Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
The beloved Nama Dorayaki series from Azumino Tea Kochouan, a Nagano-based confectionery brand, has received a refreshed packaging design across its three flagship flavors.
The Otabi Festival is a spectacular spring event held annually in May in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, featuring children's kabuki performed on ornate floats and a breathtaking golden float procession lit up at night.
The Kurushima Kaikyo Sightseeing Boat & Tower-Top Experience (Kurukuru Climb) tour returns for 2026, combining a boat ride through one of Japan's Three Major Tidal Currents with a rare visit to the top of Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, approximately 180m above sea level. Applications for April through June sessions opened on March 6.
Hananeya in Kyoto's Saiin district is a private room izakaya offering an ultra-limited "swimming squid" sashimi — just 20 servings per day in March. With live squid prepared to order from a dedicated tank, the result is a beautifully transparent, strikingly fresh sashimi unlike anything else.
L'ibisco, the acclaimed handmade gelato shop recognized on the Tabelog Top 100 list, is opening its first Shizuoka location in the fishing port city of Yaizu on March 20, 2026, with exclusive local-ingredient flavors.
Japanese audio brand LIFEEAR has released a collaboration model of its swappable wired earphones "Nova" featuring the popular character IP "Obungu to Issho," now available for pre-order.
Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho is opening a spring seasonal SAKURA Terrace Café & Bar on the 4th floor restaurant terrace from March 20 to April 26, 2026, offering sakura-themed desserts, cocktails, and a relaxing outdoor space open to all guests.
A collaboration event featuring Sammy's original characters runs in m HOLD'EM from March 16 to April 2, 2026, including a special tournament where the winner takes home a gold nugget worth approximately 150,000 yen.
Michi Nail has released a vibrant collection of nail chips featuring three distinctive styles — heart holo magnetic, marble emerald, and fairy dust — each priced at ¥2,350 (tax included).
Owltech has released two new items under its Mignonne brand — a 13–14-inch shrink leather laptop case and a mobile accessory pouch — blending stylish design with everyday practicality.
Two male Asian small-clawed otter pups were born at Minami-Chita Beachland in Aichi Prefecture on February 6, 2026 — the facility's first otter birth in 29 years. The pups are currently being raised in a nesting box and are expected to go on public display around two months after birth.
A free-ride mini steam locomotive and open-air market come together at Yume Sakura Park in Iwakura, Aichi, over two spring weekends coinciding with the Iwakura Cherry Blossom Festival.