The 2025 Japan Census deadline is Oct. 8. Here's why skipping it can cost you up to ¥500,000 and deny you Permanent Residency ...

Looking for a Shimoda day trip? Here’s the quick pitch: a no-fuss, high-reward day trip to Izu in Shizuoka Prefecture with pretty stops, good coffee and seafood that actually lives up to the hype. If ...

Japan is safe, but not risk-free. From mountain rescues to drug laws and shady bars, here are the most dangerous things you can do in Japan. By most measures, Japan is a very safe country. Japan has a ...

We know you're not trying to be a bad tourist, but everyone occasionally breaks one of these unspoken rules in Japan. Japan is famous for its unspoken social norms. While locals have had these drilled ...

Japan’s rainy season (梅雨, tsuyu), often regarded as humid and depressing, particularly in June, conjures images of soggy shoes and drizzly days. People who go out during these months experience a ...

Rainy season or tsuyu is a month filled with battling mold and drying clothes indoors. Here's how to survive the rainy season in Japan. Use your aircon’s dehumidifying mode. Japanese apartments, ...

Bowing is a big deal in Japan. It shows respect, gratitude, apology, or just good manners—and yes, there are rules. While you might think going for the deepest bow possible shows extra respect, that’s ...

Ever wondered what happens if you go to prison in Japan? Find out about daily routines, rules and the challenges foreign inmates face. It’s a situation most foreigners don’t anticipate, but it happens ...

The Golden Route is the quintessential travel itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan. It traditionally includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and (sometimes) Hiroshima, offering a well-rounded introduction ...

Many people don’t know or even think about inheritance laws until they are affected by them. They differ by country, and understanding inheritance laws in your native country can be challenging enough ...

The reception of a modern Japanese funeral. In the past, Japanese funerals were deeply rooted in Buddhist and Shinto traditions. They were often held at home or in temples. Cremation became widespread ...

The next big earthquake in Japan could strike anytime. Learn about the risks, expert predictions and steps to stay safe and prepared. Navigating earthquakes is a tricky part of living in Japan. In the ...