All About Japan

Say 'I Choose You' & 'I Do' With Pikachu

These Pikachu wedding rings and engagement rings are so gorgeous you don't need to be a Pokémon fan to appreciate them... but it helps!

A New Year, A New Character Harvest

Audrey Hepburn and Osamu Tezuka's characters get the rice paddy treatment in Aomori Prefecture as rice fields spring up in their likeness.

Don't Flip Out, Flip Tables Instead!

In Iwate Prefecture a surprising contest allows contestants to unleash their pent-up stress, or unrequited hopes by... flipping tables!

Keep Cool in Summer with Sailor Moon Yukata

What better way to stay (and look) cool than with a 'yukata' that represents your favorite characters from the hit series, Sailor Moon?

Live in the Moment in Tokyo with Meditation

In the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, it can be difficult to find a calming atmosphere. But not anymore, thanks to Muon, a Tokyo-based studio that focuses exclusively on meditation.

Wakuneco Makes Heart-'felt' Portraits of Cats

A Japanese artist who goes by the name of Wakuneco is helping pet owners memorialize their furry friends with lifelike felt portraits.

Stranger than Fiction: 5 True Tales from Tokyo

Want to learn more about Tokyo? These 5 nonfiction novels examine different aspects of Japanese life and culture in the country and its colorful capital.

Rice Paddy Art Celebrates Manga Legend

To celebrate the 90th anniversary of Osamu Tezuka, the 'Godfather of Manga,' the small village of Inakadate in Aomori has created stunning natural art depicting some of his most-beloved characters.

Retro Gaming Havens in Tokyo

In an era where gaming is no longer a niche hobby, there are some who still crave the classic, retro games of yesteryear. Thankfully Tokyo contains a plethora of treasure troves when it comes to classic video games, and we're here to help you find them!

Pokémon Happy Meals — Catch 'Em All!

Starting July, 2018, awesome Pikachu and Eevee boxes and goodies will have Pokémon fans of all ages flocking to McDonald's to catch 'em all!

Catchy Summer Jam is an Ode to Osaka

Relive your last trip to Osaka (or fall in love with the city for the first time!) with this music video from the band Room 39!

All About Purikura!

If you're not familiar with the exaggerated features and photographic fun of 'purikura,' you're in luck! This article takes a deeper look at the rise of these 'kawaii' Japanese photo booths, and what to expect when you visit one.

Big in Japan: A Look at the Price of Fame

Australian and self-professed human guinea pig Dave Elliot-Jones packed his bag for Japan to interview foreign celebrities that have made it big in the Land of the Rising Sun, and try to find his own way into the limelight.

Huis Ten Bosch: A Little Netherlands in Kyushu

Huis Ten Bosch is a lovingly recreated Dutch town in the heart of Nagasaki Prefecture. Its unique design, plethora of attractions and cultural history make it one of Japan's most interesting theme parks.

All About Idol Insanity

What's all the fuss about J-pop idols? How did they start in the first place? Find out answers to these questions and more as we take a look at the phenomenon of Japanese idols!

Eevee to Join Summertime Pokémon Extravaganza

The only thing better than seeing 1,500-plus Pikachus at Yokohama's annual summertime Pikachu Outbreak event is seeing a squad of Eevees tagging along!

Tokyo's Bizarre Architectural Wonders

There's no doubt that Tokyo is an architectural marvel! But with so many buildings, there's bound to be a few that stand out for their unique design. Check out these five examples of Tokyo's most bizarre architectural wonders!

A Night in Prison Never Looked So Appealing

The historic, decommissioned Nara Prison in Nara Prefecture is scheduled to be renovated and reopened as a luxury hotel in 2020.

The Big Tokyo Travel Guide

Tokyo is a city of old and new, where modern skyscrapers rise up from the remains of centuries-old castle walls. The Big Tokyo Travel Guide will help you find whatever you're looking for in Japan's capital city.

Sorry Fellas, This Hotel is Girls Only

Heading over to Kyoto? Why not stay at Cafetel, a cute, new women-only hotel that comes with its own café, rental bikes, amenities and more?

know-before-you-go