skiing
When you need to get in out of the cold, Pikachu and his pals are waiting for you with tabletop trick art opportunities.
Family-run Nagano inn that’s been in business for more than 50 years has a very modern, very cool amenity.
This incredible promotion lets you ski all day for free, in a powder snow paradise just a few hours away from Tokyo Station.
Ask anyone in Japan if they love the shinkansen, and they’ll probably say yes. Commonly known as the bullet train, it’s convenient, handsomely designed, and the train’s aerodynamic nose is surprisingly an artisanal masterpiece, carefully formed by hand out of numerous metal plates in order to achieve the perfect curves.
Becoming a conductor of one is a typical kindergarten dream, and while a lot of kids grow out of that phase, some emerge as bona fide train fanatics who go by many monikers: tetsu-ota, tetchan, tetsu-kichi (as in “crazy”), you name it. Unfortunately, travel by shinkansen may be fast and luxurious, but it’s generally not cheap—for example, a three-hour one-way ride from Tokyo to Ōsaka can cost around 14,300 yen (US $140).
So what’s this about a 240-yen ticket in Nīgata Prefecture that has train enthusiasts all abuzz? A seasonal train station that’s actually part of a ski resort? A place called “Cowabunga” 125 miles north of Tokyo? Let comedian and self-declared train otaku, Ayako Suzukawa, be your guide today!










7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Evangelion original anime studio Gainax is now completely dissolved, Eva’s creator mourns ruined friendships
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Why you probably won’t get home-made Valentine chocolate and love confession from a Japanese girl
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
7-Eleven now sells rice burgers in Japan, blurring the line between fast and convenience store food
We take a ride on Seibu Railway’s futuristic luxury liner: the Limited Express Laview
More people in Japan quit sending New Year’s cards and many have started to regret it
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
7-Eleven now sells rice burgers in Japan, blurring the line between fast and convenience store food
We take a ride on Seibu Railway’s futuristic luxury liner: the Limited Express Laview
More people in Japan quit sending New Year’s cards and many have started to regret it
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Tokyo’s first gourmet choco banana specialty shop is worth stopping in Harajuku for
Tokyo’s new burger chain isn’t new, is disappointing, tasty, and hopeful all at once【Taste test】
Nestlé will release the ultimate perfected KitKat in honor of its 50th anniversary in Japan
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Sentinel’s new geometric Pokémon statues will add a new dimension to your collection
AR sport Hado added to Shizuoka high school curriculum