Blog - Trippon-Japan

Tattoo rules in Japan onsen pools gyms guide for tourists

Tattoo Rules in Japan: Onsen, Public Pools, Gyms & Practical Guide

Tattoos are legal in Japan, but many onsen and pools ban them. Here is what the rules actually say, which facilities are tattoo-friendly, and practical workarounds for tattooed visitors.

Hiking trails in Japan mountains and forests guide for tourists

Hiking in Japan: Safety Tips, Best Trails & What to Bring

From Mount Takao near Tokyo to the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, Japan has a trail for every level. Here is how to hike safely and what hazards to prepare for.

Suica IC card Japan transit guide for tourists

Suica & IC Card Guide: How to Use Japan's Transit Card Everywhere

One card for trains, buses, and convenience stores across Japan. Here is how to get a Suica, keep it charged, and use it at 900,000+ locations nationwide.

Japan drugstore Matsumoto Kiyoshi shopping guide for tourists

Japan Drugstore Guide: What to Buy at Matsukiyo & Tax-Free Tips

Japan's drugstores sell world-class skincare, unique medicines, and snacks you can't find at home. Here is what tourists swear by and how to get tax-free discounts.

Traditional Japanese ryokan inn tatami room and onsen guide

Ryokan Guide: How to Stay at a Traditional Japanese Inn

Tatami rooms, yukata robes, kaiseki dinners, and outdoor onsen — a ryokan stay is unlike any hotel. Here is everything first-time guests need to know.

Japan hanabi fireworks festival summer guide for tourists

Japan Hanabi Guide: Best Fireworks Festivals & Viewing Tips

Hanabi season runs July to August. Here is where to go, when to arrive, and the phrase every crowd shouts when the best shells burst overhead.

Driving in Japan as a tourist road rules international license guide

Driving in Japan as a Tourist: International License, Rules & Tips

Driving in Japan opens up places trains can't reach — but left-hand traffic, toll roads, and IDP requirements need preparation. Here is everything you need to know before renting a car.

Japanese kanji characters and speech bubbles with essential tourist phrases

Essential Japanese Phrases for Tourists: 30+ Must-Know Words

You don't need to be fluent. These 30+ essential Japanese phrases — from greetings to emergencies — will get you through almost any situation as a tourist in Japan.

Budget backpacker traveler in Japan with convenience store bento and local transport

Budget Travel in Japan: How to Spend ¥5,000 a Day

Japan is not as expensive as people think. Konbini meals, dorm hostels, night buses, and free shrines — here's exactly how to travel Japan beautifully on a tight budget.

Traditional Japanese restaurant interior with tatami seating and kaiseki cuisine

Japanese Restaurant Etiquette: Seating, Paying & Taboo Rules

From itadakimasu to chopstick taboos, from calling the waiter to splitting the bill — the complete guide to dining etiquette in Japanese restaurants.

Smartphone showing Japan map with WiFi and SIM card connectivity for tourists

SIM Card & Wi-Fi in Japan: Best Options for Tourists 2026

Data SIM, eSIM, or pocket WiFi? The complete breakdown of every connectivity option for tourists in Japan — with prices, speeds, and setup instructions.

Colorful shopping bags and neon signs at a Japanese shopping district

Japan Shopping Guide: Don Quijote, Department Stores & Tax-Free Tips

From the chaotic aisles of Donki to the refined floors of Isetan — where to shop in Japan, how to get your 10% tax-free discount, and what to buy as a tourist.

Snow-capped Mount Fuji rising above the clouds with blue sky and hiking trail

Mount Fuji Day Trip Guide: Climbing, Views & Transport from Tokyo

How to get to Mount Fuji, which trail to climb, what the view is actually like, and everything else you need for the perfect Fuji day trip from Tokyo.

Japanese street food stalls with takoyaki, yakitori skewers, and market vendors

Japanese Street Food Guide: Takoyaki, Yakitori & Market Stalls

Sizzling takoyaki, smoky yakitori, taiyaki, kakigori — your complete guide to eating your way through Japan's incredible yatai street food culture.

People in yukata enjoying Japanese summer festival fireworks and yatai stalls

Japan's Summer Festivals & Fireworks Guide: Natsu Matsuri & Hanabi

Yukata, goldfish scooping, takoyaki stalls, and two-hour fireworks — your complete guide to fully experiencing Japan's unforgettable summer festival season.

Rows of colorful Japanese vending machines on a city street

Japan's Vending Machines: Types, How to Use & Strange Products

Japan has one vending machine for every 23 people. Hot coffee, cold beer, fresh flowers, and stranger things — here's how they work and what to look for.

Neon-lit Japanese karaoke private room with song selection screen

Japanese Karaoke Guide: Private Rooms, Pricing & How to Order

Japan's karaoke is a private room, not a stage. Learn how to book, use the song machine, order all-you-can-drink, and sing for hours like a local.

Japanese convenience store onigiri rice ball with numbered wrapper tabs

How to Open a Japanese Onigiri: The 3-Step Wrapper Method

Those numbered tabs on the plastic wrapper are not decoration. Learn the 3-step technique every Japanese person knows — and most tourists get completely wrong.

Tourists following etiquette rules at a Japanese shrine

Japan Etiquette for Tourists: Complete Do's & Don'ts Guide

From train manners to tipping rules, temple etiquette to shoe removal — this is the complete guide to not accidentally offending anyone in Japan.

Japanese convenience store beer and alcohol display with age verification screen

Drinking Age in Japan: Laws, Rules & Tips for Tourists

Japan's drinking age is 20 — not 18. Learn the law, convenience store ID checks, and what to know before your first izakaya visit.

Japanese snacks and sweets including Pocky, Kit Kat and matcha treats

Japanese Snacks & Sweets: Must-Try Guide for Every Visitor

From Japan-exclusive Kit Kat flavors to convenience store desserts and seasonal wagashi — your complete guide to Japan's incredible snack culture.

Beautifully wrapped Japanese omiyage souvenirs at a gift shop

Japanese Souvenirs (Omiyage): What to Buy & Where to Find Them

Discover Japan's gift-giving culture — from regional sweets and wagashi to traditional crafts and the best spots to buy them.

Cats lounging in a cozy Japanese neko cafe

Japan Cat Cafe & Animal Cafe: Complete Visitor's Guide

How to book, what the rules are, and what to expect at Japan's cat cafes — plus owl, hedgehog, and rabbit cafes you should know about.

Colorful displays inside a Japanese Daiso 100 yen shop

100 Yen Shop & Don Quijote: Japan's Best Budget Shopping Guide

Unlock Japan's best value shopping — what to buy at Daiso, Seria, and Don Quijote, plus tax-free shopping tips for tourists.

Rows of capsule hotel pods in a modern Japanese hotel

Japan Capsule Hotel Guide: How to Book, What to Expect & Etiquette Tips

Sleep in a pod in the heart of Tokyo. Everything you need to know before your first capsule hotel stay — from booking to check-out.

Conveyor belt sushi plates at a Japanese Kaiten-Zushi restaurant

Conveyor Belt Sushi Guide: How to Order at Kaiten-Zushi

Touch panels, color-coded plates, and an express delivery lane — master Japan's conveyor belt sushi restaurants before your first visit.

Lanterns glowing outside a Japanese Izakaya

The Izakaya Survival Guide: 'Otoshi' & Ordering

Don't get confused by hidden table charges! Master the art of Japanese pub dining, from shouting "Sumimasen" to pouring drinks.

Japan Train Guide: IC Cards & Etiquette

Master Japan's complex train system. Learn how to get a Suica or Pasmo card and navigate massive stations like a local.

Relaxing outdoor Japanese hot spring (Onsen)

The Ultimate Onsen Guide: Etiquette & Tattoos

Nervous about your first Japanese hot spring? Master the bathhouse rules and learn how to find tattoo-friendly baths.

Neon lights in a Japanese nightlife district

Japan's Nightlife: Age Limits for Clubs & Shisha

Don't get turned away at the door! Understand Japan's legal drinking and smoking age, and what ID you must bring to enjoy the nightlife.

Tourist wearing a beautiful traditional Japanese Kimono

Demystifying the Kimono: A Tourist's Guide

Learn the differences between Kimono and Yukata, the strict "left-over-right" rule, and what to expect when renting traditional dress in Japan.

Japanese police box Koban and lost wallet concept

Lost Something in Japan? What To Do

Dropped your wallet or phone? Visit a Koban, contact train lost & found, and learn why Japan has one of the highest return rates in the world.

Japanese cigarettes display and smoking area sign

Smoking in Japan: Buying by Number

Don't get fined! Learn the strict street smoking bans, how to order by number at Konbini, and try local brands like Seven Stars.

Japanese alcohol cans Horoyoi and Strong Zero

Drinking in Japan: Horoyoi & Strong Zero

From cute 3% cocktails to the infamous 9% Strong Zero. A guide to convenience store drinks and street drinking etiquette.

Japanese recycling bins and trash separation guide

Trash in Japan: Why Are There No Bins?

Confused by the lack of trash cans? Master the strict rules of Japanese recycling and the "take it home" culture.

People enjoying Hanami picnic under cherry blossom trees

Hanami 101: How to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms Like a Local

Hanami isn't just about flowers—it's a party! Discover the unwritten rules of Japanese cherry blossom picnics.

Driving & Walking in Japan: 5 Major Differences

Don't turn on red! Learn the critical differences in Japan's traffic rules, including left-side driving.

Emergency Guide: How to Call for Help (110 vs 119)

Do you know the difference between 110 and 119? Learn how to report accidents or medical emergencies.

Omisoka Guide: The Quiet Beauty of Japanese New Year's Eve

No parties? In Japan, New Year's Eve is for silence. Learn about the 108 temple bells.

Konbini Oden Guide: Japanese Winter Soul Food

What is that steaming pot at 7-Eleven? Learn how to order "Oden" and discover the best ingredients.

Hatsumode Guide: Experiencing Japanese New Year

Celebrate New Year like a local. Learn shrine etiquette and how to read Omikuji fortunes.

Surviving Japanese Trains: Rush Hour & Women-Only Cars

Don't get crushed! Learn when to avoid the trains and how to identify Women-Only carriages.

Do Japanese People Speak English? Survival Tips

Struggling with the language barrier? Learn why simple English and translation apps are your best friends.

The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Konbini

7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart? How to open onigiri wrappers and order hot snacks like a pro.

Japanese convenience store age verification screen

What You Can (and Can’t) Do in Japan

Can you drink at 18? How about Pachinko? A local's guide to age limits for alcohol and smoking.

How to Climb Mt. Fuji Safely

Don't wear sneakers! A local's guide to the official season, fees, and surviving altitude sickness.

How to Dine at Japanese Restaurants

Do I line up or write my name? A local guide to waiting lists and ordering etiquette.

How to Pay in Japan: Cash vs. Cards

Don't get stuck without cash! Learn where to use credit cards and the "cash-only" traps to avoid.

How to Ride a Taxi in Japan: A Local Guide

Automatic doors? No tipping? Learn the essential rules and top apps for a stress-free taxi ride.

How to Ride Buses in Japan: A Local-Friendly Guide

Learn how to board, pay, and navigate regional differences like Suica use and entrance rules.

How to Visit a Buddhist Temple in Japan

A friendly local guide to temple etiquette, from offering incense to the "no clapping" rule.

How to Worship at a Japanese Shrine

A friendly local guide explaining the ritual of “Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow” with cultural meaning.

5 Surprising Japanese Manners & Customs

Learn about unique Japanese rules like no tipping, quiet trains, and taking off shoes to travel like a local.

A Foodie's Guide to Osaka: What to Eat and Where

Discover why Osaka is called "Japan's Kitchen." The best places for Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu!

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