tourism

TRAVEL

Will Japan Eliminate Tax-Free Sales to Tourists Completely?

A growing chorus of voices across the political spectrum says the country should collect the money to improve the lives of its…

TRAVEL

Japanese Citizens Fume as New Lodging Taxes Aimed at Overtourism Apply to Them, Too

Experts say that assessing a "foreigner only" lodging tax would involve changing the way people check into hotels here.

TRAVEL

American Tourist “Mistakenly” Brings Gun Into Japan

You may experience longer wait times at Japan's arrival ports thanks to one American who forgot he was carrying a firearm.

TRAVEL

Japan Travel App Adds New Safety Features for Tourists

NAVITIME's latest revision to its app now includes a Safety feature with emergency information in 13 different languages.

LIVING IN JAPAN

Survey: Japanese People Have No Confidence In Their English – But Tourists Say It’s Great

Of those who refused to communicate with someone in English, 76.5% said it was due to lack of confidence.

TRAVEL

Osaka World Expo Plagued By Low Interest, Backlash Over Expensive Noodles

3,850 yen for a bowl of soba? Such high prices have some criticizing the upcoming World Expo. Others, however, are speaking up…

TRAVEL

Japanese Shrine Bans Tourists, Laments “Destruction of Japanese Culture”

A beautiful shrine on the island of Tsushima has dropped the ban hammer after what it calls an "unforgivable act of disrespect."

TRAVEL

Tokaido Shinkansen to Add “Half-Private” Luxury Seat Option in 2027

JR Tokai says it's adding even more luxury options to some runs of its critical line between Tokyo and Osaka.