travelism.jp Editorial Team– Author –

The Japan Rail Pass can still be useful, but it is no longer the default choice for every trip.Since the major price increase in 2023, many visitors—especially those staying in one city or region—spend less by using an IC card for local travel and buying long-distance tickets separately.This guide explains the curre...

Visit Japan Web is the Japanese government's online service for preparing immigration and customs information before entering Japan. Completing it before departure lets you check the details at your own pace and have the arrival QR code ready before you land.The service also includes optional tax-free shopping funct...

Should you bring cash to Japan, rely on credit cards, or use both?For most visitors, the simplest answer is to use a credit card for larger purchases, an IC card for local transportation and some everyday payments, and Japanese yen for cash-only situations and backup. No single payment method works everywhere.This g...

Planning your first trip to Japan and wondering when to go?The best time to visit Japan depends on the weather you prefer, the regions you want to explore, the experiences you value, and the pace you want for your trip.Spring brings flowers and comfortable walking conditions. Summer offers hydrangeas, beaches, festi...

Planning to visit Japan during the summer?Summer festivals offer a chance to experience Japan beyond sightseeing. Fireworks, traditional dances, food stalls, lanterns, and local celebrations bring communities together and create a lively atmosphere that is different from an ordinary day of travel.This guide explains...

Should you stay in 大阪 / Ōsaka / Osaka or 京都 / Kyōto / Kyoto on your first trip to Japan?The two cities are close enough to visit from each other, so the most useful question is not which one is “better.” It is which city you want to wake up in, return to after sightseeing, and use as your everyday base.For most ...

Taxis are not usually the cheapest way to get around Japan, but they are worth considering when you have luggage, arrive late, travel with children, or need to reach somewhere far from a station.You can take a taxi from a taxi stand, hail an available cab on the street, or request one through an app. Payment options...

Wondering how much English is spoken in Japan—and whether you can travel comfortably if you do not speak Japanese?Spoken English varies widely, but most first-time visitors can travel successfully without Japanese. English signs, transport information, multilingual machines, and digital tools are common in many plac...

This update summarizes the most important Japan travel news announced during June 2026, along with practical advice for travelers visiting Japan in July and beyond. Planning a Trip to Japan This Summer? If you're planning to visit Japan in the coming months, June brought several important updates that could affect y...

Japanese etiquette can seem complicated before a first trip, but you do not need to memorize a long list of rules. In most everyday situations, the same principle goes a long way: pay attention to the people around you and avoid creating unnecessary inconvenience for others. This guide covers the customs first-time ...