Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
The first wave of Ultra Q hand puppet soft vinyl figures — Kanegon and Garamon from the classic 1966 tokusatsu series — is now available for pre-order from Masudaya Saito Boeki, following the earlier Ultraman hand puppet series.
Starting April 21, 2026, Hanno Station is decorated with colorful umbrellas tied to the "Moomin Valley and Umbrella 2026" event at Moominvalley Park, with the display planned to run through early September.
For three days during Golden Week (May 3–5, 2026), Cafe Restaurant Oasis at Utsunomiya Tobu Hotel Grande is hosting a special all-you-can-eat buffet featuring carved Nikko Kogen Beef sirloin roast beef and live seafood grilling on an iron plate.
The Yonezawa Uesugi Festival, held April 29 to May 3, 2026, in Yamagata Prefecture, is welcoming overseas visitors for the second consecutive year to experience the Battle of Kawanakajima alongside around 700 armored warriors.
During Golden Week 2026, Sayama City hosts two beloved annual events in memory of Minamoto no Yoshitaka — a koinobori display at the Iruma River and a 24 km historical walk — commemorating the young warrior whose tragic story has moved taiga drama fans across Japan.
A limited-time pop-up seafood BBQ event called "Yukkuri Robatayaki" opens at the Apita Utsunomiya store outdoor parking lot from May 1 to 31, 2026, featuring oysters sourced from across Japan and over 30 menu varieties.
An online lottery featuring merchandise from the anime series "A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation" goes on sale April 27, 2026, offering prizes ranging from tapestries and acrylic panels to keychains and can badges.
The special exhibition celebrating 30 years of manga artist Arina Tanemura's career is running at Animate Ikebukuro 8F (Space Galleria) from April 17 to May 18, 2026, showcasing original manuscripts, reproduced costumes, and exclusive merchandise.
Starting April 21, 2026, the ammonite character Ammon hosts interactive daily talk live shows at AQUARIUM×ART átoa in Kobe, featuring quizzes and behind-the-scenes aquarium content. Free with aquarium admission.
Asahi Beverages has launched a limited-time collaboration between Calpis and San-X Universe, featuring a special video and a campaign offering 1,000 winners a Calpis Drinking Kit.
The Dragon Quest Island attraction at Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island launched its remake on April 24, 2026, celebrating the Dragon Quest series' 40th anniversary and the attraction's 5th anniversary with new sub-quests, exclusive merchandise, and a special Kandata character greeting event.
A collaborative pop-up event featuring Taiwan-based apparel brand HUTCH and creative brand FLUPPYOOZY runs at STAYFUL LIFE STORE in Musashino, Tokyo from April 25 to May 3, 2026, with exclusive T-shirts and a limited keychain gift for qualifying purchases.