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
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
Japan’s Poképark Kanto Pokémon theme park area shows first attraction photos
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
A diner’s guide to oden: Japan’s weird-looking, super-popular winter dish
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Visiting the Kikyoya Shingen Mochi theme park takes some planning–but it’s a stop worth making!
Rolling suitcase with built-in desk is perfect for mobile businesspeople and cosplayers alike
Getting a driver’s license in Japan the hard way: The first driving test a few more times
Japan Travel: Explore a mysterious hidden octagonal tunnel in the mountains of Kyushu
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
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Visiting the Kikyoya Shingen Mochi theme park takes some planning–but it’s a stop worth making!
Rolling suitcase with built-in desk is perfect for mobile businesspeople and cosplayers alike
Getting a driver’s license in Japan the hard way: The first driving test a few more times
Japan Travel: Explore a mysterious hidden octagonal tunnel in the mountains of Kyushu
The roller slide of terror: Treetop fun ride for kids is a terrifying experience for adult butts
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by cherry blossoms in the sun
Black Thunder chocolate-bar-shaped fishing lures coming next year
Evangelion, Spice and Wolf LED manhole covers installed in otaku-friendly neighborhood in Japan
“Yankee Anthropology” exhibit in Hiroshima now open to the public
Studio Ghibli unveils My Neighbour Totoro miniature house model
The Gudetama McFlurry is here — and the mystery flavor is as sweet as expected!【Taste test】
New Studio Ghibli x Seiko watch comes with a touching message from Hayao Miyazaki
Is Starbucks Japan’s new Valentine’s Day Frappuccino worthy of your love?