Culture Overtourism in Japan: How Bad Is It? Ryan Noble Overtourism in Japan—how bad is it? What are the effects? What can you do to lessen the effects, and where should you go inste..
Culture Suica 2026 and Beyond: What’s New and What’s Cool Joanna Ligon JR East’s long-term vision transforms Suica from a commuter tool into a digital gateway to modern living.
Culture Cemeteries in Japan Elena Lisina Japanese cemeteries are very different to western ones. They are associated with Buddhism and are usually located on temple grounds...
Culture Sendai's Pageant of Starlight 2025 Dec 5th - Dec 28th The Sendai Pageant of Starlight is one of Japan's biggest winter illumination displays. Each year from early December thro..
Culture May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo) 2026 May 10th - May 24th Professional sumo's third tournament of the year is held in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan from mid-to-late May.
Culture Chichibu Night Festival 2026 Dec 2nd - Dec 3rd The annual festival for Chichibu Shrine has a history of over 300 years.
Arts & Crafts Bungu Joshi Haku Stationery Festival 2026 Late Jun There are numerous things that Japan does exceptionally well, and one of them is stationery. The Bungu Joshi-Haku is a celebration..
Culture Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 Feb 7th - Mar 8th Each year between February and March, Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula hosts the Kawazu Sakura Festival, one of Japan's most unique..