TransportComplete guide to converting your foreign driver's license to a Japanese license under the 2025 reform. Covers the 30 exempt countries, required documents, JAF translation, knowledge & skills test tips, and how to pass on your first attempt.
Living in JapanComplete guide to Japan's re-entry system for foreign residents. Special Re-entry (free, 1 year) vs Standard Re-entry Permit (¥3,000/¥6,000, up to 5 years), application steps, validity rules, and how to avoid losing your residence status when traveling abroad.
Living in JapanComplete English guide to Japan's emergency numbers 110 (police) and 119 (fire & ambulance). Learn three-way interpreter support in 20 languages, how to dial from a SIM-less phone, plus #7119, #9110, JNTO Visitor Hotline and other lifesaving numbers.
Living in JapanA practical guide to Japanese dining etiquette for foreign visitors and residents. Covers proper chopstick handling, the meanings of itadakimasu and gochisousama, the ten forbidden chopstick taboos, and behavior in sushi, ramen and izakaya settings.
ConnectivityA practical foreigner's guide to public free WiFi in Japan. Covers the Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect app, hotspots at airports/stations/convenience stores, security risks, VPN recommendations, and when to combine WiFi with eSIM.
TransportA practical, fact-checked guide for foreign drivers tackling Japan's snowy regions. Covers winter tire laws, chain regulations, rental car requirements, JAF English-language emergency support, and crucial winter driving etiquette.
TransportJapan highway ETC card guide for foreign drivers: ETC Tourist Card rental, Japan Expressway Pass flat-rate plans, all discount programs, toll booth procedures, and troubleshooting tips.
ConnectivityHow to make international calls from Japan: dial format, country codes, carrier rates vs cheap apps (LINE, WhatsApp, Skype, Rakuten Link), hotel pitfalls — for foreigners living in Japan.
Money & PaymentsComplete guide for foreign residents on Japan's annual tax return (kakutei shinkoku): when filing is required, required documents, e-Tax procedures, deductions, and how to avoid penalties.
City GuidesComplete guide to Japan's year-end and New Year (Dec 29-Jan 5) business hours for foreign tourists. Sector-by-sector schedule for convenience stores, banks, department stores, transit. Tactics for cash, food, transport during the 9-day shutdown.
Living in JapanComplete guide to enrolling foreign children in Japanese schools. Compare public (free), private (~¥1M/yr), and international (¥2-3M/yr) options. Learn the 5-step enrollment process, language support programs, and high school exam tracks for non-Japanese speakers.
Living in JapanComplete guide to Japanese funeral etiquette for foreigners. Learn koden amounts ($33 to $660), envelope labels by religion, black dress code, the 5-step incense ritual, condolence phrases, and the photography taboo — with comparison tables for Buddhist, Shinto, and Christian services.
Living in JapanComplete etiquette guide for international guests invited to Japanese weddings. Gift money amounts, the ¥30,000 rule, crisp new bills, dress codes, RSVP customs, day-of timeline, and ceremony types - all explained for first-timers.
City GuidesComplete guide for international families visiting Japan. Best 7-10 day itineraries, age-by-age picks, smart JR Pass use, summer-heat warnings, and how to choose - all the practical advice for first-timers.
AccommodationComplete guide to Japan's hotel breakfast buffets — price tiers (¥1,500-¥7,900), top international-friendly chains, regional picks, common pitfalls, and a scenario-based decision rule for first-time visitors and long-term residents.
Living in Japan📌 Quick Facts (30-second summary) About 5% of Japanese have a food allergy (Consumer Affairs Agency, 2024). Restaurant disclosure is voluntary, not required by law Big chains disclose all allergens; small independent places may not. Read in advance, ask twice on arrival Japan now has more than 2,500 vegan restaurants (HappyCow), up 15% year on...
Accommodation📌 Quick Facts (30-second summary) Japan now has more than 3,500 pet-friendly accommodations, up 12% year on year (Japan Tourism Agency, 2024) Typical pet surcharge is 2,000–5,000 yen per animal per night, plus a refundable cleaning deposit at higher-end venues Bringing a dog or cat into Japan from most countries needs 180 days of pre-arrival...
Connectivity📌 Quick Facts (30-second summary) LINE has over 98 million monthly active users in Japan, used by more than 92% of the population You need a phone number that can receive an SMS (or voice call) — it does not have to be a Japanese number If SMS does not arrive, switch to voice call...
Money & PaymentsJapan's cashless ratio is only 41%. Many ramen shops, festival stalls, rural ryokan, and shrines still require yen cash. This guide shows foreigners exactly which shops refuse cards and how to combine card, IC, QR, and cash for a smooth trip.
Living in JapanComplete Mercari guide for foreigners living in Japan. Covers English UI, overseas credit card signup, anonymous shipping, translation tips, and strategies for reselling household items before you return home.
Money & PaymentsNeed Japanese yen cash after landing? This complete guide for foreign travelers explains how to use credit card cash advance at Japanese ATMs, including Seven Bank, Japan Post Bank, fees, PINs, and how to repay cheaply.
Living in JapanA practical guide to Japan's koban police boxes for foreign visitors and residents — 6,250 locations nationwide, 24-hour staffing, multilingual support, and exactly what you can ask a koban officer for.
Money & PaymentsA practical guide to withdrawing cash from Japan Post Bank (Yucho) ATMs with your foreign card — accepted brands, ¥220 transaction fees, weekend hours, and how Yucho compares to 7-Eleven.
TransportA practical comparison of Japan's three main taxi-hailing apps — GO, DiDi and Uber — for foreign travelers and residents, with fare tips and the April 2026 Tokyo fare revision explained.
City GuidesComplete English guide to Japan's cafe chains and culture: Doutor, Tully's, Starbucks, Hoshino Coffee, Komeda. Morning sets, Wi-Fi, seat rules, and ordering phrases for foreign travelers.
TransportComplete English guide to Japan's bus system for foreign travelers: how to book highway buses (Willer, JR), airport limousine routes, IC card fares, and tourist bus passes in 2026.
Money & PaymentsA practical guide to Japan's mobile payment ecosystem (PayPay, Rakuten Pay, d-barai, AEON Pay, au PAY) for tourists and residents. Learn which apps foreigners can register, registration steps, fees, rewards, store coverage and contactless alternatives.
Living in JapanJapan's konbini are far more than shops — they are 24/7 hubs for ATMs, bill payments, shipping, and tickets. Here's how to use 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart to their full potential.
Living in JapanThe complete guide to tax-free shopping at Japan's major electronics retailers. Compare Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, Yamada Denki and Edion. Learn about tax-free procedures, point cards, recommended products and the upcoming 2026 tax refund system change.
City GuidesDon Quijote is Japan's most famous discount megastore, open 24 hours at most urban branches. This complete guide covers the store formats, tax-free procedures, insider tips on navigating the packed shelves, and the top 20 items foreign tourists actually buy.
Living in JapanJapanese drugstores aren't just pharmacies — they sell cosmetics, snacks, daily goods and souvenirs, and offer tax-free shopping for tourists. Here's how to use Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Cosmos, and the other big chains.
Living in JapanA complete beginner guide for foreigners on how to play pachinko in Japan. Learn the rules, the prize exchange system, pachinko vs slots, legal status, how to avoid losses, and addiction precautions. Updated for 2026.
Money & PaymentsComplete guide for foreign visitors and residents on currency exchange in Japan. Compare airport counters, banks, Japan Post, ticket shops, Seven Bank ATMs, and Wise/Revolut. Find the best rates and save money in 2026.
AccommodationA foreigner-friendly guide to Japanese business hotels (APA, Toyoko Inn, Dormy Inn, Route Inn, and more). Compare prices, booking tips, amenities, and choose the right chain for your trip.
Living in JapanVisiting Japan without knowing Japanese can feel daunting, especially in emergencies. Unlike many English-speaking countries where you can get by with English almost anywhere, Japan presents unique communication challenges — only about 30% of the population reports being comfortable with English. This guide equips you with the essential Japanese phrases, point-and-speak (YUBISASHI) communication techniques, and...
TransportWhy Bike Sharing Is the Best Way to Explore Japan If you have ever visited Japan, you know the train system is world-class. But here is something most tourists overlook: bike sharing gives you a completely different way to experience Japanese cities. Instead of rushing between stations underground, you can cruise past hidden temples, stop...
Living in JapanComplete guide to using Japan's 25,000+ coin laundries (laundromats). Learn step-by-step instructions, pricing from ¥300, payment tips, and essential etiquette rules for tourists and residents.
Living in JapanOne of the most striking sights that amazes foreign visitors to Japan is the country’s ubiquitous vending machines (jidohanbaiki). Japan is home to approximately 4 million vending machines, making it the highest vending machine density per capita in the world — roughly one machine for every 31 people. Beyond drinks, these machines sell food, daily...
TransportBefore your flight departs from Haneda or Narita, are you fighting through crowded terminals hunting for a power outlet? Most travelers don’t realize that Japan’s major airports offer surprisingly cheap—or even completely free—lounge access. You don’t need to be a frequent flyer elite. Between Priority Pass, credit card perks, and same-day cash passes, you have...
Living in JapanJapan is famous as one of the safest countries in the world, yet many tourists and expats wonder: “Where does all that CCTV footage go?” “Is it illegal to film strangers on the street?” “Is it really okay to walk alone at midnight in Shinjuku?” If you’re planning a trip or a long-term stay, you’ll...
ConnectivityA 2026 comparison of the three main connectivity options for travel to Japan: eSIM, physical SIM, and pocket Wi-Fi. See the pricing, device requirements, and ideal scenarios for solo, family, and business trips.
TransportJapan's bicycle rules changed dramatically in 2023-2026. Understand the helmet duty-of-effort, new blue-ticket fines (up to ¥12,000 for phone use), drunk-cycling criminal penalties, and how to stay safe as a foreign visitor or resident.
ConnectivityA curated 2026 app stack for first-time and long-term visitors to Japan. Learn which of Google Maps, Translate, Suica, PayPay, and 10+ more you actually need — and when to install each one.
Living in JapanStarting 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.
Living in JapanComplete guide to Japan's Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities No. 53): income requirements, eligibility, application process, and step-by-step instructions to apply.
Money & PaymentsJapan's International Tourist Tax jumps from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person on July 1, 2026. Learn who pays, exemptions, transitional rules, and how to save on your next trip.
Living in Japan📌 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...
Living in JapanMaster 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.
TransportThe complete guide to Japan's train etiquette for foreigners. Learn about phone rules, priority seats, women-only cars, rush hour survival tips, and the unwritten social rules that keep Japan's railways running like clockwork.
Living in JapanEverything 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.
