Tokushima
A special bus takes us to a part of Japan with a special dance, special mountain, and more.
This relatively unknown local delicacy is well worth getting your hands on…if you can find it!
Municipalities and prefectures are hoping they can stop the dreaded red-necked longhorn beetle before they get out of hand.
The people have made it clear that they want the shrine to stay, but will that be enough to save it?
Japanese history can be a lot of fun to explore, from the Sengoku era to the modernization of Japan in the Meiji Period. We’re sure everyone has their own favorite time period, but one that doesn’t always get the respect it deserves is the Heian Period. Lasting roughly from 794 to 1185, the period was a relatively peaceful time in Japan that saw a blossoming of culture in everything from literature to music.
Unfortunately, we can’t just hop on a plane and go back in time to see everything for ourselves. But there is a hotel in Shikoku where you can experience a bit of the Heian life for yourself complete with period costumes, games, and architecture! So whether you’re a history buff or just need a major change of scenery, you’ll want to check out Gosho Yashiro no Mori!
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April this year saw the nationwide emergence of Okazaemon a regional mascot (called yurukyara in Japan) who operates out of Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. In spite of looking like a strung-out cat that will stab you for its next fix, Okazaemon has captured the hearts of mascot fans with his offbeat charm.
In fact, Okazaemon’s ever-rising star has earned him second place in the Regional Yurukyara General Elections after Funasshi, another breakout mascot success of 2013. And with such notoriety there are bound to be those who emulate the formula. Enter Okazaennu: the female weird kanji cat character.
















Village Vanguard tries to tickle us pink with a Pink Lucky Bag
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Researchers in Japan give mouse glowing sperm
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Studio Ghibli serves up new anime food at Ghibli Park
The meaning of the mandarin and 6 other Japanese New Year traditions explained
Are 100-yen shop Daiso’s gel nail polish strips a good dupe for salon quality nails? Let’s find out
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Sanrio brings some smiles to Evangelion with new collaboration merch line【Photos】
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
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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】
Studio Ghibli serves up new anime food at Ghibli Park
The meaning of the mandarin and 6 other Japanese New Year traditions explained
Are 100-yen shop Daiso’s gel nail polish strips a good dupe for salon quality nails? Let’s find out
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Sanrio brings some smiles to Evangelion with new collaboration merch line【Photos】
Game of Jenga filled with high-grade whiskey goes on sale in Japan for nearly 2 million yen
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Ruru Cafe Shibuya wows customers by serving coffee and sweets on unique water tables
Hotel in Japan is offering rooms for just 390 yen a night, less than the cost of a bowl of ramen
Studio Ghibli’s kodama ready to leave the Princess Mononoke forest as a squeezable keychain【Pics】