Japan Tourism Increase for Sacred Anime Sites
More foreign tourists are coming to Japan than ever before, with about 32 million visiting in 2019. And many of them are coming just to see the sights represented in their favorite anime series.
A Music Video Perfect for Social Distancing
Over 10 years ago, art director Masashi Kawamura teamed up with Japanese band Sour to produce a music video for "Hibi no Neiro." Needless to say, this was before our current reality, in which millions are staying home due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Stay Warm This Winter with Oden-Scented Powder
Why take a trip to the convenience store when you’ve got the tools for self-love right at home? Bookstore and miscellaneous goods shop Village Vanguard is back at it with their bath powder shenanigans.
A.I. Tells Your Fortune with Bubble Tea Order
With all the different bubble tea shops trying to compete, Answer Tea serves delicious bubble tea with tapioca entertainment for your mouth, with a side of A.I. fortune-telling entertainment for your soul.
Drinking in a Bathhouse Izakaya
When you think of a cool place to hang out after work and get some drinks, of course, you think of a bathhouse! No? Well, we'll convince you otherwise.
Always Bounce Back with Rubber Band Fashion
Working entirely with rubber bands, which have limited functionality and are definitely not scarce, Rie Sakamoto created a line of garments that were on display at an exhibition in Tokyo.
Frozen Pants Stand on Their Own!
Hokkaido has 79 cm of snow on the ground and -30°C temperatures, cold enough to freeze clothing into stand-alone sculptures.
Antique Life Jin May Just Be Thrift Heaven
Scavenge for whimsical trinkets, vintage decor, and adorable animal motif goods at Antique Life Jin in Shimokitzawa.
Find Your Next Best Pal at the Mameshiba Cafe
Unfortunately, there aren't that many chances to meet a Shiba dog in Japan for tourists—until now. At the Mameshiba Cafe located in Takeshita Street in Harajuku, for 880 yen for 30 minutes, you can play with the 12 friendly canine staff members.
Going to Gotokuji, The Lucky Cat Temple
If you are obsessed with cats, then if there is one temple you should visit: Gotokuji Temple—the temple adorned with hundreds of maneki neko, or lucky beckoning cat statues.
Find Wonderland at Alice on Wednesday
Alice on Wednesday is a themed shop dedicated to—obviously—Alice in Wonderland. With enchanting decor, gorgeous accessories, clever themed snacks, it will make you feel like you've been immersed in the true Wonderland.
What's in Haneda's Unique Vending Machines?
For better or worse, Japan is known for their unique vending machines. And at Haneda Airport, you'll find some very special vending machines.
Pop Idols Sing for Prison inmates
Female duo Paix2 holds its 500th prison concert to encourage inmates to rehabilitate and return to society.
Get Drunk in a Haunted House at The Lockup
Want to get locked in a jail cell, served torture-themed foods and drinks, and subjected to scary shows? Well we have the place for you!
Party with 2,000 Pikachus
For an entire week, over 2,000 Pikachus invade and parade through Yokohama's Minato Mirai area with five huge shows and many mini events.
Daiba 1-chome Shotengai: Time-travel to 1960s
The Showa era might be over, but you can still take a trip back in time at Odaiba's Daiba 1-chome Shotengai—a mini-theme park made of 10 stores and 7 entertainment facilities with the retro feel of the 1960s.
Take Pics with Poop at the Unko Museum
The Unko Museum is a high-tech, family-friendly Instagram hotspot. Play poop-related games, take a photo with your poop, and get all the things at the poop gift shop.
Totoro Makes Even the Cutest Cream Puffs Cuter
Shirohige's Cream Puff Factory's handmade and decorated whimsical little Totoro-shaped cream puffs are the cutest thing you'll probably ever eat (until you slice one in half, that is).
Government: Japan Has Enough Toilet Paper
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshi Kajiyama says Japan has enough toilet paper and urges people to stop hoarding.
The Hard Rock Cafe Rock Shop, Minus the 'Café'
At the Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo Asakusa Rock Shop, find limited-edition collectibles and Japan-inspired goods that you won't be able to get anywhere else in the world. Except a meal.
