Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
ROPE' PICNIC is releasing a special summer collaboration collection with Sanrio characters featuring Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and My Melody. The first wave, themed "SUNNY SUMMER," includes 12 items such as apparel, bags, and accessories, with online pre-orders starting June 19 and in-store sales beginning June 25, 2026.
Saiundo, a long-established wagashi shop founded in 1874 and based in Matsue, Shimane, is once again offering its summer limited-edition yokan "Manten," inspired by a clear night sky filled with stars. A special Tottori Prefecture-exclusive packaging has also been introduced this year.
Starting July 18, 2026, Sandanbeki Cave in Wakayama Prefecture's Shirahama runs a limited summer mystery hunt themed around the legend of the Kumano Suigun navy — three difficulty levels for all ages.
The Sankei-en Grand Tea Ceremony (三溪園大茶会), a prestigious gathering of five tea ceremony schools, returns for its 31st edition on October 31 and November 1, 2026 — the first time in 9 years. The event also marks the 120th anniversary of Sankei-en's opening.
Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, and more beloved Sanrio Characters come together in a fun educational activity book for children, releasing on July 16, 2026, complete with a special clear ice cream-designed sticker diary supplement.
The second edition of the miniature kids' sandal capsule toy featuring Sanrio Characters designs launches in capsule toy vending machines across Japan from late June 2026, offering five new varieties in pastel colors.
Sarutahiko Coffee introduces three new summer drinks — the Choco Mint Jellatte, the returning Bitter Orange Americano, and the seasonal Himawari Blend — available from June 23, 2026 at locations across Japan.
SEGA is running a limited-time special sale on select PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo Switch titles through the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop, with discounts running until July 1, 2026.
Café Tostina at Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel is hosting the "Asian Tropical Sweets & Bakery" event from July 1 to 31, 2026, featuring tropical fruit-inspired sweets, bakery items, a sweets box, and afternoon tea.
From July 1 to September 30, 2026, Shin-Yokohama Prince Hotel is offering special summer deals, including the "Heat Escape Stay" plan with 50% off room rates on days when temperatures hit 35°C or above, plus all-you-can-eat shaved ice at the rooftop BBQ terrace and a visit-count campaign at the Japanese restaurant on the 40th floor.
The Basement Gallery at Shinjuku 北村写真機店 (Kitamura Camera) will host a special Shoji Ueda retrospective from July 1 to 31, 2026, showcasing previously unseen color photographs alongside iconic original prints and personal mementos of the legendary Japanese photographer.
Shiraraso Grand Hotel in Shirahama, Wakayama, is launching new autumn and winter stay plans including a chef's kaiseki course spotlighting carefully selected local ingredients and a kue (longtooth grouper) kaiseki course featuring the prized fish.