howto
Japan's Tax-Free Shopping Is Changing in November 2026: What to Know Before You Go
From November 1, 2026, Japan switches from tax-exempt checkout to pay-first, refund-at-departure. Here's exactly how the new system works.
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japan travel tips
3 articles
culture
Japan's Vending Machines: What They Sell and How to Pay
Japan has about 2 million drink vending machines, though the number is falling. What they sell, what a drink costs, how to pay, and why there are so many.
travel
25 Japan Travel Tips Locals Actually Use (Suica Cards, Cash, Tipping, Etiquette)
Practical Japan travel tips: get a Suica at the airport, carry ¥10,000–¥20,000 in cash, don't tip, download offline maps. The things that save hours.