Pinoy Pride Sets The Stage At Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan

Yumeshima Island in Osaka has more to offer this summer and fall!  Check out the fascinating cultural havens on show at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, if you're traveling to see the city's well-known culinary scene!

Photo courtesy of the Tourism Promotions Board

Get another perspective on our home while showing up for our kabayan on Philippine National Day! Happening on June 7, 2025, at the EXPO National Day Hall “Ray Garden”, the celebration will spotlight the heart of Filipino culture through food, dance, and music. At the core of the event is Hinabing Hiraya (Woven Imagination)—a stunning cultural showcase that brings the Filipino dream to life through vibrant performances. It’s more than just a show; it’s a moving tribute to the strength, creativity, and diversity of the Filipino people. Whether you’re there for the lechon or the tinikling, it’s the perfect event to invite your Japanese friends and travel buddies to experience what being Filipino truly means.

Osaka is attracting attention and showcasing cultures from all around the world with a single, massive display of global expression!  The exhibition offers an invitation as well as an in-depth exploration of its dedication to sustainability, creativity, and cross-cultural interaction. This year, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" is the theme.

The occasion acts as a "living lab" for international cooperation and the strength of interpersonal relationships. With contributions from more than 160 nations and international organizations, the expansive location on Yumeshima Island in Osaka will host more than 150 pavilions that will highlight cutting-edge technologies, cultural customs, and innovative answers to global problems.

Photo courtesy of Pasona Group.

For aficionados of both anime and science fiction, Bandai Namco's Gundam Pavilion is a fantasy come true.  A life-sized interactive exhibit honoring Japan's engineering excellence and cultural exports is promised at the Gundam Pavilion.  The pavilion, which combines virtual reality, robotics, and immersive storytelling, is a lighthearted yet potent representation of Japan's technical inventiveness and global cultural influence.

With the Awaji Island Trip, Pasona Group’s Naturverse invites visitors to an adventure they won't soon forget! This experiential travel extension offers guided eco-tours, organic eating experiences, and a hands-on look at how Japan is fusing innovation and tradition in sustainable living to allow guests to discover Awaji Island, which is only an hour away from the 2025 Expo site. Highlights along the route include the adorable Hello Kitty Smile theme park, where the well-known character lines every ride and attraction, and the lively Nijigen no Mori theme park, which offers well-loved Japanese pop-culture experiences.

Presenting your boarding ticket to Awaji Island also gives you priority admission to the “PASONA NATUREVERSE” pavilion at the Expo. The Awaji trip offers a slower, soul-nourishing counterpart to the futuristic buzz of the main Expo.

Expo 2025 opened on April 13 and will be running for six months.The expo only lasts until October 13, so make sure you use the Expo’s Ticket Portal and plan your trips soon! With daily, seasonal, and passport-style multi-entry passes, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and personalize their Expo experience. 

Japan National Tourism Organization: Discover The Most Pleasant Unexpected Experiences in Japan

There are always new methods for Japan to surprise tourists. One minute you're in Central Osaka, a city of parks, shopping centers, and excellent dining.  In the next, you're enjoying the downtime life provides on the terraces of the Gate Hotel Fukuoka, exploring a museum of Japanese toilets in Aichi, or ziplining over fields after a local breakfast in Chiba. New establishments are popping up all throughout the nation's several prefectures, providing a variety of lodging options and locations to explore. Here are four new locations that should be on your next itinerary if you're searching for new places to captivate you.

Grand Green Osaka is a brand-new urban getaway in the center of Osaka, where luxury dining, cutting-edge retail, and leisurely moments of well-being coexist with city parks. After a trip around the flagship boutiques, open-kitchen steak dinners, sushi omakase, or local pastries or pour-over coffee on terrace cafés, the day begins. In addition to live cultural events and concerts, the bustling Time Out Market below ground brings together prominent chefs to provide some of Kansai's best cuisine. In this new urban paradise, relax in meditation rooms, soak in a rooftop onsen, or just take in the city's vibrancy.

A slower, more grounded type of escape may be found at the Farm Slow Mountain Narita in Chiba's woodlands. Scattered around a large, tree-lined property are cabins, cottages, and glamping tents.

Fresh, locally grown cuisine is served in the mornings, while the rest of the day is spent riding ziplines, picking vegetables, or exploring the woods on an AR-powered trail.  People gather under the stars for group BBQ dinners in the evening.  Discover the tranquility of Farm Slow Mountain Narita, which is conveniently reachable by car from Tokyo and by bus or car from Narita Airport.

Photo courtesy of ©INAX MUSEUMS

The Toilet Museum, the newest addition to the INAX MUSEUMS in Tokoname, Aichi, honors Japan's innovative approach to one of life's most underappreciated necessities, which the nation excels in. From early wooden bowls to the high-tech fixtures that are now well-known worldwide, exhibits take you through the history of toilets in Japan. In keeping with the INAX MUSEUMS' broader focus on ceramics, design, and daily invention, this stop is witty and surprisingly captivating. The museum may be reached by vehicle from Chubu Centrair Airport in 10 minutes or by limited express train from Meitetsu Nagoya Station in 40 minutes.

The GATE HOTEL FUKUOKA by HULIC offers visitors to Fukuoka a refined and serene experience in the heart of the city.  The hotel is located in the top levels of a brand-new business complex and has a direct connection to Tenjin Station.  Anchor Grill Fukuoka, the hotel's in-house restaurant, features local ingredients in every dish, and its top-floor lounge leads onto a breeze-filled patio with expansive views of the skyline. The décor of the guestrooms are modern and well-designed, while suites like THE GATE provide views of Hakata Bay.

Every one of these locations provides something a little different—an experience you weren't even aware you were seeking.  When combined, they demonstrate how Japan keeps evolving and delighting—not by adopting fads but by subtly increasing the standard.

Discover the Wonders of Winter in Toyama

Photo courtesy of VisitToyama

Japan, with its serene, snow-covered destinations, transforms into a winter wonderland. Among its winter treasures, Toyama stands out as a haven for those who appreciate the beauty of the season. This coastal prefecture, located just a 2 to 3-hour ride from Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, provides access to Japan's snow-covered areas.

From Gokayama's postcard-perfect villages to the soul-soothing Unazuki Onsen, we've curated the must-see Toyama attractions for an unforgettable winter adventure. So pack your bags, grab your gloves, and prepare to explore this polar paradise!

Gokayama 

Gokayama, nestled in the mountains of Toyama, resembles a scene from a snow globe. The area is known for its 40 small villages, two of which—Ainokura and Suganuma—are UNESCO World Heritage sites. It comes alive in the winter, covered in a thick blanket of snow. These steeply pitched roofs, built to withstand heavy snowfall, are surrounded by peaceful, pristine landscapes that invite you to stop and take it all in. Gokayama, accessible by bus from JR Takaoka Station, is your gateway to Japan's rich cultural heritage, set against a backdrop of white topography. During the winter, the villages of Ainokura and Suganuma host magical lighting events that illuminate the snow-covered landscape and create a peaceful winter spectacle.

Photo courtesy of VisitToyama

Amaharashi Coast

The Amaharashi Coast, which runs along Toyama Bay, is a captivating combination of rugged coastline and the breathtaking Tateyama Mountain Range. In the winter, the snow-covered mountains provide a stunning contrast to the crashing waves that attract surfers to the area. This peaceful and dramatic landscape makes the Amaharashi Coast ideal for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature's beauty, whether it's the tranquility of the beach or the energy of the sea.

Photo courtesy of VisitToyama

Toyama Castle

Toyama Castle has a unique kind of winter charm. Located in the city center, the castle serves as a reminder of the region's history and culture. Surrounded by a peaceful park, the scene becomes even more magical in the winter, when snow covers the traditional architecture and reflects in the still waters of the moat. The castle, which was built in the 16th century, provides visitors with a glimpse into Japan's feudal era just outside of the city.

Photo courtesy of VisitToyama

Shogawa Gorge

Shogawa Gorge offers a tranquil yet stunning setting. During the winter, the Shogawa River's dramatic cliffs and clear waters transform into a serene, icy beauty. Scenic boat rides and walking trails offer stunning views of snow-covered landscapes. This hidden gem, located just a 70-minute bus ride from Takaoka Station on the JR Hokuriku Main Line, is a peaceful retreat into nature, ideal for those seeking quiet beauty.

Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization

Unazuki Onsen

After a day of snowy adventures, relax at Unazuki Onsen, a quaint hot spring town nestled in Toyama's mountains. This resort, situated along the Kurobe River, is the ideal place to soak in thermal waters while admiring the white-capped view. Traditional ryokan inns add to the charm, making Unazuki Onsen the ideal combination of relaxation and nature. It is easily accessible by train from Toyama City, allowing you to enjoy the rejuvenating warmth without difficulty. In addition to its famous footbaths, Unazuki allows visitors to purchase handmade necklaces made by local artisans, which make an ideal souvenir to remember your peaceful escape.

Photo courtesy of VisitToyama

Toyama’s Traditional Seafood 

Experience the authentic flavors of Toyama, where fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, such as white shrimp and firefly squid, take center stage. Don't miss the local Winter Yellowtail, dubbed the "king of winter delicacies" and paired perfectly with the region's smooth craft sake. Each dish reflects Toyama's strong connection to the land and sea, providing a taste of the region's local heritage and natural resources.

This winter, avoid the tropical heat and enjoy the quiet magic of Toyama's snow-covered landscapes. From the fairytale charm of Gokayama to the towering snow walls of the Tateyama Mountains, Toyama exemplifies winter at its best. Add the cozy retreats of Unazuki Onsen to the scenic beauty of Shogawa Gorge, and you've created the ultimate snowy paradise.

Discover Japan’s best-kept winter secrets—Toyama is waiting to take your breath away.

A glimpse of the Anime World in SM City North Edsa

Calling all 𝑨𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒆 and 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒂 fans! Animezing North: A glimpse of the Anime World in SM City North Edsa

SM City North Edsa brings a taste of the Japan experience to Northern shoppers through Animezing North: A Japan Pop Culture Feast.

A glimpse of the Anime World in SM City North Edsa bring you the best of the best of the anime and manga favorites at the North! 🇯🇵

Indulge in your love for the 𝑁𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑛 lifestyle and bite into the sumptuous Japanese treats! Savour a taste of Japan from Japanese favorite restaurants. 🥢🍣🍛🍱

In partnership with the Philippines most influential and popular toy collector Yexel Sebastian, Animezing North features enormous and life-size preeminent Anime character collection from the multi-generational anime and manga that Filipino fans love!

Shop also the latest Japanese Pop fashion collaboration with the following tenants:

Visit 𝑵𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒏 𝑻𝒐𝒘𝒏 from June 16 - July 1, 2021 at The Block Atrium. ⛩🏮 Make sure to observe safety protocols, ayt? 😷