Travel Smarter in Japan
Choose the problem you need to solve. These published guides cover preparation, local transport, accommodation decisions, disruption, luggage and reservations.
PLAN
Prepare payment and connectivity before departure.
Money
Cash, Cards and IC Payments in Japan
Decide how much cash to carry, when cards work and where an IC card is useful.
English-language guide
Connectivity
eSIM, SIM or Pocket Wi-Fi?
Compare the three options before arrival and avoid losing access to maps and reservations.
English-language guide
MOVE
Use trains and local buses without guessing the boarding or payment system.
IC Cards
Using Suica, PASMO and ICOCA
Understand where transport IC cards work, how to charge them and where they do not replace a ticket.
English-language guide
Buses
How to Ride a Local Bus in Japan
Learn front and rear boarding, numbered tickets, fare displays and payment before your first ride.
English-language guide
STAY
Choose a stay around transport, luggage and the next morning—not atmosphere alone.
STAY
Staying in Ginzan Onsen
Plan the return journey, hotel shuttle, dinner time and winter footwear before booking.
English-language guide
STAY
Planning a Stay in Kurokawa Onsen
Choose accommodation around bus access, slopes, luggage and the hot-spring pass.
English-language guide
Weather / Disruptions
Know when to change or stop a journey.
Weather
When a Typhoon Affects Your Trip
Know which official information to check and when to stop moving before transport shuts down.
English-language guide
Luggage
Keep large bags from controlling the day.
Luggage
When Coin Lockers Are Full
Find staffed storage, hotel options and delivery alternatives for large luggage.
English-language guide
Reservations
Sending Luggage Between Hotels
Confirm reception, delivery dates and excluded items before arranging hotel-to-hotel delivery.
English-language guide
Reservations
Reserve the space that a large suitcase needs on selected Shinkansen routes.
Trains
Oversized Baggage on the Shinkansen
Check when a baggage-space reservation is required and where large suitcases can be placed.
English-language guide
Check each operator’s current timetable, fare and reservation conditions before travel.