Japan Travel Tips | Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Need a Japanese Phone Number? Get a Mobal Voice+Text+Data SIM

October 4, 2026 / Japan Travel Tips

While Japan is famous for its high-tech innovations, many restaurants and local services still rely on traditional booking methods that require a phone call. Furthermore, registering for online ticketing platforms, making online reservations, or using popular domestic apps often requires a real Japanese phone number for SMS verification. The good news is that getting a

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Nighttime fireworks lighting the sky over a dark lake, with colorful bursts and reflections on the water surface.

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival: History, Tickets, & Survival Tips

August 21, 2026 / Cultural Experiences & Activities, Japan Travel Tips

Every August, over one million visitors gather along the banks of the Shinano River (信濃川) in Niigata to witness one of Japan’s most spectacular displays: the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (Nagaoka Hanabi, 長岡まつり大花火大会). Launching 20,000 fireworks over two unforgettable nights from 7:20 PM to 9:10 PM, this massive event is far more than a summer celebration.

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The Top Walking Shoes to Wear for an Overseas Trip

The Top 3 Comfortable Walking Shoes for Overseas Travel

August 11, 2026 / Japan Travel Tips

Every seasoned traveler knows that few things are as important as the shoes on your feet. From navigating cobblestone streets in Europe to trekking through the beautiful nature in Japan, the right footwear can be the difference between a memorable journey and a painful one. With so many options on the market, finding a pair

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The Best Pocket WiFi to Rent in Japan

August 4, 2026 / Japan Travel Tips

One of the most common questions we come across in many Japan travel forums is whether one should rent a portable WiFi device when travelling in Japan. While Japan SIM cards and Japan eSIMs are much cheaper than a small internet router, pocket WiFi can be the best option for your next Japan trip if

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The Best Japan SIM Card for Tourist

August 6, 2026 / Japan Travel Tips

Staying connected to the internet in Japan is critical for obvious reasons, such as navigating the complicated train systems and translating menus. Purchasing a Japan tourist SIM is one of the best ways to access the internet while you explore the amazing country. Before you rush off and order a Japan travel SIM card for

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The Best eSIM for Japan for Short-Term/Long-Term Visit

August 4, 2026 / Japan Travel Tips

The technology has advanced rapidly in the last few decades. In this day and age, a physical SIM card isn’t required to connect your cell phone to the local telecommunication networks (if the phone is one of the newer models). This makes traveling abroad much easier because you don’t need to switch physical SIM cards

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A Guide to Do I Need a JR Pass & Is the JR Pass Worth It?

June 26, 2026 / Japan Travel Tips, Transportation in Japan

If you have done a bit of research about the transportation system in Japan, the term Japan Rail Pass might sound familiar to you. While the unlimited train rides on all JR train lines sound enticing, depending on your itinerary, you might not actually need a JR Pass! In fact, with the price scheduled to

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Japan Seasonal Guide: What to Wear and Event Calendar

March 31, 2026 / Japan Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Japan requires more than just a passport and a pair of walking shoes. It requires a strategy that accounts for the country’s shifting microclimates and its rapidly evolving travel landscape. Whether you are chasing the “Sakura Frontline” through the mountains of Nagano, timing your visit for the peak of autumn foliage

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The Best Seat on the Akita Shinkansen Komachi

How to Ride the Akita Shinkansen: The Amenities & Best Seats

February 27, 2026 / Japan Travel Tips, Transportation in Japan

Experience the thrill of Japan’s “Mini-Shinkansen” with a journey on the Akita Shinkansen Komachi. This sleek, ruby-red bullet train seamlessly connects the neon lights of Tokyo to the snowy landscapes and samurai history of Akita Prefecture. Named after the legendary Heian-period poet Ono no Komachi (小野小町), this high-speed marvel is unique for its ability to

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The Best Seat on Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa

The Best Seats on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hokkaido

January 22, 2026 / Japan Travel Tips, Transportation in Japan

One of the most common bullet train-related questions we saw in Japan travel forums is: which side of the train offers the best view? While you won’t be able to see the majestic Mt. Fuji when you travel north from Tokyo, the scenery along the train line does not disappoint! In fact, we decided to summarize

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