Blog

Practical4 min readStaying near Osaka Bay: is it a good base?Should you stay near Osaka Bay? This guide compares the bay with the city centre, so you can choose a base for theme park days, families and short trips.Practical4 min readPower outlets, adapters and power banks in JapanJapan uses its own plug type and a different voltage. Learn what to bring, what to check on your devices and how to carry a power bank on a flight.Practical5 min readRoppongi at night: how to stay safe and smartRoppongi is busy after dark. Learn how to handle street touts, check a bill before you pay, get home safely and enjoy the area with good manners.Festivals5 min readSanja Matsuri in Asakusa: the spring paradeSanja Matsuri is a spring festival at Asakusa in Tokyo, held in May with portable shrines carried through the streets. Learn how to watch it and plan your day.Festivals5 min readSapporo Snow Festival: how it worksThe Sapporo Snow Festival is held in February with large snow sculptures. Learn how the festival is laid out, how to plan your visit and what to check before you go.Practical5 min readShinjuku station without the stress: a first-timer's mapShinjuku station has many lines and many exits. Learn how to read its signs, pick the right exit and keep your luggage and family calm on the way out.Festivals5 min readSummer fireworks: how to watch themSummer fireworks draw large crowds in Tokyo and Osaka. Learn how to choose a viewing spot, arrive early and get back to your hotel safely.Practical5 min readTax-free shopping: check the latest refund rulesVisitors can sometimes get back consumption tax on purchases. The refund process has changed, so learn how to check your eligibility and keep the right papers.Practical5 min readTemple and shrine manners on a first visitShrines and temples are working places of worship. Learn the simple steps for purification, prayer, photos and shoes so you visit with respect.Festivals5 min readTenjin Matsuri in Osaka: boats and drumsTenjin Matsuri is one of Japan's great summer festivals, held in Osaka in July. Learn how the boat procession works, where to watch and how to plan a night out.Practical5 min readTokyo Station area: how to keep a train day simpleA train day around Tokyo Station is simple if you plan the exit, the bags and the meal before you board. Practical steps for families and solo travellers.Practical5 min readTyphoon plan B: flights, ferries and an extra nightTyphoons can cancel flights, ferries and trains in late summer and early autumn. Build a plan B for Fukuoka and southern Japan before you book.

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