For most locals, Tokyo’s Shibuya scramble crossing is simply a place to cross the street. In the eyes of visitors, however, the bright lights and buzz of the crowds makes it an exciting place to hang ...

It’s safe to say that Cup Noodle is the king of instant ramen. It’s not legally a generic trademark like escalator or trampoline, but in many parts of the world, the name Cup Noodle is synonymous with ...

OK–so evil JASRAC executives weren’t out to get Seiji. As a musician with modest success who had previously only received royalties from Internet streaming and live concerts, he just hadn’t realized ...

Sweets Paradise is the dreamlike, all-you-can-eat dessert chain where sweets lovers can enjoy the sugar rush of their lives at very reasonable prices. Our Japanese-language reporter with a sweet tooth ...

The horse-and-ema association on Studio Ghibli’s nengajo comes with the traditional greeting “謹賀新年” (“Kingashinnen” or “Happy New Year”), and is accompanied by the following message from the studio: ...

In November 2025, a permanent themed shop opened in Harajuku, Tokyo, on the third floor of the shopping mall Tokyu Plaza Harajuku “Harakado”. Despite the teeming crowds, entry to the shop is smooth.

Including fresh pizzas, fried chicken, and a suspiciously familiar tote bag.

One taste and lighter varieties may never be enough for you again.

It’s truly an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku…in Shinjuku.

Then again, 2025 has been quite the year that could drive anyone to the dark side, so he decided to try once more by getting a Hey Punk! Ensemble Lucky Bag for 5,478 yen (US$35) from Birth Japan, the ...

This female was brought to the aquarium in 1987, making her at least 38 years old, but when she first arrived, the longest a Japanese aquarium had been able to keep a largetooth sawfish alive for was ...

Nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, the town of Hakone makes for a great weekend or overnight trip from the Tokyo area. In addition to some of east Japan’s best hot springs, Hakone boats ...