Itineraries, transport, food and the tools that make your first trip to Japan feel like your third.
A guide to Imabari, the Shikoku end of the Shimanami Kaido: Imabari Castle, towel shops, Kurushima Strait cruises, island trips and local…
Plan 5 to 7 days in Shikoku: getting there from Okayama, Osaka or Tokyo, trains and buses between the four prefectures, the…
A guide to Uwajima in southern Ehime: an original castle keep, Tensha-en garden, togyu bull sumo, Uwajima-style taimeshi and jakoten, with 2026…
A guide to Ozu, Ehime by a writer who grew up there: the wooden castle keep, Garyu Sanso, the old town, cormorant…
From Nov 1, 2026, tax-free shopping in Japan is a refund: pay full price, pass a customs kiosk before check-in, then get…
Every type of place to stay in Japan explained: business hotels, ryokan, minshuku, capsules, hostels, rentals and temple stays, plus passport rules,…
How to send luggage in Japan: Yamato TA-Q-BIN prices from Tokyo, airport delivery, same-day services in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, storage and…
Which translation apps work best in Japan in 2026: Google Live translate, Apple Translate with AirPods, VoiceTra, DeepL, offline options, menu tips…
How kimono rental works in Japan in 2026: prices at the main shops, dressing and return times, yukata season, sizes, Gion and…
Hirameki Japanese — our own iPhone app: camera translate for menus & signs, a two-way conversation mode, and furigana + romaji on every phrase. Free to download with kana charts, conversation mode and starter words; a one-time purchase unlocks everything.
⬇ Get it on the App Store
