2026.09.15 Rules & Manners

Where Are the Trash Cans in Japan? What to Do with Your Rubbish

You finish a snack, look around for a bin, and keep walking. Ten minutes later, the wrapper is stil...

2026.09.14 Rules & Manners

Where to Take Off Your Shoes in Japan: A Simple Guide

You reach the doorway of a restaurant or ryokan. There is a small step, a row of slippers, and sudd...

2026.09.11 Getting Around

eSIM for Japan: The Complete Guide (vs. Pocket WiFi)

If you want internet on your phone the moment you land in Japan, an eSIM is the easiest way to get ...

2026.09.10 Shopping & Money

Drugstore Souvenirs & Tax-Free Shopping: What’s Changing in November 2026

Drugstores are a go-to souvenir stop for visitors to Japan. Cosmetics and over-the-counter medicine...

2026.09.08 Getting Around

How to Use an IC Card (Suica) in Japan: Skip the Ticket Machine

Getting around Japan is much easier with an IC card (Suica, PASMO, and similar cards) than buying a...

2026.09.07 Staying

How to Wear a Yukata at a Ryokan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Found a folded yukata in your room and wondering where to start? Put the right-hand panel against y...

2026.09.07 Emergency & Help

What to Do When You Feel Sick in Japan: Choosing the Right Department

When you suddenly feel unwell while traveling, many foreign visitors in Japan aren't sure which hos...

2026.09.07 Rules & Manners

What Is Otoshi? Why Izakayas Serve Food You Didn’t Order

When you sit down at a Japanese izakaya, a small dish you never ordered often arrives at your table...

2026.09.07 Rules & Manners

How to Use Toilets in Japan (Washlet, Squat Toilets, and Slipper Etiquette)

Japanese restrooms can sometimes be confusing for foreign tourists visiting for the first time. Hig...

2026.09.07 Rules & Manners

How to Hold Chopsticks in Japan

Chopsticks are an essential tool for eating in Japan. While you can eat even if you don't hold them...