Category: How to
-
Escalator and Elevator Etiquette in Japan
Which Side Do You Stand On?: It’s a small thing, but standing on the wrong side of an escalator is one of the quickest ways to feel like you’ve made a rookie mistake in Japan, and it’s genuinely one of the more commonly searched practical questions from first-time visitors. This guide covers escalator sides, elevator…
-
Search Like a Local
Japanese Phrases That Unlock a Different Side of Japan: Most travelers search for things in English, which makes sense, but it also means you’re only seeing the slice of Japan that’s already been translated, reviewed, and written up for an international audience. A huge number of genuinely great local spots, especially small, independent shops, simply…
-
How to Use a Japanese Toilet
A Complete Guide: Japanese toilets have a genuine reputation, and for once, the hype is deserved, though not always in the way first-time visitors expect. Between advanced washlet functions and the occasional traditional squat toilet, it’s worth knowing what you’re actually looking at before you’re standing in front of one trying to figure out the…
-
Capsule Hotels
What to Expect and Whether They’re Right for You: Capsule hotels are one of Japan’s most distinctive accommodation styles, offering a compact, affordable place to sleep that’s genuinely unlike anything most international travelers have experienced before. This guide covers exactly what the experience involves, so you can decide whether it fits your trip. What a…
-
How to Stay at a Ryokan
What to Expect: A ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, is one of the most memorable overnight experiences you can have in Japan, but the format is different enough from a typical hotel stay that first-timers often aren’t sure what to expect. This guide walks through the full experience, from check-in to check-out, so you can…
-
Vending Machines in Japan
A Complete Guide: Japan has one of the highest densities of vending machines in the world, and they go well beyond the soda and snack machines familiar to most travelers. For visitors, they end up being a genuinely useful, low-effort resource throughout a trip, especially in a country where staying hydrated and having small cash…
-
How to Beat Jet Lag
How to Beat Jet Lag on Your Trip to Japan: Japan sits many time zones away from most Western countries, which means jet lag is a real factor for the vast majority of international visitors. Losing your first day or two to exhaustion is a common, avoidable mistake. This guide covers practical strategies for minimizing…
-
How to Use an Onsen
Etiquette, Rules, and the Tattoo Policy Explained: Soaking in a natural hot spring is one of the most relaxing experiences Japan has to offer, but it comes with a specific set of customs that catch many first-time visitors off guard, including a tattoo policy that stops some travelers from going at all. This guide covers…
-
WiFi and SIM Options
WiFi and SIM Options for Your Japan Trip: Reliable internet access makes almost everything about traveling in Japan easier: navigating stations, translating menus, booking last-minute reservations. Figuring out the best way to get connected before you land will save you a frustrating first day, so here’s a breakdown of your realistic options. Your Main Options…