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In Japan, cafés that let you get up close and interact with animals enjoy popularity, with the variety of cafés increasing every year. So what is the charm of these “animal cafés,” which are currently a mainstay when it comes to healing spots? Next we’ll report on the hot topic of bird cafés!

In Japan, cafés that let you get up close and interact with animals enjoy popularity, with the variety of cafés increasing every year. So what is the charm of these “animal cafés,” which are currently a mainstay when it comes to healing spots? First, let’s take a look at cat cafés, one of the major types!

“Kabukiza” is the world’s only theater that specializes in kabuki. With its reopening this spring, the charm has increased not only inside the main hall, which only those seeing performances can view, but also outside of it, an area where anyone can enter. The venue has evolved into a complex that people can enjoy even on days when they have no time to watch a performance. We will introduce the highlight tourist spots of the reborn Kabukiza.

On weekends in Tokyo, morning markets are a good way to have fun. In recent years, fashionable morning markets that remind you of European marchés have increased dramatically. Farmers sell vegetables that they painstakingly grew themselves, and the markets serve as a place that connects the producer with the buyer. Morning markets at shopping streets filled with the old shitamachi downtown atmosphere are still going strong. Why not start a day of sightseeing at a popular morning market? (Top photo: Earth Day Market)

“Anime” “Idols” “Moe”. In Akihabara, the town of otakus, fans of various genres assemble at cafes. We'll introduce you to three "mecca cafes" that are deep, but can also be enjoyed by tourists as well!
(Top photo: AKB48 Cafe & Shop Akihabara)

In this season, the Japanese become excited and just can’t wait for the summer festivals and fireworks shows. In Tokyo, both the downtown style, filled with the vitality of the Edokko, and the festivals in popular new spots are popular. We’ll introduce you to the summer festivals and fireworks show that we highly recommend.

April 19, 2012 saw the opening of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in the new Tokyo waterfront subcenter area. Here you’ll find everything from the latest fashions to Akihabara culture and famous eateries. DiverCity Tokyo is a hot new mall with all the attractions of Tokyo, and we’ll be introducing these attractions here!

The number of people in Japan who are crazy for character bento is on the rise! We asked Gurea-san, a charismatic figure in the world of character bento who appears in magazines and on TV, about the reasons why people get into “kyaraben” and we also check out some of the amazing bento. Plus, we introduce some of the stores where you can buy kyaraben goods!

* “Kyaraben” is a registered trademark of Bandai.

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