Travel Guides
Everything to sort out before you fly: trains, money, phone data and entry rules.
Japan travel tips for first-time visitors: whether the JR Pass is worth it, buying Shinkansen tickets, eSIMs, Suica cards, trip costs and tax-free shopping.
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Japan travel tips for first-timers: 25 things to know before you go, from 2026 rule changes and cash to Suica, eSIMs, the JR Pass and tax-free shopping.
Start here if this is your first trip to Japan. These guides cover what to book before you go and what can wait until you land: rail tickets, phone data, IC cards, money and entry paperwork. Each one gives the short answer first, then the details and current prices.
Things to do in Japan in December 2026: illuminations and Christmas markets with confirmed dates, where to find real snow, and what closes Dec 29 to Jan 3.
Japan tax-free shopping refund rules from November 1, 2026: pay full price, scan your passport before airport check-in and get about 9% back. Step by step.