We’ve compiled our favorite parts of this year’s event, including the largest-ever collection of special food, goods, and a new HamiKuma variant.
USJ
Let the witches of joy, anger, grief, and pleasure inspire a dramatic new look this Halloween.
Donkey Kong creator Shigeru Miyamoto gives video tour of brand-new expansion to USJ’s Super Nintendo World.
Super Mario and Donkey Kong head to Happy Meals, courtesy of their colony inside Universal Studios Japan.
You’ll see zombies, chainsaw men, and Leon Kennedy inside the Resident Evil haunted house, but no little kids.
Amid a backdrop of recently expanding its workforce by 2,000 crew members, USJ raises the hourly wage and more for part-time workers.
Missed the AR attraction the first time around? Now you’ll have another chance to “Set your heart ablaze”!
MOST POPULAR
Now
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Mizkan develops world’s most “beautiful” natto, Mr. Sato takes it for a spin
Japanese vending machine sells just one thing at this station
What’s in the KFC Japan fukubukuro lucky bag?
Cup Noodle mystery meat instant rice returns to Japanese stores after a seven-year absence
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
Japanese women sound off on the line separating a male friend and a boyfriend
Häagen-Dazs Japan releases new ice cream flavours inspired by fairytales
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Weekly
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Monthly
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
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan- Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Cup Noodle mystery meat instant rice returns to Japanese stores after a seven-year absence
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
Japanese women sound off on the line separating a male friend and a boyfriend
Häagen-Dazs Japan releases new ice cream flavours inspired by fairytales
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Studio Ghibli unleashes Turnip Head on the world
What’s in a Lawson fukubukuro lucky bag?
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Green cherry blossoms blooming now across Japan
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Tokyo’s new burger chain isn’t new, is disappointing, tasty, and hopeful all at once【Taste test】
-
