Category: Hacks
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Japanese Supermarket
How to Navigate a Japanese Supermarket: Convenience stores get most of the attention in travel guides, but a regular Japanese supermarket (suupaa) is worth a visit too, whether you’re stocking up for a self-catered stay or just curious about everyday Japanese grocery shopping. This guide covers what to expect and how to shop like a…
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Best Hiking Trails in Japan
Best Hiking Trails in Japan (Beyond Mt. Fuji): Mt. Fuji gets most of the international attention, but Japan has an enormous range of hiking trails suited to every level, from short, family-friendly walks to multi-day pilgrimage routes through remote mountains. This guide covers some of the best options beyond Fuji. Kumano Kodo: Japan’s Ancient Pilgrimage…
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Useful Japanese Products
Everyday Japanese Products That Are Genuinely Better Than What You’re Used To: Some of the most useful souvenirs from Japan aren’t souvenirs at all, they’re everyday household products that Japanese consumers take completely for granted, but that solve small annoyances most people abroad have simply learned to live with. Here are five worth picking up…
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The c: Katsu Sando
The Japanese Sandwich That Surprises Everyone: Of all the food that catches visitors off guard in Japan, katsu sando might be one of the most quietly impressive. On paper, it’s just a breaded, fried pork cutlet between two slices of bread, but the actual execution tends to leave first-time tasters genuinely surprised by how good…
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Winter Illuminations in Japan
Where to See the Best Light Displays: Winter in Japan brings one of the country’s most photogenic seasonal traditions: elaborate illumination displays that transform parks, gardens, and city streets into glowing, large-scale light installations. If you’re visiting between November and February, building a night or two around one of these displays is genuinely worth it.…
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Where to See the Shinkansen Up Close
Japan’s Best Train-Spotting Stations for Rail Fans: If you’re planning a trip to Japan and count yourself among the world’s train enthusiasts, watching the Shinkansen (bullet train) roar past at full speed is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Japan’s high-speed rail network is famous for its precision, speed, and unmistakable nose-cone silhouette, and there are…
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8 Convenience Store Treats
8 Convenience Store Treats Worth Trying in Japan: Japan’s convenience stores are a legitimate destination for dessert lovers, not just a backup option for snacks. Here are nine specific items, popular ice creams, sweets, and one genuinely clever in-store machine, worth seeking out during your trip. Popular Convenience Store Ice Creams Choco Monaka Jumbo A…
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A Simple Chopsticks Trick
A Simple Rubber Band Trick for Practicing Chopsticks: For many visitors, chopsticks are one of the more intimidating parts of eating in Japan. If you ask, most restaurant staff will happily bring you a fork or spoon instead, so there’s no need to struggle through an entire meal just to avoid asking. That said, learning…
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How to Use Taxis in Japan
A Practical Guide: Taxis in Japan are reliable, safe, and notably different in a few key ways from what many travelers are used to, from automatically opening doors to a firm no-tipping norm. This guide covers what you need to know before hailing or booking one. The Automatic Door Is Not Optional The single most…
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Autumn Is One of the Best
Why Autumn Is One of the Best Times to Visit Japan: Spring gets most of the international attention thanks to cherry blossoms, but autumn foliage season, known as koyo, deserves just as much consideration, and in some ways makes for an easier trip to plan around. If you haven’t seriously considered a fall trip to…
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Best Souvenirs
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Japan (And Where to Find Them): Japan makes souvenir shopping genuinely easy, with high-quality, well-packaged options available at nearly every price point, from convenience store snacks to serious craft purchases. This guide covers the categories worth prioritizing, organized by where you’ll actually find them. Snacks and Food-Based Souvenirs Beauty and…
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Food Halls “Depachika”
Depachika: Japan’s Department Store Food Halls Explained: If you haven’t visited a depachika, the basement food hall found in nearly every major Japanese department store, you’re missing one of the most enjoyable, low-effort food experiences the country has to offer. This guide covers what to expect and how to make the most of a visit.…