Japan, explained
Practical guides, cultural notes, and travel news from people who spend a lot of time in Japan. Read what you need, plan what you love.
Filtered by city: kyoto · Show all
136 articles
Japan Gives Local Governments Power to Ban Airbnb-Style Rentals
Japan now lets local governments ban Airbnb-style minpaku rentals. Here's what it means for travellers with short-term rental bookings in 2026.
Private Compartments Coming to Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen from October 2026
JR Central and JR West will introduce Supreme Class private lockable compartments on Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen trains from October 2026. Online booking only.
100-Yen Shops in Japan: What Daiso, Seria and Can★Do Actually Sell
Complete guide to Daiso, Seria and Can★Do: Japan's brilliant 100-yen shops. What they actually sell, what to buy, and how to shop like a local.
Don Quijote Japan: Your Complete Guide to the Ultimate Discount Store
Complete guide to Don Quijote (Donki) discount stores in Japan. Best locations, what to buy, tax-free shopping, and insider tips for budget travellers.
Bringing Goods Back to the UK from Japan: Limits and What to Declare
UK customs rules for Japan travellers: allowances, prohibited items, what to declare, and duty rates. Shop confidently and clear customs smoothly.
What to Buy in Japan: The Honest Guide by Category
Honest advice on what to buy in Japan by category - from knives and ceramics to skincare and stationery. Real prices, specific shops, and what to skip entirely.
Vintage Japan: Markets, Shops and Where to Find Things
Discover Japan's best vintage shops and markets in Tokyo and Kyoto. Expert guide to finding kimono, antiques, and treasures with practical tips and prices.
Antiques in Japan: Kyoto vs Tokyo for Serious Finds
Compare Tokyo and Kyoto's antique markets for serious collectors. Expert guide to finding quality Japanese tansu, ceramics, textiles - with prices, locations, tips.
Japanese Stationery: What Makes It Different and What to Buy
Discover what makes Japanese stationery special, from precision pens to fountain-pen-friendly notebooks. Your complete guide to the best items and where to buy them.
Hiking in Japan for Non-Hikers: Where to Start Your Journey
Beginner-friendly hiking in Japan: easy trails, no experience needed. From Mount Takao to Kamikōchi, discover accessible mountain walks with transport details and practical tips.
Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites: A Practical Visitor's Guide
Practical guide to visiting Japan's 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Real transport details, admission fees, seasonal tips, and itinerary suggestions for temples, castles, mountains, and islands.
The Meiji Restoration: What Changed and What You Can Still See
Discover how the 1868 Meiji Restoration transformed Japan and where to see its legacy today. Practical guide to Tokyo, Kyoto sites showing this revolutionary period.