Washi tape was born almost by accident. Kamoi Kako Shi, a factory in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, had spent decades making dull grey industrial masking tape for house painters. In 2006, three women asked to tour the factory and showed the staff how they had been…
Category: Culture & Tips
Japanese culture, etiquette and lifestyle tips
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Obon in Japan 2026: Dates, Crowds
Obon is the week when Japan quietly turns inside out. Millions of people travel back to their hometowns to honour their ancestors, the shinkansen sells out, expressways jam for 40 kilometres, and your favourite little ramen shop is suddenly closed with a handwritten note on…
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Japan Onsen Guide 2026
⏱ The short answer (30 seconds)In a hurry? The full reasons and prices are right below.HakoneEasy Day Trip from TokyoBeppu & YufuinKyushu's Hot Spring ParadiseKinosaki OnsenThe Classic Onsen TownNoboribetsuHokkaido's Volcanic OnsenKusatsu OnsenJapan's Top-Ranked Hot Spring※ If in doubt, go with #1. Budget picks are further…
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Golden Week Japan 2026
Golden Week — Japan's longest national holiday stretch — runs from April 29 to May 5, 2026. For expats living in Japan and tourists planning their first trip, this week is both magical and overwhelming. Trains get packed, popular spots are mobbed, and prices surge.…
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Japanese Driver’s License for Foreigners 2026
📌 What you will learnYou do not have to read it all — jump to what you need.Do You Need a Japanese Driver's License?International Driving Permit vs. Japanese LicensePath 1: License Conversion (Gaimen Kirikae) — 外免切替Path 2: Obtaining a Japanese License from ScratchTips for Expats…
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Hidden Gems in Tokyo 2026
⏱ The short answer (30 seconds)In a hurry? The full reasons and prices are right below.Senso-ji Temple & AsakusaBest Cultural ExperienceShibuya Crossing & HarajukuBest Modern TokyoTeamLab Borderless & PlanetsBest Unique ExperienceTsukiji Outer Market BreakfastBest Food ExperienceDay Trip to Nikko or KamakuraBest Escape※ If in doubt,…
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Best Places in Japan Beyond Tokyo 2026
⏱ The short answer (30 seconds)In a hurry? The full reasons and prices are right below.TokyoThe World’s Greatest CityKyotoThe Soul of Traditional JapanOsakaJapan’s Food Capital and Entertainment HubHiroshima and MiyajimaHistory, Peace, and Natural BeautyHokkaidoNature, Snow, and Outdoor Adventure※ If in doubt, go with #1. Budget…
