Travel Essentials– category –

Earthquakes are common in Japan, and you may feel a small one during your trip. Most cause little or no disruption, but it is important to know what to do if a stronger earthquake occurs. You do not need to be afraid of traveling in Japa...

Losing your passport while traveling in Japan can be stressful, but there is a clear process to follow. You will generally need to report the loss to the police and contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Japan to arrange a replac...

Japan is generally a safe and easy country to travel around, but unexpected problems can still happen. A sudden illness, accident, lost luggage, cancelled flight, or emergency hospital visit can quickly become expensive and stressful — e...

Getting sick or injured while traveling can be stressful, especially when you are in a country where you do not speak the language. Fortunately, Tokyo has several clinics that regularly treat international patients and offer consultation...

Japanese toilets are famous around the world for being clean, modern, and packed with features. If it's your first time visiting Japan, the buttons may look confusing at first, but they're actually very easy to use. Here's a simple guide...

If you're staying in Japan for several days, you'll probably need to do some laundry. Fortunately, using a coin laundry in Japan is simple, clean, and affordable. Many hotels also have self-service laundry rooms, making it easy to pack f...

Paying for things in Japan is easier than ever. While Japan was once known as a cash-based country, credit cards, IC cards, and mobile payments are now widely accepted in many places. However, it's still a good idea to carry some cash, e...

If you're visiting Japan, you've probably heard about Welcome Suica and Suica. Both cards make traveling around Japan much easier, but they are designed for different types of users. Here's a simple comparison to help you choose the righ...

One of the best perks of shopping in Japan is the opportunity to buy many items tax-free. If you're an international visitor, you may be able to save 10% on eligible purchases at participating stores. Here's what you need to know before ...

Need cash during your trip? Convenience store ATMs are one of the easiest ways for international visitors to withdraw Japanese yen. They're available 24 hours a day at many locations and support a wide range of overseas debit and credit ...