Practical travel information to help you plan and travel Japan smoothly.
Date: 2026-01-02 (JST) Japan offers tax-free shopping at over 50,000 locations, ranging from giant electronics retailers to local souvenir shops. For foreign travelers, knowing where to find these stores and what they offer is key to efficient shopping. This guide…
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…
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…
Date: 2026-01-01 (JST) Japan’s tax-free shopping system allows foreign visitors to purchase goods without paying the 10% consumption tax, but this benefit comes with strict conditions. Many travelers misunderstand these rules, leading to confusion at the store or costly mistakes…
Date: 2025-12-30 (JST) During Japan’s New Year celebrations, you will often see rankings of the most popular shrines for Hatsumōde (the year’s first shrine visit). These lists, topped by famous names like Meiji Jingu with over three million visitors, can…
Current date: 2025-12-29 (JST) What is Hatsumode? Hatsumode is the first visit to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple in the new year. It is one of Japan’s most important and widely practiced traditions. From New Year’s Eve through the…
Current date: 2025-12-29 (JST) What This Is About While the first shrine visit of the year (hatsumode) is a central part of Japan’s New Year, the holiday period is also filled with traditional games and activities. These offer a hands-on…
Date: 2025-12-26 (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…
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…
Current date: 2025-12-25 (JST) This article explains the operating hours of Japanese banks and post offices, particularly during the New Year holiday. It details which ATMs remain operational, how to handle currency exchange, and provides a checklist to help foreign…
