The Tenth International Manga Award submission period is open now. Gold and Silver Award winners will get a chance to visit Japan!
visit Japan
If you’re looking for a spectacular tourist destination without all the tourists, you’ll want to visit Kyoto’s sleepy little fishing town that floats on the sea.
Despite Japan’s relative safety, abundance of delicious food, fascinating culture, and friendly people, the country still lags behind as a tourist destination for foreign travellers. So the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games are the perfect opportunity for Japan to show off its famed omotenashi hospitality to the droves of foreign visitors who’ll be pouring into Tokyo to spectate.
As foreigners who’ve been living in Japan for a while, we think we might have some pretty good ideas about certain things Japan could do in order to make things a little easier on this influx of foreign guests…
With its rich history, visitors to Japan have no lack of interesting sites to see, from imperial palaces to castles, to the seemingly endless shrines and temples all across the country. Each spot has its own particular attraction that draws tourists in for a visit, from the giant Kaminarimon lantern at Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple, to the literally thousands of torii shrine gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
But here’s one temple you don’t want to forget to add to your itinerary: nicknamed the “Ninja Temple“, Myouritsu Temple is not just your ordinary run-of-the-mill Buddhist sanctuary. Full of secrets and surprises, adults and children alike are sure to enjoy what this special place has to offer.




Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Super Sentai Series to end after this season
Nintendo’s Kirby zooms into Japanese convenience stores Family Mart’s Super Satisfied Fest
All-you-can-eat lunch buffet for just 850 yen right next to Shinjuku Station
Tokyo’s first gourmet choco banana specialty shop is worth stopping in Harajuku for
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Pokémon Cafe’s new Mega Charizard curry plate is a work of art in more ways than one
Bob’s Big Boy is alive and well, and also a cute robot, in Japan【Photos】
This unstaffed Japanese train station is like a Ghibli anime come to life
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
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
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Pokémon Cafe’s new Mega Charizard curry plate is a work of art in more ways than one
Bob’s Big Boy is alive and well, and also a cute robot, in Japan【Photos】
This unstaffed Japanese train station is like a Ghibli anime come to life
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
The importance of social etiquette in urban Japan
The world’s most expensive tissues? Might as well wipe your boogers on a $100 bill!
Permanent Sailor Moon stage show theater announced for Tokyo
Pokémon doughnuts appear at Mister Donut, with all-new Pikachu and Foongus
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Hello Kitty learns sign language in newest friendship with Japanese artist
Beyond Goldfish crackers – Japan getting 75 different Pokémon crackers this summer!