The First Cherry Blossom Forecast of 2019
Just 10 days into 2019, the Japan Meteorological Agency released their first forecast for the upcoming cherry blossom season!
A Crash Course on Tokyo's Plum Blossoms
Spring is one of Japan's most anticipated times of year, with good reason! Plum blossoms pop up in late February, and are the herald of the changing season. Find out what they are, how they're different and where you can see them in Tokyo!
Japan's First Foreign Female Shogi Pro
Traditional Japan , Highlighting Japan
A chat with Karolina Styczynska, Japan's first professional foreign-born female shogi player.
Celebrate 2019 Cherry Blossom Season with Coke
Food & Drink , Cherry Blossoms
Coca-Cola Japan unveiled new sakura-themed bottles for cherry blossom season in 2019.
Pepsi's Japan Cola Debuts New Exclusive Flavor
Pepsi Japan's latest exclusive soft drink has a citrus finish that is familiar to Japanese fruit aficionados.
Busiest Train in Tokyo to End Service Earlier
Tokyo's busiest train line, the JR Yamanote Line that loops around the city, is slated to end service about 30 minutes earlier.
The Ephemeral Art of Japanese Bathhouses
The artists who specialize in painting Japanese bathhouses are few in number, but their enduring artistic spirit ensures the profession lives on.
Photographs of Snow Covered Tokyo
Japanese photographer Yusuke Komatsu's "Snow in Tokyo" series shows the beauty of Japan's huge metropolis on the rare occasions it receives snowfall.
Saying 'Sayonara' to Japan? It'll Cost Ya!
Transportation , Life in Japan
As of January 7, 2019, Japan has launched a departure tax that applies to both residents and visitors leaving Japan.
Winter Tips for Visiting Japan
Life in Japan , Japanese Winter
While Japan is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in spring, red leaves in the autumn and countless festivals in summer, Japan is also a veritable winter wonderland! Here are some tips for making the most of your time in Japan in its coldest season.
Tokyo Festival to Celebrate Japanese Manholes
This Tokyo extravaganza will include everything from actual beautiful manhole covers to goods like miniatures and doormats, as well as manhole cover snacks and treats!
Check Out a Tricky New Sign at Haneda Airport
A train operator gets creative using optical illusions in the hopes of enhancing safety of passengers from Haneda Airport.
Updated 2019 Cherry Blossom Forecast!
Cherry Blossoms , Life in Japan
According to the latest forecast by the JMC, the first blooms are only a little over one month away!
Yokohama: The Most Desirable City in Kanto
For the second year in a row, Yokohama ranks #1 as the city most people want to live, according to a survey by the real estate site SUUMO.
Snow, Craft Beer and a Western Take on Winter
Australian native Daniel Bacon manages several successful businesses in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, and a founding partner of Hakuba Brewing Company, a craft beer brewery based in the same area. What does it take to attract international tourists?
Calligraphy Artist Speaks with Her Brush
Japanese calligrapher Nobuko Obata has pursued her lifelong passion for calligraphy, despite an accident that left her without hands from a young age.
Early Morning Trains with a Side of Soba
In an attempt to alleviate the crush of morning rush hour, Tokyo Metro has started to offer people a tasty noodle breakfast to encourage passengers to ride earlier trains to work.
Time-Lapse of Recovery: Ofunato
This time-lapse video of Ofunato, in Iwate Prefecture, helps show how far Tohoku has come in its recovery efforts, and how far it still has to come.
Robot Housekeepers in the Near Future
This housekeeping robot can keep your home spic and span while you're away!
Kawaii Shiba Inu Marshmallows Too Sweet to Eat
Smiling Shiba sweets are the latest offering from Japanese company Felissimo, which is known for its cat-themed merchandise.
