Cultural notes for navigating Japan.
What we wish someone had told us before the trip. Manners, transport, dining, onsen, and the things that only come up once you are here.
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…
Mobile Wi-Fi vs eSIM: BEST Choice for Travelers to Japan
Mobile Wi-Fi, also called pocket Wi-Fi, is a rented router that lets travelers in Japan connect several phones, tablets and laptops at…
Essential Japanese Phrases for Travelers: Communicate with Confidence!
Essential Japanese phrases for travelers are short set expressions for greeting people, ordering food, asking directions, riding trains and getting help in…
Japanese Politeness: Why Manners Matter and How to Navigate
Japanese politeness is the everyday practice of consideration for other people in Japan, a virtue known in Japanese as omoiyari. It rests…
Understanding Japanese Work Culture: Tips for Business Travelers
Japanese business culture is the set of workplace customs that governs meetings, greetings and decision-making at companies in Japan, built on punctuality,…
The Culture of Japanese Bento Boxes: A Guide for Travelers
A bento (弁当) is a single-portion boxed meal in Japan, usually rice with fish or meat, vegetables and pickles. The traditional makunouchi…
Don’t Panic! How to Use Japanese Toilets: Buttons & Flush Guide
Japanese public toilets are generally free restrooms found in train stations, parks, department stores and convenience stores across Japan. Western-style seated toilets…
Where to Buy Toiletries in Japan: Body Wash & Shampoo
Need body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, or other toiletries in Japan? For urgent small items, go to a convenience store. For better…
Must-Know Phrases for Ordering Food in Japan
Ordering food in Japanese is a short exchange of set phrases used in restaurants across Japan. Three phrases cover the basics: “sumimasen”…
Dining Etiquette in Japan: A Guide to Polite Eating
Japanese dining etiquette is the set of table manners followed at restaurants, izakaya (Japanese pubs) and group meals in Japan, based on…
Complete Guide to the JR Pass: Explore Japan Affordably
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a nationwide rail ticket for overseas visitors, offered jointly by the six JR Group companies…
Japan’s Convenience Stores: A Traveler’s Best Friend
A konbini is a Japanese convenience store, a shop that sells ready-made meals, drinks and daily goods in cities and towns across…