Practical travel information to help you plan and travel Japan smoothly.
Travel Tips · 2026–2027 Japan New Year Closures 2026–2027 A practical calendar for what stays open and what shuts down — Dec 28, 2026 to Jan 4, 2027. Updated Apr 2026 Closure window: Dec 28, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027.…
Current date: 2025-12-22 (JST) This article explains the practical rules of photography etiquette in Japan. It is not a guide to finding photogenic spots, but a manual for understanding what you can and cannot photograph. We cover the unwritten rules…
This article provides practical, essential actions for foreign travelers in Japan during an earthquake or typhoon. It is not a comprehensive local manual but a focused guide on immediate safety, information sources, and decision-making when your travel plans are disrupted.…
Current date: 2025-12-20 (JST) Overview When planning a trip to Japan, choosing where to stay is a significant decision. A modern hotel offers predictability and freedom. An Airbnb can provide a sense of living like a local. But a ryokan,…
Current date: 2025-12-18 (JST) Overview Visiting Mount Fuji is a highlight for many travelers in Japan, but navigating the area can seem challenging without a car. This guide focuses on practical accommodation bases around Mount Fuji that are well-suited for…
Comparison · 2026 edition Best Hotel Booking Sites for Japan 2026: Booking vs Agoda vs Rakuten — Tested Across 47 Prefectures I have stayed in everything from a ¥3,200 capsule in Shinjuku to a ¥42,000-a-night mountain ryokan in Hakone. After…
Every image on Hidden Japan Gems was personally photographed on a Sony α7 across five years of walking Japan. Please don't re-use without permission — reach out if you'd like to.
For licensing, write to hiddenjapangems.1994@gmail.com