LIVE JAPAN

08/09/2025

Here's how to avoid making mistakes when visiting a Japanese home, so you can feel confident and comfortable the whole time!

Spend a long enough time in Japan you might be lucky enough to be invited over for a meal at a Japanese home. Just as in any home around the world, in Japan, there are rules and certain ways of doing things. While each family is different and every household will have their own particular habits, th...

08/09/2025

Ueno is a great place to find good deals on gadgets and electronics. In this guide, a writer who has lived in the area for five years and has experience working at an electronics retailer shares insider tips and local deals you won’t want to miss.

Ueno Station, known as one of Tokyo’s main gateways, is home to popular electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera, Don Quijote, and Takeya. If you venture out a bit further, you’ll also find Kappabashi Kitchenware Street and the area near Tokyo Skytree, where tourist-friendly electronics and home...

07/09/2025

If you're coming into Ueno from Narita Airport, we've got you covered.

Some people say you haven't really been to Tokyo if you haven't been to Ueno, and, well, they may have a point! You do, however, have to get there in the first place to see what it has to offer, but this can prove to be a daunting task for first-time visitors to Japan. If you’re umming and ahing a...

07/09/2025

"I wanna visit northern Japan this fall..." Yes, you totally should! Japan's north is stunning - and less traveled by tourists than popular big cities in other areas. Here's all you need to know about our must-visit spots in the Tohoku region!

A Guide to the Northeast Region's Must-See Tourist Hotspots: https://reurl.cc/1Oz3km

06/09/2025

At Expo 2025, head to MARUZEN JUNKUDO’s East Gate shop for must-have manga goods you won’t find anywhere else. Special items inspired by Rumiko Takahashi’s beloved works transform iconic scenes into T-shirts, fans, and posters, perfect souvenirs to bring home the spirit of Japanese manga culture.

©Expo 2025 ©高橋留美子/小学館

At the official on-site store “ EXPO2025 OFFICIAL STORE EAST GATE MARUZEN JUNKUDO” collaboration goods themed around “The World of Manga” are on sale, featuring Rumiko Takahashi’s globally popular works, UruseiYatsura, Ranma1/2, and InuYasha. These items were created with the aim of sharin...

06/09/2025

The Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is easy to reach from Shinjuku by direct train, making it a perfect day trip. The Fall Leaves Festival pairs Mt. Fuji views with glowing maple tunnels, local food stalls, and cozy night light-ups.

Fuji-Kawaguchiko Fall Leaves Festival (Best Spots, Food & Travel Tips): https://reurl.cc/0Wn9zY

06/09/2025

Tucked away in the mountains of Yamagata, Ginzan Onsen is often called one of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns.

Tucked away in the mountains of Obanazawa, Yamagata, Ginzan Onsen is often called one of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns. Famous for its historic ryokan lining the river and its nostalgic atmosphere, it attracts both locals from the Tohoku region and travelers from around the world. In thi...

06/09/2025

Think ‘ohayou’ is just for mornings? Learn the right way to greet people in Japan so you can connect naturally and avoid awkward moments while sightseeing.

Greetings are more than just words—they're the first step in connecting with others, whether you're at home or traveling abroad. In English, we’re used to saying “good morning,” “good afternoon,” or “good evening,” and Japanese has similar expressions like “おはよう (ohayou),.....

05/09/2025

Autumn may just be starting, but Kawazu has announced the glorious pink petal festival dates for 2026!

Enjoy the enchanting world of Kawazu-zakura, the early-blooming cherry blossoms near Tokyo! Before the cherry blossom season arrives in full, these delicate flowers grace the landscape with their vibrant hues, signaling the arrival of spring in Japan. Discover the beauty of Kawazu with us and get al...

05/09/2025

Hunting for the latest gadgets but unsure where to get the best price? In Akihabara, you can compare shops, negotiate discounts, and even score secondhand bargains that travelers often miss.

When it comes to electronics districts in Tokyo, Akihabara is definitely the place to be! From large electronics retailers like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera to small shops and PC stores in Akihabara Electric Town, you’ll find countless chances to discover Japanese-made electronics and digital d...

05/09/2025

Trying to fit all of Osaka into one or two days? The Osaka Amazing Pass gives you easy train access and free admission to dozens of attractions, so you won’t miss a thing!

The Osaka Amazing Pass is an exceptional e-ticket that allows you to freely ride trains and buses in and around Osaka for one or two days, and best of all, grants free entry into more than 40 major tourist spots. You can also enjoy benefits at numerous restaurants, making your Osaka trip even more a...

04/09/2025

Tokyo is great, but the real cultural capital of Japan is Kyoto! From hotels for families to those looking for a traditional ryokan stay, we've packed in all the info you need for a convenient and comfortable stay in this stunning city.

If any one city epitomizes the culture of Japan, then it has to be Kyoto, the old capital of Japan. This city, located in central Japan, offers plenty of diversions for culture and nature buffs alike. Kyoto is a lovely place to visit in any season, home to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Nijo Castle,....