Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
The second wave of information for Hatsune Miku YOZORA PROGRAM 2026, set to take place in Niigata from September 21 to 23, 2026, has been announced, including the main visual designed by illustrator リン☆ユウ, several upcoming events, and the original theme song "Bloom Out feat. Hatsune Miku."
A Hello Kitty collaboration bag series from unify and Sanrio Characters features three-dimensional embroidery in light gray and navy, offered in three sizes for everyday use.
Hotel Resol Ueno in Ueno, Tokyo is launching the "Panda Anniversary Stay Plan" from July 1, 2026 — a one-room-only stay in a fully panda-themed room complete with a 100 cm panda plush, sparkling wine, whole cake, Instax photo, and late checkout until noon.
Tokyo Midtown welcomes three new dining experiences in summer 2026, led by Instant Classic by WCB — West Coast Brewing's largest directly-operated craft beer restaurant — alongside Kayanoya's new seasonal dashi cuisine concept and Tamitu's limited-time honey cafe.
Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel's new head chef presents a peach-inspired "adult tea party" buffet for two days only — July 19 and 20, 2026 — at ダイニング ブルーム, with panoramic views of Mt. Asama.
Kawana Hotel Golf Course in Ito, Shizuoka is opening part of its world-renowned Fuji Course free of charge on August 21, 2026 for a family-friendly outdoor event featuring snag golf, putting, water gun battles, and cart rides.
Hankyu Umeda Honten's 11th-floor kimono section will feature KIMONO Terrasse's Okayama silk denim pieces — including a custom-order kimono and a pre-tied obi — from July 1 to 7, 2026.
The debut art collection from illustrator Kiriko Arai — featuring her beloved original characters Wolf-kun and NISE OBAKE — is set for release on August 20, 2026. Published by PARCO Publishing, the 144-page volume compiles illustrations from 2017 onward alongside an all-new origin story for Wolf-kun.
Kotori no Yu, a day-use hot spring in Matsushiro, Nagano City, is running a limited-time "Chilled Onsen" event from July 3 to July 26, 2026, offering three bath zones at different temperatures — including a naturally cool open-air bath using raw spring water — so guests can enjoy the mineral-rich waters comfortably even in the peak of summer.
Shoryu, a Japanese kaiseki restaurant by Michelin two-star chef Shinji Tsubahara, and KAZANE, an innovative French restaurant by chef Minami Nakai of Tokyo's Michelin one-star LATURE, will open simultaneously at Au Kurokawa in Kurokawa Onsen on August 1, 2026.
Starting July 1, 2026, the Higaki restaurant inside Kyoto Gyoen opens two hours earlier, at 8:00 AM, to serve a new breakfast menu, alongside a summer-only selection of three shaved ice desserts.
Marugo, a tabi footwear maker founded over 100 years ago, has launched the ITARO 1201 TABI SETTA, a leather sandal that blends the split-toe tabi sole with the aesthetic of traditional Japanese setta sandals.