Travel & Local Lifestyle Spots in Japan

Discover the intricate world of Tokushima's artisans and engage in unique hands-on workshops, from traditional 'Yusanbako' painting to crafting bespoke bath salts, as the MONOKATARI EXPO 2025 draws to a close at KITTE Osaka.

Chocolatier Palet d'Or is set to enchant chocolate lovers with its 2026 Valentine's collection, "Taste of Japan," a series of exquisite chocolate boxes featuring carefully selected ingredients from across Japan. This collection offers a sensory journey through Japan's rich culinary landscape, crafted with Palet d'Or's signature Bean to Bar expertise.

The popular Japanese confectionery chain, Torori Tenshi no Warabimochi, known for its unique 'melt-in-your-mouth' texture and viral 'drinking warabimochi,' is set to open its new Kamakura Komachi store on December 20. This marks its first landing in the historic city, offering both traditional and innovative Japanese sweets.

Discover limited-edition stationery and goods featuring local maps and iconic airport designs, offering a fresh perspective on Japanese geography for travelers and locals alike.

The Felissimo Chocolate Museum in Kobe is set to enchant visitors with a special year-end and New Year campaign, featuring early openings, delightful chocolate giveaways, and a creative art workshop, making it a must-visit destination for holiday travelers.

Prepare for a delightful dive into the world of paper, pens, and unique finds as Hirakata T-SITE announces its largest-ever stationery fair, bringing together 49 creators and shops for a special year-end and New Year celebration.

An in-depth AI analysis of 19,000 user posts on note uncovers the top-rated brands of 2025, with Apple dominating gadgets and Muji leading lifestyle, highlighting a shift towards products that enrich daily life and personal identity.

Discover the must-have items shaping Japanese daily life and travel in 2025, from innovative pens to smart travel gear, as announced by HANDS.

Discover how ITOKASHI, a label by Starmark Inc., is bringing together centuries-old Japanese craftsmanship with modern design through an exciting new crowd-funding campaign on CAMPFIRE, featuring collaborations with renowned artisans and brands.

Discover unique, heartwarming gifts crafted by Kanagawa's talented local creators at "2416MARKET" in NEWoMan Yokohama. This special holiday pop-up, running from December 19, 2025, to January 19, 2026, also features engaging workshops where you can meet the makers and create your own treasures.

The latest issue of the popular free paper, 'Monthly Lawson Ticket / HMV&BOOKS,' features rock sensation King Gnu and K-pop powerhouse Stray Kids on its covers. Distributed nationwide from December 15, 2025, this issue is packed with exclusive interviews, tour details, and comprehensive entertainment news across music, stage, and more, offering a 360-degree view of Japan's vibrant cultural scene.

Say goodbye to travel hassles and hello to personalized convenience! b.stage+ has partnered with NFC payment solution expert LinkPlusOn to launch three innovative photo holders, each embedded with the essential EZL transport card function, making Korean travel smoother and more stylish for K-Pop fans and tourists alike.

Experience the world's first Stollen made with the rare, ruby-fleshed Kiruto Pink apple, a culinary marvel born from a unique collaboration between a 100-year-old Japanese orchard and a renowned Tokyo baker.

Tokyo's Shinbashi district now hosts "GRAND THE WONDERLAND," a permanent review show at "The Grand Tokyo" that blends dazzling dance, song, and visuals into an immersive "Alice in Wonderland" experience, captivating audiences and buzzing on social media.

Experience a unique blend of tradition and modern collecting as Kyoto's historic wagashi maker, Tsuruya Yoshinobu, introduces its exclusive "Gokain" – a confectionery stamp akin to temple and shrine seals – at its main store.

NTT Docomo Business is bringing the beloved tale of 'The Little Prince' to life with a groundbreaking Location Based Entertainment (LBE) event at Es Con Field HOKKAIDO. This world-first XR experience, launching in December 2025, promises an immersive journey for all ages, blending classic storytelling with cutting-edge technology.

Experience the vibrant culture of Okinawa, from traditional performing arts to local delicacies and unique workshops, all without leaving Haneda Airport. This free, two-day event offers a taste of Japan's southernmost islands.

NativeCamp, the unlimited online English conversation service, has launched a new "Daily News" lesson focusing on "Oshi-katsu" – Japan's unique fandom culture among Gen Z. This new material explores how young people are transforming idol support into a rich life experience, offering a unique lens to learn English while delving into contemporary social trends.

Step back in time as FuRyu celebrates 30 years of Purikura with a special event, bringing back iconic sticker photo booth experiences from the Heisei and Reiwa eras for a limited time.

Prepare for a unique auditory adventure as the "kajii's Everyday Instrument Concert ~Tableware Sings~" takes center stage in Takahama City. This innovative event, featuring the unit kajii and local special guests, will turn ordinary household items into extraordinary musical instruments, promising an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Moke's Hawaii Enoshima has launched a new "Enoshima Rich Milk Pudding," offering a delightful blend of rich milk flavor and a meltingly smooth texture. This new dessert is set to become a must-try for visitors seeking a sweet escape by the sea.

Experience the magic of winter and Valentine's Day with an exquisite afternoon tea at Toba International Hotel, featuring charming snowman-themed sweets and savory delights overlooking the beautiful Toba Bay.

Ibaraki Milk Co., Ltd. is set to launch "Koi Koi Milk Pudding" on December 8, 2025, introducing a unique "mochimuchi" texture crafted with approximately 40% fresh cream and a sweet-tart Ibaraki-grown strawberry sauce, promising a rich and unforgettable dairy experience.

Doré brings back its highly acclaimed 'Doré Chocolate Sundae' to Hankyu Umeda, blending rich chocolate soft serve with the exquisite flavor of Yachiyo peanuts for a limited-time dessert experience.

From record-breaking anime to emerging lifestyle shifts, discover the trends shaping the nation's collective calendar. TimeTree's inaugural "Schedule of the Year 2025" reveals the Expo as the most iconic event, offering a unique glimpse into Japan's future plans and passions.

Dive into a unique collaboration between the Japanese lifestyle brand 'niko and ...' and the beloved picture book 'Nekomata Goyomi', offering enchanting cat-themed items perfect for a festive Japanese New Year.

Hotel New Akao's 'Restaurant & Sweets Hana no Yosei' introduces two limited-edition parfaits for winter 2025, featuring local Izu strawberries, mandarins, and Shizuoka matcha. These exquisite desserts offer a luxurious taste of seasonal Japanese ingredients, complemented by stunning views of Sagami Bay.

BRUNO's latest rankings reveal how compact, portable, and wellness-focused products are shaping modern living, with innovative appliances and thoughtful gifts leading the way.

Venchi, the renowned Italian chocolatier and gelateria, is set to launch its inaugural Japan-exclusive flavor: Matcha. This unique creation, available from December 1, 2025, masterfully blends authentic Italian gelato craftsmanship with the exquisite matcha from Kyoto's historic Ippodo Tea Co., promising a taste experience that bridges two distinct culinary worlds.

Seventeen magazine announces the "JK Trend Award 2025," showcasing the top fads and fascinations among Japanese high school girls, from nostalgic revivals to cutting-edge digital crazes, offering a vibrant snapshot of youth culture.