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
Sizes, Prices and IC Card Guide for First-Time Visitors Leave your luggage, explore freely, and return when you are ready. Dragging a suitcase through a crowded station, narrow shop, temple grounds, or busy sightseeing area can quickly make a day in Japan exhausting. Fortunately, Japan has a practical solution almost everywhere travelers need it: Coin … Read more
A Simple Guide for First-Time Visitors Trains get most of the attention in Japan, but buses are often just as important. They can take you to temples, residential neighborhoods, shopping areas, scenic spots, and places that trains do not reach easily. The problem is that buses in Japan can feel confusing at first. Unlike trains, … Read more
Which Internet Option Is Best for Japan? Staying connected is one of the first things you’ll need after arriving in Japan. Whether you’re using Google Maps, translating Japanese signs, booking trains, or keeping in touch with family, reliable internet makes traveling much easier. The three most popular options are: Each has advantages depending on your … Read more
A Complete Shopping Guide for First-Time Visitors Japanese convenience stores receive a lot of attention from international visitors—and for good reason. However, if you want lower prices, a wider selection of fresh food, and a closer look at how people in Japan actually shop every day, visit a Japanese supermarket. Japanese supermarkets offer much more … Read more
Japanese Vending Machines: How to Use Them, Pay and Choose Drinks Japanese vending machines are easy to use even if you cannot read Japanese. Most machines sell drinks and accept cash, while many also accept transportation IC cards such as Suica, PASMO and ICOCA. To buy a drink, check the price and temperature label, insert … Read more
A Complete Guide for Entering Japan How to Use Visit Japan Web Before arriving in Japan, international visitors can use Visit Japan Web to enter information required for immigration and customs procedures online. The service allows travelers to prepare their arrival information before landing, then display a QR code at the airport. Visit Japan Web … Read more
The Unwritten Rules of Waiting in Line in Japan One of the first things many visitors notice in Japan is how neatly people wait in line. Passengers form orderly rows on train platforms. Customers wait quietly outside popular restaurants. Even when a new store opens or a limited-edition product goes on sale, people often remain … Read more
A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors Riding the Shinkansen is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to travel between major cities in Japan. These high-speed trains connect destinations such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Sendai, Kanazawa, Nagano, and Hakodate. However, first-time visitors are often confused by the ticket system, train names, … Read more
What Every First-Time Visitor Should Try One of the biggest surprises for visitors to Japan is the quality of convenience store food. Known locally as konbini, stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson offer far more than quick snacks. Fresh rice balls, delicious sandwiches, hot fried chicken, high-quality desserts, and ready-to-eat bento meals are available almost … Read more