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.
213 articles
Japan Immigration: What to Expect on Arrival (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to Japanese immigration on arrival: documents needed, queue times, Visit Japan Web, common questions, and tips for smooth entry at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports.
Children's Japan Visa and Entry Requirements: Everything Parents Need to Know
Complete guide to Japan visa and entry requirements for children. Learn about passports, applications, single-parent travel, and immigration with kids.
Re-entering Japan After a Short Regional Trip: What You Need to Know
Planning a quick trip to Korea or Taiwan during your Japan visit? Learn the rules for re-entering Japan on a tourist visa, documents needed, and what immigration expects.
Japan Earthquakes: What Travellers Need to Know
Essential earthquake safety guide for Japan travellers. Learn what to do during tremors, how Japan's warning systems work, and why you can travel confidently.
Kombini Food: The Honest Guide to Japanese Convenience Store Eating
Japanese convenience stores serve genuinely delicious food. This honest guide covers what tastes good at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson, plus money-saving tips.
Japan Typhoon Season: Essential Guide for Travellers
Essential guide to Japan's typhoon season for travellers. Learn when typhoons occur, which regions are affected, and how to stay safe during your trip.
How to Access Healthcare in Japan as a Tourist: Your Complete Guide
Complete guide to accessing healthcare in Japan as a tourist, from finding English-speaking doctors to handling emergencies and navigating costs.
Food Allergies in Japan: What You Can (and Can't) Realistically Manage
Realistic guide to managing food allergies in Japan. Which allergies are manageable, which are genuinely difficult, and practical strategies for safe travel.
Pharmacies in Japan: What You Can and Cannot Buy
Complete guide to Japanese pharmacies - what medicines you can buy over the counter, what needs prescriptions, and how to navigate drugstores in Japan.
Late-Night Eating in Japan: What's Open After Midnight
Japan's cities serve excellent food 24/7. Your guide to ramen shops, gyudon chains, convenience stores, and late-night districts in Tokyo and Osaka.
Heatstroke in Japan: Essential Summer Safety for Travellers
Essential heatstroke prevention and safety guide for summer travel in Japan. Practical tips for staying safe in extreme heat, recognising symptoms, and managing emergencies.
Lost in Japan: What to Do and How to Get Help
Lost in Japan? Learn practical steps to find your way, communicate without Japanese, use trains and taxis, and get help safely anywhere in Japan.