All About Japan

How to Shop in Japan for Vegans

If you're a vegan, or have other dietary concerns, here are some 'kanji' (Chinese characters) to watch out for when shopping for food in Japan.

Designers Ring in the Year of the Dog in Style

New Year's cards are an important Japanese tradition, and our friends at Spoon & Tamago have compiled some of the most stylish cards from Japanese artists around the country.

Katamachi: The Oldest Shopping Street in Japan

Kanazawa has attracted a vast amount of international tourists since the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen. It has lots of scenic sites including Katamachi, the oldest shopping street in Japan.

5 Cheap Shopping Stops Near Famous Japan Sites

Ginza, Omotesando and Shibuya are not the only places to shop in Japan. In some Tokyo suburbs, there are places worth a stop; outside Tokyo, you may just score even better deals!

Giant Cat Sculptures Will Blow Your Mind!

One Japanese artist combines an obscure part of Japanese history with his iconic aesthetic to create incredible, large-scale cat sculptures.

Behold: the Ultimate Wagyu Beef Bento!

With nearly 10 pounds of premium Japanese beef at a price of US$3,000, there’s no room for any vegetables here.

Fresh Seafood at the Shiogama Morning Market

Looking for seafood so fresh it might still be moving? Look no further than the Shiogama morning market in Miyagi Prefecture.

Things to Do Around Hakone-Yumoto Station

Visitors to Hakone have to change trains at Hakone-Yumoto Station, meaning you always have a bit of time to kill. With temples, forest adventures, souvenir shopping and the Eva store, there's plenty to do while you wait!

Transformed Not by Alchemy, but by Sanrio

Hit anime/manga 'Fullmetal Alchemist' characters Edward and Alphonse Elric have transformed again, but this time it’s not the result of alchemy.

Samurai Snoopy & More at Pop-Up Peanuts Shop

Japanese-style Snoopy art exhibition celebrates 50 years of Peanuts in Japan.

Finding Beauty in the Crowd

Tokyo is one of the world's most densely populated metropolitan cities, and one artist is finding beauty in the everyday clutter.

Kitchen-Haven Kappabashi Has More Than Knives

Previously, we've published articles about buying knives in Kappabashi, but this 'shotengai' has more on offer than just cutlery! Let's take a tour together and see a sharper side of this shopping street.

Beautify Your Skin with Star Wars Face Masks

These face packs transform you into 'Star Wars' heroes and villains; just the thing to re-moisturize your skin from too much time on dry Tatooine.

Get Ready for Summer with Sailor Moon Yukata

Experience your own 'miracle romance' in one of these Sailor Moon summer kimono sets.

Sharpen Your Look With Damascus Steel Watches

Wear a unique, exquisite timepiece filled with Japanese sword tradition on your wrist.

Hakone Yosegi Zaiku: World of Woodcraft

Hakone 'yosegi zaiku' is a kind of woodworking technique typically used to make puzzle boxes with elaborate opening mechanisms. Not only do they make a great gift—at the Hakone Trick Museum you can even make one of your own!

Endlessly Changing Paintings Bring Art to Life

One artist's innovative techniques bring her paintings to life on the canvas.

How to Get the Most out of Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, and an essential part of any visit. But it's easy to feel a little underwhelmed—like you're just scratching the surface. Here's how to make sure you get the most out of this hot tourist spot!

Global Stars Shine Light on Tohoku-Made Goods

Yamagata casting is considered one of the national treasures among traditional Japanese crafts, as seen on the TV program 'Streets to Tohoku and Hokkaido, Japan.' But thanks to online shopping, you don't have to fly to Japan to own a piece of history.

Finding Bargains in Kanto's Posh Neighborhoods

Japan has 'shotengai,' or shopping streets, where you can find most anything, including food, kimono, gifts, home items, novelty goods, clothes, shoes and what have you. While 'shotengai' abound in Japan, we'll introduce you the best of the best.

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