Author: ko

Tokyo Fire Department area, 2020–2024: 338 people taken to hospital after choking on mochi or similar foods, 135 of them in January. How to eat mochi safely.

Japan's government offices close 29 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027, but banks only 31 Dec–3 Jan. What the two legal rules mean for ATMs, ward offices and museums.

From 1 November 2026, tax on a knife bought in Japan comes back only after an airport customs check, so do the check before the knife goes in your checked bag.

JR East's 10-day pass costs ¥50,000, the same as a 7-day Japan Rail Pass bought online. Regional pass prices in yen, who can buy them, and when to skip them.

After Togakushi's cedar avenue to Okusha, keep walking: up the road is Togakushi Farm, 135 hectares of pasture. Bus times, soba and a day plan from Nagano.

Rinse before you soak, keep your towel out of the water, never take photos, and ask before cooling the bath. Plus Tokyo's ¥600 sento price from 1 August 2026.

The 7-day JR Pass is ¥50,000 online or ¥53,000 from agents; Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka by Nozomi is ¥28,490. Seven cheaper ways to cross Japan, fares checked.

Omotenashi is motenashi, looking after a guest, made polite. Why Japanese almost never say it, why staff go rigid, and Tokyo's 1 April 2025 harassment rule.

No, you don't tip in Japan — but "why not" is the part nobody explains. A Japanese-born editor breaks down what staff are actually thinking, and the few exceptions that are quietly changing. The moment you realize something is different ...