basabasa - Real Japan Guide

Pocket WiFi vs eSIM vs SIM Card in Japan: How Tourists Should Stay Connected (2026)

Comparison of eSIM, Pocket WiFi and SIM card options for staying connected in Japan in 2026, with scenario-based recommendations for solo travellers, groups, and long-stay guests.

2026.04.29

Travel Tips

Cash in Japan 2026: A Visual Guide to Yen Banknotes & Coins for Tourists

Old vs new banknotes after the July 2024 redesign, the mystery of the 2,000-yen note, foreign-card ATMs, and where cash still beats cards in Japan.

2026.04.28

Travel Tips

Suica or PASMO in 2026? What Tourists Should Buy at Haneda, Narita, Tokyo & Osaka

Four options in 2026: Welcome Suica, Mobile Suica iPhone, Tourist Pasmo, regular Suica. Where to buy at Haneda T2, Narita T1/T2, Tokyo, Osaka + 2-min iPhone setup.

2026.04.28

Travel Tips

Japan Vending Machines 2026: 1 per 31 People, What They Sell

Japan has 3.93 million vending machines — one per 31 people. Hot coffee, ramen, and unexpected items beyond Coke. How to pay with Suica, ¥1,000 notes, and IC cards.

2026.04.28

Culture

What to Expect (and Not Expect) as a Muslim Guest at a Japanese Airbnb

Quick Answer: Most Japanese Airbnb hosts have very limited knowledge of Halal practices or Muslim prayer routines. This...

2026.04.28

Travel Tips

Trash in Japan: Why Japan Sorts So Carefully — and How Short-Stay Guests Can Help

Quick Answer Japan’s trash sorting can look intimidating from the outside — five or six categories, different day...

2026.04.27

Culture

Tokyo Restaurant Booking 2026: 3 English Apps That Take Foreign Visa/Mastercard

TableCheck, Pocket Concierge, OMAKASE — the only 3 English apps that accept foreign Visa/Mastercard for Tokyo sushi, kaiseki, yakiniku reservations. Side-by-side comparison for 2026.

2026.04.26

Travel Tips

Shinkansen for Tourists 2026: Tokyo→Kyoto in 2h17, ¥13,320 — Foreign Visa/Mastercard OK

Book Shinkansen online from overseas with SmartEX — Visa, Mastercard, Amex all accepted. Tokyo→Kyoto in 2h17 from ¥13,320. Oversized luggage seats free in 2026. Step-by-step booking guide.

2026.04.26

Travel Tips

Tokyo Luggage Storage 2026: ¥400 Lockers + Ecbo from ¥500/Day

Tokyo coin lockers from ¥400, reservable Ecbo Cloak spaces from ¥500/day, or Yamato delivery to your hotel by evening. Shinjuku & Shibuya routes inside.

2026.04.25

Travel Tips

When to Take Off Your Shoes in Japan: A Practical Guide for Short-Term Guests (2026)

A practical guide for short-term visitors to Japan: when to take off your shoes, the genkan rule, slipper traps, and what to do if you forget.

2026.04.25

Culture