TRAVEL
JR East’s New “Luna Azul” Overnight Express Revives Japan’s Sleeper-Train Era
Do you miss Japan's sleeper trains? If JR East has its way, they may be mounting a comeback. Learn how to ride…
Tohoku
TRAVEL
FOOD
Japan’s Bear Crisis Is Putting Bear Meat on the Menu
As bear populations expand and attacks increase, Japan is looking to turn an environmental challenge into a culinary trend with bear meat.
LGBTQ
Love and Cherry Blossoms: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride in Japan’s Rural North
While Tokyo’s cherry blossoms had all but disappeared from the trees, Japan’s most iconic trees had just gone into full bloom in…
TRAVEL
Japan’s Inbound Tourism Crowds Into Just Seven Prefectures: Report
A Tokyo Shimbun and Kyodo analysis of 2025 smartphone-location data finds seven prefectures account for 72 of Japan's top 100 inbound-tourist hotspots,…
TRAVEL
Why This Shinto Shrine Near Sendai Airport is Drawing Inbound Tourists
It doesn't have the same cultural heft as other shrines. So why are tourists to Japan flocking to this shrine near Sendai…
FOOD
This City Proudly Remains The Ramen Capital of Japan for a Third Year
Who downs the most ramen per capita in Japan? An annual report from Japan's government crowns a repeat winner.
SOCIETY
One Week After Bear Occupation, Japanese Supermarket Finally Reopens
An Itoku supermarket in Akita City finally re-opened after a bear invaded and occupied it for over two days. While residents are…
CULTURE
Morioka’s Sansa Odori Festival Dances the Demon Away
It's a must see event if you'll be in Japan in August. Learn about the history and tradition behind the Morioka Sansa…