Gransta Tokyo have selected the best travel lunches for your next long train ride.
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Next time you’re passing through, keep an eye out for one of these station bento to treat yourself during your travels.
Need a little more action, adventure, and spying in your life? Try checking out free sample chapters from one of these current hit series in Japan.
These iconic series, spanning sci-fi to sports, were instrumental in paving the way for anime of subsequent decades.
For the third year in a row, this particular name takes the top spot for all felines, male or female.
Japan’s netizens club together to crown fictional stars who are flies in your soup, pebbles in your shoes, peas beneath your bed, or just plain evil!
Obaachan knows best, especially when it comes to popular Japanese snacks that have stood the test of time.
Don’t be afraid to take in the eye candy with these characters who originally graced the pages of Japan’s best-selling weekly shonen manga magazine.
Last summer, I was riding the subway with some friends from home who were visiting me here in Nagoya, Japan. Suddenly, my friend pointed at a sticker on the window behind us. “What’s that?” he asked, staring wide-eyed at the image of a smiling cartoon golden dragon wearing a train conductor’s uniform. “That’s the mascot of the Nagoya Transportation Bureau,” I replied, happy to be imparting local knowledge. “Oh,” he said. “And why does the Transportation Bureau need a mascot?”
You see, it’s the little things that can be most surprising about a culture that’s not your own. Today, we bring you a list of 10 quirky things that you probably didn’t know – or may not have realised – about everyday life in Japan.
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10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Black Lagoon anime-themed cafes open now in Japan
What happens when a middle-aged man does pole dancing regularly for five years in a row?
We make a Russian Kentucky Fried Chicken sushi ginger sandwich
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Weekly
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Monthly
- 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- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
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
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
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
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】
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We make a Russian Kentucky Fried Chicken sushi ginger sandwich
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Tokyo fish market breaks New Year auction record as single fish sells for over 500 million yen【Vid】
Harajuku’s new permanent Tamagotchi shop is filled with cuteness and a surprising lack of poop
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Iconic instant cup noodle restaurant on Shibuya Station platform closes
Sanrio’s adorable Embroidered Badge Biscuits solve the too-cute-to-eat snack dilemma【Photo】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
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