Hakurei Shrine Summer Festival 2026 starts at Yomiuriland on June 20 with Touhou goods, food, attractions, a RIDDLER puzzle game, and HANA BIYORI tie-ins.
Good Smile’s Akihabara Exhibit Is a Shortcut to Japan’s Weird New Indie Games
Good Smile Fest 2026’s game exhibition at Akiba CO Gallery gathers titles including Nekopara Sekai Connect, Magical Girl no Inshu Mura, and more.
The Summer Hikaru Died Is Opening a Horror Cafe Inside a Real Cursed Object Cafe
The Summer Hikaru Died will run a kimodameshi-themed collaboration at Cursed Object Cafe Juju in Tokyo from June 26.
Mamoru Hosoda’s OZ Cafe Turns Summer Wars Into a Tokyo Theme-Cafe Experience
Mamoru Hosoda's OZ Cafe is not just another anime cafe. It turns Summer Wars, time, memory, and Tokyo travel into something fans can sit with.
Nintama Rantaro Just Became a Japan Travel Guide for Anime Pilgrims
JTB Publishing’s Rurubu Nintama Rantaro guide covers the anime world, Amagasaki pilgrimage locations, ninja facilities, interviews, and stickers.
Villa Azalea: The Best Airbnb in Nagano Prefecture Japan
When I say Villa Azalea is the best Airbnb I’ve ever stayed at, I don’t say that lightly. I’ve stayed in some incredible places all over the world. But this one? This one sticks with you. It’s not just a stay — it’s an experience and sightseeing spot in its own right. Located in Okaya-shi, … Continue reading Villa Azalea: The Best Airbnb in Nagano Prefecture Japan
Laid-Back Anime Locations: Yamanashi Prefecture
When it comes to Yamanashi Prefecture locations, one anime stands out — Yuru Camp, a.k.a. Laid-Back Camp. Without Yuru Camp, many anime fans wouldn’t know that this rural, inland, and mountainous prefecture even existed. That’s understandable, because Yamanashi isn't as touristy as Hakone (Kanagawa) or Nikko (Tochigi). But Yamanashi does feature the scenic and natural … Continue reading Laid-Back Anime Locations: Yamanashi Prefecture
How Does Japan Celebrate Christmas?
It may sound strange to some, but Japan does celebrate Christmas. Of course, the Japanese version of Christmas is different from the Western one — but it's also similar in many ways. Since Japan is not a predominantly Christian society, they don't associate Christmas with any religious beliefs in their present-day celebration of the holiday. … Continue reading How Does Japan Celebrate Christmas?
What are Yokai and Kaiju?
If you’re a fan of Japanese culture, you have probably run across yokai and kaiju. From anime to books to video games, these fictional creatures make frequent appearances in Japanese storytelling. It’s hard to imagine Japan without them. And yet, what exactly are yokai and kaiju? Are they good or evil? Are kaiju and yokai … Continue reading What are Yokai and Kaiju?
What Are Japanese Temples and Shrines? A Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you will definitely want to visit some Japanese temples and shrines. Temples and shrines are beautiful places. More than just religious places, many are also historically or culturally significant as well. So, what is a Japanese temple? And how does a temple differ from a shrine? At first … Continue reading What Are Japanese Temples and Shrines? A Guide