Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
During Golden Week 2026, Sayama City hosts two beloved annual events in memory of Minamoto no Yoshitaka — a koinobori display at the Iruma River and a 24 km historical walk — commemorating the young warrior whose tragic story has moved taiga drama fans across Japan.
A limited-time pop-up seafood BBQ event called "Yukkuri Robatayaki" opens at the Apita Utsunomiya store outdoor parking lot from May 1 to 31, 2026, featuring oysters sourced from across Japan and over 30 menu varieties.
An online lottery featuring merchandise from the anime series "A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation" goes on sale April 27, 2026, offering prizes ranging from tapestries and acrylic panels to keychains and can badges.
The special exhibition celebrating 30 years of manga artist Arina Tanemura's career is running at Animate Ikebukuro 8F (Space Galleria) from April 17 to May 18, 2026, showcasing original manuscripts, reproduced costumes, and exclusive merchandise.
Starting April 21, 2026, the ammonite character Ammon hosts interactive daily talk live shows at AQUARIUM×ART átoa in Kobe, featuring quizzes and behind-the-scenes aquarium content. Free with aquarium admission.
Asahi Beverages has launched a limited-time collaboration between Calpis and San-X Universe, featuring a special video and a campaign offering 1,000 winners a Calpis Drinking Kit.
The Dragon Quest Island attraction at Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island launched its remake on April 24, 2026, celebrating the Dragon Quest series' 40th anniversary and the attraction's 5th anniversary with new sub-quests, exclusive merchandise, and a special Kandata character greeting event.
A collaborative pop-up event featuring Taiwan-based apparel brand HUTCH and creative brand FLUPPYOOZY runs at STAYFUL LIFE STORE in Musashino, Tokyo from April 25 to May 3, 2026, with exclusive T-shirts and a limited keychain gift for qualifying purchases.
A large-scale capsule toy specialty store, Gashapon Department Store in Bookstore, has opened inside TSUTAYA Minamifuruya in Kawagoe, Saitama, on April 24, 2026, featuring 400 vending machines and an extensive product lineup.
A free, no-reservation shuttle bus runs between JR Maebashi Station and Gunma Flower Park Plus on weekends and holidays from late April through June 2025, making it easier for visitors to enjoy the park's 5,700 spring roses and hydrangeas.
The "Heel Silk Toe Rela Socks" feature toe loops to spread cramped toes, an arch cushion for stimulation, and 100% silk on the inside of the heel, now on sale for 1,848 yen at major retail stores and online.
New Kemono Friends 3 merchandise featuring Friends characters dressed in Chinese outfits has launched across two design series — original illustrations and POP Art — available online and at Anime Culture Center by eeo from late May 2026.