Mt. Fuji area hotels
Part of the full Mt. Fuji travel guide. What This Article Explains Choosing a hotel near Mt. Fuji is not about picking from a simple list. It is about navigating a complex system of location, view types, and budget tiers.…
Category Travel Tips
Practical travel information to help you plan and travel Japan smoothly.
Japan Tax-Free Shopping 2026: The Complete Rules, Store Guide, and the November Switchover
Shopping & tax · 2026–2027 transition guide Japan Tax-Free Shopping 2026: The Complete Rules, Store Guide, and the November Switchover Japan’s tax-free system is in the middle of the biggest restructure since it was opened to tourists. The current “instant…
Japan vs Korea for a 5-Day Trip: What You Can Actually Fit In
Current date: 2026-01-02 (JST) Verdict First: Who Japan Is Better For If you have only five days for your first international trip and want a predictable experience where plans are less likely to fall apart, Japan generally works better. The…
A First Visit to the Gods: My New Year’s Day at Ookunitama Shrine
New Year’s Greeting 明けましておめでとうございます。 In Japan, we say:“Akemashite omedetō” = Happy New Year“Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu” = Let’s have a good year together This year, I made a quiet resolution. Not to chase something new, but to reconnect with what…
Hatsumode 2026: A Practical Guide to Japan’s First Shrine Visit of the Year
Date: 2026-03-29 (JST) Visiting a Japanese shrine during the New Year period is a memorable experience, but many foreign travelers find the customs around Hatsumōde (the year’s first shrine visit) confusing. Questions about proper etiquette, when to go, and what…
Choosing the Right Japanese Transit App: A Practical Guide
Date: 2025-12-25 (JST) Navigating Japan’s extensive train and bus network can feel overwhelming. While several transit apps promise to simplify the process, they often create a new layer of confusion. Many travelers are unsure which app to use, what the…
When Do Banks Close in Japan? A Guide to Avoiding Cash Shortages
Money & cash · 2026 edition When Do Banks Close in Japan? The Year-Round ATM Survival Guide Japanese bank branches keep banking-business hours that surprise foreign visitors — weekdays only, 9 to 3 in many cases, locked tight on national…
How to Use Japan’s Highway System with a Rental Car
Current date: 2025-12-23 (JST) This article explains how to use Japan’s highway toll system when you rent a car. It focuses on the three main payment methods: renting an ETC card, paying with cash or credit card, and using regional…
How to Get and Use IC Cards in Japan: Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA Explained
Current date: 2025-12-23 (JST) This article is a practical guide to Japan’s prepaid IC cards, not a travelogue. It clarifies that these cards are for payment, not discounts, and addresses the common confusion travelers face regarding which card to buy,…
How to Buy JR Train Tickets: A Complete Guide for Foreign Travelers
Riding a Shinkansen or limited express train in Japan requires two separate tickets — a Basic Fare Ticket (乗車券) for distance and a Limited Express Ticket (特急券) for speed and seat. Local trains and subways use one ticket or an…