Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
The contemporary art festival Kobe Rokko Meets Art 2026 beyond runs from August 29 to November 29, 2026 on Mt. Rokko in Kobe, featuring 60 artists across the mountain's scenic venues. Advance viewing passports go on sale June 1, 2026.
The second entry in Mampei Hotel's cookie sandwich series, featuring a lemony butter cream filling and charming Karuizawa-inspired packaging, is now available at the hotel shop and online.
Matsuya Foods is opening its first permanent department store location, "Matsuya PREMIUM," in the basement of Matsuya Ginza on June 10, 2026. The premium outpost offers exclusive menus featuring Kobe beef, domestic wagyu, and more.
Mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection is serving a seasonal parfait at its 16th-floor Whisk bar and lounge from July 1 to September 30, 2026, featuring fresh melon and prosciutto layered with mascarpone, pistachios, tomatoes, and basil.
The "Ekimae Beer Hall" returns to Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo's Dining Café & Bar "Rondo" for a limited run from June 27 to September 30, 2026, featuring a revamped food lineup paired with free-flow drinks.
Picasso Cafe on Dogenzaka in Shibuya is relaunching as PICASSO RAMEN, a ramen and music bar concept featuring authentic shoyu ramen by Osaka's renowned Jinrui Mina Menrui, opening on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Sanrio Puroland's annual summer event returns for its third year with a Y3K-inspired "Future Cool Breeze" theme, running from July 10 to September 1, 2026. New highlights include Mirai Photo — an AI-powered photo experience making its Japan debut — alongside MR gaming, see-through LED displays, and a collaboration with Wanpaku! Touken Ranbu.
New York-born burger restaurant Shake Shack is set to open its 19th Japan location in Hakata, Fukuoka, in late July 2026 — marking the brand's first entry into the Kyushu region.
A new solo-friendly travel package connecting Niigata with Hokkaido via Shin Nihonkai Ferry is now on sale for July and August 2026 departures, with round-trip boarding, on-board coupons, and a Wi-Fi perk on the Otaru route.
Nankan-age, a type of fried tofu beloved as Kumamoto's soul food, will be available at 10% off at Shioyama Foods' Rakuten Ichiba store during the Rakuten Super Sale from June 4 to June 11, 2026.
SMILE SMART INN OKINAWA CHURAUMI, a new smart hotel in Motobu, Okinawa, opens on July 1, 2026 — just 4 minutes by car from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, offering 25 fully-equipped rooms with contactless check-in.
The rain-themed limited-time doll "Raindrop" has returned to the dress-up and raising game Sugar Doll, along with a seasonal event and background packs running through summer 2026.