HOKKAIDO, Apr 25 (Huckberry) - In our final episode in Japan, the DIRT team went road-tripping through beautiful, snowy Japanese landscapes—and tasting everything in sight. A crown jewel in the northeast corner of Japan, Hokkaido may be famous among skiers and snowboarders for the luscious "Japow," but way beyond the tourist trail there's a burgeoning new food scene and a unique and vibrant history.
A passenger car was captured speeding across the frame from left to right by a security camera just moments before a fatal crash in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, that claimed the lives of four vocational school students.
A fire broke out on the evening of April 25th on an electronic billboard attached to the Yodobashi Camera commercial complex in front of JR Osaka Station, prompting a large emergency response. No injuries were reported.
Organic fluorine compounds known as PFAS—suspected to be harmful to human health—have been detected at concentrations exceeding the national provisional target in rivers and groundwater at 242 sites across 22 prefectures, according to a government survey.
The Japanese government will begin issuing blue tickets for bicycle traffic violations in April 2026, with fines including 5,000 yen for ignoring stop signs and up to 12,000 yen for riding while using a smartphone.
A 26-year-old woman was arrested in the early hours of April 24th in Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. While admitting to the offense, she claimed, "I ate chocolate that contained alcohol."
We visited three different food truck spots and tasted a variety of mouthwatering dishes. (TabiEats)
Sushi is a Japanese cultural staple that's become famous ALL over the globe. But, when you finally arrive in Japan, where can you get the best and most fresh sushi? (Japan by Food)
We visit a hidden gem in Osaka that specializes in Yakiniku featuring the exquisite Omi Beef, recognized as one of Japan’s top three Wagyu varieties. (TabiEats)
This is behind the counter at Taruya, a Japanese father and daughter run Traditional style Teppan Okonomiyaki izakaya aka drinking restaurant, that’s been around for almost 100 years. (Paolo fromTOKYO)
We visited ZETTERIA, a Japanese fast-food chain known for its “Zeppin” (絶品 = ultimate) burgers — and tried seven of them to find out if they truly live up to the hype. (TabiEats)
For many visitors, Japan’s convenience stores—affectionately known as konbini—are a wonderland of unfamiliar snacks, perfectly packed bento boxes, and an air of almost surreal cleanliness. But while travelers often marvel at the variety and efficiency, the konbini holds a much deeper significance for locals.
Sales of Miyazaki Prefecture’s signature fully ripe mangoes, branded as "Taiyo no Tamago" or "Egg of the Sun," officially began on April 17th, with auctions taking place in Fukuoka City.
Once a familiar and comforting presence on urban streets, Japan's cherished ramen stalls are quietly fading away as stricter regulations, an aging workforce, and evolving consumer preferences make their survival increasingly difficult.
