Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
The latest Ascendance of a Bookworm TO Junior Bunko volume and an original Lesser pin badge went on sale on July 1, 2026, with new comic volumes and character merchandise from publisher TO Books following on July 15.
From August 2026 through March 2027, Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo and Otonami are holding a monthly flower art object workshop with art and ikebana artist Norihiko Kamei in a two-bedroom suite overlooking the Imperial Palace that is available only to hotel guests; reservations for the first three sessions open July 2.
A new theatrical chapter of Assassination Classroom, built around previously unadapted manga episodes to mark the series' 10th anniversary, arrives exclusively on Prime Video on Friday, August 7, 2026.
At Nagoya's Denki Bunka Kaikan, the Aurora and Forest Story Exhibition (July 11 to August 30, 2026) will feature a Nordic Marketplace selling curated goods and foods from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and other Nordic countries, with items from Moomin, Finlayson, Lovi, and more.
Ahead of its July 10–12, 2026 run at Grand Green Osaka's Umekita Park, the international festival Bakushoku Onsai GG has revealed new additions including a Hello Kitty appearance, a PASONA NATUREVERSE after-Expo booth, a lucky draw featuring the German character Circular, and a heatstroke-prevention campaign from GREEN DA・KA・RA.
Ryozen, the kappo restaurant at Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, is serving a summer afternoon tea from July 4 to August 31, 2026, built around kuzu ice, mizuyokan, and other cooling Kyoto-style sweets alongside seasonal savory dishes.
BASE LAYER HOTEL KOBE SANNOMIYA opens on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, becoming the culture business hotel brand's third location after Nagoya and Fukuoka. The 82-room hotel sits on Kobe's historic Tor Road and features a Kobe beef restaurant, a music bar with a custom sound system, a guest sauna and spa, and a room with a private in-room sauna.
From July 4 to September 27, 2026, the Bizen City Museum of Art in Okayama presents "Teacup Merry-Go-Round," a display of around 100 pieces of European tea ware and decorative art that traces a century of modern design, complete with a Wedgwood-inspired café menu and a limited-time coaster gift.
Blue Bottle Coffee opens its Hakata Cafe on July 21, 2026, on the first floor of the Nishi-Nippon City Building right by Hakata Station. The brand's second cafe in Kyushu features a curved coffee counter, Kyushu craftsmanship, and Hakata-exclusive menu items including Mentaiko Potato Toast and an exclusive rattan mug.
Kobe-based importer Oyama Co., Ltd. is bringing Northern Ireland's The Boatyard Distillery to Japan for the first time, with a lineup of organic gin, vodka, Old Tom gin, and sloe gin liqueur going on sale nationwide on July 1, 2026.
Bread, Espresso & Sakaisuji Club in Osaka is starting a two-month, limited-time dinner service from July 1 to August 31, 2026, offering all-you-can-eat freshly baked bread with each dish inside a 95-year-old former bank building.
JOURNAL STANDARD relume is releasing its third ethnic collection in collaboration with Indian brand bunai from early July 2026, featuring KALAMKARI block-print shirts and pants alongside exclusive handcrafted beads accessories.