Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
In July, 14 baby meerkats arrived at Meerkat Cafe googoo in Kichijoji, Tokyo — the smallest just 45 days old and small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. Starting August 1, the babies are out on the shop floor, growing up as part of the cafe's mob.
To celebrate its 2nd anniversary, Tokyo ramen shop Menya NOBUNAGA is holding a festival at its Kyobashi, Kayabacho, and Tsukiji locations on August 7 and 8, 2026, giving free topping and free ramen tickets to a total of 450 guests who order ramen during the event.
Life on Products' fragrance brand mercyu is adding two new scents, Classic Osmanthus and Candy Cosmos, to its popular Nordic Collection Spill-Resistant Reed Diffuser series, with sales starting August 24, 2026.
Miyako Hotel Amagasaki will hold the fourth DISCO NIGHT PARTY, "Halloween Boogie Fever," on October 16, 2026, featuring DJ sets, a tribute performance by Michael Jackton, and drag queen shows for a glamorous Halloween night.
Mizkan is releasing "Fruitis™ Rich Peach," a chilled, ready-to-drink fruit vinegar drink made with peach pulp, in limited quantities at select channels starting August 4.
Momosuzu Nene held her first solo live, "Rise Up * NENENENENENENENE Full Flourish," at Tokyo Garden Theater on July 29, delivering a story of full flourish told through evolving costumes and stages.
Kodansha's Children's Business Division is releasing the Monchhichi Gyugyutto! Sticker Book on August 6, 2026, packed with 287 stickers spanning classic brown Monchhichi to colorful new trend designs, along with message cards, for ¥1,650 (tax included).
From July 31, nagano forest village in Nagano City's Iizuna Highland is holding the summer-only "Forest Lakeside Bar 2026" on select dates through mid-August, serving Shinshu wine cocktails, craft beer, and seasonal drinks on a lakeside terrace roughly 1,000 meters above sea level.
Nagaragawa Seiryu Hotel in Gifu City is offering a limited-time autumn afternoon tea featuring chestnut, pumpkin, and caramel, available from September 1 to November 30, 2026, at ¥3,000 per person.
From September 1 through November 30, 2026, Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel's restaurant "Grill & Dining G" is offering "Hokkaido Gastronomy Journey in Shirahama," a seasonal dinner course pairing Hokkaido ingredients with Wakayama's local flavors.
Newsweek Japan's August 11 and 18 double issue is on sale now with a special report on anime beloved around the world. Writers from the United States, France, Italy, China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and the Philippines explore how titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Saint Seiya, and Crayon Shin-chan won hearts across borders.
Tokyo's an-butter sweets specialty shop Okada Kinsei Anbataya returns to Sunste Okayama for a limited-time pop-up from August 5 (Wednesday) through August 18 (Tuesday), 2026, one year after its previous visit, bringing the Uji Matcha Galette and Anbuta Pan to Okayama for the first time alongside the shop's signature Anbuta Financier.