Practical travel guides for Japan.
Honest, no-fluff guides to the unglamorous stuff that makes a Japan trip work. Toilets, lockers, 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.
Read guide ->
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.
Read guide ->
The konbini survival guide for travelers
Onigiri, ATMs, ticket printing and bill payment. Why konbini are the best amenity in Japan.
Read guide ->
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.
Read guide ->
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.
Read guide ->
Free water refill stations in Japan
Tap water, station fountains and refill-friendly cafes. Refill your bottle for free across Japan.
Read guide ->
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.
Read guide ->
Using coin laundromats in Japan
Detergent included, dryers that actually dry, and shops open late. The traveler's guide to laundry day.
Read guide ->
Wifi, SIM cards and eSIMs in Japan
eSIM, physical SIM, pocket wifi or roaming. The honest comparison for short trips and longer stays.
Read guide ->
Cash, cards and ATMs in Japan
Japan is moving past cash-only, but not everywhere. Where cards work, where you still need yen.
Read guide ->
Shinkansen etiquette: how to ride smoothly
Oversized bags, quiet cars, ekiben and seat etiquette. The simple Shinkansen manners guide.
Read guide ->
Ramen etiquette in Japan
Ticket machines, slurping and counter manners. The first-time ramen guide.
Read guide ->
Onsen rules for beginners
Towels, washing first, no swimsuits and tattoo rules. The calm beginner onsen guide.
Read guide ->
Capsule hotels in Japan: what to expect
Tiny pods, big cities and surprisingly smooth stays. What capsule hotels are really like.
Read guide ->
Shrine and temple etiquette in Japan
Hand washing, bows, offerings and photo manners. A respectful guide to shrines and temples.
Read guide ->
Tipping in Japan: when not to tip
The short answer is usually no. When tipping is awkward and what to do instead.
Read guide ->
Earthquake safety for tourists in Japan
Phone alerts, shelter basics and what to do if the ground starts shaking.
Read guide ->
Best time for sakura in Japan
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and north Japan bloom timing in one simple guide.
Read guide ->
Tax-free shopping in Japan
Minimum spend, passport rules and what to know before you queue at the tax-free counter.
Read guide ->
Vegetarian food in Japan guide
Tofu, curry, shojin ryori and the hidden fish stock problem. A practical vegetarian guide.
Read guide ->