trains
J-pop superstar brings new meaning to A Room of One’s Own on Japan’s busiest bullet train.
End of the line for JR East’s adorable mascot for its revolutionary train fare payment system.
For about 2,000 yen more than a regular reserved seat, you can spend the night on board the bullet train instead of paying for a hotel.
High-speed serenity has been low-key available on the Shinkansen for a long time with hardly anyone noticing it.
Overlooked luggage-forwarding service will become easier to use this autumn, especially for tourists staying in private rentals like Airbnbs.
Wondering if this extra luxury on your Japan trip is worth the extra ticket cost? Here’s a free way to find out.
New stores add a fresh taste and aroma to high-speed travel on Japan’s busiest bullet train route.
Suspension of unreserved seat tickets on some bullet train classes means planning ahead is especially important.
Beautiful new design pays homage to regions that the bullet train serves, with charming hidden details.
New machines at two of Tokyo’s busiest metro stations will require you to pay with a credit card or one-day-pass QR code.
“Hands-Free” service lets Shinkansen travellers send their suitcases by bullet train without carrying them onboard.
Some passengers are grateful for the warmer carriages, while others say they’re the last thing Japan needs during an excruciatingly hot summer.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Studio Ghibli unveils new My Neighbour Totoro Yearly Plate for 2027
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
Japan’s Tsukimi One-hand Bento’s name is all wrong, but it still looks entirely delicious
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Weekly
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027- Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!- Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Monthly
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo- Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
Japan’s Tsukimi One-hand Bento’s name is all wrong, but it still looks entirely delicious
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Join Naked in the Niwa garden: Kyoto Station’s newest spot to craft traditional art
Starbucks Japan adds new Sweet Potato Frappuccino and Latte to the menu, but do they deliver the taste of autumn?
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Solo travel in Japan: $3 all-you-can-drink deal at this conveyor belt restaurant is a fun time for one
Amid foreign sex tourist rise, Japanese government considering outlawing paying for prostitution
Japanese Starbucks that’s also an art gallery hosts exhibition by painters from Tokyo’s top art school
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
The mystery of Port Store, the Japanese convenience store that looks like a Lawson rip-off
-
