The Greater Shibuya Area – which encompasses Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando – is a hot spot in Tokyo where work and play are closely intertwined. While destinations like the Shibuya Scramble Crossing – said to be one of the world’s busie…

Well known for its unique blend of modern and traditional cultural experiences, excellent cuisine, efficient transportation and safety and cleanliness, not to mention its relatively low costs compared to other major world centers like New …

Following a downturn during the pandemic, Japan’s hotel and tourism industry has seen a rapid recovery of late. Both visitors from abroad and locals have driven demand, with some tourists keen on venturing to Japan’s outlying regions. This…

While Japan is well known for having a wide array of public transportation options with its extensive train and bus network, other modes of mobility like bike sharing have emerged to fill in the “one last mile” gaps. OpenStreet Co., Ltd., …

For foodies seeking some good eats in Tokyo, sushi or ramen might immediately spring to mind, but a range of other culinary delights are on offer. Japan’s gastronomic capital has been experiencing a bakery boom of late, and bagel shops – s…

With its extensive network of rail lines, trams, monorails and buses, Japan is well known for having a wide array of public transportation choices. There is still room for improvement, however, and new and complementary mobility options to…

2023 was a banner year for tourism in Japan as COVID-19 subsided and Japan re-opened its borders. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, visitor arrivals to Japan in December 2023 were 2.734 million, a record high for Decemb…

During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions made 2020 to 2022 a difficult time for hotel businesses in Japan. Amid this challenging time, Tabist, a SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) group company, was launched to offer new experiences tai…

For users of SoftBank Corp.’s ‘SoftBank’ mobile service in Japan thinking of traveling to the United States, there’s a unique service that may be of interest. Called “America Flat-rate” (or “America-houdai” in Japanese), the service gives …

An extensive and efficient network of trains and buses often comes to mind when Japan’s transportation infrastructure is mentioned. To avoid crowded trains and get to locations between stations and bus stops, however, bike-sharing is gaini…

On March 16, 2022, OYO Japan held a virtual press conference to announce it will re-launch under a new brand name, “Tabist.” OYO Japan’s President and Chief Executive Officer Ryota Tanozaki unveiled the new brand and company name that will…

OYO Ryokan inns are furnished with newly designed furniture and accoutrements In Tokyo on March 18, 2020, OYO Hotels Japan announced “OYO Ryokan,” a new brand for Japan that follows the ethos of omotenashi--the country’s unique approach to…

Whether relaxing at home or entertaining important guests, nothing is more refreshing than green tea in Japan. Although popular since ancient times, in recent years green tea plantations have come up against a major issue: a lack of succes…