Japan

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Sanrio Cafe Ikebukuro Opens in Tokyo! We're In Love With the Sweets & Original Merch

Ikebukuro

On June 5, Sanrio opened the doors to SANRIO CAFE Ikebukuro. A directly-operated and permanent cafe on the first basement floor of Sunshine City Alpa in Ikebukuro, it's sure to put a smile on all Sanrio fans' faces. SANRIO CAFE Ikebukuro is composed of two areas: a standard cafe space and a cafe wagon corner dedicated to takeaway. Here you can enjoy eating and drinking in the cafe space surrounded by your favorite Sanrio characters, or get some of the delightful drinks and sweets to go.

Fun in The Sun! Top 10 Things to do in Summer in Osaka

Namba, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi Summer
Inside Nezu Art Museum: Authentic Japanese Garden in the Heart of Tokyo, an Oasis of Omotesando

Harajuku Gardens
Hokkaido Food Guide: Top 10 Must-Eat Food in Japan’s Gourmet Kingdom!

Sapporo / Chitose Other Japanese Food
'That Kind of Freaked Me Out...' Osaka Tourism Shocks for Visitors to Japan!

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Other Sightseeing
Top 10 Things to do in Dotonbori: Osaka Die-Hard Fan Recommends!

Namba, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi Other Sightseeing
Gion Matsuri Guide (July 2021): Access and Tips on Enjoying One of Japan’s Three Great Festivals

Gion, Kawaramachi, Kiyomizu-dera Temple Japanese Festivals (Matsuri)

Daiso, Japan’s Famous 100-Yen Store: Top 7 Fancy Souvenirs on a Budget!

Tokyo Station 100 Yen Shops

Whether it’s for souvenirs or gifts, you’ll definitely be going shopping in Japan. However, you might be worried about overspending, but still want to get some really nice things. That’s where Daiso comes in. Daiso is one of Japan’s most successful and popular hundred-yen stores – the equivalent of a dollar store, but better! Founded in 1977, the company has since grown to 3,376 stores nationwide, as well as a number of branches around the world, bringing the total to 5,542 worldwide. Now, although 100-yen items take the spotlight, Daiso has increased its product line to include a range of products at slightly increased prices in multiples of one hundred. Daiso is incredibly popular among tourists, thanks in part to their attractive prices and large variety of products, which includes kitchenware, snacks, calligraphy sets, and more. It’s almost too easy to swing by and grab a bunch of fantastic souvenirs and gifts for just a few coins, making it one of the best places to do cheap shopping in Japan. What might surprise you, however, is that they offer a large number of elegant, quality items that nobody would guess only cost a hundred or so yen. We went hunting for the fanciest items, and were surprised by what we found! We’ve started at the usual 100 yen, but to get really fancy you’ll have to loosen the purse strings a little and part ways with as much as 500 yen (gasp!)

Tokyo Brunch: 4 of our Favorite Spots for a Japanese-style Brunch in Asakusa!

Asakusa Japanese cuisine
Geisha in Kyoto Struggle to Protect Traditions in Face of Coronavirus

Gion, Kawaramachi, Kiyomizu-dera Temple Other Traditional Culture
What Do Japanese Buy at the Supermarket? Top 10 Quirky Japanese Drinks!

Tokyo Station Grocery Stores
18 of The Best, Super-Japanese Gift Ideas to Look Forward to in Tokyo!

Asakusa Other Shopping
Can You Still Call This A Pancake?! Top 3 Thick and Fluffy Pancake Spots in Tokyo

Ginza Other Cafes and Sweets
Tokyo Banana Releases New Cookie With Surprise Ingredient!

Tokyo Station Department Stores

Stringraphy at Studio EVE: A Striking and Unique Musical Experience

Shibuya Other Contemporary Arts

Have you ever imagined being right inside a musical instrument, surrounded by song? I visited Studio EVE in Tokyo’s Daitabashi neighborhood and was able to experience this very feeling by attending a Stringraphy workshop. A beautiful melting of music, art, and movement, Stringraphy is an original concept that while born in Japan, has already made waves across the globe in its 25 years of existence. During the workshop, I had the chance to meet the members of the world-renowned Stringraphy Ensemble, enjoy a performance, and even try my hand at making my own string music.

[MOVIE] DRUM TAO’S MANGEKYO – a Kaleidoscope of Taiko Drums

Shinagawa Shows
Say Hello to Kitty and Friends at Tokyo’s Cutest Train Station!

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas Pop Culture
Become a True Gundam Pilot - Stepping into the P.O.D. at a Tokyo Arcade! (Video)

Arcades
[MOVIE] Achieve Your Cosplay Dreams at Cosplay Studio Crown!

Akihabara Culture Experience
Purikura: Change Yourself Up with Photo Booth Fun!

Arcades
[MOVIE] A Japanese Drum Experience at TAIKO-LAB

Shibuya Other Sightseeing

Highlights of Umeda Sky Building: Get the Perfect Views of Osaka!

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Other Architecture

Umeda Sky Building is as huge as the Arc de Triomphe! In Northern Osaka where the JR Osaka Station, Railroads, and Umeda Subway Station meet, is the landmark of Osaka, the Umeda Sky Building. With its unique model and the 173-meter high outdoor view from the Kuchu Teien-- Floating Garden Observatory--it is a very popular tourist spot famous among locals and foreign visitors alike. Here we'll introduce the many things you can enjoy at the Umeda Sky Building.

Low-Budget Travel! 10 Spots in Osaka You Can Visit For Free!

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Other Sightseeing
Discover Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine: Power Spots of Love and Health at the 'Plague Shrine'!

Gion, Kawaramachi, Kiyomizu-dera Temple Shrines
Hotels Near Tokyo Disneyland: 4 Hotels With Easy Access to Tokyo Disney Resort

Ningyocho / Monzen-Nakacho / Kasai Hotels
From Tourist to Foodie Explorer: 15 Important Phrases to Know Before Going to Eating Out in Japan

Japanese cuisine
Tokyo Station’s Souvenir Sales Ranking – Most Popular Items Under $10!

Tokyo Station Other Shopping
Shibamata: Snacking and Sightseeing in Tokyo’s Old Edo Neighborhood

Shibamata / Kita-Senju / Kameari Old Towns (Shitamachi)

Japanese Food Fight! 8 Incredible Fried Dishes You Won't Believe Are From Japan

Other Japanese Food

In stark contrast to Japanese cuisine’s image of being all healthy, there is a bad boy side too. It might seem like Japan is a country which is all sushi and small dishes, but during both night and day it zips on its leather jacket, slips on a pair of sunglasses and gets up to mischief. I am of course talking about Japanese fried foods, in other countries the worst thing you might come across is fried chicken, but in Japan you can come across fried anything – literally anything apart from a fried chocolate bar.