo tourist center
Arrest proves a common Japanese saying about apologies and police
Tokyo luxury hotel offers month-long stays with free breakfasts, might be cheaper than apartment
The oldest tunnel in Japan is believed to be haunted, and strange things happen when we go there
Tokyo Station’s perfect breakfast spot might just be this izakaya Japanese-style pub
Hello Kitty isn’t a cat!? We called Sanrio to find out!
Chowing down on dirt-cheap gyoza and insane portions at Fukuoka’s Gyoza Supermarket Pub
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
We try out “Chan Ramen”, an underground type of ramen popular in the ramen community
Starbucks reopens at Shibuya Scramble Crossing with new look and design concept
Beautiful new Final Fantasy T-shirt collection on the way from Uniqlo【Photos】
Foreign English teachers in Japan pick their favorite Japanese-language phrases【Survey】
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
There’s a park inside Japan where you can also see Japan inside the park
Japanese convenience store packs a whole bento into an onigiri rice ball
Studio Ghibli releases Kiki’s Delivery Service chocolate cake pouches in Japan
Japan’s bone-breaking and record-breaking roller coaster is permanently shutting down
New definition of “Japanese whiskey” goes into effect to prevent fakes from fooling overseas buyers
Foreign passenger shoves conductor on one of the last full runs for Japan’s Thunderbird train
Our Japanese reporter visits Costco in the U.S., finds super American and very Japanese things
Kyoto bans tourists from geisha alleys in Gion, with fines for those who don’t follow rules
Studio Ghibli unveils Mother’s Day gift set that captures the love in My Neighbour Totoro
Domino’s Japan now sells…pizza ears?
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
Sales of Japan’s most convenient train ticket/shopping payment cards suspended indefinitely
Sold-out Studio Ghibli desktop humidifiers are back so Totoro can help you through the dry season
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Tokyo’s most famous Starbucks is closed
One Piece characters’ nationalities revealed, but fans have mixed opinions
We asked a Uniqlo employee what four things we should buy and their suggestions didn’t disappoint
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli’s new desktop Howl’s Moving Castle will take your stationery on an adventure
Tokyo luxury hotel offers month-long stays with free breakfasts, might be cheaper than apartment
The oldest tunnel in Japan is believed to be haunted, and strange things happen when we go there
Tokyo Station’s perfect breakfast spot might just be this izakaya Japanese-style pub
Hello Kitty isn’t a cat!? We called Sanrio to find out!
Chowing down on dirt-cheap gyoza and insane portions at Fukuoka’s Gyoza Supermarket Pub
Do Japanese women check out each other’s lingerie at the hot springs? Survey investigates
Awesome life-size anime figure display exhibition opens in Tokyo this month
Time to vote for your favourite in Japan’s Sanrio Character Curry Election
Largest Japanese giant salamander dies, aged…Maybe 70 or so?
Father and son dissect a gachapon capsule toy machine to show us its magical insides【Video】
How to avoid queues at this Ichiran ramen restaurant in Japan
Our Japanese reporter visits Costco in the U.S., finds super American and very Japanese things
Super Budget Dining in Japan – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen (US$6.70) at Saizeriya?
World’s largest Kura Sushi revolving sushi restaurant opens, but not in Japan【Video】