Seasonal highlights like hanami, hanabi, and holidays.
November in Japan is a month when autumn leaves reach their peak, the air turns crisp, and cultural life bursts into color. For expats, it is one of the most rewarding times to experience Japan, with traditional parades, shrine rituals, and food-centered events happening nationwide. This guide will introduce the most unmissable November festivals in
Rent a girlfriend services in Japan are businesses that let customers pay for time with a female companion who acts as a girlfriend during a scheduled date. These services are legal in Japan and operate under strict rules that prohibit physical intimacy. There is a related option called rent a boyfriend, which offers the same
Manga Cafes (まんがカフェ/まんが喫茶) are, for many, a place to escape, work, or even sleep. You’ve probably seen them in anime, if you haven’t seen them in person, but… what are they? How do they differ from internet cafes in other countries? What are things that manga cafes offer that similar spaces in the west do
Halloween at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of the most anticipated seasonal events in Osaka. For many foreigners living in or visiting Japan, it’s a chance to experience a Halloween celebration that blends Japanese creativity with world-class theme park entertainment. The best part is that even if you don’t speak Japanese, the thrills, visuals,
For many people, the beauty of kimono is part of the appeal of Japan. It is an iconic piece of national dress, recognizable by sight across the world. As such, many people who visit Japan want to try it out for themselves. Though there are a few concerns: where can you find them? Is it
Halloween in Osaka has grown into one of the city’s liveliest seasonal celebrations, attracting both locals and international visitors. The city combines Japan’s love for cosplay with Western traditions, creating a unique atmosphere filled with themed parties, parades, and cultural events. In 2025, Halloween in Osaka is expected to be bigger than ever, with exciting
Shibuya has historically been one of the most significant places in the whole country when it comes to celebrating Halloween in Japan… but the times of debauched drunkenness and wild abandon as costume-clad revelers danced around Hachiko are at an end. Starting in 2023, the Shibuya local government declared that, following unrest in previous years,
October in Japan is one of the most charming months of the year. The weather is pleasantly cool, skies are clear, and autumn colors begin to spread across the country. It is also a season filled with cultural celebrations, harvest rituals, and lively events that bring communities together. For foreigners living in or visiting Japan,
Planning to experience Oktoberfest in Japan this autumn? From Tokyo’s waterfront venues to Osaka’s open-air parks, Japan’s Oktoberfest celebrations offer a festive mix of German beer culture with local flair. Oktoberfest in Japan is not only a beer festival but you can enjoy the music and culture. It is not only for drinkers but also
Shibuya draws visitors with its mix of iconic landmarks, shopping, nightlife, and hidden corners that locals cherish. The district reflects Tokyo’s modern spirit while preserving cultural layers, offering visitors a sense of both tradition and innovation. With convenient connections to Haneda and Narita airports, Shibuya is also one of the most accessible places for travelers
Shinjuku is both a bustling business center and a lively entertainment district, offering neon-lit streets, world-class dining, and peaceful green spaces. Visitors come to enjoy its mix of modern skyscrapers, traditional izakayas, and vibrant nightlife that keeps the area alive well into the early hours. Travelers looking to experience Tokyo’s energy often find Shinjuku to
Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido, is a city that easily combines natural beauty with modern attractions. Famed for its snowy winters, which include the world-renowned Sapporo Snow Festival, the city offers a wealth of experiences throughout the year. It is home to ski resorts and hot springs for pleasure, and ramen alleys and beer
Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, offers an enchanting blend of historic temples, traditional neighborhoods, and breathtaking landscapes. As the nation’s former imperial capital for over a thousand years, the city preserves its old-world charm while also offering modern comforts. Kyoto provides a journey through the soul of Japan through its temples, seasonal beauty, and traditional cultural
Fukuoka, the gateway to Kyushu, blends a modern city lifestyle with a relaxed coastal atmosphere, a celebrated food culture, and centuries of tradition. Known for its balance of convenience and charm, Fukuoka is a destination that appeals to both first-time visitors and repeat travelers. Why Visit Fukuoka Fukuoka is one of Japan’s most livable cities,
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka is one of the country’s most exciting theme parks, where movies come alive through thrilling rides and thrilling worlds. In 2025, the park continues to attract millions of visitors with both classic fan-favorites and newly updated attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, knowing how to
Osaka is considered to be the second city of Japan: the Chicago of the East. One of the country’s most exciting cities, famous for its street food culture, friendly atmosphere, and blend of history with modern entertainment. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, this Osaka travel guide will
Japan is home to some of the world’s most unique accommodations, and nothing embodies cultural luxury more than a ryokan. These traditional inns blend history, hospitality, and comfort, offering tatami rooms, seasonal kaiseki dining, and healing hot spring baths. For travelers planning a trip this year, choosing the right ryokan can turn a vacation into
Every autumn, Japan turns into a breathtaking landscape of fiery reds, golden yellows, and warm oranges. This seasonal tradition, known as momijigari, is more than sightseeing — it is a cultural practice that dates back over a thousand years. For foreigners living in Japan or visiting in 2025, autumn leaves in Japan combine nature, culture,
Tokyo is not the capital city of the Earth, but unlike New York, we have everything you want and three things you didn’t know you did. This goes double for our LGBTQ+ friends. Tokyo is known for having one of the most vibrant gay nightlife scenes in Asia. Shinjuku Nichome is the heart of Tokyo’s
September in Japan is a month of change—summer’s intensity gives way to crisp autumn breezes, and communities gather to honor traditions that have shaped their identity for centuries. For foreign residents, it’s an excellent time to explore festivals that range from high-energy street races to quiet evenings under the full moon. Whether you’re interested in
If you’ve ever searched for a late-night shopping adventure in Japan, chances are you’ve heard of Don Quijote—or “Donki,” as locals affectionately call it. This Japanese discount store chain is a unique blend of bargain paradise, cultural curiosity, and organized chaos. Walking through its maze-like aisles feels like a mix between a treasure hunt and
Matcha has become a phenomenon all over the world. Largely unknown in the west twenty years ago, and the niche flavor for tea enthusiasts just a decade ago, you can now find it almost anywhere, both as a tea, as part of a coffee, or even as ice cream. We’ve covered matcha generally in our
From the subtropical sands of Okinawa to the crisp, wild shores of Hokkaido, Japan offers a coastal experience for every kind of beachgoer. Whether you’re looking to surf world-class waves, unwind on calm stretches of white sand, or cool off with a quick seaside escape from the city, there’s a beach waiting with your name
If you’ve ever been to Japan’s capital, then you’ll know it’s busy, fast-paced, and crowded. So where do you go when you want some time to spend with your beau that’s romantic, considerate, and intimate? Well, lucky for you, in a city this big, there are plenty of options for places to keep the flames
One of the highlights of Autumn in Japan is taking part in tsukimi, the centuries-old custom of admiring the harvest moon. In 2025, Chūshū-no-Meigetsu (the Japanese term for “harvest moon”) rises on Monday 6 October, while the astronomical full moon peaks at dusk on 7 October — a rare one-day offset that promises two luminous
Fall in Japan offers travellers something the hot and humid summer festivals cannot: cool evenings, lantern-lit streets, and a cultural deep dive that gives you the perfect feeling after the scorching summer but before the winter chill. Whether you are planning a first trip or hunting for a reason to return, Autumn Festivals, known in
Drinking in Japan is about more than izakaya or tachinomi. Cocktail bars in Japan are going through a major phase of popularity, and there are more creative places to go for a drink than ever. Bartenders at a Japan cocktail bar are experts in local botanicals, low‑ABV creativity, and omotenashi that can turn a quick
The All-Japan Dance Calendar 2025 The Bon Odori dance is one of the most fun traditional pastimes in Japan, and during the Obon Festival, you can see it in person — or even join in! But before you slip into your dancing shoes, let us take you through the dates of some of the biggest
Tokyo is the world’s largest metropolis, with a number of distinctive different wards, that have unique areas, all within Japan’s most diverse city. So if you’re going for the first time… where should you stay? Well, let us take you through where to stay in Tokyo the first time. We’ll break down the best neighbourhoods
Japan may be an island nation, but a refreshing dip is often closer than the coastline. Whether you crave Olympic-length lanes, towering water-slides, or a wine-infused hot spring, this guide will walk foreign residents and travellers through the best places to beat the heat, and teach you essential etiquette so you can swim like a