Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
The Ojima Neputa Festival, one of Ota City's biggest summer events in Gunma Prefecture, is confirmed for August 14 (Friday) and 15 (Saturday), 2026, with neputa floats standing about 7 meters tall, lively drum-and-flute performances, and a special appearance by professional volleyball team Gunma Green Wings.
Starting August 7, 2026, the online lottery service Marukuji is offering newly illustrated chibi character goods from the anime Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, featuring Rafal, Nowak, Oczy, Badeni, Jolenta, Schmidt, and Draka, priced at 770 yen per draw.
Yokohama Iekei ramen chain Ichikakuya is running its first-ever collaboration with the Persona series to mark the franchise's 30th anniversary, from August 21 to October 4, 2026. A limited-edition ramen with an A4 clear file is available at every location, while collab drinks and merchandise are limited to 12 select stores.
PHOTO MARCHE By 北村写真機店 in Osaka's Umeda district is hosting a free capsule toy event with no losing draws from August 7 to 16, 2026, where visitors can win a Fujicolor disposable camera, a Shimauma Plus acrylic goods coupon, or an original PHOTO MARCHE keychain.
New original character goods featuring newly drawn Kiratto Pri☆Chan illustrations, part of the Pretty Series 15th anniversary celebration, are now available on Marukuji, the online lottery service, running from July 31 to August 30, 2026.
RAKU CAFE's Ikebukuro and Shinsaibashi locations are teaming up with the TV anime "I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day" from August 27 to September 29, with exclusive illustration cards, original goods, a limited-time menu, decorative displays, and an X giveaway campaign.
From September 12 to November 9, 2026, Dining Luore on the 1st floor of Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima offers the "Shine Muscat and Autumn Harvest Buffet," serving 15 kinds of seasonal desserts alongside a full lineup of autumn dishes and freshly made live-kitchen specialties.
From September 1, 2026, Scarpetta Tokyo is expanding its previously Saturday-only afternoon tea to run Tuesday through Saturday, with an eight-piece "Autumn Harvest Afternoon Tea" featuring grapes, pears, figs, and chestnuts, a new solo-friendly set, and a matching Champagne free-flow dinner course.
On July 4, 2026, Seibuen Amusement Park closed to the public and opened exclusively for the Toshin Partners Team Ken's Cup Aquathlon, a swim-and-run race that's uncommon this close to central Tokyo. Racers competed through the park's pool and running course, with finishers receiving wooden medals instead of the usual metal ones.
Seibuen Amusement Park in Tokorozawa, Saitama has introduced a new air-conditioned rest spot called "Suzumi-dokoro" (Mobility House) that anyone can casually use to beat the heat, along with a full lineup of summer cooling content including a misty play area, splash shows, and a snow zone using real snow from Sayama Ski Area.
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium will hold "Art Night Aquarium" on Saturday, September 12, 2026, after regular closing hours, inviting visitors to sketch and observe its roughly 300 species of marine life up close. The evening features guided workshops and hands-on activities exploring the color and form of ocean creatures.
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka is serving an autumn version of its "Night 和sweets" Japanese-style afternoon tea at Japanese Restaurant Uemachi on weekday evenings from September 1 to October 31, 2026, featuring chestnut, sweet potato, fig, and persimmon sweets alongside creative hand-rolled sushi.