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!



Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Speed trap camera stolen from Saitama Police while in use
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
We try out the joys of Japan’s kakuuchi wine vending machine
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Mt Fuji installs new emergency shelters ahead of the 2026 climbing season
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
We try out the joys of Japan’s kakuuchi wine vending machine
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Mt Fuji installs new emergency shelters ahead of the 2026 climbing season
Taco Spaghetti appears in Japan, and our taco fan rushes to try it[Taste test]
Live-action Persona adaptation to be produced by Netflix, probably not set in Japan
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Krispy Kreme Japan releases new fruit doughnuts…that taste better cold
The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]
New live-action Pokémon adaptation announced for Pokémon Unite
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Here’s what Shibuya’s famous scramble intersection looked like after the Japan vs. Sweden match