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.
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Lawson convenience stores sell a mega katsu sando, and there’s a hack to get it cheap in Japan
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
We test Daiso’s new storage container to see if it keeps rice fluffy even after freezing
KFC Japan unveils new Tsukimi Moon Viewing Burgers for 2024
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
We eat 13 of the most highly recommended sushi items at Sushiro and pick the best of the best
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
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
We test Daiso’s new storage container to see if it keeps rice fluffy even after freezing
KFC Japan unveils new Tsukimi Moon Viewing Burgers for 2024
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
We eat 13 of the most highly recommended sushi items at Sushiro and pick the best of the best
Fantastic Ghibli-inspired sculpted dragons take our breath away!
Japanese train driver and conductor duo melt hearts with behind-the-scenes friendship【Video】
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japanese Twitter presents chart of all panty types, for panty-identification science
Edo-era illustrated records show the disasters that have plagued Japan throughout its history
The 5 best Iwate foods and drinks to buy at the prefecture’s antenna shop in Tokyo
We make a DIY face gel out of yuzu seeds, and it’s surprisingly cheap and easy!
Tully’s Japan reveals new lineup of sakura cherry blossom beverages, sweets and drinkware
Japanese government proposes driver’s license change to make them easier for foreigners to read