01Practical Guides
Japan's New Tourist Taxes and Fees in 2026
The departure tax triples, Kyoto's accommodation tax now scales with room price, and tax-free shopping changes how refunds work. What actually changed in 2026.
2 min
実用
Practical Guides
Trains, money, etiquette, connectivity — the logistics of getting around Japan.
8 articles
02Practical Guides
The Shinkansen Oversized Luggage Rule, Explained
Bring a big suitcase on the Tokaido, Sanyo, or Kyushu Shinkansen without the free reservation, and staff can charge you ¥1,000 on the spot. Here's the actual rule.
2 min
03Practical Guides
Is the JR Pass Worth It in 2026? (Do the Maths First)
The JR Pass went from a no-brainer to a genuine calculation. Here is the break-even point for every common route, and the four itineraries where it still wins.
5 min
04Practical Guides
eSIM, Pocket Wi-Fi, or Roaming? Getting Online in Japan
Three ways to get data in Japan, with the actual trade-offs. Which one suits solo travellers, families, and anyone who just wants it to work at the airport.
4 min
05Practical Guides
How Much a Trip to Japan Actually Costs in 2026
Real numbers, current exchange rates, and the two costs that catch everyone out. A no-nonsense breakdown of what a week in Japan actually costs right now.
3 min
06Practical Guides
How Cashless Is Japan, Really? (Not What You've Read)
Japan's reputation as a cash-only country is badly out of date — but so is assuming your card works everywhere. Here is the actual state of paying for things in Japan.
3 min
07Practical Guides
Japanese Phrases That Actually Matter (Not the Textbook Ones)
You will not need “Where is the library?” You will need sumimasen, roughly forty times a day. The phrases that genuinely earn their place on a short trip.
3 min
08Practical Guides
Japanese Trains Without the Panic: A Practical Primer
IC cards, rush hour, reserved seats, and the difference between a local and a limited express. The train system explained before you need it.
3 min