Yasukuni Shrine
The tree that officially signals the start of sakura season in the capital has missed the predicted starting date, but we have some new dates to keep an eye out for.
Hanami season began today in the capital, giving us a better idea of when to expect the glorious full bloom period.
Korean and Chinese netizens demand apologies from the company for tweeting about the controversial shrine.
Hanami flower-viewing season begins nine days earlier than average as the city’s official “sample tree” sprouts its first blossoms.
We asked Japanese people to tell us the things foreigners say or think about Japan that really gets their goat—and they were happy to oblige! How many of these faux pas are you guilty of?
Bomb disposal unit finds remnants of suspected incendiary device at shrine for Japanese war dead in Chiyoda Ward.
Being an international pop star like Canada’s Justin Bieber is certain to have its share of pitfalls. Scandals such as unfortunate comments at the Anne Frank house and more recently charges of drunk driving and egging a house have continued to dog him.
So this Easter weekend, the award-winning performer made a trip to Japan to get away from it all. After all, what could possibly go wrong here?
Ah Shinto, you’re the stoner roommate of world religions. People pride you on your laid-back “everything is god” and “it’s okay to have other religions” policies. Often times they wish they could be just like you. However, when you forget to pay the internet bill for the fourth time that way of thinking gets old real quick.
In Shinto’s case, that ISP’s final warning came in the form of Yasukuni Shrine, a shrine which serves to hold the souls of those who died in the Japanese armed forces. When it came time to include some convicted war criminals among those souls, Shinto coughed and said, “Sure man, they probably did something good along the way.”
And so, Yasukuni Shrine has become a political lightning rod inspiring right-wing nationalists in Japan and spurning the nation’s neighbors. Thankfully, this Obon season, when Japanese people habitually visit shrines to honor those who have gone before us, bread-headed children’s superhero, Anpanman, flew into Yasukuni and lent some sanity to an otherwise volatile situation.
Yasuhisa Tokugawa is a descendant of the Tokugawa family consisting of the legendary Shoguns such Ieyasu Tokugawa. Yasuhisa, now 64, had a successful career in the oil business from which he retired.
Now he’s doing what you’d probably expect a retired business man to do: he became the head priest of the most controversial shrine in Japan.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Japanese man drives truck that’s on fire directly to fire station, drops flaming potatoes[Videos]
Believe it or not, this isn’t a Tokyo vending machine – It’s a secret door to deliciousness
Eastern Japan high school graduating class’s wallets robbed during ceremony
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
This Nara workshop has been making deer crackers for more than 100 years and offers tours【Photos】
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Weekly
- 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
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood- Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students- The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Monthly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom 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
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals- Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
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
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
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Believe it or not, this isn’t a Tokyo vending machine – It’s a secret door to deliciousness
Eastern Japan high school graduating class’s wallets robbed during ceremony
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
This Nara workshop has been making deer crackers for more than 100 years and offers tours【Photos】
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
This green tea soda from Shizuoka in a sense betrayed us, but also placated us【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Beautiful Starbucks in Kyoto blends into its traditional landscape in more ways than one
Hyotan Onsen – Japan’s only hot spring with three Michelin stars
We taste the Adult Cream Pie from McDonald’s Japan
Japan’s favorite popsicle raises price for third time in 43 years
Learn Japanese through ridiculous manga: Two Piece 【Episode #1】
Lawson gives you a taste of Japan’s prefectures with their new premium roll cakes
-
