vacation
Three Japanese companies are working together to help show the importance of a good night’s sleep. Read More
Cooling beauty products, minty fresh sweets, and a beautiful hotel–what else could you want?
With summer vacation just around the corner in Japan, here are seven accommodations in five different areas to spend your dream getaway.
Whether digital or just a taste of travel, these experiences might help sate a little bit of your wanderlust!
Nothing’s nicer on a cold autumn day than a hot outdoor bath while gazing at the changing leaves.
Have your pet feeling rejuvenated both physically and spiritually after a getaway in Japan.
Vacationing can be an expensive endeavor, so save a bit of yen by visiting these fantastic free locations!
Take in the beach, sea, and sky for the perfect vacation. This is what dreams are made of.
The JTB corporation, established in 1912, has been planning and booking vacations for hundreds of thousands of Japanese citizens and foreign visitors for decades. Although many in the west now prefer to book online, in Japan it’s still quite common to call up your local travel agent and have them book your vacation on their behalf.
With the constant exportation of culture through anime and manga, more and more people are looking to make their Japanese vacation dreams come true. And now, JTB is excited to introduce a brand new tour package that includes all the things newlyweds and betrothed couples are looking for in a vacation: exotic locations, cultural immersion and even a wedding.
Rikishi, oyakata, tokoyama, and Yokozuna. If these Japanese words mean anything to you, then you are likely a super sumo fan. Like any popular sport, it’s expensive to see your favorite athletes compete – and actually meeting and chatting with them seems like a distant dream. This is not so different for Japan’s national sport of sumo, with 13,000 fans at each tournament cheering for their favorites, you are just one in the crowd.
But, of course everyone wants more – more chances to take pictures and more chances to meet your favorite stars. Well, if you have nothing else planned for December, right now is your last chance to sign up for the Grand Sumo Cruise! Just be ready to open up your wallet!
Pikachu invites you to create wonderful memories with your family this summer as part of All Nippon Airways (ANA)’s 2014 Pokémon-themed travel campaign! The summer campaign has proved popular with families with small children in the past (and with the adults, too…), and 2014 promises to be no exception. Some of the notable features include the chance to fly in a one-of-a-kind Pokémon jumbo jet, a special in-flight animated video, hotel rooms decked out in Pokémon paraphernalia, and other cool surprises! If you’re a Pokémon fanatic, this might just be the perfect vacation plan for you.
Nope, the above image isn’t a production still from a live-action version of The Pilot’s Love Song or Zelda: Skyward Sword. Rather, this glorious view can be seen from the popular “Sea of Clouds” (unkai) Terrace on Mount Tomamu, which is entering its ninth year of service.
Such a magnificent vista is generally the sole privilege of determined hikers, but this resort attraction in the heart of Hokkaidō delivers you to it in a mere 13 minutes, and you don’t even need an ounce of upsidasium! Whether you’re a nut for Laputa, a hardcore Bioshock Infinite cosplayer, or just a nature lover like me, you’ve got to check out this unique mountaintop experience.
Recent studies have warned that, for all their convenience and the social interaction they allow, our mobile devices and anywhere, any time wireless internet access could potentially be hazardous to our health. But what if you just can’t bear to power down your iPhone, tablet, laptop or games console?
If you’re in need of a getaway, and want to assure yourself that the negative effects of your array of gadgetry will be entirely offset by your relaxing surroundings, there’s probably no better place than this luxurious beach villa on the Thai island resort of Ko Samui, which is fitted with pretty much every modern convenience from iPad-controlled shutters to remote-operated pool thermostats and top-of-the-range cooking equipment – available to rent for a cool US$650 a night.
Join us after the break for a photo tour.
With the abundance of public holidays and an average of 18 vacation days per year, the stereotype of the overworked and exhausted Japanese worker may seem like a relic of the past. But a recent survey by Expedia Japan comparing the vacation schedules of 24 countries proves yet again that the stereotype is alive and well.
For the sixth year in a row, Japan came in dead last as workers are only taking an average of 39% of their annual paid leave. And perhaps unsurprisingly, Japan ranked last in worker satisfaction.



















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
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Black Thunder chocolate-bar-shaped fishing lures coming next year
Police called out to investigate suspicious Santa in Wakayama
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Cappuccino Ramen becomes super popular in Japan, but is it worth the hype?
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
I had no idea you could win crane game prizes in Japan the way my friend won this Dragon Quest Slime
New toy from Takara Tomy transforms eggs into custard pudding in just a few cranks of a handle
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
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
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Cappuccino Ramen becomes super popular in Japan, but is it worth the hype?
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
I had no idea you could win crane game prizes in Japan the way my friend won this Dragon Quest Slime
New toy from Takara Tomy transforms eggs into custard pudding in just a few cranks of a handle
Studio Ghibli unleashes Turnip Head on the world
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Ghibli Window Wall Art series turns any wall into a portal to an anime wonderland【Photos】
Four things you should eat at KFC Japan, according to staff who work there
We try Taiwan’s newest taste sensation: Pudding Ramen!
We put Japanese custard pudding on toast and it’s the best thing ever【SoraKitchen】