The side of Japan many travelers overlook.
Discover practical cultural insights that make the trip smoother.
When I visited Yonago, I used taxis often and was surprised it wasn't a burden. For 2,000 yen, it felt like I could cross an entire neighborhood. In Fukuoka, the meter climbs fast, but I barely felt that in Yonago.
I'm traveling to Japan with my girlfriend for her birthday in August. I've heard that if you email a hotel in advance, they might prepare a special event like a birthday cake, card, or champagne in the room. I'm wondering if this is true.
Japanese convenience stores are a traveler's delight with tasty bento boxes, unique desserts, and late-night snacks. You'll find yourself visiting them multiple times a day.
Japan is still a cash-based society, and you'll often find shops and restaurants that don't accept cards. I always exchange plenty of yen beforehand for convenience and peace of mind.
I always suffer from painful ear pressure on flights, to the point where I dread flying. Before my trip to Japan, I asked a pharmacist for medication to help prevent this discomfort during takeoff and landing.
I usually try to get a front seat on low-cost carriers to deplane and get through immigration faster. It's better than waiting an extra 30 minutes in line. But recently, I've started to wonder if this is always the best strategy.
A practical travel guide about revenue management.
