Don Quijote—usually called Donki by people in Japan—is one of the country’s most unusual and entertaining stores. At first glance, it may look like a discount supermarket. But step inside, and you will find cosmetics, Japanese snacks, electronics, medicine, clothes, suitcases, souvenirs, toys and sometimes even luxury-brand products packed into the same building. The narrow … Read more
A Complete Guide to Cash, Cards, IC Cards and Mobile Payments Japan is often described as a cash-based country. That description is no longer entirely accurate. Credit cards, contactless payments, transportation IC cards and QR-code payments are now widely used, especially in major cities. Japan’s cashless payment ratio reached 58.0% in 2025, with credit cards … Read more
How to Use Self-Checkout Machines in Japan A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Visitors Self-checkout machines are becoming increasingly common in Japan. You may find them at: At first, a Japanese self-checkout machine can look intimidating. The screen may be in Japanese, the machine may ask several questions, and you may not know where to place … Read more