Living
A Guide to Solo Hiking in Japan
Three hiking regions to join Japan’s hiking community
The Fukushima Diamond Route
A cut above the rest
Silver Week 2026 in Japan: Dates, Crowds, and What to Do in Tokyo
Japan's first full five-day Silver Week, with crowd forecasts and the best ways to spend it in Tokyo
Halloween Afternoon Tea in Tokyo 2026
Celebrate Halloween with Tokyo's sweetest treats
How to Use a Sento or Onsen in Japan
A beginner's guide to Japanese bathhouses
The World’s First: Japan’s Viral Cold-Water Instant Noodles
Inside the Hiyashi cup noodle craze
Guide to HIV Testing, Prevention and Free Clinics in Tokyo and Yokohama
What to know about the virus, warning signs, prevention, PrEP and PEP, and where to get tested for free in Japan—a complete guide for international residents and visitors
Things to Do in Tokyo in September
The rundown of the best events in Tokyo this September
Japan Residence Permit Fees Rise From October 1, 2026: Permanent Residency Jumps to ¥200,000
More about the process, eligibility rules, and paperwork
Japan’s Top 6 Premium Wagyu Beef
A guide to wagyu, Japan's premium beef, from the rarest cuts to everyday luxury
Paid Clinical Trials in Tokyo for International Residents and Visitors
Inside Tokyo's paid clinical research program for foreigners—compensation, eligibility and what the experience is actually like
Tokyo Bear Hunting Ban Could End for the First Time in Nearly 20 Years
As bear sightings hit a national record, the capital is reconsidering a policy it hasn't touched since 2008
Island of Spirits: How Isolation Shapes Japan’s Ghost Stories
Isolated by the sea, Japan's coasts and mountains gave rise to distinct traditions of spirits and ghosts.
Google Store Omotesando: Google’s First Flagship Outside the U.S. Opens in Tokyo
Google opens its first walk-in store anywhere outside the U.S., right in Apple's backyard.
Hikikomori to Healing: One Artist’s Journey To Self-Love in Japan
Battling one’s demons is never easy, but embracing them just might be the solution
Tokyo Sumo Tournament 2026: The Complete Guide
Sumo returns to Tokyo from September 13-27, 2026, with yokozuna Hoshoryu and Onosato headlining the tournament
Sumo Tournament Tickets Go on Sale August 8—Here’s How to Get Them
Tickets for Tokyo's May Grand Sumo Tournament go on sale August 8, 2026, and they will sell out fast
How to Wear and Style a Summer Yukata
Your guide to styling Japan’s most iconic seasonal garment
Meet One of the Few Non-Japanese Licensed Kimono Stylists in Japan
Based in Japan: Kara Harris on the exam that made her cry, opening a shop in Asakusa and her mission to make kimono fit everyone
Tsushima, the Real Japanese Island Behind Ghost of Tsushima
An island where the winds of history still whisper through the mountains, the seas and the swords.
Japan Tourist Rules & Fines 2026: What To Know
Japan's tourism crackdown comes with real fines. Here's what to know before visiting
Things to Do in Tokyo in August 2026
The rundown of the best events in Tokyo this August