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
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
Things get heavy with the Gold Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Weekly
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
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
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
Things get heavy with the Gold Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Brand-new theme park in Japan charges foreign tourists 25 percent more than locals for tickets
Here are four ways McDonald’s Japan could combat scalpers after its Pokémon Happy Meal fiasco
Japan’s top 10 open-air hot spring baths with cherry blossom views【Survey】
Japanese women sound off on the line separating a male friend and a boyfriend
Tokyo’s super-secret-location sushi restaurant has a stand-up sister shop that’s open to all
What’s the real reason for the ‘floating’ 3-D signs at Haneda Airport?
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Short animation “Snowstorm Traveller” whips up a figurative storm of applause
-
