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How to Keep Track of Japan's Cherry Blossoms

Since cherry blossoms only last about two weeks in any given area, the progressing 'cherry blossom front' is carefully tracked on the morning TV weather reports. If you want to follow along online, look no further than the JNTO!

LGBT+ Groups & Activities in Japan

As visibility for the LGBT+ community is increasingly growing around Japan, so are the number of groups that promote awareness. If you're looking to get involved, here's a great list of groups to get in touch with.

How to Draw Intimate 'Boys Love' Scenes

From hugs to piggybacks and intimate kisses, this reference manual is filled with romantic male-on-male BL scenarios.

How to Find Love in Japan

You can find just about anything in Japan, from dancing robots to maid cafés! But what about love?

How to Rent a Car in Japan (in 4 Easy Steps)

With a car, your trip through Japan will become a marvelous adventure, allowing you to reach all corners of the country where train stations or bus stops don’t exist.

Same-Sex Couples Can Now Be Foster Parents

One of the most populous cities in Japan has granted a same-sex male couple the right to raise a foster child. Is this a one-off, or has the precedent been set?

Where to Buy (More) Cheap Stuff Around Tokyo

It seems like people in Tokyo really want to save some money! If you loved the wildly popular 'Where to Buy Cheap Stuff Around Tokyo,' here's the sequel, giving you even more cheap ways to survive survive the big city on a small budget.

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Green Tea

If you often enjoy drinking green tea at home, make sure you know the proper way to brew each kind. It's not as simple as just putting the kettle on!

A Quick Guide to Japanese Gay Bars

Here's a quick, smart guide to a segment of Japanese nightlife you're not going to find in your regular guide book.

Japanese Men + Western Women = Yes? No? Maybe?

While Japanese women hooking up with Western men is relatively common in Japan, the opposite isn't seen so much. Which begs the question: Why?

How to Hang with Glamorous Geisha in Kyoto

So just who are these mysterious geisha, and how do you meet them? Having spent time with geisha in Kyoto, we can help you unveil their mystery!

How To Explore Kyoto on a Student Budget

If you think Kyoto is too expensive, just ask students for secret tips to help you get going on an adventure to this ancient city that truly depicts Japan's culture, tradition and history.

Life in Japan for a Trans Woman

As part of our 'Life in Japan' feature, we endeavor to feature people in Japan from all different walks of life. And we were very lucky to learn about the daily life and challenges of a transgender woman living and working in Tokyo.

How to Fully Enjoy Your First Visit to Tohoku

Follow along with our writer Wut who went on an incredible journey to Tohoku to discover the best things to see and do for any traveler's first trip to the region.

Where to Dine & Drink in Tokyo Outside Shibuya

Shibuya is surely a hotspot for food and fun in Japan's capital city, but there are more alternatives in Tokyo worth exploring for wining (or whining) and dining, or plain ol' bonding with buds over Buds!

All About Japanese Longevity

What's the secret to longevity in Japan? We take a look at some statistics to get to the bottom of this mystery.

How to Wear a Yukata at a Ryokan

When staying at a Japanese-style inn, or 'ryokan,' you may wear a kind of light cotton robe called a 'yukata.' While much simpler to wear than a kimono, there are still a few things you should know!

How to Get Around (& to) Tohoku

Ready to start your trip to Tohoku? Before grabbing your luggage and putting on your shoes, you'd better plan how to move around once you’re there. We’re here to help!

How to Enjoy Tea Ceremony Like a Local

Like many traditional Japanese events, tea ceremony is a treasured cultural activity where manners are key. Before you sit down, here's a quick primer on the rules you'll need to know to properly enjoy 'chado.'

My Life in Japan as an Openly Gay Foreigner

Homosexuality has a long and documented history in Japan, but somehow most people who identify as LGBT would still rather keep their sexuality under wraps. Allow us to share with you one person's perspective on the coming out experience here.

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