Planning to visit Japan’s shrines and temples? Here’s what goshuin are and how to get your first stamp. Everyone says “new year, new me,” but how many people can honestly say they’ve kept up their new ...

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or ...

The origins of the respective parties and who backs them — rather than left-right labels — are more consistent indicators of ...

Time Out Tokyo’s inaugural ‘50 Things to do in Japan’ guide map is now available. Published in partnership with Japanese eyewear brand Owndays, this handy map is a perfect companion for travellers ...

For most of us, a trip to Japan is a once-in-alifetime getaway. And with temples to marvel at, sashimi to sample and mountains to climb, you won't want to waste an hour - let alone a day of your time ...

You've always wanted your picture with a celebrity. A new iPhone app lets you pose with one of Japan's biggest: Hello Kitty. Open the Visit Japan with Hello Kitty app while on your trip there, and it ...

Western Japan’s Chugoku and Shikoku regions are an antidote to overtourism. Yes, Hiroshima is a deservedly popular destination, but branch out from there and Chugoku offers a tantalizing mix of ...

In the past two years, social media has played a huge role in making matcha a global sensation. What was once strictly a part of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies has now become a buzzy health and ...