Here’s a guide to finding the right gym for you in Japan, a surprisingly difficult endeavor.
survival guide
A hashtag has been trending on Twitter in Japan recently that roughly translates as “the Comiket tips no one ever teaches you”. While a lot of the suggestions are tongue-in-cheek, there are actually some extremely useful tidbits hidden in there. People often say that Comiket is a battlefield, and it really is; thousands of otaku jostle for the chance to get their hands on limited-edition merch before it sells out, and if you’re not being crushed half to death like you’re on a rush hour train, you’re struggling to stay on your feet in the hours-long queues (here’s a bonus tip – portable folding chairs come in handy here).
Summer Comiket truly is hell on earth, so Winter is recommended for newbies, but if you really insist on going this summer, we’ve got this handy guide to help you out.
Getting a haircut in another country – in a foreign language – can be a daunting experience. We’ve all heard stories about that one unfortunate soul who, just wanting a trim, indicated a few centimetres between thumb and forefinger, only for the hairdresser to think that was how much they wanted to remain on their head and start lopping off hair left, right and centre.
Japan being Japan, of course there are a few surprising and funny things they do at salons that are different from back home too! But with some simple words and phrases under your belt, you can visit a Japanese hair salon with confidence. Join us after the jump for a guide to surviving – and hopefully enjoying – a haircut in Japan!



Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service returns to theaters with first-ever IMAX screenings and remaster
Survey finds that one in five high schoolers don’t know who music legend Masaharu Fukuyama is
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Skyscraper sized Pokémon cards to appear in Tokyo all year long in Tocho projection mapping event
Shinkansen station platforms now have…Baskin Robbins ice cream vending machines!
Beautiful Violet Evergarden anime skirts going on sale in Japan【Photos】
“Why, Japanese people!?” American dude has us rolling on the floor laughing with his comedic sketch
The massive Pokémon card public art display going on in Japan right now is a thing of beauty【Pics】
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is Sapporio’s Snow Festival awesome enough to be worth visiting even if you hate the snow? [Pics]
Japan has trams that say “sorry” while they ride around town…but why?
Sakura Totoro is here to get spring started early with adorable pouches and plushies
Poop is in full bloom at the Unko Museums for cherry blossom season
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Skyscraper sized Pokémon cards to appear in Tokyo all year long in Tocho projection mapping event
Shinkansen station platforms now have…Baskin Robbins ice cream vending machines!
Beautiful Violet Evergarden anime skirts going on sale in Japan【Photos】
“Why, Japanese people!?” American dude has us rolling on the floor laughing with his comedic sketch
The massive Pokémon card public art display going on in Japan right now is a thing of beauty【Pics】
Immigration officials raid cosplay event in Malaysia, arrest four foreign cosplayers
Manga artist raises question online about false perspective in Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro
Sanrio changes Hello Kitty lead designer for first time in 46 years
Real-life Spirited Away train line found in Japan?
Line of figures depicting animals using toilets begins pre-orders three months in advance
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month