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.
20 articles
teamLab Planets TOKYO to Close by End of 2027
teamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu is confirmed to close by the end of 2027. Here's what visitors need to know about timing, tickets, and getting there.
Haneda Airport Disrupted by Twin Typhoons in Late June
Haneda Airport was disrupted by Typhoon No. 7 and Typhoon Mekkhala on 25 June 2026. Here is what happened and what Tokyo travellers should know now.
Mt. Fuji Climbing Season Opens With Two Trails and New Fee Kiosks
Mt. Fuji's 2026 climbing season opened 1 July with the Yoshida and Fujinomiya trails accessible. New fee kiosks are installed to ease visitor flow.
Tenjin Festival 2026: Dates, Times and What to Expect in Osaka
Tenjin Festival 2026 runs 24-25 July in Osaka's Kita area. Dates, transport, crowd tips and what each day involves for travellers.
Typhoon Warning Issued for Tokyo and Kanto Region
A typhoon reached Tokyo and Kanto on 30 June 2026, bringing heavy rain and high wave risks. Here is what visitors should do and check right now.
Ghibli Park Updates Same-Day Ticket Process for Valley of Witches Buildings
Ghibli Park changed its same-day ticket process for Okino Residence, Howl's Castle, and The House of Witches from 1 July 2026. Here is what visitors need to know.
Bocchi the Rock! Projection Mapping Now Showing at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Bocchi the Rock! Seisun Complex projection mapping is now screening on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building facade in Shinjuku. Free to attend.
Tokyo Marathon 2026 Draws Tens of Thousands Through the Capital
The Tokyo Marathon 2026 has taken place, routing tens of thousands of runners through Shinjuku, Asakusa, Ginza, and Marunouchi. Here is what travellers need to know.
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.
Japan to Raise Visa Fees for the First Time in 48 Years
Japan announced a visa fee increase on 20 June 2026, its first revision in 48 years. Here is what travellers need to know right now.
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.
Experts Warn of Intense Typhoon Season Ahead for Japan in 2026
Experts warned on 4 June 2026 that Japan faces an intense typhoon season. Here's what travellers need to know to plan safely this summer and autumn.