Journal.
The latest from Glos Travel
Explore the latest articles from Glos Travel, our travel publication, covering food, shopping, places, and practical travel knowledge in Japanese and English.
- PlacesIkebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival 2026: Dates, the 18+ Friday Night, and How to JoinIkebukuro turns into a cosplay stage from Oct 30 to Nov 1, 2026. When to go, what changes each day, and how to watch or join. Tickets go on sale Sept 4.
- CultureGoshuin in Japan: How to Get a Shrine Seal (Cost, Etiquette & the Goshuincho Book)A first-timer's guide to goshuin in Japan: the etiquette, the 300-500 yen cost, which goshuincho book to buy, and when handwritten seals are available.
- PlacesKitano Tenmangu Autumn Illumination 2026: When It Lights Up (Mid-November, Not October 31), Price and HoursKitano Tenmangu's maples open Oct 31, 2026, but the illumination starts mid-November (Nov 7 per city sites) — dates differ. ¥1,500. Hours and access inside.
- Know-HowWhat to Wear in Japan in Autumn 2026: A Region-by-Region Packing GuideAutumn in Japan is a layering season. Using JMA data for Tokyo, Kyoto, Tateyama and Hokkaido, here's what to pack by region and altitude, October to November.
- PlacesSengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields, Hakone (2026): When to Go for the Golden PeakSengokuhara's hillside of silver grass turns gold each autumn in Hakone. Best late September to early November, free to enter, one bus from Hakone-Yumoto.
- Food & DrinkPokémon x BOSS Coffee 2026: The 6 Cans, Prices, and Which Prize Campaign You Can EnterSuntory's BOSS x Pokémon returns September 1, 2026: the six Pokédex cans and prices, the 500ml Craft BOSS bottles, and which prize campaign you can enter.
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- Know-HowUSJ Express Pass & Tickets 2026: Which to Buy + Super Nintendo World EntryThe hard part of a USJ trip isn't entry—it's picking an Express Pass and getting into Super Nintendo World. Sort pricing, passes and timed-entry before you fly.
- PlacesKodai-ji Autumn Illumination 2026: Dates, ¥800 Tickets & Evening Viewing HoursKodai-ji autumn illumination 2026 in Kyoto: Oct 23-Dec 13, evening viewing 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., adult ¥800. Peak foliage, reservations, and Higashiyama access.
- ShoppingJapanese Drugstore Cosmetics: Budget Skincare, Makeup & Tax-Free BasicsBudget cosmetics at Japanese drugstores: which chains to visit, the skincare and makeup worth grabbing, and how tax-free works, plus the 2026 refund change.
