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Straight answers to the “how do I…” questions that come up in Japan, including the do-it-yourself options. When a phone call in Japanese is the hard part, we can make it for you.
· 6 min read
Many onsen in Japan still restrict tattoos, but rules vary place by place. Some welcome everyone, some allow small tattoos under cover stickers, and some refuse any tattoo. Private baths (貸切風呂, kashikiri-buro) are usually the easiest option. Always check with the onsen before you go.
· 6 min read
In Japan you can send suitcases by courier, called takkyubin (宅急便), from your hotel, a convenience store or an airport counter. It often arrives the next day or later, so send it at least a day or two before your flight and collect it at the airport courier counter.
· 5 min read
Exhibiting at a trade show in Japan means many small Japanese-language calls: the organizer, booth contractors, couriers, hotels, printers and restaurants. Start eight weeks out, confirm everything again in show week, and keep a local contact for problems during the show and follow-up afterward.
· 6 min read
To throw away furniture in Japan, book a bulky waste (粗大ごみ, sodai gomi) collection with your city, buy a fee sticker at a convenience store, attach it, and put the item out on the morning you were given. TVs, fridges, washing machines and air-conditioners follow separate recycling rules.
· 5 min read
In an emergency, call 119 for an ambulance or 110 for the police. Otherwise, go to a small clinic that covers your symptoms rather than a big hospital. Call ahead to check walk-ins and English, bring ID, insurance details and cash, and expect visitors to pay in full and claim it back.
· 5 min read
Act fast. Note the train line, direction, time and car number, then tell station staff straight away. Items usually go to the railway's lost property office first, then to the police after a few days. Japan returns a lot of lost items, so a clear description gives you a good chance.
· 6 min read
A missed delivery slip (不在連絡票, fuzai renraku-hyō) means a courier tried to deliver while you were out. Redelivery is usually free. Scan the QR code or use the courier's website, call the automated line or the driver, or pick the parcel up. You'll need the tracking number and holding deadline from the slip.
· 6 min read
Many small Japanese restaurants only take bookings by phone, in Japanese. You can call yourself with a short script, ask your hotel concierge, check whether the restaurant is on an English booking platform, or have a call service ring for you. Have your date, time, party size, name and any allergies ready first.
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