In 2012, a Japanese man was allowed to take a supervised tour of the secretive country of North Korea, we’ve reported some of his observations about their fine dining, public transportation, and more. And now we bring you coverage of one of the most unique tourist spots in the world: the only currently captured United States Navy Ship, the USS Pueblo.
Our correspondent’s tour guide and government appointed escort took him to the ship moored in Pyongyang where the guide told him “even today, America continues to beg the ship be returned.”

Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Rumors say this is Japan’s very best McDonald’s branch, but what makes it special?[Taste test]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Doraemon in Nirvana: Chiang Rai’s White Temple like a beautiful, bad pop culture pipe dream 【Photos】
We stress-test Uniqlo’s “Impressive Jacket and Pants” to see if they live up to their names
Solo cherry blossom viewing — 30 percent of young men in survey plan to see sakura alone【Survey】
Horrifying video shows gravity-defying bus accident
Power up like Godzilla with new limited-edition Godzilla Energy Drink
Why do I look normal in my home mirror, but hideous when I catch my reflection in a window?
Make a Burger King Whopper at home with new CooKING Burger @Home delivery set
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan