Gransta Tokyo have selected the best travel lunches for your next long train ride.
Read More
Top Ten
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.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new popcorn Frappuccino at one special location
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Black Lagoon anime-themed cafes open now in Japan
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Pokémon’s Ash FINALLY wins a Pokémon tournament championship!
Following the Find Seiji a Girlfriend Project, our reporter now has to meet his girlfriend’s mom
Weekly
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】- Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
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- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
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】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Black Lagoon anime-themed cafes open now in Japan
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Pokémon’s Ash FINALLY wins a Pokémon tournament championship!
Following the Find Seiji a Girlfriend Project, our reporter now has to meet his girlfriend’s mom
Japanese alcohol company accused of advertising to children, pulls commercial off the air
Japanese Cabinet to officially announce new romanization spelling recommendation next week
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
One year after start of his girlfriend recruitment project, our reporter finally goes on a date
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Harajuku’s new permanent Tamagotchi shop is filled with cuteness and a surprising lack of poop
Heading off the beaten path in Hokkaido for a beautiful view and local sweets
-
