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 Form mid-November on, the park square of Tokyo Midtown would be covered in millions of LED lights, engulfing visitors in the spirit of Christmas. More of a special occasion for couples in Japan, illumination displays during Christmas attract crowds of couples. Visitors can revel in the romantic atmosphere created by the lights and enjoy the holiday … Continued

 Known for it’s distinct seasons, the Rikugien Gardens is a must-visit park if you enjoy viewing auburn leaves of autumn. For the best viewing experience, visitors are encouraged to arrive just a little before sun down to appreciate the red leaves under different lighting. These marvelous views are best enjoyed with a loved one in … Continued

Held at the Yushima Tenjin Shrine, the Bunkyo Kiku Matsuri (Chrysanthemum Festival) is a celebration of chrysanthemum flowers. With chrysanthemums being a symbol of royalty in Japan, the festival exhibits their beauty by planting them in various displays, even making dolls out of the flower. Immerse yourself in the elegance of skillfully plotted blossoms.

 For fans of Daikanyama T-Site, the amazing Kanda festival featuring used and antique books in Jinbo-cho is a can’t miss event.  The festival is known for its second hand stock, and you will sure find treasures here to add to your collection at home.    Not only will you find used books here, you may … Continued

The biennial Tokyo Motor Show is the highlight of motor shows around the world. With a focus on concept cars, the show features futuristic designs from local and international motor manufacturers. So check out what the future brings at the Tokyo Big Sight this October!    

This cute little flea market is a must visit for anyone with a hankering for thrifty, whimsical goods or little souvenirs that showcases Japan. Held on the first Sunday of every month in Shoinjinja-dori, this is a family stroll after a satisfying brunch in a nearby cafe. Visitors should note that the market would be … Continued

If the Summer Sonic is too eclectic for your taste, the annual ultra music festival is here! With a wide variety of guest musicians and DJs playing it will definitely satisfy your thirst for a good summer beat to party to, all at the Symbol Promenade Park at Odaiba. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir … Continued

Other than indulging yourself with shaved-ice desserts, what better way to cool off in the summer heat than being drenched in marvelous bubbles? With bubble run events held all over Japan all through the end of July to mid-September, with various musical guests playing at the after party at the finish line, it’s an event … Continued

Japanese summers are warm and humid but don’t let that dissuade you from all the fun activities that would be held during this season!   It’s summer and it’s time for exciting festivals and fireworks, be sure to check out all the different exciting events that will be happening near you! Better yet, grab your besties … Continued

Airbnb has become a popular choice for accommodation but in Japan it had always been a business in the grey area, meaning both tenants and hosts may not be protected by the law should conflicts arise. The new minpaku home-sharing law provides a framework for this new kind of short term leasing, opening up opportunities … Continued

Olle are Nature hikes that began in Jeju Island, Korea, that brings hikers through gorgeous natural sceneries that changes with the season. The Kyushu Olle is a spin-off of the Korean version, with several different courses for hikers with different experiences. The Miyama – Kyoumizu Course opened this February, which begins from Setaka-machi, Miyama City. … Continued

Summer season is a prime time for travelling, whether you are travelling with friends or family, tour packages are the most convenient way to plan your next trip. But visitors should be aware of false advertising in Japan this coming holiday season. Visitors joining group tours should be vigilant when perusing brochures and pamphlets advertising. … Continued

  Due to previous success, indoor amusement park called TOKYO JOYPOLIS is collaborating again with anime show Attack on Titans for a limited time event from 13th June 2017 to 1st October 2017 and the name of the event is Attack on Titan in JOYPOLIS-Season 2. The recent collaboration would include new attractions and a … Continued

Bridges and Water: A Road Trip around the Seto Inland Sea While younger travellers either opt for the appeal of cities or backpacking around tourist sites, the elder statesmen of travel are often drawn more to seeing the beauty of the nature in comfort. In his first article for Japan.com, retired banker and avid traveller … Continued

Visitors to Japan will soon find the country even safer than before. With recent growth in tourists, there have also been increased number of unauthorised travel agencies and agents ripping off foreigners. In the past, travel agencies may involve the use of “land operators” (local tour guides). These land operators are responsible for organising shopping … Continued

March and April are Japan’s sakura season, and Tokyo’s Mandarin Oriental is honouring the beautiful season with a special Sakura promotion across the hotel’s bars and restaurants. Guests of the Mandarin Oriental can taste a wide variety of sakura flavoured cocktails and delicious desserts. Enjoy an elegant view of the sakura blossoms with a Sakura … Continued

Tokyo is never stagnant; exciting things are constantly happening around the corner. It’s hard to keep up with Tokyo’s ever-changing landscape and nearly impossible to keep track of all the new cafes, restaurants, or latest hotspots to hang out. Trekking across the city to find the latest haunts can get exhausting, and that’s where Tokyo.com … Continued

The animated hit “Your Name” is perhaps the most successful Japanese animated movie of 2016, it has garnered over 330 million USD in international box offices. The movie not only combined popular sci-fi time travel theme with romance, but the also featured an incredibly accurate depiction of Tokyo. Due to the movie’s huge box office … Continued

Cherry blossom, also known as sakura, is Japan’s floral emblem. One of the reasons why it has been chosen to represent the country is, of course, its graceful and beautiful appearance. Thus, cherry blossom viewing (hanami) is popular among locals and tourists during the winter-spring transition period. Though there are numerous places for hanami, Japan.com … Continued

Good news, foodies! Along with the beginning of 2017, 3 new restaurants opened in the Tokyo area. As luck would have it, there is one for each budget. So if you’re preparing for a gourmet journey to the city, read about what food is awaiting your arrival at Japan.com! 1. Roppongi Cafe As a new … Continued

Setsubun Festival marks the beginning of spring season. In Japan, people could celebrate the commencement of spring by attending a “spring-cleaning” ritual in local schools, homes or temples like Sensoji Temple, in which their misfortune would be cast away with a special kind of food. Want to know what it is? Check out what Japan.com … Continued

The government of Fussa, a city located in western Tokyo, has released an anime video to introduce two local breweries with free guided tours. In the tours, you can learn about sake, a unique type of rice wine originated in Japan with undeniable social function and status in Japan’s working environment and for leisure consumption. … Continued

Kiyoshi Kimura, nicknamed tuna king, placed an astonishing 74.2 million yen bid (around 636,000 USD) for a 212 kg tuna at this year’s Hatsuseri, the first tuna auction held in Tsukiji Market on 5 January every year. What else has he done to earn his kingdom? Find out more about his reign here at Japan.com! … Continued

Attention, driving tourists! If you wish to drive instead of taking public transport during your trip to central Japan, Central Nippon Expressway Pass (CEP) may be an attractive system for you. CEP reaches Tokyo Metropolitan areas and 11 prefectures in central Japan including Nagoya, providing you with unlimited access to expressways at a reasonable price. … Continued

For those unfamiliar with the term, “omamori” (literally “protection”) are amulets sold in shrines and temples throughout Japan, which locals usually buy one at the beginning of a new year. Omamoris are believed to be a part of the shrines and temples’ gods. Thus, they supposedly grant people with “protective powers”. While their effectiveness compared … Continued

Ever thought about studying abroad in Tokyo? It is actually not as extreme as some of you may believe, and you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture by taking up a hobby or learning its history while enjoying a fruitful university life. In the QS World Universities ranking 2016, 7 of Tokyo’s schools made it into … Continued

Scheduled for January 22, 2017, Ishigaki Marathon will take place in Okinawa, with tourists and locals alike gathering to enjoy the sport while admiring nature views. If you are into a more energetic way to experience Japan before the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, check out why Ishigaki Marathon might just be the event you are … Continued

Do you want to build a snowman? Starting from January 2017, Tokyo Disneyland shall be hosting special event “Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy”. It features parades and live musical performances by the princesses from the Disney blockbuster “Frozen”. What are 3 activities you cannot just “let it go”? Find out with us here at Japan.com! … Continued

What interesting customs do Japanese have to celebrate New Year? Japan.com has collected 4 traditions about Japanese New Year which is around the corner. If you are travelling to Japan in early to mid-January, check out how you can be a part of the grand celebration, have a happy new year in Japan, and share … Continued

As 2016 draws to a close, 3 renowned Tokyo landmarks and attractions are approaching the end of their service. The Chuo, Odaiba and Ginza landscape will never be the same again. How should tourists, fans and travellers say their goodbyes? Japan.com has the perfect answer for you! 1. DiverCity Tokyo Life-sized Gundam and Gundam Front … Continued

As most Japanophiles and foodies know, the world’s largest fish market Tsukiji Market (inner market) is in the midst of a relocation. The Tsukiji Outer Market shall remain, with a new seafood based shopping centre constructed: Tsukiji Uogashi! Unfortunately (or fortunately for foodies?), environmental concerns have delayed Tsukiji’s relocation. So, how is the relocation going? … Continued

Attention foodies travelling to Japan! Besides the typical delicacies, ever wondered what Japan’s trendiest food products are? What about new food releases that you can bring home? Well, Japan.com has got you covered! We have selected 3 brand new food launches for you to check out: one for you to eat at your hotel, one … Continued

Having covered Christmas festivities in faraway Tokyo Midtown and nearby Osaka Aquarium here at Japan.com, it’s time we switch over to the traditional for New Year’s Eve by recommending the Chionin Temple in Kyoto. Not only is Kyoto perfect for experiencing Japanese culture, the Chionin Temple is the heart of religious celebrations around New Years! … Continued

Christmas traditions in Japan can be hard to maintain, unless of course KFC Christmas dinners are your sort of thing. So, why not start your own with the amazing Christmas-themed performances at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan? After all, this aquarium along with the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium are two best aquariums in Japan. So without further … Continued

Renewed Japanese emphasis on tourism may finally loosen regulations for Airbnb styled apartment sharing private stay accommodations (minpaku in Japanese), giving more options to travellers all over Japan. This came about with the official forecast that annual visitors shall reach a historic high of 24 million in 2016, with the goal of achieving 40 million … Continued

Travellers may ask: what should you do when you spend Christmas in Japan? You can definitely opt for a traditional Japanese KFC dinner (that’s right, KFC is a Japanese Christmas tradition). But you can have KFC anytime of year in almost every country in the world. Tokyo.com thinks the far better event to check out … Continued

For those unfamiliar with the film, Your Name (君の名は。 / Kimi no Na wa) was a feature-length Japanese anime written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. Featuring fantasy elements from body-swap to time travel, the tale follows protagonists Mitsuha and Taki who work together to prevent a major disaster. Tokyo was one of the film’s two … Continued