All About Japan

All About Japanese Currency

What’s the largest banknote in Japan? Curious about the coinage and what it’s made of? And who are those people on their bills? All that and more as we break down Japan's currency!

Show Us the Money: Japan's Currency Redesign

The Ministry of Finance has revealed new designs for the Japanese yen banknotes set to debut in 2024, and they look awesome! Check out the new designs, as well as their inspirations.

How to Prepare for a Huge Earthquake in Japan

While sightseeing in Japan, international travelers had better be prepared for earthquakes, which are frequent in the country. This article offers our top tips for preparing for any earthquakes, big or small.

All About the Seishun 18 Ticket

Traveling around Japan by rail need not be an expensive feat. If you have plenty of time and a knack for adventure, the Seishun 18 ticket might be just for you.

Travel Dates to Avoid in Japan

Japan is great all year-round, but there are some dates that are more expensive and more popular than others! Find out when NOT to travel in Japan if you want to avoid large crowds and price hikes!

Get a Local Resort Experience at OMO5

Don't choose between a resort experience and a cultural experience. Get the full experience at the Hoshino Resorts OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka, a chic hotel that focuses on connecting its visitors to the local environment.

A Walk Through Sendai to Remember

Following the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and subsequent tsunami, the residents of Sendai are standing on their feet once again and ready to share the lessons they've learned about disaster prevention and preparation.

Visiting Japan Made Easier With Travel Hub Mix

As Japan prepares for the 2020 Olympic Games, many new facilities are being built, more signs are appearing in different languages and more tourist-friendly facilities are popping up. Let's take a look at one such service, Travel Hub Mix.

Osaka: 7 Best Neighborhoods for Your Stay

The best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Osaka, Japan. See which 'hood suits you best!

11 Things to Know When Traveling to Japan

What does a foreign traveler need to know when visiting Japan? Here we try to parse it down to 11 key things you definitely need to know—and a few more that could be helpful.

Japan's Job Availability Continues to Drop

May marks the fifth consecutive month of declining job availability in Japan due to effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

JR East to Offer Half-Price Shinkansen Tickets

Good news for anyone residing in Japan; JR East has announced a 50% discount on Shinkansen and limited express tickets until spring next year!

Conquer Tokyo in One Day with the SKY BUS

SKY BUS TOKYO offers guided and hop-on tours all around Tokyo via their open-top double-decker buses. For those that have limited time, you can see all of Tokyo's must-visit landmarks quickly and efficiently—leaving your schedule open for more activities.

How to Open a Bank Account in Japan

Your straightforward guide to the important (and somewhat intimidating) process of setting up a bank account in Japan.

Getting to Grips with Plastic in Japan

Tips on how to navigate and—more importantly—avoid the ubiquitous, single-use plastic you'll find all over Japan.

Japan's Amazing DIY Superstores: From Cheap Urban Farming to Building a Home

DIY has always been big in Japan. Now a number of stores cater to the creative in all of us, whether its gardening, interior renovation, crafts or even building your own house.

Toilet Wonders of the Architectural World

Head to Shibuya in Tokyo to experience toilets like you've never experienced them before.

5 Places to Buy Traditional Crafts in Tokyo

When shopping for traditional crafts in Tokyo, the options can be dizzying (if not absolutely exhausting) to sort through. So to help you find what you’re looking for, we’ve put together a list of our favorite stores!

The Importance of Continuing Social Distancing

Although the state of emergency has been lifted throughout the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the world the importance of social distancing, as well as consistent hygiene practices.

Take a Photo Trip to the Tohoku Sanriku Coast

Come along with us as we visit the Sanriku Coastal Area, a beautiful coastline in the northeastern part of Japan's largest island with breathtaking geographical variety.

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