As we close in on the end of the year, it can be hard to remember all the places we went and all the things we did over the past 12 months. By “we,” I don’t mean just the RocketNews24 staff, since our website acts as written evidence of most of our year’s worth of frequent escapades and occasional shenanigans. Instead, I’m talking about all of the people who lived in or visited Japan during 2014.
Since we don’t have all of you under surveillance (just the half-dozen or so that Mr. Sato regularly tails throughout the day), we’re instead turning to photo-sharing site Instagram to be our judge, with its list of the top 10 Japanese photo locations that users shared over the course of the year.
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese vending machine serves up unique drinks at four Tokyo train stations
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower backtracks on its gender-neutral toilets, rejigging them to appease public
Canned cuteness as Hello Kitty and friends kick off Can Chara capsule toy line【Photos】
Poké Ball cakes here for limited but long time to celebrate Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary
Foreign shoppers in Akihabara tip us off to an awesome souvenir idea: DIY Paper Theater kit【Pics】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Mr. Sato asks the police how he can avoid getting hassled by them
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
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】
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
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】
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
Canned cuteness as Hello Kitty and friends kick off Can Chara capsule toy line【Photos】
Poké Ball cakes here for limited but long time to celebrate Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary
Foreign shoppers in Akihabara tip us off to an awesome souvenir idea: DIY Paper Theater kit【Pics】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Mr. Sato asks the police how he can avoid getting hassled by them
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
If Fast and Furious was about 1970s Japanese truckers, this dekotora would be the star【Photos】
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Japan Super Budget Dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at beef bowl chain Sukiya?
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Burger King’s new sumo burger thuds into Japan…but is it worth the hype?