Best Boutique Hotels in Kyoto: 5 Stunning Locations

Some travelers consider hotels to be mere places to sleep between packed sightseeing days — and sightseeing days in Kyoto are definitely packed. But a beautifully designed, distinctive hotel can be a... Read more »

Japanese Halloween Costume Ideas for 2025 | Living

Credit: tarabird Tired of the same old Halloween witches, vampires and zombies? Then draw inspiration from Japanese folklore. Its ghosts, spirits and yokai aren’t just creepy; they carry centuries of stories about... Read more »

Tokyo has Cold Stone vending machine after ice cream chain leaves city, but is it just as good?

The American ice cream chain has closed all of its branches in east Japan, but this Tokyo train station sells its frozen treats from a vending machine. It was a sad day... Read more »

A Guide to Being Cool During the Time of the Samurai

In the early 17th century, Tokugawa Ieyasu concluded his unification of Japan, ending the bloody Sengoku period and allowing the people of Edo — modern-day Tokyo — to focus on the really... Read more »

World’s Smallest Park teaches us a valuable lesson about the power of community in Japan

Yes, the park is in this photo, and its impact is greater than its size. If you’re looking for the World’s Largest Park, you’ll need to head up to Northeast Greenland National... Read more »

Candidate for Prime Minister of Japan embroiled in astroturfing scandal

A short while ago, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced he would be stepping down as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and as the Prime Minister of Japan. He will... Read more »

Affordable Omakase Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo

It’s safe to say that dining at an omakase restaurant is among the most coveted experiences for visitors in Japan. With a literal translation of “I leave it to you,” omakase refers... Read more »

Day 2 of our quest to visit all the Pokémon manhole covers in Tottori【Photos】

Can we get to all the remaining Sandshrews before time runs out? When last we left our Japanese-language reporter Ikuna Kamezawa, she was in the middle of a two-day journey through her... Read more »

One of the longest footbaths in Japan makes for an unforgettable hot spring experience【Photos】

We love you, ashiyu at Yuppo no Sato. In some ways, ashiyu can be thought of as the mini version of Japan’s hot spring experience. A combination of the words ashi (“foot”)... Read more »

Things to Do in Tokyo in October 2025 | Living

October in Tokyo is one of the best times to get out and experience the city. The cooler weather and crisp autumn air set the stage for fireworks, outdoor film screenings, ramen... Read more »