Christmas in Japan

The Christmas season in Japan is a magical time of the year. True, Christmas Day is not recognized as a national holiday, as only about 1 percent of the whole population in Japan is Christian. However, many of the things traditionally related to Christmas, such as decorations in shopping malls, colorful LED lights, and festive Christmas markets can be found all across Japan … Read More

Studio Ghibli Films’ Real-Life Locations in Japan

Studio Ghibli Locations in Real Life

When you were young, did you daydream about visiting the bathhouse in Spirited Away, or wandering through the forest from Princess Mononoke? Studio Ghibli (スタジオジブリ) is a household name in Japan and has also gained recognition around the world. However, some international Studio Ghibli fans might be surprised to learn that several of the settings in their beloved childhood films are … Read More

Halloween in JAPAN!

Japan is well-known for its love of crazy costumes and candies, so it seems only natural that Halloween would be widely celebrated throughout the country. However, Halloween has only recently become a popular holiday in Japan, and the way the Japanese celebrate it might be different than in your own home country. Here’s what Halloween looks like in Japan!

Top 10 Must-Do Activities & Experiences in Japan

robot restaurant in tokyo, japan

When you travel somewhere, it’s not only about where you go, but also what you experience while you’re there. If you visit Japan, be sure to make the most of your trip by doing activities and having memorable experiences that you wouldn’t be able to have anywhere else in the world! From enjoying an over-the-top spectacle at the Robot Restaurant, … Read More

10 Vending Machines You Can Only Find in Japan

Japanese unique vending machines

Japan is a vending machine heaven! Called jidōhanbaiki (自動販売機) in Japanese, vending machines can be found all over cities, towns and even in the countryside. And, there’s much more than just drinks for sale… here is a list of 10 crazy vending machines you can only find in Japan!

10 Japanese Mascots You Won’t Believe Actually Exist

In Japan, almost every city, town, company, or even local event, has its own mascot. Some mascot characters like Rilakkuma or Domo-kun have become household names in Japan, but the vast majority of characters aren’t widely known outside of their local area. There are thousands of different mascots, and some are incredibly strange! You won’t believe these 10 bizarre mascots that … Read More

Gacha-Gacha: Japan’s Capsule Toys

Japan’s capsule toys are popular with people of all ages! If you take a walk down a city street in Japan, it’s very likely you’ll come across the famous Gacha-Gacha machines. Here’s everything you should know about these pocket-sized toys!

Purikura: Japan’s Massively Popular Photo Booths

Purikura photo booths can be found all over Japan, and they are immensely popular with both Japanese teenage girls and even with foreign tourists! Where did these super-cute photo booths come from? How do you use them? Here is your ultimate guide to Japan’s Purikura photo booths!

Cosplay Show ~Nipponbashi Street Festa 2018

If you are familiar with Japan’s popular anime, gaming, and cosplay culture, then chances are you’ve heard of Japan’s famous “anime town” in Tokyo – Akihabara. But, did you know that Japan’s second largest city, Osaka, is home to one of these pop culture hubs as well?