The first time I went to Tokyo alone, I got lost within the first five minutes of arriving at Shinjuku Station, unable to comprehend why there were so many transfers to different lines going in different directions. Without mobile data on my phone, I was basically one of the ‘internet-less lost gaijin’ crippled by the lack of Google Maps who ended up befriending the station master at every transfer station because, without them, I would probably have had to spend the night hanging out with the buskers on the streets.
The maps in Japanese subway stations are not only confusing, they also look like multi-colored spaghetti or weird roller coasters, and I can clearly recall thinking how nice it would be to have a better-looking representation of the city’s train lines. Thankfully, it looks like South Korean design company Zero per Zero has fulfilled my wish with their subway map designs, which are becoming a hot topic on Reddit.











Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Muji’s Sofa Made From Air review: Is Japan’s most sought-after portable couch worth the hype?
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Matsushima restaurant offers all-you-can-eat sashimi in as many ways as you can dream it【Photos】
Sanrio brings some smiles to Evangelion with new collaboration merch line【Photos】
The new Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is packed with entertainment, food, and drinks–with one caveat
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
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
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
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】
Muji’s Sofa Made From Air review: Is Japan’s most sought-after portable couch worth the hype?
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Matsushima restaurant offers all-you-can-eat sashimi in as many ways as you can dream it【Photos】
Sanrio brings some smiles to Evangelion with new collaboration merch line【Photos】
The new Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is packed with entertainment, food, and drinks–with one caveat
Okonomiyaki taiyaki: Sweet and savoury combination confuses the senses
Japan’s premier love doll maker is closing, says goodbye to fans with heartfelt message
Village Vanguard tries to tickle us pink with a Pink Lucky Bag
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
The best cosplayers from Day 1 of Winter Comiket 2024【Photos】
Sailors Uranus and Neptune are here to save your lips with Sailor Moon lip balm
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan