Practical travel tips and essential information to help international visitors plan and enjoy their trip to Japan.
Luggage Delivery in Japan: How to Send Bags Between Hotels & AirportsNew!!
Traveling around Japan with a large suitcase can be exhausting. Whether you are taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, navigating busy train stations, or sightseeing after checking out of your hotel, heavy luggage can make your trip less enjoyable. For practical advice on navigating stations and rail journeys, see our How to Use Trains […]
Japanese 100-Yen Shops: What to Buy, How They Work, and Why They're Worth VisitingNew!!
While traveling around Japan, you may notice stores with names such as DAISO, Seria, and Can★Do. These are known as 100-yen shops, a popular part of everyday shopping in Japan. They sell a surprisingly wide variety of products, including stationery, kitchen tools, storage containers, cleaning supplies, and everyday essentials. But their appeal goes beyond low […]
Japan Power Plugs & Outlets: Do You Need an Adapter?
Planning a trip to Japan? Before you pack your phone charger, laptop, hair dryer, or other electronics, it is important to understand Japan's power plugs, electrical outlets, and voltage. Japan mainly uses Type A power outlets, with two flat, parallel slots. The country's standard electricity supply is 100 volts (100V AC), which differs from the […]
Luggage Storage in Japan: Coin Lockers, Hotels & Luggage Delivery
Traveling around Japan with a large suitcase can be surprisingly inconvenient. You might arrive in Kyoto early in the morning, hours before your hotel allows check-in. Or perhaps you want to stop for sightseeing on your way from Tokyo to Osaka without dragging your luggage through crowded stations. Fortunately, Japan offers several practical ways to […]
Driving in Japan: International Driving Permits, Rental Cars & Road Safety
Japan has many fascinating places that are difficult to reach by train or bus alone. From Hokkaido's vast landscapes and Okinawa's beautiful coastlines to rural hot-spring towns and small mountain villages, a rental car allows you to travel at your own pace without being tied to public transportation schedules. However, there are important rules to […]
How to Pay in Japan: Cash, Credit Cards, ATMs & Suica
Do you need cash in Japan? Can you travel using only a credit card? And where can you withdraw Japanese yen with a foreign bank card? These are common questions for first-time visitors to Japan. Japan has become increasingly cashless, especially in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Credit cards are widely accepted […]
How to Dispose of Trash in Japan: A Tourist's Guide
Japan is famous for its clean streets, orderly public spaces, and well-maintained train stations. Yet many first-time visitors discover something surprising: finding a public trash can can be harder than expected. After enjoying an onigiri, a takeaway coffee, or a delicious street-food snack, you might find yourself wondering, “Where am I supposed to throw this […]
How to Use Trains in Japan: A Beginner's Guide
Japan has one of the world's most convenient and extensive railway networks. From high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains to local subways, trains make exploring Japan easy and enjoyable. However, buying tickets, using IC cards, and navigating busy stations can feel confusing for first-time visitors. This beginner-friendly guide explains how to use trains in Japan, so you […]
Japan Travel Essentials: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Japan
Planning your first trip to Japan? From navigating public transportation and understanding local customs to staying connected and managing your travel budget, a little preparation can make a big difference. This Japan travel guide covers the essentials you need to know before your visit, with practical tips to help you explore the country confidently, comfortably, […]