Discover what makes Japan worth exploring.
From game worlds and character design to the craft of making dashi, explore the ideas and everyday practices that shape life in Japan.
Go places. Find things.
Real destinations and official collections, with the practical details you need before you go.
Dedenne & Joltik, in everyday life
Launching Oct 10 at Pokémon Centers in Japan, this collection includes pouches, tote bags, cable holders and charging cables inspired by Dedenne and Joltik. Pokémon Center Online sales begin Oct 8 at 10:00 JST. A playful souvenir for your daily routine; availability varies and items may sell out.
Official collection →
Nintendo Museum
Explore the history of Nintendo’s games and interactive exhibits in Uji. Its café and shop are for ticket holders.
Pokémon Café
A character-filled dining experience in Nihombashi or Shinsaibashi. Check the official reservation page before making plans.
Super Nintendo World
Step into Mario’s world, with interactive play, rides and Donkey Kong Country inside Universal Studios Japan.
Nintendo official stores
Browse Nintendo goods in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Fukuoka, including items made for its retail stores.
Pokémon Centers
Official stores for Pokémon goods, with locations to discover across Japan. Find the one that fits your itinerary.
Sanrio official shops
Find Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi and friends at Sanrio’s official stores. The English store finder helps you choose a stop.
Sanrio Puroland
Meet characters, watch live shows and explore indoor attractions. Check the visit guide and ticket requirements ahead of time.
Mario, beyond the game
Explore Nintendo’s official Mario goods guide for character accessories and gifts to seek out during your trip.
Pokémon Center Halloween
Oct 3–31, 2026: buy two plush toys at participating Pokémon Centers for a Halloween shopper and sticker sheet, while supplies last. Ask staff for a free Halloween card. Pikachu greetings take place at selected stores; check each store’s schedule. Pokémon Stores, cafés and online are excluded.
No matches yet. Try another place, character or category.
A curated independent guide. Details, booking windows, entry rules and stock can change; follow each official link for the latest information. Nintendo, Pokémon, Mario and other names belong to their respective owners.
Made to be experienced.
Meet the people and practices behind Japanese quality. Start with things you can learn, taste and take into daily life.
Dashi, from the source
Learn how kombu and katsuobushi become the foundation of Japanese cooking. Japan Kappōdō Institute offers a dashi workshop with English interpretation; ask the organizer for current availability.
Explore the workshop ↗
Italian artistry. Japanese hands.
In Ginza, VESTA by John Ford brings together patterns created by an Italian maestro, Italy’s finest fabrics and tailoring materials, and meticulous Japanese hand sewing. The result is a distinctive tailoring experience: dependable quality and a sensibility at home on the world stage, at an attainable price. From choosing cloth to being measured, discover how Italian artistry and Japanese care become a suit made for you.
Discover VESTA
Why authenticity matters
We look for substance: skilled hands, materials chosen for a reason and value that lasts beyond a passing trend. This is the point of view VESTA brings to the Atlas.
Our selection principleStyle, from streetwear to fine jewelry.
Character collaborations across established bag, footwear, apparel and jewelry brands. Follow the official links for current stock and release details.
Yunth × Pokémon
A character-inspired beauty find: three Yunth serums feature Pikachu & Jigglypuff, Eevee & Vulpix, or Piplup & Sprigatito packaging. Available at variety stores including Loft and Hands, selected drugstores and online retailers. Prices are ¥3,960–¥4,950 including tax; product ranges, release timing and stock vary by store.
Official products & retailers →
VASIC × Pokémon
VASIC puts Pikachu and Eevee on its signature Bond bags and small leather goods. An elevated take on character fashion.
Manhattan Portage × Pokémon
The brand’s BLACK LABEL collection uses a subtle Pikachu leather detail on its everyday bags.
U-TREASURE × Pokémon
Engagement and wedding rings with Pokémon details, including a selection of character marks for engraving.
Crocs × Pokémon
Pokémon Classic Clogs and Jibbitz charms bring character customization to everyday footwear.
BASICKS × Ghost in the Shell
A fashion collaboration translating the anime’s ideas into streetwear. This was tied to the 2026 exhibition; check availability.
UNIQLO UT × Pokémon
Graphic tees and casual essentials celebrating Pokémon, with collections that change through the season.
graniph × Pokémon
Playful graphic apparel for fans who want character references beyond the standard souvenir tee.
Ball&Chain × Pokémon
Embroidered shopping bags and pouches bring Pokémon into an everyday accessory.
Samantha Vega × Charmmy Kitty
A sweetly styled collection of bags, charms and wallets released in September 2026.
ANNA SUI × Pompompurin
Character jewelry and accessories celebrating Pompompurin’s anniversary. Check the official announcement for retailers.
Samantha Thavasa × Hello Kitty
Houndstooth-patterned bags and wallets with a Hello Kitty twist, released in September 2026.
A collection spotlight is not a stock guarantee. Limited items may sell out or be restricted to selected stores.
Coming Soon
Official announcements, trailers and dates for upcoming anime films, new series and 2.5D stage productions.
Rakuen Tsuiho: Kokoro no Resonance
Japan release · Nov 13, 2026The next film in the Expelled from Paradise project. Watch the official teaser and follow the Japanese release announcements.
Official trailer & release details
SAKAMOTO DAYS · Season 2
Japan broadcast · January 2027The second season has been announced for January 2027. Find teaser footage on the official site; check future announcements for the premiere date and overseas availability.
Official teaser & announcements
Touken Ranbu · Tsuki to Taiyō to Hoshiboshi yo
Stage performances · Nov–Dec 2026A two-part tenth-anniversary stage production in Tokyo and Osaka. In Japan, “2.5D” brings manga, anime or game worlds to live theatre. Check the official schedule and ticket conditions.
Official schedule & ticketsJapan release and performance dates are shown. Dates may change; overseas releases, streaming access and subtitle options vary. Checked October 3, 2026.
Culture you can step into.
Anime exhibitions, a museum and live game music. Event dates are shown up front so you can plan a real visit.
MEET YOUR ART FESTIVAL 2026
Contemporary art, music and a waterfront market around Warehouse TERRADA. October 10–11: 11:00–20:00; October 12: 11:00–18:00. Exhibitions and art fairs are ticketed; market and general live/talk viewing are free.
Official programme & tickets ↗Read Miyuki’s field note →
MAPPA EXPO 15th Anniversary
Sep 16 – Dec 7, 2026A major exhibition in Yurakucho exploring productions including Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan and Chainsaw Man.
Official event ↗
The Apothecary Diaries × Tokyo City View
Aug 1 – Oct 26, 2026A collaboration at the Roppongi observation deck combining anime displays, a city view and exclusive merchandise.
Event details ↗
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Ongoing · check calendarExplore manga as a living art form through the museum’s collection, exhibitions and events in central Kyoto.
Plan your visit ↗
Monster Hunter Orchestra 2026
Oct 31 & Nov 9, 2026Hear the game series performed by a live orchestra. Future tour stops are listed on the organizer’s official page.
Concert schedule ↗
Ichigo no Ōsama Museum
Ongoing · check opening daysExplore the story of Sanrio founder Shintaro Tsuji at the museum opened in Kai, Yamanashi, in 2026.
Official announcement ↗
Cinnamoroll Park
Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027A limited-time Cinnamoroll experience at Gallery AaMo in Tokyo Dome City. Check ticket details before visiting.
Event announcement ↗
Pokémon × Japanese Crafts
Oct 10 – Dec 27, 2026See works by 20 Japanese artists at Tohoku History Museum in Tagajō, Miyagi. Advance tickets are recommended; they can be used on any exhibition day without a timed slot. Closed Mondays, or the following day when Monday is a holiday.
Museum and tickets ↗
KUROMI’S MYSTERIOUS DEPARTMENT STORE
Oct 19 – Nov 1, 2026A limited-time Kuromi fashion, cosmetics and merchandise experience at MEDIA DEPARTMENT TOKYO, a five-minute walk from Shibuya Station. Admission is free and advance registration is not required; numbered entry tickets may be issued when crowded. Open 11:00–20:00, except 14:00 opening on Oct 19.
Official event details ↗
Hello Kitty × Sony Store
Oct 1 – Nov 18, 2026Hello Kitty photo spots are available at Sony Stores in Ginza, Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka Tenjin. A free, no-reservation digital-frame photo experience runs in Osaka Oct 23–27. Paid character greetings in Ginza (Oct 31–Nov 1) and Sapporo (Nov 14–15) require lottery entry by Oct 19 and My Sony registration.
Dates and lottery entry ↗
Kawaii Bath Time
Oct 22 – Nov 10, 2026A Sanrio character bathhouse collaboration at 15 Gokurakuyu and RAKU SPA locations across Japan, with themed baths, menus, decorations and a keyword rally. Regular venue admission is required; an optional character towel set costs an additional ¥1,100 and may sell out. Bath schedules, opening hours and closure days vary by location.
Locations and schedules ↗Dates, ticketing and exhibition content may change. Confirm with each venue or organizer before travelling.
Japan fast food.
A quick meal, a bowl of noodles or a coffee break: discover the everyday chains that make travelling around Japan easy.
ICHIRAN
A tonkotsu ramen specialist with an English store guide to help you find a branch on your route.
Explore ICHIRAN ↗
Yōshū Shōnin / 揚州商人
Chinese-style ramen, including sour and spicy noodle dishes. Look for locations around Tokyo and the surrounding region.
Find a restaurant ↗
Tenhō / みんなのテンホウ
A local Nagano ramen chain serving noodles, gyoza and set meals. A worthwhile regional stop if your journey takes you through Nagano.
Find a Tenhō ↗
Sushiro
Casual sushi with seasonal specials and occasional character collaborations. Check the current campaign page.
Current campaigns ↗
Kura Sushi
A sushi stop with rotating food promotions and character partnerships on its official news page.
Official site ↗
Hama Sushi / はま寿司
An easygoing sushi chain with a broad menu. Use the official site to find a nearby restaurant.
Find a restaurant ↗
MOS Burger
A Japan-born burger chain with seasonal items and rice-burger choices.
Official menu ↗
Zetteria / ゼッテリア
A familiar burger stop with its own Japanese menu. Check the official store finder before visiting.
Find a store ↗
Jolly Pasta
A casual pasta chain with changing seasonal dishes alongside the regular menu.
Official site ↗
Gusto
A wide-ranging menu from hamburger steak to Japanese-style meals, with an English-language guide.
Explore Gusto ↗
Saizeriya
A Japan-based Italian-style family restaurant for pasta, pizza and small plates.
English menu ↗
Caffè Veloce / カフェ・ベローチェ
Coffee, sandwiches and a convenient pause between stops. Check opening hours for the branch you choose.
Official café guide ↗
Excelsior Caffé / エクセルシオール
Coffee, panini, pasta and seasonal sweets for a longer café break.
Official café guide ↗
Doutor Coffee / ドトール
A classic everyday coffee chain for a quick drink or light bite near many stations.
Official café guide ↗
Pokémon + Starbucks
Take a character-themed coffee break: the iced Pikachu Honey Cream Latte is available at participating Starbucks stores across Japan through Oct 8. Tall only: ¥678 takeaway / ¥690 dine-in. A sticker comes with each drink while supplies last. The collaboration also includes 41 merchandise items, with different selections in stores and online; goods are available while stocks last. Drinks may sell out or end early.
Official drinks & goods →
Bokujō Shibori × Cinnamoroll
A small taste of Japan’s everyday character culture: Glico’s milk ice cream brand teams up with Cinnamoroll for the first time. The purchase campaign offers rewards and supports Japanese dairy farmers through donations from Glico. Prize entry uses purchase receipts and LINE; check the official campaign terms before joining.
Official campaign details →OCT 7
2026
Sushiro × Pompompurin
Oct 7–Nov 8, 2026 at participating Sushiro restaurants nationwide. Limited collaboration menus come with randomly selected original items; Phase 1 begins Oct 7 and Phase 2 begins Oct 21. Items may sell out early, and some menus are dine-in only. Check stock and prices in the Sushiro app or official site.
Menya Tadokoro Shoten × Kuromi
A black-sesame miso ramen and one random Kuromi figure charm are offered as a ¥2,420 set at 147 participating locations nationwide. No advance reservation or item hold; sales end at each restaurant when its limited stock is gone. From Oct 29 to Nov 4, diners can choose a three-link acrylic keyholder instead of the charm.
Kura Sushi × Catch! Teenieping
Three dine-in-only collaboration items are available nationwide, including a ¥990 sushi set with one random limited plate. Special decorations and photo spots appear only at the Harajuku and Namba Parks South flagship restaurants. Menus and prizes are limited and may sell out early.
Ladurée × My Melody afternoon tea
A character afternoon tea at Ladurée Hibiya in Tokyo. Reservations and availability vary; check the official Sanrio announcement.
Campaigns, prices, menus and availability change. Seasonal features are dated and link to the organizer’s latest information. No collaboration is implied for the other restaurants listed here.
Cultural perspectives and firsthand discoveries, exploring what Japan’s everyday life reveals.
When art comes closer in Tennozu
Conversations with artists, creative stalls, music and food: Miyuki Kitagawa discovers an inviting art festival along Tennozu’s waterfront.
Read the field note →
Why Chiikawa speaks to adults
Small characters, grown-up feelings. A spoiler-free look at kawaii, work and mutual care.
Read the editorial
Wiggle Wiggle × Pokémon
A Korean design label meets Japan’s best-loved characters.
Read the field note ↗
Japan shirts at KAMO
The Harajuku stop for a national team jersey or a small souvenir.
Read the field note ↗Travel kindly in Japan.
You do not need to know every custom. A few thoughtful habits make shared spaces more comfortable and everyday encounters warmer.
Wait your turn
Queue for trains, shops and attractions, and follow any floor markings or staff directions. Let people off a train before boarding.
Say thank you
Arigatō gozaimasu means “thank you.” A smile and a sincere word to shop staff go a long way. After eating, gochisōsama deshita is a warm way to say “thank you for the meal.”
Appreciation over tips
Tipping is not customary in most cafés, restaurants, shops or taxis. A courteous “thank you” is usually the best way to show your appreciation.
Check tattoo policies
Some onsen, bathhouses and pools restrict visible tattoos. Tattoo cover-up patches (also called tattoo seals) may help with small tattoos, but ask the facility whether covers are accepted before you visit. Bathing and swimwear rules also differ.
Carry a small waste bag
Street bins can be scarce. Keep a small reusable bag for your litter until you find an appropriate bin, and sort waste as marked. Some station bins were removed for security after the 1995 subway attack, though arrangements vary today.
Keep it easy for others
Speak quietly on trains and avoid phone calls. Follow photo signs and ask before photographing people. Remove your shoes where a host or posted sign asks you to.
For details, see the Japan National Tourism Organization’s etiquette guide and its onsen guidance. Always follow the rules of the venue you visit.