Practical travel guides for Japan.
Honest, no-fluff guides to the unglamorous stuff that makes a Japan trip work. Coin lockers, laundry, konbini, IC cards, the JR Pass and more.
Finding clean public toilets in Japan
Konbini, train stations, parks and depachika. The fastest way to find a clean toilet anywhere in Japan.
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Coin lockers and luggage storage in Japan
Sizes, prices and what to do when every locker at the station is full. The traveler's guide to short-term storage.
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The konbini survival guide for travelers
Onigiri, ATMs, ticket printing and bill payment. Why konbini are the best amenity in Japan.
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Suica, Pasmo and IC cards: the simple guide
Get one card, tap on every train, bus and vending machine. The clearest guide to Japan's IC card system.
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JR Pass in 2026: the easiest way to see Japan
Unlimited Shinkansen, JR trains, ferries and buses across Japan on a single pass. Here is how to make the most of it.
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Free water refill stations in Japan
Tap water, station fountains and refill-friendly cafes. Refill your bottle for free across Japan.
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Smoking rules in Japan: where it is allowed
Indoor smoking can still exist, but street smoking is often banned. Here is where to light up legally.
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Using coin laundromats in Japan
Detergent included, dryers that actually dry, and shops open late. The traveler's guide to laundry day.
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Wifi, SIM cards and eSIMs in Japan
eSIM, physical SIM, pocket wifi or roaming. The honest comparison for short trips and longer stays.
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Cash, cards and ATMs in Japan
Japan is moving past cash-only, but not everywhere. Where cards work, where you still need yen.
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Shinkansen etiquette: how to ride smoothly
Oversized bags, quiet cars, ekiben and seat etiquette. The simple Shinkansen manners guide.
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Ramen etiquette in Japan
Ticket machines, slurping and counter manners. The first-time ramen guide.
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Onsen rules for beginners
Towels, washing first, no swimsuits and tattoo rules. The calm beginner onsen guide.
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Capsule hotels in Japan: what to expect
Tiny pods, big cities and surprisingly smooth stays. What capsule hotels are really like.
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Shrine and temple etiquette in Japan
Hand washing, bows, offerings and photo manners. A respectful guide to shrines and temples.
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Tipping in Japan: when not to tip
The short answer is usually no. When tipping is awkward and what to do instead.
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Earthquake safety for tourists in Japan
Phone alerts, shelter basics and what to do if the ground starts shaking.
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Best time for sakura in Japan
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and north Japan bloom timing in one simple guide.
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Tax-free shopping in Japan
Minimum spend, passport rules and what to know before you queue at the tax-free counter.
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Vegetarian food in Japan guide
Tofu, curry, shojin ryori and the hidden fish stock problem. A practical vegetarian guide.
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Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo
Hakone, Kawaguchiko and Chureito Pagoda. The fastest ways to see Mount Fuji on a day trip from Tokyo.
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Tokyo neighborhoods guide for first time visitors
Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Ginza and Akihabara. What each Tokyo neighborhood is best for and where to stay.
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Kyoto temples and shrines you should not miss
Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera and quieter favorites. The Kyoto temple shortlist that actually fits a trip.
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Japanese etiquette for tourists: simple rules to follow
Bowing, shoes off, queue rules and quiet trains. The small habits that make travel in Japan smoother.
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Using Google Maps in Japan: tips that save real time
Train transfers, exit numbers and offline maps. The Google Maps tricks that save you real time in Japan.
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Hiroshima and Miyajima day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
Shinkansen, ferry and the floating torii gate. A practical Hiroshima and Miyajima day trip plan.
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Osaka street food guide: what to eat in Dotonbori
Takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu. The Osaka street food worth queuing for.
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Sumo tournament guide: tickets, schedule and what to expect
Schedule, ticket types and what to expect on a day at the dohyo. Your first sumo tournament made simple.
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Studio Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park visitor guide
How to get tickets to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka and the new Ghibli Park in Aichi. Plan ahead, do not show up.
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Japan budget per day: how much money to bring
Realistic 2026 daily budgets for Japan. Where the money goes and how to stretch it without missing the good stuff.
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