What do Tourists in Japan Find Most Difficult?

In partnership with

What do tourists in Japan find most difficult?
3 minutes by Deborah O'Donoghue
The Travel Tomorrow article dives into what trips up tourists in Japan, based on a survey from the Japan Tourism Agency. The biggest headache? No public trash bins—nearly 22% of visitors grumbled about having to lug their garbage around because bins are scarce, a holdover from security fears after past terror attacks. Then there’s the language hurdle, with 15% struggling to chat with restaurant or shop staff who often don’t speak much English.

20 Places to Visit for Nature Lovers in Japan
10 minutes by Misty Fujii
The Japan Wonder Travel Blog article, “20 Best Places to Visit for Nature Lovers in Japan,” is a vibrant guide for anyone craving Japan’s wild side. It spotlights 20 stunning natural destinations, from misty cedar forests to volcanic peaks, perfect for hikers, photographers, or anyone who just wants to soak in epic scenery. Think Yakushima’s ancient, fog-draped trees that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke, or Hokkaido’s Shiretoko Peninsula with its rugged cliffs and wildlife like bears and whales.

Narita Express (N’EX) Green Car Review
9 minutes by Melissa
The “Narita Express (N’EX) Green Car Review” on the Girl Eat World blog, written by Melissa, is a personal guide to the first-class experience on the Narita Express, connecting Narita Airport to Tokyo. It explores whether the Green Car’s pricier ticket—offering wider leather seats, more legroom, deeper reclines, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and quieter cabins—is worth it compared to the already comfortable Ordinary Car. Using her trip from Musashi-Kosugi to Narita as an example, she notes the Green Car costs about 770 yen more per person. 

Where to Stay in Nara: Best Hotels & Areas in 2025
8 minutes by Nele van Hout
The article breaks down the best areas to stay, focusing on Nara City’s central spots near Kintetsu or JR Nara stations for easy access to attractions, and quieter, historic areas like Naramachi for a traditional vibe. It recommends accommodations ranging from budget-friendly ryokans to luxurious hotels like Noborioji Hotel, praising their proximity to sights and unique features like hot springs or tatami rooms.

Expo 2025 Osaka Visitor Guide
4 minutes by JapanGuide.com
The article “Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan - A Basic Visitor Guide” on Japan Guide is a practical and engaging roadmap for anyone planning to experience the World Expo in Osaka, running from April 13 to October 13, 2025. It paints a vivid picture of what makes this global event special, held on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The guide invites you to explore a futuristic showcase where over 160 countries and organizations share innovative ideas through pavilions, tackling global challenges like sustainability and technology.

Sakura in Kyoto: A Three-Day Trip Summary
6 minutes by Burcu Basar
The article “Sakura in Kyoto: Arashiyama, Mount Yoshino and Beyond” on the Bizarre Journeys blog, penned by Burcu Basar, a Tokyo-based traveler, is a heartfelt diary of a three-day adventure chasing cherry blossoms in and around Kyoto during the peak 2025 sakura season. It’s less a guidebook and more a personal invitation to experience Kyoto’s fleeting spring beauty, capturing the magic of hanami (cherry blossom viewing) through vivid storytelling.

Interview with “Pink. ASAKUSA” – the Color of the Heart of Japan
8 minutes by Mason Leung
Pink. ASAKUSA isn’t just a café—it’s a celebration of “wa” (Japanese harmony) through a cherry blossom-inspired pink aesthetic, symbolizing warmth, kindness, and approachability. The article explains how the café fills a gap in Japan’s tourism scene, where cultural experiences often lag behind food and shopping. Here, you can try your hand at “shodō” (creative Japanese calligraphy with pink kanji), paint daruma or fox masks, or even learn “mikomai” (shrine maiden dances), all while snapping Instagram-worthy shots.

SPONSOR

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN TOKYO

Thai Festival 2025 (May 10-11, 2025)
As one of the largest and most anticipated festivals, the Thai Festival is usually held in the spring at Yoyogi Park each year. Thousands of people attend, making it one of the biggest Thai festivals held outside of Thailand. As you can expect, there will be a bundle of events, including Thai sports, dancing, and music, but the real draw of this festival is the food, from delicious fruits to spicy street food.

Kanda Matsuri (May 8-15, 2025)
One of Tokyo’s three major festivals — Kanda Matsuri — takes place over a period of 8 days in mid-May. The festival only takes place in odd-numbered years, so after the festival this year, you won’t see it again till 2027. Based in and around Kanda Myojin Shrine near Ochanomizu Station, the Kanda Matsuri is a Shinto festival originally held to celebrate Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa’s famous victory at the Battle of Sekigahara, which paved the way for over 250 years of Tokugawa rule during the Edo period.

Sichuan Festa 2025 (May 10-11, 2025)
The Sichuan Festa 2025, also known as the Tokyo Sichuan Festival, is a vibrant food and cultural event celebrating Sichuan Province’s spicy cuisine. Held on May 10-11, 2025, at Nakano Central Park, Tokyo (a 3-minute walk from JR Nakano Station), it features authentic dishes like mapo tofu, spicy noodles, steamed buns, and hotpot, with prices starting around ¥500. Chefs from Japan and China, including high-end Ginza restaurants, showcase diverse Sichuan flavors, with this year’s theme focusing on mapo tofu.

Asakusabashi Red and White Horse Chestnut Festival (May 10-11, 2025)
The Asakusabashi Red and White Horse Chestnut Festival (Kohaku Marronnier Matsuri) is a vibrant community event held annually in mid-May in Asakusabashi, Tokyo, a historic neighborhood with Edo-period roots. Scheduled for May 10-11, 2025, it features lively performances, including traditional dances and a parade, alongside food stalls serving festival favorites like karaage and yakisoba. A highlight is the market showcasing local vendors, designed to resemble a miniature Asakusabashi.

Shibuya Kagoshima Ohara Festival (May 17-18, 2025)
The Shibuya Kagoshima Ohara Festival is a vibrant cultural event held annually on May 17-18, 2025, in Shibuya, Tokyo, celebrating Kagoshima Prefecture’s heritage. Named after the folk song “Ohara-bushi,” it features a lively parade on Sunday (12 PM–5 PM) along Dogenzaka-dori and Bunkamura-dori, with over 2,000 dancers in colorful yukata and happi performing synchronized traditional dances to taiko drumming and Kagoshima melodies like “Ohara-bushi” and “Shibuya-ondo.”

Yokohama Night Flowers (May 17, 2025)
The Yokohama Night Flowers is a seasonal fireworks festival held at Yokohama Port. It transforms the night sky with vibrant, five-minute displays one to three times a month, primarily on weekends, from April to September 2025 (with additional dates through March to be announced). Launched from Osanbashi or Shinko Pier, the fireworks bloom like flowers over the bay, viewable from spots like Yamashita Park.

FEATURED ARTICLE - Discover Kotohira in Shikoku: Kompira-san, Local Charm and Hot Springs

The article “Discover Kotohira in Shikoku: Kompira-san, Local Charm, and Hot Springs” on the Travely Notes blog, written by Sarah, a Japan enthusiast who lived there for over four years, is a heartfelt invitation to explore the small, soulful town of Kotohira in Kagawa Prefecture. It’s like a friend sharing their love for a hidden gem, urging you to experience its blend of spiritual depth, cultural treasures, and cozy relaxation. At the heart of Kotohira is Kompira-san, or Kotohiragu Shrine, a Shinto shrine perched halfway up Mount Zozu, reached by a challenging 785 stone steps to the main hall (or 1,368 to the inner shrine).  

📩 Stay Updated with Exclusive Japan Travel Tips!

Want to get insider travel tips, money-saving hacks, and the latest updates on Japan’s evolving travel scene?

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter today and receive expert guidance on how to navigate Japan like a pro!

🌏 Sign up now and start planning your dream trip to Japan! 🎌

We're here to help you plan your Japan trip based on your preferences and budget. It's free—message us at [email protected], but don't forget to subscribe! ⬇️