Articles

Editorial guides. Facts inside each article come from the checked spot data.

Opening-hours traps in Japan: last entry, closed days and holiday exceptionsWhy "open until 17:00" often means you must be inside by 16:30, and how Monday closures, holiday rules and New Year shut-downs catch visitors out. Examples checked on official pages.Practical Travel · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Why opening hours online are often wrong in Japan, and how to check themMap apps, blogs and review sites show one line of hours. Japanese sightseeing spots often run on seasons, last-entry times and holiday rules. Here is where the gap comes from and a two-minute way to check.Before You Go · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
"Tourist prices" in Japan: what dual pricing really looks like, and how to checkAre foreign visitors charged more in Japan? At the sights we checked, most two-tier prices are discounts for local residents, not surcharges for foreigners. Here is what we found on official pages, and how to read a price list.Money · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
The table charge you did not order: otoshi and seat charges in Japan, explainedA small dish arrives that you did not order, and it shows up on the bill. This is otoshi. Here is what it is, why Japanese restaurant guides tell staff to explain it, and how to ask before you sit down.Money · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Touts and bar scams in Japan's nightlife districts: how they work, and how to walk awayTokyo police say scams by street touts targeting foreign visitors are increasing. Here is the pattern the police describe, what the local rules say, and what to do if you are already inside.Practical Travel · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it for your trip? How to work it out yourselfThe Japan Rail Pass price, the October 1, 2026 price change for overseas purchases, the extra ticket you need for Nozomi and Mizuho trains, and a simple way to compare the pass with single tickets for your own route.Transportation · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Luggage in Japan: the Shinkansen big-suitcase rule, coin lockers and deliveryBags over 160 cm (length + width + height) need a special seat reservation on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen, or you pay a 1,000 yen fee. Here is the official rule, plus how lockers and luggage delivery work.Transportation · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Getting sick in Japan as a visitor: who to call, how to find a hospital, and why insurance mattersThe emergency numbers, the official tool for finding a hospital that speaks your language, and what Japan's health ministry says about travel insurance. All from official Japanese government pages.Before You Go · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Traveling Japan without speaking Japanese: the official help you can use, and a few words that go a long wayAbout 1,500 certified tourist information centers, a 24-hour multilingual hotline, police who can respond in English, and a hospital search by language. Here is the help that exists, and how to use it.Language · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Is Japan still cash only? What 96 official payment notices told usWe read the payment information on 96 official sightseeing pages. Most take cards or other cashless payment, but temples, shrines, hot-spring baths and remote spots are where cash still rules. Here is what we found and how to plan.Money · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Tax-free shopping in Japan changes on November 1, 2026: how the new refund method worksFrom November 1, 2026 you pay the full price including tax, then get the tax back after a customs check when you leave Japan. Here is the new process from the Japan Tourism Agency, and the mistakes that cost you the refund.Money · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Accommodation tax in Japan: what Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka charge per night, and why it may be added at check-inKyoto raised its accommodation tax on March 1, 2026, up to 10,000 yen per person per night at the top end. Tokyo changes to a 3% rate from April 1, 2027. Here are the official rates and how they are charged.Money · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Tattoos and onsen in Japan: what the rules actually say, and how to check before you goJapan's tourism agency told bathing facilities in 2016 that refusing someone only because of a tattoo is not appropriate, and suggested cover stickers, quieter hours and private baths. Rules still differ by place. Here is how to check.Travel Etiquette · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Earthquakes, tsunami and typhoons in Japan: the official tools every visitor should set upJapan's tourism agency runs a free alert app in 15 languages, and a step-by-step guide for what to do wherever you are. Here is what to install, what the warning levels mean, and who to call.Before You Go · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Can you eat while walking in Japan? What the rules actually sayIt is not illegal in general. But some temples, shrines and markets ban it on their grounds, and Kamakura has an ordinance about eating while walking in crowded places. Here is what we found on official pages.Travel Etiquette · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Is tipping rude in Japan? What JNTO says, and what to do insteadTipping is not common in Japan at restaurants, bars, cafes, taxis or hotels. JNTO explains the few cases where a gratuity is given, and how. Here is what to do instead of tipping.Travel Etiquette · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Japan's official travel etiquette for visitors, including what to do with your trashJapan's tourism agency published a short guide called "Travel etiquette for the future". Here is what it asks of visitors, from trash and photos to crowds and big luggage.Travel Etiquette · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Transit IC cards for visitors to Japan: Tourist PASMO, ICOCA and how they workA transit IC card lets you tap through ticket gates and pay on buses and in shops. Here is what the official pages say about Tourist PASMO (no deposit, 28 days) and ICOCA's visitor card, and how to top up.Transportation · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Taxi fares in Tokyo: how the meter works, the late-night rate and airport fixed faresIn Tokyo's 23 wards, the meter starts at 500 yen for the first 1.0 km, and a 20% surcharge applies from 22:00 to 5:00. Here is the official fare table from the Tokyo taxi association, and how to read it.Transportation · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Photo and drone rules at Japanese sights: what 581 official etiquette notes told usDrones are banned at many sights, tripods and selfie sticks are often not allowed, and some halls and baths ban photos altogether. Here is what we counted on official pages, with real examples.Travel Etiquette · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Your passport in Japan: why you must carry it, and why hotels ask to copy itVisitors must carry their passport when they go out, and hotels are required to record your nationality and passport number and ask for a copy. Here is what the Tokyo police and the health ministry say.Before You Go · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Lost something in Japan? How the lost-and-found system works, step by stepFile a Lost Property Report at a police box, search the police database, and call the train or bus company. Here is the process the Tokyo police describe, including the catch about phone numbers.Practical Travel · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Summer heat in Japan: what a "Heat Stroke Alert" means, and what to doJapan's environment ministry and weather agency issue Heat Stroke Alerts when the WBGT heat index is forecast at 33 or higher. Here is how the alert works, where to check it, and the official advice.Before You Go · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Riding the Shinkansen for the first time: tickets, gates, luggage and the Nozomi ruleHow to put your tickets through the gates, why you must keep them until you exit, what to do with a big suitcase, and why Nozomi needs an extra ticket with the JR Pass. From JR Central's official pages.Transportation · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Crowds in Japan: reservations, numbered tickets and timing, from 523 official notesSome places now need advance reservations at peak times, some hand out numbered tickets, and many recommend early mornings. Here is what official pages say, and how to plan around crowds.Practical Travel · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Onsen etiquette in Japan: what hot springs actually say on their own pagesWash before you get in, keep your towel out of the water, and know that some baths are mixed. Here is what 49 hot springs' official notes say, with real examples of towel, swimsuit and mixed-bath rules.Travel Etiquette · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Visiting temples and shrines in Japan: the rules they actually postShrines are places of worship, not public facilities. Here is what 71 temples and shrines say on their own pages about worship, photos, clothing, food, pets and goshuin, with real examples.Travel Etiquette · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Getting cash in Japan with a foreign card: Japan Post and 7-Eleven ATMs, fees and limitsJapan Post Bank ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay and more, with a 50,000-yen limit per withdrawal and a possible 220-yen fee. Seven Bank has ATMs at 7-Eleven stores. Here is what the official pages say.Money · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Driving in Japan as a visitor: which international driving permit works, and for how longJapan accepts international driving permits issued under the Geneva Convention, not ones in the Vienna Convention format. The permit must be within one year of issue and of your arrival. Here is what the Tokyo police say.Transportation · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Shrine or temple? How to tell them apart in Japan, and how to pray at eachShrines are Shinto and have a torii gate; temples are Buddhist and have a sanmon gate. Here is how JNTO explains the difference and the prayer steps, plus how many there are according to Japan's official religious yearbook.Culture & History · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
How much do sights cost in Japan? What 944 official admission fees add up toAcross 944 admission fees copied from official pages, the typical adult price was around 700 yen, and about one in five places started with "free". Here is the spread by type of place, and how to budget without guessing.Money · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Japan's public holidays in 2026 and 2027, and why they matter for your tripThe official list of national holidays for 2026 and 2027 from Japan's Cabinet Office, plus how holidays move museum closing days and bring crowds. Plan around Golden Week and the September holidays.Before You Go · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
When is peak season at Japanese sights? What 299 official notes say about blossoms, leaves and snowCherry blossoms and autumn leaves lead the peak-season notes on official pages, followed by festivals, snow and hydrangeas. Here is what we counted, with examples, and why some places change hours and fees in peak season.Before You Go · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Staying at a ryokan: the Japan Tourism Agency's answers on the large bath, private baths and tattoosDo you need to book the ryokan bath? Can you go late at night? What about tattoos and swimsuits? The Japan Tourism Agency answers these in its ryokan Q&A. Here is a plain-English summary.Travel Etiquette · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Restaurant reservations in Japan: why some places ask for a card, and what a no-show costsA 2018 report for Japan's economy ministry estimated restaurant no-shows cost about 200 billion yen a year. It explains when cancellation fees can be charged, and what restaurants and diners are asked to do. Here is a plain-English summary.Practical Travel · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Wheelchairs and strollers at Japanese sights: what 307 official accessibility notes sayMany sights lend wheelchairs and have accessible toilets, but historic buildings, temple steps and gravel paths still limit access. Here is what official pages say, with counts and examples, and how to check before you go.Practical Travel · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Free to enter in Japan: 190 sights whose official page starts with "free"About one in five admission entries on this site starts with "free", mostly nature spots, castle ruins, shrines and temples. Here is what counts as free, the catches to watch for, and examples checked on official pages.Money · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Driving to Japanese sights: parking, shuttle buses and car-free towns, from 1,221 official notesPlenty of sights have free parking, but some towns ban cars, some car parks have closing times, and some sights ask you to park and ride. Here is what official parking notes say, with real examples.Transportation · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Can you reach Japanese sights without a car? What 1,634 official access notes sayHalf the access notes on this site mention buses and many describe the route by car. Some warn that buses or trains are infrequent. Here is what official access notes say, and how to plan the last few kilometres.Transportation · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Eating in Japan as a vegetarian, vegan or with allergies: what official sources sayHidden fish stock is the main trap, "vegetarian" may be understood loosely, and allergy labels are required only on packaged foods. Here is JNTO's advice and what Japan's allergy labelling rules cover.Practical Travel · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Child prices at Japanese sights: who counts as an adult, and when small children go freeJapanese sights set child prices by school year, not only by age, and "adult" often starts at junior high school. Here is what 944 official admission entries say, with examples.Money · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Which day are Japanese sights closed? What 927 official closing-day notes sayMonday is the most common closing day, but Tuesday and Wednesday are close behind, many places shut over New Year, and some close for the whole winter. Counts and examples from official pages.Practical Travel · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Morning, sunset or night? When official pages say to visit Japanese sightsOfficial pages recommend early mornings for quiet visits, mist and seas of clouds, sunset for coastal views, and after dark for night views and light-ups. Here are 84 notes counted and the examples behind them.Planning · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Rules in Japan's national parks: trails, wildlife, bears and what to carryThe official National Parks of Japan site lists the rules visitors are asked to follow, from staying on trails to not feeding animals. Here they are, with notes from official pages about bears, boardwalks and path closures.Nature · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Shoes at Japanese sights: when to take them off, and when you need proper onesCastles and historic halls often ask you to take your shoes off, and some ask for socks. Shrines on mountains, caves and gorges ask for non-slip shoes. Examples from official notes, and what to pack.Practical Travel · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Once-a-year days in Japan: hidden statues, special openings and festival dates from official notesSome temple statues are shown on only one or two days a year, some sites open only for a festival, and some festival days bring big crowds. Examples from 83 official "busy days" notes, and how to plan around them.Planning · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Closed for weather: ropeways, boats, bridges and gardens that stop in wind, rain and snowOfficial pages warn that ropeways, sightseeing boats, lighthouses and even gardens can stop or close in bad weather, sometimes without notice. Here are the notes we counted, real examples, and a simple backup plan.Planning · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Japan's morning markets: go early, because many are over by noonOf 101 food spots on this site, 8 markets close by about 14:00 and one is over by 7:30. Here are their official hours, the days they run, and how to fit them into a trip.Food · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Whisky, beer and sake tastings in Japan: who cannot drink, and what official pages sayThe official pages of three whisky distilleries say drivers, including cyclists, and anyone under 20 cannot taste alcohol; soft drinks are offered instead. Here are the rules from official pages, and how tastings work.Food · Facts last checked 2026-09-29
Ekiben and eating on trains in Japan: where it is fine, where it is notStation bento (ekiben) are made for long train rides, and JNTO says eating on the shinkansen is acceptable but local trains are not the place for a meal. Here is what JNTO's guide says about ekiben, prices, diets and manners.Food · Facts last checked 2026-09-29