All About Japan All About Japan

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6 Things You Need to Know About Izakaya

Offering multiple rounds of small dishes, Japanese-style pubs, or 'izakaya,' are a little different from their Western equivalents. Here are six things you need to know to navigate them with ease!

8 Key Phrases for Navigating 'Izakaya'

Don't speak Japanese? Walk into a Japanese-style pub and order with ease using these eight key phrases!

How to Do Same-Day Sumo

With its popularity resurgent, sumo tickets are getting harder to come by. But did you know there's always a set of tickets set aside for same-day purchase? Here's how to get them!

5 Things to Expect from Japan’s Countryside

Countryside Japan is quite different from cosmopolitan areas like Tokyo or Osaka. We'll help you get out there, get off the Shinkansen and go exploring!

9 Ways to Talk About the Weather

Since it changes so often, the weather is actually a hot topic in Japan—no pun intended! Find out nine ways to get in on this easy conversation-starter!

How to Replace the Paper on 'Shoji' Doors

'Shoji' sliding doors are emblematic of traditional Japanese houses. But it's frustratingly easy to put a hole in the paper. When you're tired of patching, how do you just replace the whole thing?

7 Great Train Passes to Save Money on Transit

There are a number of passes you can buy to get unlimited transit in popular tourist areas. Here are seven great picks, with a focus on the Tokyo and Kyoto areas!

Beauty for a Bargain

Forget bringing your cosmetic bag on the plane. Once you arrive in Japan, you can stock up on these beauty essentials, each only ¥100!

7 Smaller ¥100 Chains Not to Miss!

You may know your big chains, but these small ¥100 shops have their own special charms!

10 Ways to Get Free Wi-Fi in Japan

While Japan may be behind other developed counties in terms of free Wi-Fi/internet access, things have gotten a lot better over the last few years. Here are some places you can go to get totally free Wi-Fi!

7 Bugs Lurking in the Japanese Countryside

What would you do if you spotted one of these on your towel—after you'd used it?!

Build an Earthquake Kit at the ¥100 Shop

Japan is well known as a country prone to earthquakes. Prepare for the worst without breaking the bank!

5 Things OK in Japan but Not OK in the US

What's considered rude in one culture could be deemed good manners in another. The duo at Texan in Tokyo set out to list their Top 5 habits that are fine in Japan but unacceptable in the U.S.

Tokyo Dirt-Cheap Clothes Shopping Tour

You're in Tokyo and you want to buy clothes, but you've already spent all your money on tech gadgets, anime figurines and weird items? Then this article is for you!

How to Use a Loppi Ticket Machine

Loppi ticket machines are a convenient way to get tickets for sports events, concerts and theater, as well as day passes for Universal Studios Japan, Disneyland and the Ghibli Museum!

My First Time at a 'Ryokan'

The Japan Guy gives us his first impressions of a traditional Japanese inn in a refreshingly humorous way!

Survival Japanese for Concerts & Events

So you've decided to attend an event from your favorite idols or artists, but how ready are you really? Here are some often-used terms you should check out to navigate your way!

How to Get the Most Out of Fireworks in Japan

One of the centerpieces of the Japanese summer is the fireworks festivals that run through July and August. Find out how to get the most out of the experience!

Getting Set Up in Japan at the ¥100 Store

Moving to Japan? Don't spend more than you have to! You can find many of the things you need right at the ¥100 store!

How to Properly Wear 'Geta'

Do you know the real Japanese technique for wearing traditional footwear?

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