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.
Cash or Card? Understanding Payment Methods in Japan
Payment in Japan is a mix of cash, credit cards and prepaid IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo. Most shops, restaurants…
Izakaya: Japan’s Unique Blend of Food and Drinks Culture
What Is an Izakaya? An izakaya (居酒屋) is a type of informal Japanese pub where people come to enjoy both food and…
Unique Culture of “Otoshi” at Japanese Restaurants
Otoshi is a small appetizer that izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) and similar restaurants in Japan serve to each customer at the start of…
Travel Tips for Typhoon Season in Japan: Safety, Flexible Planning, and Weather Monitoring
What is a Typhoon? A typhoon is a powerful tropical storm that originates over the warm waters of the western Pacific Ocean.…
Who Owns The Vending Machines In Japan
Vending machines in Japan are owned either by a beverage maker or vending operator that places them on someone else’s land, or…
Japanese Onsen Etiquette: A Guide to Do’s and Don’ts for Hot Spring Visits
Japanese onsen etiquette is the set of bathing rules followed in the shared hot spring baths (onsen) found across Japan. Bathers wash…
Japan’s New Bills: Essential Info for Your Visit
Japan’s new series of yen bills is the redesigned set of 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000 yen banknotes that the Bank of Japan…
Essential Tips for a Ryokan Stay: A Guide for Visitors
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, found throughout Japan, where guests commonly sleep on futons laid on tatami floors and are…
The Environmental Impact of Japan’s Vending Machines: What You Need to Know
A beverage vending machine in Japan is a self-service unit that sells cold and hot drinks. A can and bottle model shipped…
Vending Machines in Japan: More Than Just Drinks!
Vending machines in Japan are self-service machines that sell drinks and food around the clock on street corners, in train stations and…
Best Time to Visit Japan: Avoiding the Crowds
The best time to visit Japan to avoid crowds is a weekday outside the main holiday peaks: New Year, Golden Week in…
Things to Know Before Visiting Japan
As someone born and raised in Japan, with experience living in several foreign countries, I’ve compiled a list of 20 things you…