Enjoy Japan, the easy way.
The small stuff no guidebook explains, shown by the people who live here.
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See all →How to eat at conveyor belt sushi
Check in, order from the touch panel or grab from the belt, and pay by plate count.
Getting in and out of a taxi in Japan
The door opens itself. Show your destination on screen, then pay by IC, card, or cash.
How to eat at Ichiran (ramen)
Buy a ticket, take a solo booth, fill in the order sheet, then slurp.
Shopping at a convenience store in Japan
Pick what you want and pay at the counter — they just ask about heating and a bag.
How to buy from a vending machine
Insert money or tap an IC card and press a button. Red = hot, blue = cold.
Japanese toilet buttons: which to press
To flush, use 大/小 or the wall/tank lever. The bidet has a "stop" button.
Where do you put trash in Japan?
Streets have almost no bins. Use konbini, stations, and vending-machine bins — otherwise carry it.
Ordering at Starbucks in Japan
Order at the counter, pay, and pick up by name or number — plus Japan-only seasonal drinks.
Shopping at Don Quijote (Donki)
A packed discount megastore, often open late or 24h. Bring your passport for tax-free.
How to take purikura (photo booth)
Pay, shoot, decorate, and print — with that signature beautifying effect.
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See all →Buying medicine at a Japanese drugstore
Over-the-counter medicine is at drugstores — show your symptom or ask the pharmacist; see a doctor if unsure.
Can you eat while walking in Japan?
Not banned, but it depends on the place — standing still where you bought it is the safe move.
How to visit a shrine: the basics
Bow at the torii, purify your hands, then two bows, two claps, one bow.
How to bathe in an onsen
Undress fully, wash your body first, then soak — and keep your towel out of the water.
How a ryokan stay works
Shoes off at the entrance, wear the yukata, meals at set times, then onsen and futon.
Going to an izakaya: entering and ordering
Say your party size, get an otoshi, order in rounds, and pay together at the end.
Cash or card in Japan: what actually works?
Cards/IC/QR are common in cities and chains — but always carry some cash.
How much cash, and where to exchange?
Budget ~¥30,000–50,000 per person for a week; konbini ATMs beat exchange counters.
Staying connected: eSIM, SIM, or pocket WiFi?
Solo? An eSIM is easiest. Group or many devices? Pocket WiFi.
Getting from the airport to the city
Narita: Skyliner / N'EX. Haneda: Monorail / Keikyu. Kansai: Rapi:t / Haruka.
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