Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
Hakutsuru Sake Brewing is renewing its "Hakutsuru Maru Karakuchi" sake, updating the package design for easier recognition on store shelves while keeping the same original koji mold used in brewing. The refreshed lineup goes on sale nationwide from Friday, September 11, 2026.
A new tokubetsu junmai sake brewed with an in-house yeast that produces a floral aroma reminiscent of freshly pressed sake goes on sale nationwide on September 11, 2026, made with 100% high-quality Hyogo-grown Yamadanishiki rice.
Himeji Castle and アクリエひめじ will be illuminated in cyan on August 1, 2026, in observance of "Water Day," a day established under Japan's Basic Act on the Water Cycle to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy water cycle.
From September 1 to November 29, 2026, Japanese Restaurant HANAMUSASHI at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro serves the seasonal "HANAMUSASHI Kaiseki" course (¥17,000), offering a choice of Ise lobster or Japanese domestic beef sirloin through October 12, and kinki (a prized Japanese rockfish) or Japanese domestic beef sirloin from October 13 onward.
A new seasonal afternoon tea, "Gratitude for Autumn's Bounty and Rich Blessings – Harvest Festival," is coming to the all-day dining restaurant "Terrace and Table" at Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki on weekdays from September 1 through November 30, 2026, priced at ¥3,900 (tax and service charge included).
From July 30 to September 22, 2026, Hotel New Otani Makuhari is offering a two-day, one-night "Night Pool & Afternoon Tea Stay" plan that pairs an evening at the outdoor "Shell Pool" with a melon, mango, and peach afternoon tea set at the 24th-floor Bay Court Café.
The Jujutsu Kaisen animation exhibition featuring the "Hidden Inventory / Premature Death" and "Shibuya Incident" arcs is now open at Daimaru Sapporo Store, running through August 10, 2026. From July 27, a newly designed subway ad for the exhibition is on display near Exit 3 of Sapporo Station.
Kanzashi-ya WARGO Yufuin Kinrinko, a new hairpin specialty store from Wagokoro Co., Ltd., grand-opened on July 24, 2026, in the Kinrinko area of Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, becoming the company's third brand store in the area and bringing traditional Japanese kanzashi craftsmanship to visitors.
The Koshigaya Fireworks Festival, a summer tradition in Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture, was held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, drawing an estimated 250,000 visitors who watched fireworks launch from the embankment between Kasai Yosui (葛西用水) and the Moto-Arakawa River.
Libetee has expanded its Classic Aluminum Suitcase series with new M and L sizes alongside the existing carry-on S size, and offers a color customization kit so travelers can personalize their case.
From August 5, MARC JACOBS celebrates the launch of its 2026 Fall Collection with limited-time pop-up stores at Isetan Shinjuku and Hankyu Umeda Main Store, featuring hand-painted collaboration bags by three artists alongside pieces from the new collection.
The 2026 new version of the Miffy zakka Festa is holding its first-ever event in Chiba Prefecture at Sogo Chiba Store. Running from August 11 to 24, the event features over 1,000 Miffy goods in this year's red theme, along with venue-exclusive mascots and photo spots to enjoy over the summer holidays.