Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
![TOWER OF GOD: NEW WORLD Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with Hot Summer Festival Update, Adds New SSR+ Ally [Red Lantern] Shilial](https://assets.hldycdn.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=webp,quality=75,width=400/46376a71-0a53-43ff-81b7-a9a17f1b1288.jpeg)
TOWER OF GOD: NEW WORLD marks its 3rd anniversary with the Hot Summer Festival update, adding new SSR+ ally [Red Lantern] Shilial alongside anniversary summons, a coupon code, and other celebratory content running through August 19.
From August 12 to 25, 2026, Hankyu Umeda Main Store hosts the "Umeda Snoopy Festival 2026," gathering Hankyu-exclusive Snoopy goods from around 80 brands alongside limited-edition sweets, a 9th-floor photo-spot venue, and the returning "Snoopy Garden" from Jeju Island, Korea.
Universal Studios Japan has revealed details of "Afterimage," a new attraction joining the 15th-anniversary Halloween Horror Nights this autumn. It's the event's first attraction to carry an R-18 rating and require a signed waiver, delivering extreme psychological horror. The reveal also brings a new 30-second commercial starring Kitamura Takumi and an updated Express Pass lineup with a guaranteed Afterimage pass.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka will open reservations on July 23 for a special overnight stay plan tied to The 38th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival on October 17, offering an intimate way to enjoy the autumn fireworks from a private, uncrowded setting.
Yokohama Landmark Plaza and MARK IS Minato Mirai will host the "Kinoko de Kinkatsu Summer Gourmet Fair" from August 7 to 23, 2026, offering 32 original mushroom dishes across 27 restaurants. Landmark Plaza also runs its own indulgent "Guilty Gourmet" menu from July 24 to August 23, 2026.
YURURITO's Kinmokusei (osmanthus) line from Global Product Planning welcomes a new Rice Bran Bath Powder made with rice bran extract from Yamagata's Tsuyahime rice for a cloudy, fragrant soak, plus a gift set paired with the new Kinmokusei Tea scent, both on sale from July 22.
ZEPETO, the avatar social platform operated by NAVER Z Corporation, officially releases a new "2D Avatar Type" for a more anime-style world, and kicks off a special TikTok creator livestream collaboration to celebrate the launch.
On August 3, 2026, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in Shinjuku is holding "Acche! Niigata Fes 2026," featuring a live viewing of the Nagaoka Matsuri fireworks, a mini edamame speed-eating championship with idol guest Rio Nanami, and free Niigata ice cream and a traditional dance performance at Kabukicho Cinecity Square.
New "Agents of the Four Seasons: Dance of Spring" merchandise — including T-shirts, character rubber mats, a B2 tapestry, and a mug — is now available to order on the CharaON! online shop.
TO Books is holding two character popularity votes for Ascendance of a Bookworm at once, running from noon on July 21 through 9:00 AM on August 5, 2026. Everyone who votes receives a bookmark design, and the top-ranking characters will appear in new artwork by illustrator Yuu Shiina in this year's Fanbook 11, wearing the winning concept costume.
Bushu Kawagoe-ya, a Japanese culture teahouse offering udon meals, tea and sweets, artful interiors, a photo experience, and souvenirs, has opened along Taisho Roman Yume Dori in Kawagoe, Saitama, as a stop designed to fit easily into a day of sightseeing.
Can★Do is releasing a new 37-item lineup featuring Winnie the Pooh and friends in colorful designs to mark the character's 100th anniversary, with items arriving at stores nationwide and online starting July 23, 2026.