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.
City GuidesDiscover Japan's best festivals from Gion Matsuri to Nebuta. Learn how foreigners can participate in traditional matsuri, what to wear, street food guide, etiquette tips, and seasonal festival calendar.
TransportMaster car rental in Japan with our comprehensive guide covering IDP requirements, pricing (¥5,000-10,000/day), traffic rules, insurance, and practical tips for foreign drivers.
City GuidesComplete guide to visiting Japanese shrines and temples. Learn proper prayer etiquette, purification rituals, the difference between shrines and temples, omamori charms, and goshuin stamp collecting.
Living in JapanComplete 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.
TransportComplete guide to Japan's takkyubin luggage forwarding service. Compare Yamato, Sagawa, and Japan Post rates. Ship suitcases from airports, hotels, and convenience stores for ~$13-20 per bag.
Connectivity📱 Quick Facts Cheapest monthly plans: ¥990 ($7-8 USD) LINEMO 3GB to ¥1,078 ($8 USD) Rakuten Mobile 0-3GB Short-term (visitors): Mobal, Sakura Mobile eSIM (no contract, 7 days+ plans available) Long-term (residents): IIJmio, mineo, LINEMO, ahamo, Rakuten Mobile (stable and affordable) Required documents: Residence Card (在留カード), Passport, Japanese bank account or credit card eSIM support:...
TransportQuick Facts March 25, 2026: 11 Kanto railway operators launched mutual contactless payment system Major card brands supported: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, UnionPay Simply tap your card or phone—no recharge needed before boarding Coverage: 54 railway lines, 729 stations across Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama Children’s fares: Not available with credit card...
TransportQuick Facts March 25, 2026: 11 Kanto railway operators launched mutual contactless payment system Major card brands supported: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, UnionPay Simply tap your card or phone—no recharge needed before boarding Coverage: 54 railway lines, 729 stations across Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama Children’s fares: Not available with credit card...
ConnectivityFind free WiFi across Japan: airports, convenience stores, train stations, and cafes. Learn SSIDs, connection steps, the Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect app, Tokyo's 2026 phone booth WiFi project, and essential security tips.
Living in Japan✅ Quick Facts for Foreigners Essential information before visiting a hospital in Japan. If you’re a foreigner seeking medical care in Japan, here are the critical points you need to know: National Health Insurance is mandatory: If you’re staying 3+ months, you must enroll at your municipal office Insured patients pay 30%: With insurance, you’ll...
City GuidesQuick Facts Access to Peace Park ~15 minutes from Hiroshima Station (streetcar) Ferry to Miyajima ~45 minutes, ¥2,200 (one-way) Recommended Stay Minimum 2 days (half day Peace Park, full day Miyajima) Daily Budget Budget: ~$55, Mid-range: ~$127 Museum Admission Adults ¥200, Students Free Table of Contents Complete Hiroshima & Miyajima Guide Overview Peace Memorial Park...
City GuidesA complete guide to tax-free shopping in Tokyo for tourists. Compare the best duty-free stores in Ginza, Shinjuku, and Akihabara, learn the difference between Tax-Free and Duty-Free, and prepare for Japan's November 2026 refund system reform.
OkinawaComplete guide to Okinawa's remote islands by ferry. Compare the best islands, ferry routes, fares in USD, booking tips, and seasonal advice for foreign visitors island-hopping from Naha.
AccommodationKey Facts Japan’s Private Lodging Business Act enacted June 2018 Licensed minpaku limited to 180 days per year Foreigners must provide passport information at check-in Illegal operation penalties: up to USD 8,500 fine or jail Approximately 30,000 Airbnb hosts registered in Japan 2026: New centralized matching system validates registration against platform listings [toc] Bottom Line...
City GuidesComplete guide to Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Compare 3 access routes, discover the best walking course, crowd-beating strategies, and nearby attractions with prices in USD.
Money & PaymentsComplete guide to withdrawing cash from ATMs in Japan with foreign cards. Compare Seven Bank, Japan Post fees and limits. Learn to avoid DCC traps and save 5-8% on hidden charges.
City GuidesYour complete guide to Dotonbori street food in Osaka. Discover the 10 must-try foods from takoyaki to kushikatsu, the best walking route, prices in USD, and essential tips for foreign visitors.
TransportArriving at Haneda Airport in the middle of the night? Here's your complete guide to shower facilities, nap zones, hot springs, hotels, and time-killing options available 24/7.
Living in JapanEssential 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.
AccommodationComplete guide to staying at Japan's capsule hotels. Learn check-in procedures, etiquette rules, what to bring, and how to choose the right capsule hotel. Rates from $17/night with free amenities.
City GuidesComplete guide to Kyoto's autumn foliage for international visitors. Discover 8 essential temples, peak viewing dates (November 20-30), practical transportation tips, photography techniques, and budget breakdown for the ultimate autumn leaf viewing experience.
City GuidesSpring in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossoms, and if you’re a foreigner living in Japan, experiencing hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is an absolute must-do. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about hanami season, from the best viewing spots to essential etiquette rules. Each year, over 30 million Japanese participate in hanami...
Money & PaymentsJapan has a strict no-tipping culture. Learn why tipping is unnecessary at restaurants, taxis, and hotels, understand kokorozuke etiquette at ryokans, and discover the smartest ways to show gratitude.
City Guides【Quick Facts】 Tokyo has over 4,000 ramen shops Average bowl: ¥800-¥1,200 ($5-8 USD) Ticket vending machines (shokkenki) are the standard ordering method Tipping is never required or expected Slurping noodles is normal and encouraged Main styles: Shoyu, Miso, Shio, Tonkotsu, Tsukemen ## Table of Contents 1. [Introduction: Why Tokyo is Ramen Capital](#intro) 2. [Types of...
Living in Japan📋 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...
TransportEverything foreigners need to know about Japan's bicycle laws, including the new Blue Ticket fine system from April 2026. Covers traffic rules, fines, registration, insurance, and how to get a bike.
Living in JapanComplete 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.
TransportEverything foreigners need to know about Japan's overnight highway buses. How to book on WILLER and Japan Bus Online, route prices, seat types, and the Japan Bus Pass explained.
Money & PaymentsComplete guide to opening a bank account in Japan as a foreigner. Compare Japan Post Bank, SBI Shinsei, and mega banks. Required documents, step-by-step process, and options for residents under 6 months.
Living in JapanQuick 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)...
Living in JapanEssential 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.
Money & PaymentsDiscover how to maximize savings on Japanese purchases as a tourist. Complete guide to the current system and the new refund-based approach launching November 2026.
Living in JapanQuick 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...
Living in JapanQuick 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,...
ConnectivityJapan uses Type A outlets at 100V. No voltage converter needed for phones, but travelers from Europe, UK, China, and Korea need a plug adapter. Complete guide to adapters, prices, and charging spots.
TransportComplete guide to all 10 types of Japan IC transit cards including Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA. Learn about Welcome Suica for tourists, mobile IC options, charging methods, and area-crossing rules.
Living in JapanComplete 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.
City GuidesDiscover 10+ completely free night view spots in Tokyo, including the TMG Observatory (202m), Ebisu Garden Place, and Caretta Shiodome. Compare free vs paid observation decks, find hidden gems, and get practical tips for the best Tokyo night views.
AccommodationJapan Hotel Check-In Guide | Essential English Phrases & Step-by-Step Process ✓ Quick Facts Standard Check-In Time: 3:00 PM (15:00) Standard Check-Out Time: 11:00 AM Passport Required: Yes, for foreign guests (required by Japanese law) Tipping Culture: No tipping expected Early Check-In Fee: ¥1,210-2,000 (~$8-14 USD) Late Check-Out Fee: ¥2,310-3,000 (~$15-20 USD) Self Check-In Available:...
TransportHow to Rent a Car in Japan as a Foreigner | License, Insurance & Driving Rules Guide Quick Facts International Driving Permit (IDP) required for most: Geneva Convention (1949) format only Major companies: Toyota Rent a Car (1,100+ locations), Nippon Rent-A-Car (800+ locations), ORIX, Times Car Rental, Budget Insurance: CDW + NOC waiver recommended =...
Living in JapanHow 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...
