The complete library

All practical guides

Clear, practical answers for planning and traveling in Japan.

Why Do Hotels in Japan Copy Your Passport?

Who must show a passport at Japanese accommodation, why a copy may be kept, and what travelers should check before uploading ID online.

Practical guide8 min →

Internet

Japan eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi: What Actually Matters

Choose by phone compatibility, whether your group splits up, hotspot needs and pickup logistics—not just a headline data price.

Practical guide7 min read →

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Lost Your Passport in Japan? What to Do Before Your Flight

File the right police report, contact your own embassy or consulate, and change your flight only after you know which replacement travel document you can get.

Practical guide8 min read →

TransportTravel update

Narita Express Disruption on November 7, 2026: Where to Change

On November 7, Narita Express trains run only between Narita Airport and Tokyo. Use this destination-by-destination transfer plan for Shinjuku, Shibuya, Yokohama and beyond.

Checked Oct 12, 20267 min read →

Transport

Do You Need an International Driving Permit for Japan?

Most visitors need a paper IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, but licenses from six countries and regions use an official Japanese translation instead.

Practical guide7 min read →

MoneyTravel update

Tokyo Accommodation Tax Changes in 2027: What Travelers Will Pay

From April 1, 2027, Tokyo will charge 3% on taxable room rates of ¥13,000 or more per person per night, including eligible private lodgings.

Checked Oct 7, 20267 min read →

Transport

Why Is Your Suica Not Working? Fixing IC Card Gate Errors

A low balance is only one reason a transit IC card can fail. Learn how to fix unfinished trips, bad taps, area-boundary problems and expired visitor cards.

Practical guide7 min read →

Transport

Lost Something on a Train in Japan? What to Do Next

Act quickly, contact the railway that operated the train, and give precise journey and item details. If the item moves to police custody, file a Lost Property Report and keep your reference information.

Practical guide8 min read →

Internet

Can You Rely on Free Wi-Fi in Japan?

Free Wi-Fi is easy to find at major airports, hotels and urban hubs in Japan, but it is not dependable enough to be your only connection for most trips.

Practical guide8 min read →

MoneyTravel update

Japan's Departure Tax Is Now ¥3,000: Who Pays and How

Japan's International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 on July 1, 2026. Most travelers pay through their ticket, while a few transit and age exemptions apply.

Checked Sep 28, 20266 min read →

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Can You Bring Food into Japan? Meat, Fruit and Snacks Explained

Most ordinary processed snacks are simpler than meat, fresh fruit or vegetables, but packaging alone does not make food legal to import. Check the ingredients and quarantine rules before you fly.

Practical guide8 min read →

Transport

Do You Need to Reserve Shinkansen Tickets in Advance?

Not always. Reserve early for peak holidays, groups, fixed connections, oversized baggage or trains with reserved seats only; flexible off-peak travelers can often buy later.

Practical guide10 min read →

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Japan Power Outlets: Do You Need a Plug Adapter?

Japan uses Type A plugs, 100-volt power and two regional frequencies. Check each device label before deciding whether you need an adapter or transformer.

Practical guide7 min read →

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Can You Bring Prescription Medicine into Japan?

Usually yes for personal treatment, but quantity limits and controlled-substance rules can require advance approval—or prohibit the medicine entirely.

Practical guide8 min read →

Luggage

Coin Lockers in Japan: How to Store Luggage Without Getting Stuck

Station lockers are useful for a few hours, but availability, payment and storage limits vary. Choose the right location and keep your retrieval details.

Practical guide8 min read →

MoneyTravel update

Japan Tax-Free Shopping Changes on November 1, 2026

Japan is moving tax-free shopping to a departure-refund system. Here is what changes, what stays the same, and how to avoid losing the refund.

Checked Sep 14, 20268 min read →

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Emergency Numbers in Japan: Call 110, 119, or 118?

Use 110 for urgent police help, 119 for fire or ambulance, and 118 for emergencies at sea. Save the numbers before you travel.

Practical guide8 min read →

Food

Food Allergies in Japan: How to Order More Safely

Packaged-food labels help, but restaurant meals still require direct confirmation. Prepare a Japanese allergy sheet and keep a fallback meal plan.

Practical guide8 min read →

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Do You Need Visit Japan Web? What It Actually Does

Visit Japan Web is optional, but completing it before arrival can simplify immigration and customs at supported Japanese airports.

Practical guide7 min read →

Money

Which ATMs in Japan Accept Foreign Cards?

Start with a Seven Bank or Japan Post Bank ATM, know the withdrawal limits, and use a simple fallback sequence if your card is declined.

Practical guide7 min read →

Luggage

Japan Luggage Forwarding: How Takkyubin Actually Works

Send a suitcase ahead when it would complicate a train day—but confirm the delivery date and keep one night of essentials with you.

Practical guide7 min read →

Money

How Much Cash Do You Actually Need in Japan?

Japan is no longer cash-only, but carrying a modest backup amount still prevents annoying surprises.

Practical guide3 min read →

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First Time in Japan: What You Actually Need to Know

The essential decisions to make before your trip—and the things you can safely stop worrying about.

Practical guide4 min read →

Transport

Is the Japan Rail Pass Still Worth It?

Usually no—but a fast, long-distance itinerary can still make the numbers work.

Practical guide5 min read →

Luggage

Can You Bring a Large Suitcase on the Shinkansen?

Yes, but very large bags need planning on some routes and luggage forwarding is often easier.

Practical guide4 min read →

Transport

Suica vs PASMO: Which Card Should You Get?

For almost every visitor, the two cards work in the same places. Get whichever is easiest to buy.

Practical guide4 min read →

Food

Japan Restaurant Etiquette: What Actually Matters

You do not need to memorize dozens of rules. Be on time, follow the restaurant’s system, and avoid a few genuinely awkward mistakes.

Practical guide3 min read →

Transport

Haneda vs Narita: Which Tokyo Airport Is Better?

Haneda is closer to central Tokyo. Narita can still be the better choice when the flight is cheaper or better timed.

Practical guide2 min read →

Japanese

Useful Japanese Restaurant Phrases You’ll Actually Use

A small set of phrases for getting a table, ordering and paying—without pretending you need to become fluent.

Practical guide2 min read →

Places

Where to Stay in Tokyo on Your First Trip

There is no single best neighborhood. Pick the area that reduces travel for the evenings and mornings you actually planned.

Practical guide2 min read →