Out and About
Articles on the best places in Japan. Travel tips and advice for tourists as well as long-time residents visiting or living in any of Japan's cities. Hidden gems that are a must-see during your trip.
Japan Re-entry Permit Guide: Regular vs. Special Re-entry Permission
Out and About September 24th, 2026

Japan Re-entry Permit Guide: Regular vs. Special Re-entry Permission

Don’t forget your reentry permit! Not sure what that is? Read more to find out.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
10 Top English-Speaking Hospitals and Clinics in Tokyo
Life in Japan, Out and About September 18th, 2026

10 Top English-Speaking Hospitals and Clinics in Tokyo

Bookmark this page so you’ll know where to turn in worst-case scenarios in Tokyo. Or share with a friend who needs help.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Akiya Furniture: Keep, Sell, or Toss? Your Guide
Out and About September 11th, 2026

Akiya Furniture: Keep, Sell, or Toss? Your Guide

Dive into traditional and unique akiya furniture that you may see in your akiya home.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japan Tax-Free Shopping 2026: How the November Refund System Works (Old vs New)
Out and About August 28th, 2026

Japan Tax-Free Shopping 2026: How the November Refund System Works (Old vs New)

Japan's tax-free shopping system is switching to a pay-first, refund-later model on November 1, 2026. Here's exactly how the new airport refund process works, what stays the same, and what residents need to know.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Where To Buy Stamps In Japan: Post Offices, Conbini, & More
Out and About August 20th, 2026

Where To Buy Stamps In Japan: Post Offices, Conbini, & More

Find out where to buy stamps in Japan!
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japan E-Visa: The Complete Guide to Applying Online (2026)
Out and About, Life in Japan August 20th, 2026

Japan E-Visa: The Complete Guide to Applying Online (2026)

Everything you need to apply for Japan's e visa in 2026. Eligible countries, required documents, step-by-step application walkthrough, updated fees, and the common mistakes that get applications cancelled before they're even reviewed.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
The Best SmartEX Shinkansen Guide To Buy Tickets Online
Out and About August 12th, 2026

The Best SmartEX Shinkansen Guide To Buy Tickets Online

A step-by-step guide on how to use Smart Ex Shinkansen site.
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Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing Writer
5 Methods Japanese Use for Dealing With Loose Change
Life in Japan, Out and About July 23rd, 2026

5 Methods Japanese Use for Dealing With Loose Change

Discover 5 methods that Japanese use for handling loose change.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Best eSIM for Japan in 2026: Compared for Tourists, Digital Nomads, and Residents
Out and About July 9th, 2026

Best eSIM for Japan in 2026: Compared for Tourists, Digital Nomads, and Residents

An eSIM will get you online the moment you land in Japan, but it won't give you a real phone number. We compare Airalo, Saily, Ubigi, and Mobal for tourists, then break down what digital nomads and residents actually need instead.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Shipping A Car to Japan: How-to Guide for Expats and Families
Out and About, Life in Japan July 9th, 2026

Shipping A Car to Japan: How-to Guide for Expats and Families

Whether you're shipping a Tesla or a BMW, this guide will illuminate the process and help you plan your next steps.
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Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing Writer
Leaving Japan Temporarily? Your FAQs Answered
Out and About, Life in Japan July 2nd, 2026

Leaving Japan Temporarily? Your FAQs Answered

What to do with your bills, mail, plants, housekeeping, and other frequently asked questions related to leaving Japan for a couple of months.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japan Departure Tax: Everything Travelers Need to Know in 2026
Out and About May 27th, 2026

Japan Departure Tax: Everything Travelers Need to Know in 2026

Japan's departure tax triples to 3,000 yen from July 2026. Learn who pays, who's exempt, how it's collected, and what it means for your travel budget, plus updated hotel tax rates and tax-free shopping changes.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
How To Send Gifts To Japan: The Ultimate Step By Step Guide
Out and About May 14th, 2026

How To Send Gifts To Japan: The Ultimate Step By Step Guide

Here is your step-by-step guide on how to send gifts to Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
The Ultimate Japan IC Card Guide: Suica vs Pasmo And More
Out and About April 23rd, 2026

The Ultimate Japan IC Card Guide: Suica vs Pasmo And More

Suica vs Pasmo—which is better? Learn all about Japan's IC card system and how you can benefit from it.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Yamato Transport Airport TA-Q-BIN Luggage Delivery Service
Out and About April 3rd, 2026

Yamato Transport Airport TA-Q-BIN Luggage Delivery Service

Learn how to use Yamato Transport's luggage delivery service, available from all of Japan's international airports.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japan’s Luggage Delivery Services: A How-to Guide
Life in Japan, Out and About April 2nd, 2026

Japan’s Luggage Delivery Services: A How-to Guide

Stop dragging your luggage through Japan. Here’s what to do instead.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Car Insurance in Japan: A Guide to the Top Providers
Out and About, Life in Japan February 27th, 2026

Car Insurance in Japan: A Guide to the Top Providers

What foreigners ought to know about applying for car insurance in Japan, good deals, how to enroll, and what to look out for.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
The 3 Best Pocket Wifi Japan Has to Offer and More
Out and About July 28th, 2025

The 3 Best Pocket Wifi Japan Has to Offer and More

Stay connected in Japan with any one of these best pocket wifi Japan has.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Best High-End Items in Japan You Didn’t Know You Needed
Out and About, Life in Japan June 10th, 2025

Best High-End Items in Japan You Didn’t Know You Needed

Discover the best high-end things to buy in Japan—from sweets and stationery to gadgets and skincare. Shop tax-free and explore the hidden gems!
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Best Cafes to Work in Tokyo with Power + Free Wi-Fi
Out and About January 31st, 2025

Best Cafes to Work in Tokyo with Power + Free Wi-Fi

You're waiting for someone or you're in between appointments. Where can you do some work, get online, and charge your phone downtown? Bookmark this page or save these locations to your Google Maps app for the next time you need a power outlet and free Wi-Fi in Tokyo.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
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