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!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Asakusa’s Yoi no Yoi bar crawl is one of Tokyo’s best local nights out
Japan law lets you claim reward for finding lost property, man may have scammed it over 60 times
Studio Ghibli adds new anime character badges to its streetwear shop in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s biggest manga magazine is raising its minimum payment rate for creators
Japan has canned fried chicken, and we taste-test two types of no-cook karaage
Often-overlooked castle in Japan looks so beautiful in the snow that we can’t take our eyes off it
Weekly
- 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
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day- 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
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Yearly
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】- Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Studio Ghibli adds new anime character badges to its streetwear shop in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s biggest manga magazine is raising its minimum payment rate for creators
Japan has canned fried chicken, and we taste-test two types of no-cook karaage
Often-overlooked castle in Japan looks so beautiful in the snow that we can’t take our eyes off it
Is a snow day the perfect day to beat the crowds at a popular ramen restaurant? [Experiment]
“Nurse Sticking Scissors in Her Mouth” and other photos from Japan’s craziest free image website
New Frappuccino from Starbucks Japan comes filled with sweet potato fries 【Taste Test】
We try a palace-style bathhouse in Chiba (tattoos ok)!
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Testing Japan’s fluffy mayonnaise pancake cooking hack【SoraKitchen】
McDonald’s Japan hack: What happens when you put an apple pie inside a Big Mac?
Starbucks teams up with the oldest of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns to create a Bizen ware coffee mug
-
