Guide to Tax-Free Shopping in Japan

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Guide to Tax-Free Shopping in Japan
7 minutes by Stefanie Akkerman
Want to save money while shopping in Japan? As a tourist, you can skip the 10% consumption tax on many items like electronics, clothes, and souvenirs. Look for “Japan Tax-Free Shop” signs, spend at least ¥5,000 per store per day, and show your passport. Items must be taken out of Japan, and some stores refund the tax on the spot while others require a customs check at departure. Plan ahead, keep receipts, and enjoy more yen for your next adventure.

Inspiring Vacations to Japan
4 minutes by Tomo 智
Planning a trip to Japan that goes beyond checking off tourist spots means crafting a journey that resonates deeply with you. Japan offers endless possibilities—vibrant cities like Tokyo, serene temples in Kyoto, or hidden gems off the beaten path. Focus on what excites you, whether it’s food, nature, history, or anime, and build an itinerary that reflects your passions. Slow down, embrace the contrasts of ancient and modern, and let everyday moments spark lasting memories.

10 Shopping Malls you Shouldn’t miss in Tokyo
9 minutes by Crystal Kleminsky
Tokyo’s shopping malls are a treasure trove for every kind of shopper, blending cutting-edge fashion, tech, anime goods, and gourmet food under one roof. Whether you’re hunting for luxury brands, quirky souvenirs, or budget-friendly finds, these massive complexes in areas like Shibuya, Ginza, or Odaiba have it all. Many offer tax-free shopping for tourists, plus entertainment like theaters or arcades.

Where to Admire Hydrangeas in Tokyo: Three Spots Not to Miss
5 minutes by Travely Notes
June in Tokyo brings vibrant hydrangeas, or ajisai, transforming parks and temples into colorful havens despite the rainy season. Discover three unique spots: Tamagawadai Park’s serene garden with 3,000 blooms, Asukayama Park’s lively “hydrangea road” near train tracks, and a tranquil temple setting. Each offers a distinct vibe, from quiet escapes to bustling paths, perfect for soaking in Japan’s seasonal beauty.

What to Do After Losing Your Job in Japan: 10 Steps to Move Forward
8 minutes by GaijinPot Blog
Losing your job in Japan, especially as a foreigner, can feel like a punch to the gut, but it’s a chance to pivot and grow. Act fast—tap into networks like the General Union for job leads, polish your resume, and apply aggressively, even to roles you’re not sold on, to keep options open. Expect competition, sometimes even from friends in the same boat, so stay focused and professional. Check your visa status to avoid legal hiccups, and lean on support from family or colleagues to stay grounded.

15 Michelin-Guide Tokyo Restaurants with Online Reservation
12 minutes by Salvo
Craving a deeper dive into Japanese culture? Enroll in a traditional arts course in Japan to master skills like tea ceremony, calligraphy, or ikebana. These classes, often held in historic settings like Kyoto or Tokyo, blend hands-on practice with cultural insights, guided by expert instructors. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned learner, you’ll craft something meaningful—think your own calligraphy piece or a perfectly arranged bouquet. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with Japan’s heritage, and carry home a skill that’s more than just a souvenir.

Tropical Vibes & Island Adventures: Why Okinawa is Japan’s Summer Hotspot
11 minutes by Clairine Daphne
Dreaming of a tropical escape in Japan? Okinawa in summer is your ticket to turquoise beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back island vibes. Snorkel in crystal waters, savor local dishes like goya champuru, or explore historic sites like Shuri Castle. With warm weather and festivals like Eisa dances, it’s perfect for families or solo adventurers. Pack light, embrace the slow pace, and let Okinawa’s unique blend of Ryukyu culture and natural beauty recharge your soul.

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UPCOMING EVENTS IN TOKYO

Tokyo Tower Climb 2025 (May 24, 2025)
A chance to climb one of Tokyo’s more iconic structures while raising awareness around mental health issues, the TELL Tokyo Tower Climb is an event created to (roughly) coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day and see participants run, walk, or climb up 600 steps.

Nikuon (May 24-25, 2025)
Nikuon has two main elements — the meats and the beats. Live performances on the sound stages serve the latter. Keep yourself going through the beats with some of Tokyo’s best meaty snacks. Restaurants from all over the city have stalls selling meat dishes — think Japanese classics such as yakitori and fried chicken, as well as kebabs and Philly cheesesteaks.

Zushi Beach Fireworks Festival 2025 (May 22, 2025)
There is a paid, ticketed seating area (which actually supports the running of the festival) but you can always be a freeloader and watch from anywhere outside the paid seating area on the beach. During the 45-minute display, 7,000 fireworks will be dispatched into the night sky.

Asagaya Takigi Noh (May 24, 2025)
Theater tradition in Japan stretches back over 700 years with Noh, a style of performance that combines dancing with acting. While wearing iconic masks, actors recount tales from Japanese history and folklore on an open pavilion stage. At the Asagaya Takigi Noh, you’ll get a chance to see the minimalist beauty of this art.

Laos Festival 2025 (May 24-25, 2025)
2025 marks the 70th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations. Past editions of this event have seen an estimated 180,000 people turn out to experience Laotian culture. Performances include dance troupes, traditional musicians, Lao and Japanese singers as well as workshops for language, dance, and cooking. Children will be kept entertained in the Kids Corner with plenty of fun activities.

Shiba Park Oktoberfest Spring (May 16-25, 2025)
Across two weeks, you’ll be able to hang out in Shiba Park and get a taste of German culture. There will be a mix of imported and local beer and wine, along with drinking, snacks, and some live performances to get you in the mood.

May Grand Sumo Tournament (May 11-25, 2025)
Held every May, this is the third of Japan’s six annual Sumo Tournaments, known as honbasho and one of only three to be held in Tokyo. With sumo rankings released a few weeks before, it’s a chance to see the traditional sport up close and personal. While the fights are broadcast on NHK, nothing beats the atmosphere of the tense final matches of the day, complete with cushion-throwing and cheers.

FEATURED ARTICLE - JAPAN PHOTOGRAPHY: TOP JAPAN PHOTOGRAPHY DESTINATIONS

Capture Japan’s breathtaking beauty through your lens with these top photography spots. Frame iconic Mt. Fuji from Arakurayama Sengen Park or Lake Kawaguchi, where its reflection shimmers on clear winter days. Wander Hokkaido’s Blue Pond, its surreal pale blue waters and dead trees creating a magical scene, especially in summer or snowy winter. Visit Matsumoto Castle, its black-and-white elegance set against the Northern Alps, or Himeji Castle’s gleaming white walls.

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