tourism

CULTURE

A 10-Day Vacation: Behind Japan’s Epic “Golden Week”

How did Japan's notoriously long yearly holiday get even longer? Inside the holidays that make up Golden Week.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

MUJI: Is Japan’s “Brand-less” Brand Taking Over the World?

With stores popping up globally, copycats abounding in China, and even a hotel in Ginza, MUJI is on a roll. What's the…

CULTURE

Unseen Japan Kaiwa 3: Tattoo Blues – Japan’s Tattoo/Tourist Problem

How deeply ingrained are cultural attitudes against tattoos in Japan? We sat down again with YouTuber Misaki to talk about her experiences…

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Is AirBnB Japan Back From the Dead?

The popular service took a nosedive after a new law passed last year. Listings have returned - but should travelers be concerned?

TRAVEL

Defying Taboo, Japan’s “Hot Springs Prefecture” Welcomes Tattooed Tourists

A prefecture in Japan tackles a longstanding aversion to tattoos in a bid to put tourists at ease.

TECHNOLOGY

As Tourism Skyrockets, Japanese Airline Equips Baggage Handlers with Power Suits

Cyborg baggage handlers? An influx of foreign visitors forces one airline to find an inventive way to handle the load.

POLITICS

Japan Tackles Challenges Ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics

How is Japan preparing to handle not just the sudden influx of foreign visitors, but the excitement of hosting the biggest international…

SOCIETY

Japan’s Cat Islands: Good for Tourists (But Bad for Cats)

Japan's cat islands may seem adorable, but the country's cat epidemic threatens human health. Writer Alyssa Pearl Fusek discusses Japan's belated response…