Travel

Self-Driving Taxis Will Hit Tokyo Streets on a Test Run in 2025

Waymo is partnering with two companies in Japan to pilot self-driving "robotaxis" in seven cities in Tokyo next year. The experiment could provide more taxi capacity in the face of a chronic labor shortage. But is it safe?

Can Japanese Stores Use Signs to Keep Tourists Out?

A store in Kyoto made headlines when it posted a sign in English and Chinese saying it was closed - but, in small print, it welcomed anyone who could read Japanese. It's clever - but is it legal? A lawyer in Japan says: yeah, pretty much.

Should Tourists Be Fined for Stealing Reserved Shinkansen Seats?

Should tourists be hit with fines for taking reserved seats that aren't theirs on a Shinkansen train in Japan? That's what some are arguing as travelers struggle to understand (or ignore) basic bullet train seating rules.

Don’t Make This Mistake Riding E-Scooters in Japan

Planning to ride an e-scooter around a Japanese city? Be careful if you take the devices on the sidewalk. One Japanese user found this out the hard way after police slapped him with a 6000 yen fine.

Tottori Station Will (Finally!) Get Automated Ticket Gates in 2025

It's a common trope that "Japan is living in the future." But did you know the country still has some train stations where you need a physical ticket? Next year, JR West will (finally) install IC card gates at Tottori Station, the last station it runs that still collects paper passes.

Goodbye Train Gates? New Suica Promises Gate-Free Travel in Japan

Will you never have to swipe your Suica card again? JR East says it plans to roll out a version of the iconic card in 2028 that uses GPS, enabling tap-free travel.

Why E-Scooters Are Driving Japan Insane

E-scooters are becoming more popular in Japan. Sadly, so is scooter abuse. Users are drinking booze while scootering and even taking the devices on city highways, leading many to call for a crackdown.

Shizuoka Mulls Steep Fee to Climb Mt. Fuji as Overtourism Continues

After seeing Yamanashi Prefecture's success with levying entrance fees on Mt. Fuji hikers, Shizokua says it'll follow suit. The prefecture says it'll propose a 4000 yen (USD $26) fee per hiker for entrance to all three trailheads in a bid to counter overtourism.

Tokyo Cooking Classes: Learn to Cook Authentic Japanese Food

Love Japanese food? Want to do something a little more hands-on while visiting Tokyo? Here's why you should consider a cooking class - and how to find one that fits your dietary needs.

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