As a result of Japan’s monetary policy, the yen continues to grow weaker against the US dollar. That’s a huge boon for inbound travelers from the West, whose dollar and other currencies go farther here. But for Japanese traveling abroad, it’s made life rough. Local media reports that some outbound travelers are even resorting to bringing their own food with them. Japan’s downward-spiraling yen Picture: kouta / PIXTA(ピクスタ) The Bank of Japan initially pursued a “weak yen” strategy before Japan loosened travel restrictions and let tourists back in. It did this by keeping interest rates low – for ..read more

With people from around the world rushing to visit Japan, many famous tourist spots are struggling with overcrowding and litter. Now, overtourism claims another victim as officials in Yamanashi prefecture say they’re closing off an iconic photo spot. Curtains Closing on Lawson Looking Picture: kazuphoto / PIXTA(ピクスタ) If you follow Japan news coverage, you’ve likely seen this spot before. Heck, you may even have passed this spot or taken a spot there yourself. The spot in the center of Yamanashi’s Fujikawaguchiko enables visitors to snap a photo of Japan’s mountain looming over a Lawson c ..read more

How many bowls of soba could possibly be sold in a day? Find out by keeping a lookout for a new Guinness World Record challenge next month. First-ever soba challenge Picture: Jay Allen, Unseen Japan A Japanese noodle manufacturer is attempting to set the first-ever Guinness World Record for the most soba noodles with grated horse radish served. Munechika (宗近) is based in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, which is situated on Japan’s west coast below Ishikawa Prefecture. The prefecture is arguably home to Japan’s best soba (蕎麦), or buckwheat noodles. Although Fukui is not traditionally among The ..read more

Dining in a different culture means learning new rules of etiquette for what you should and shouldn’t do at the dinner table. As you’d expect, Japan has its own rules around what’s considered well-mannered eating. However, an etiquette expert says there are a few rules even some Japanese people don’t know (or are ignoring at their own social peril). Basic etiquette Picture: ユキ / PIXTA(ピクスタ) Casual visitors to Japan have probably heard some of the basic rules around Japanese food manners. Most know of the custom of saying いただきます (itadakimasu) before eating and ご馳走様 (go-shisou-sama) before ..read more

The Noto Earthquake of January 2024 shook Japan, setting a challenging tone for the year ahead. Now, over four months later, signs of recovery emerge in Ishikawa, Toyama, and Fukui prefectures, enticing tourists back with travel deals to the Hokuriku region. Yet, amidst this recovery, Noto Peninsula, the quake’s epicenter, still grapples with its aftermath. Fortunately, a recent report shows, tourist interest in the area endures, hinting at a promising future for the Hokuriku region. Keeping the interest alive The famous “Squid King” sculpture in Noto. (Picture: sorairo / PIXTA(ピクスタ)) Fo ..read more

Large cities in Japan, like Tokyo and Osaka, have amazing public transportation. But you can’t see much from a subway. Consider getting around on a bicycle instead. Bicycling in Japan is a great way to see more of your surroundings while also working off that huge yakiniku dinner you had last night. Here are some tips on how to rent a bike and some simple rules to follow for getting around. The benefits of bicycling in Japan Tokyo Tower as seen cycling towards Roppongi on a clear day. (Picture by the author) The major benefit of bicycling in Japan is that Japan is beautiful! Riding in the spr ..read more

Anticipation was high for the 2025 Osaka Expo, slated to run from April 13 to October 13, 2025 for 184 days. But contrary to the upbeat forecasts, the reality isn’t looking so rosy. Between construction setbacks, countries pulling out, and budget blowouts, a fresh hurdle has emerged – public interest is waning. With all the controversies surrounding the event, ticket sales are suffering. Sales hitting rock bottom Picture: TOMOYA / PIXTA(ピクスタ) Exactly one year before the grand opening of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, on April 13th, the Expo Association came clean about its sales struggles ..read more

The spread of a flesh-eating bacteria did not stop more tourists from entering Japan and spending more money than ever. A new government report says that the first quarter of 2024 shattered records for inbound visitors to Japan. Where are these tourists coming from? 3 million journeyed to Japan in March Picture: Fast&Slow / PIXTA(ピクスタ) Over 3 million foreigners visited Japan in March alone, breaking the record for the most inbound tourists within a single month, according to The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). 3,081,600 inbound tourists entered Japan this March, JNTO anno ..read more

Celebrities promote themselves on social media all the time. Scammers are abusing unassuming social media users with fake ads that look as though their celebrity role models put it out themselves. Enraged celebrities ask Meta for accountability Picture: Canva “It’s unfortunate and sad. I’m honestly angry. Enough is enough.” Those were the first words Yusaku Maezawa, 48, told Japan’s national broadcaster NHK in a recent interview. Maezawa is a Japanese billionaire entrepreneur, art collector, and founder of Japan’s largest online fashion retail website Zozotown. He is one of the many celebriti ..read more

Shinto, Japan’s native faith, speaks to the soul of its people. But it’s not without its share of controversy. From lively matsuri celebrations to unfortunate remarks, Shinto makes headlines. And at the center of it all stands the Association of Shinto Shrines, a powerhouse in the Shinto world. However, with shrines nationwide turning their backs, its once unshakable power is not as mighty as it once was. It all starts with a land scandal The Association of Shinto Shrines, overseeing nearly 95% of shrines nationwide, is in turmoil. Its esteemed members are defecting, with the famous Tsurugaok ..read more