Train to off-the-beaten-path onsen town gives you a taste of Japanese bathing culture even before you arrive at your destination.
trains
Extra bullet trains at peak times and new early-morning/late-night departures will make it easier to zoom from one region of Japan to another.
Complete with departure bell alarms, this is a unique way to wake up for your train in the morning.
25 years after the Suica Penguin helped revolutionize how Japan buys train ticket and shops, JR’s plans for the future don’t include the character.




















Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
What did Shibuya really look like after the crowds on New Year’s Day?
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Japanese city gets its very own Starbucks Frappuccino for a limited time
Top Secret Cookie Recipe Finally Comes to Light
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo adds exclusive drinks to the menu for autumn
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
15 famous hotels in Tokyo investigated by Fair Trade Commission over possible price fixing
Major Japanese noodle chain is closing on Christmas Eve so workers can spend time with families
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
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 considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo adds exclusive drinks to the menu for autumn
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
15 famous hotels in Tokyo investigated by Fair Trade Commission over possible price fixing
Major Japanese noodle chain is closing on Christmas Eve so workers can spend time with families
Official website for Pokémon PON hanko stamps is now open!
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
People in Tokyo found over 4 billion yen in lost cash last year and turned it in to the police
Let’s learn how to order in a Japanese yakiniku restaurant with the help of a “cookable” puzzle
Toyota City civil servant arrested for using government access to run a detective agency
Japanese cat hanko stamps let you sign your name with extra flair and fur
Searching for Japan’s “river of the dead” in Tottori Prefecture【Photos】
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026