Yamazaki
Whiskey aficionados are always happy to have distiller Suntory’s premium varieties in their glass, and now you can have them in your chocolate too.
So determined to win rare full-sized Hibiki and Yamazaki whiskies we’re willing to spend over US$300 for them.
The best part of the new remote distillery tours is the special box they send you for the whisky tasting.
Only a few months remain until the Ritz franchise in Japan changes hands and production is shifted overseas. Perhaps this is why we’re being treated to some distinctly Japanese flavors.
The whisky distiller, famous for upstaging Scottish standbys to be crowned “Best Whisky in the World” in 2014, recently renovated their open-to-the-public facilities. We figured it was as good an excuse as any for a tour and tasting!
What’s the best way to ring in the New Year? Participate in a nation-wide food ranking competition, of course! Japan loves to make lists, and everyone checks them twice to see where they rank on all the big sites. But in a country that loves food, competition is always fierce to see which area of Japan has the best local delicacy.
Yamazaki Baking Co. has a set of sandwiches that are called the “Lunch Pack“. Two pieces of white bread are sandwiched together and filled with a variety of ingredients. This year, seven lucky fillings are facing off to become the most popular Lunch Pack of them all! Find out how you can participate and what exciting flavors hope to be eaten after the jump.
















Harajuku’s new permanent Tamagotchi shop is filled with cuteness and a surprising lack of poop
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
Check out this 8m robot that appeared on Tokyo’s waterfront【Video】
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
New Studio Ghibli collection includes a US$2,450 wooden Totoro 【Video】
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Tokyo train stations giving out awesome giant Pokémon cards, but you’ll want to hurry
Amazon releases new Kindle model specifically designed for manga readers
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Human traffic jam on Mt. Fuji shows why weekdays are the best days to hike the symbol of Japan
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
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
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】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
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
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Tokyo train stations giving out awesome giant Pokémon cards, but you’ll want to hurry
Amazon releases new Kindle model specifically designed for manga readers
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Human traffic jam on Mt. Fuji shows why weekdays are the best days to hike the symbol of Japan
“The boobs are important,” anime director’s feedback notes remind animators
Foreign tourists blasted for chasing maiko and geisha on streets of Kyoto【Video】
Fate/stay night and Axe body spray partner up in attempt to make anime fans smell nice
What’s in a Lawson fukubukuro lucky bag?
New footbath boots bring the healing waters of a Japanese onsen to your home
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Beautiful high-end Snorlax and Munchlax rings let you wear your love of Pokémon on your fingers