Cultural notes for navigating Japan.
Small, useful observations — manners, transport, dining, onsen and more — collected from years on the ground.
Japan Tax-Free Shopping in 2026: How the New Refund System Works
By the Japan Documented editorial team. Japan Documented is run by JDOC, a Tokyo company that works with Japanese makers and shops…
I Tried a Samurai Sword-Cutting Experience in Tokyo: Cutting Tatami With a Real Katana
A samurai sword-cutting experience in Tokyo taught me two things fast. A real katana is heavier than it looks, and cutting the…
Medications You Can’t Bring Into Japan: Banned Drugs, Limits & the Yakkan Shoumei (2026)
By the Japan Documented editorial team. We interview foreign residents and travellers across Japan for our Humans of Japan series. Some everyday…
Iaido vs Battodo: Japanese Sword Arts Explained
For many visitors to Japan, the katana is one of the most powerful symbols of Japanese culture. You see it in samurai…
What Does Kamikakushi Mean? Spirited Away and Japanese Folklore
Kamikakushi is a Japanese folklore concept meaning “hidden by the kami,” the belief that a person could be spirited away by gods…
Japan Power Bank Rules 2026: Can You Bring One on a Plane?
Japan’s power bank rules changed on April 24, 2026, and they now shape how you fly, ride the shinkansen, and charge devices…
Bear Attacks in Japan: The 2025 Crisis & How to Stay Alive
The Growing Threat: Bear Encounters in Japan Japan is facing a serious bear problem. Attacks are surging, hitting record numbers, and the…
Temple Stay Experience: Why Mt. Minobu Kuonji BEATS Koyasan
If you’re looking to experience the tranquility of Japan’s spiritual side, staying at a temple on Mt. Minobu could be just what…
Unspoken Rules of Elevators in Japan? What Visitor Should Know
Navigating elevators in Japan might seem straightforward, but there’s an etiquette that locals follow almost instinctively. While most travelers won’t need to…
Bowing in Japan: When, How, and What It Means
Living abroad made me appreciate just how unique Japanese customs are, especially when I came back to Japan and noticed things that…
Dining Solo in Japan: Exploring the Counter Culture
In Japan, dining solo is not just accepted—it’s a way of life. For travelers, this means you can feel completely comfortable eating…
Mobile Wi-Fi vs eSIM: BEST Choice for Travelers to Japan
When my friends come visit me over to Japan, many mention how challenging it can be to figure out internet options here.…