Starting June 2026, Japan launches the Specified Residence Card merging your Residence Card with your My Number. Understand the benefits, process, and whether to choose integrated or separate cards.

Complete guide to Japan's Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities No. 53): income requirements, eligibility, application process, and step-by-step instructions to apply.

📌 Golden Week 2026: Essential Facts for Visitors Dates: April 29 (Wed) – May 6 (Wed) Minimum vacation: 5 consecutive days (April 29 + May 2-6) Maximum vacation: 8 consecutive days (April 27-May 6, with PTO) Congestion level: ★★★★★ Japan’s 3rd busiest travel period Hotel prices: 1.5-2x normal rates, up to 3x in popular areas...

Master Japan's moving procedures: move-out notification, move-in notification, 14-day deadline, ward office registration, residence card update, health insurance, pension, and utilities setup for foreigners.

Everything you need to know about importing dogs and cats to Japan: microchip, rabies vaccinations, antibody test, 180-day waiting period, quarantine rules, and required documents from MAFF.

Complete guide to Japan's sento public bathhouses. Learn bathing etiquette, entry fee (~$3.50), tattoo policies, and how sento differ from onsen. Step-by-step instructions for first-timers.

Essential guide for foreign residents: Japan's Residence Card & My Number reporting requirements. 14-day address change deadline is critical—violations carry fines up to ¥200,000. Unified 'Specific Residence Card' launching June 2026.

📋 Quick Facts Convenience Stores in Japan: 56,000+ Major Chains: 7-Eleven (21,000+), FamilyMart (16,000+), Lawson (14,000+) Operating Hours: Most locations are open 24/7 ATM Support: 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards with multilingual support Tax-Free Shopping: Available at some stores for purchases over ¥5,000 ($35 USD) Services: ATM, package delivery, ticket printing, bill payment, copy/fax/print, Wi-Fi...

Complete guide to renting an apartment in Japan as a foreigner. Understand upfront costs, key money, deposits, guarantor companies, and the best apartment search sites for expats.

Quick Facts About Japan’s Garbage Sorting 41% Of foreigners cite garbage sorting as the #1 confusing rule in Japan 4 Main waste categories in Japan’s system 20% Japan’s current waste recycling rate $67,000 Maximum fine for illegal dumping (approx USD) What Is Garbage Sorting in Japan? For foreign residents in Japan, garbage sorting (gomi bunbetsu)...

Essential guide to Japan's health insurance for foreign residents. Learn the difference between NHI and Shakai Hoken, enrollment steps, costs, and the critical 2027 visa rule.

Quick Facts About Earthquakes in Japan Annual Earthquakes Japan experiences approximately 1,500 felt earthquakes per year, making it one of the world’s most seismically active regions. Shindo Scale Japan uses the Shindo (震度) scale (0-7), not the Richter scale. This measures earthquake intensity and impact in specific locations. Building Standards Japan’s 1981 seismic building codes...

Quick Facts About Japan Post International Shipping If you’re living in Japan or visiting as a tourist, you might need to send packages overseas. Japan Post Office offers reliable, affordable international shipping options that have been trusted for decades. Here’s what you need to know at a glance: EMS (Express Mail Service): 3-7 days delivery,...

Complete guide to Japanese pharmacies and drugstores for foreign visitors. Learn about OTC medicine classes, English support, tax-free shopping, and which medicines to buy for common symptoms.

How to Make Restaurant Reservations in Japan | English-Friendly Apps & Phrases Quick Facts Primary Reservation Methods: Tabelog, TableCheck, Google Maps, and phone calls Restaurant Database Size: ~890,000 restaurants nationwide in Tabelog Online Reservation Coverage: 35,000+ restaurants offer English-language online booking Michelin-Starred Availability: 200+ Michelin restaurants on TableCheck Cancellation Fees: Free if canceled 24+ hours...

Quick Facts about Japanese Izakaya Average spending: $15-40 USD per person Most popular ordering method: Call staff or use menu Typical capacity: 30-100 customers Peak hours: 5 PM – 11 PM on weekdays Cash payment still dominates: 65% of transactions Table of Contents What is a Japanese Izakaya? How to Enter and Be Seated Ordering...

Complete guide to Japan's 100 yen shops. Discover the best items at Daiso, Seria, and Can Do, pricing, tax-free shopping, and tips for maximizing your budget at these iconic retail destinations.

Visiting Japan? The tipping question might confuse you. The truth is Japan has no tipping culture—service charges are already included. This guide explains what you actually need to know and when you might offer gratuities in this gift-giving context.

Why Does Japan Have So Many Earthquakes? Understanding the Basics Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, it sits at the convergence of four tectonic plates: the Pacific Plate, the Philippine Sea Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the North American Plate. This unique...

What Is Japan’s Short-Term Stay Visa? Understanding the Basics Japan’s Short-Term Stay Visa (tourist visa) is a residence status defined under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. It allows foreign nationals to temporarily stay in Japan for activities that do not involve paid employment, such as tourism, visiting relatives, attending business meetings, or participating...

🌐日本語でお読みください:【2026年最新】日本の温泉でタトゥーはNG？外国人が知るべきマナーと対応施設・入浴ガイド完全版 → 🌊 Quick Facts — Japanese Onsen…