More tourists to Japan report getting overcharged or just plain ripped off for goods and services. Here's how to avoid getting fleeced.
10 days ago • Subscribe
More like this
![Featured image for Tourists are Spending More in Japan Than Ever](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20231112/1699763770.72801.109147.png)
![Background image for Tourists are Spending More in Japan Than Ever](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20231112/1699763770.72801.109147.png)
Tourists are Spending More in Japan Than Ever
Tourism to Japan is almost back to its 2019 levels - but spending is through the roof, with travelers shelling out more than ever.
![Featured image for The Shopping Destinations in Japan Tourists Are Loving Now](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240213/1707860170.79177.117000.jpg)
![Background image for The Shopping Destinations in Japan Tourists Are Loving Now](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240213/1707860170.79177.117000.jpg)
The Shopping Destinations in Japan Tourists Are Loving Now
Tourists are spending more than ever in Japan. But where? Check out these popular shopping destinations on your next trip.
![Featured image for The Shopping Destinations in Japan Tourists Are Loving Now](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240215/1708034770.79312.117157.jpg)
![Background image for The Shopping Destinations in Japan Tourists Are Loving Now](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240215/1708034770.79312.117157.jpg)
The Shopping Destinations in Japan Tourists Are Loving Now
Tourists are spending more than ever in Japan. But where? Check out these popular shopping destinations on your next trip.
![Featured image for What Are the Top Inconveniences for Tourists in Japan?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240312/1710279970.80783.119213.jpg)
![Background image for What Are the Top Inconveniences for Tourists in Japan?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240312/1710279970.80783.119213.jpg)
What Are the Top Inconveniences for Tourists in Japan?
Japan is often touted as the land of convenience. But for tourists, when it comes to some key activities, the struggle is real.
![Featured image for Tourists Are Flocking to Japan – and Leaving Their Luggage](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240519/1716080129.84375.123640.jpg)
![Background image for Tourists Are Flocking to Japan – and Leaving Their Luggage](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240519/1716080129.84375.123640.jpg)
Tourists Are Flocking to Japan – and Leaving Their Luggage
Tourists to Japan are leaving a lot behind - in some cases, including their broken luggage. One hotel found a neat solution to the problem.
![Featured image for Are Foreign Tourists to Japan The Only Ones Behaving Badly?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240527/1716842129.84796.124148.jpg)
![Background image for Are Foreign Tourists to Japan The Only Ones Behaving Badly?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240527/1716842129.84796.124148.jpg)
Are Foreign Tourists to Japan The Only Ones Behaving Badly?
Media reports blaming foreign tourists for bad behavior in Japan abound. But some say they're just imitating what the locals do.
![Featured image for The Most Popular Castles in Japan Among Tourists](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240219/1708376770.79546.117436.jpg)
![Background image for The Most Popular Castles in Japan Among Tourists](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240219/1708376770.79546.117436.jpg)
The Most Popular Castles in Japan Among Tourists
Which castles in Japan have the most fans among incoming tourists? One company ran the numbers to find out.
![Featured image for What Japanese Do Tourists REALLY Need in Japan?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20231105/1699217173.72307.108598.jpg)
![Background image for What Japanese Do Tourists REALLY Need in Japan?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20231105/1699217173.72307.108598.jpg)
What Japanese Do Tourists REALLY Need in Japan?
I went to Japan earlier this year, and this is all the Japanese I used/heard. Hopefully this helps you prepare for your trip! PDF Cheat Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A2_1oPicB6Lhw8rg58JmPk5YfFN9c2aC/view?usp=sharing TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro 01:34 Top…
![Featured image for Getting the Contraceptive Pill in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20220803/1659488940.41182.71073.jpg)
![Background image for Getting the Contraceptive Pill in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20220803/1659488940.41182.71073.jpg)
Getting the Contraceptive Pill in Japan
The percentage of Japanese women who take oral contraception is still minimal in comparison to women in the West, where it reigns as one of the most popular…
![Featured image for Unscrupulous Shops in Japan Target Tourists As Yen Weakens](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230908/1694204921.68001.103454.jpg)
![Background image for Unscrupulous Shops in Japan Target Tourists As Yen Weakens](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230908/1694204921.68001.103454.jpg)
Unscrupulous Shops in Japan Target Tourists As Yen Weakens
The weak yen has made it more attractive than ever to travel to Japan - but some restaurants and stores are taking advantage of that.
![Featured image for Tourists Return to Japan – But Japan Stays Home](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230420/1682032968.57761.90947.jpg)
![Background image for Tourists Return to Japan – But Japan Stays Home](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230420/1682032968.57761.90947.jpg)
Tourists Return to Japan – But Japan Stays Home
More and more people are coming to Japan, with some countries setting new records. So why isn't Japan returning the favor?
![Featured image for What Are the Most Popular Restaurants in Shinjuku for Tourists?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240322/1711079770.81293.119823.jpg)
![Background image for What Are the Most Popular Restaurants in Shinjuku for Tourists?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240322/1711079770.81293.119823.jpg)
What Are the Most Popular Restaurants in Shinjuku for Tourists?
Shinjuku's culinary scene is a magnet for tourists, but some eateries have truly captivated the hearts — and stomachs — of inbound travelers.
![Featured image for Are Japanese TV Interviews with Tourists Staged?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230914/1694728199.68416.103942.jpg)
![Background image for Are Japanese TV Interviews with Tourists Staged?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230914/1694728199.68416.103942.jpg)
Are Japanese TV Interviews with Tourists Staged?
Why are "tourist on the street" interviews so abundant on Japanese TV? One local columnist takes these "staged" segments to task.
![Featured image for Lost and Laughing: 5 Embarrassing Stories of Tourists in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230806/1691363921.66164.101278.jpg)
![Background image for Lost and Laughing: 5 Embarrassing Stories of Tourists in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230806/1691363921.66164.101278.jpg)
Lost and Laughing: 5 Embarrassing Stories of Tourists in Japan
From eyebrow-raising antics to dumb crimes, here are five news stories showcasing foreigners' absurd and embarrassing moments in Japan.
![Featured image for Are Isekai Anime Getting Boring?!](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20221216/1671223810.49264.81056.jpg)
![Background image for Are Isekai Anime Getting Boring?!](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20221216/1671223810.49264.81056.jpg)
Are Isekai Anime Getting Boring?!
We all know that the isekai genre is so oversaturated, but are isekai anime really getting boring?! Today, I take a look and try to find the answers…
![Featured image for Stealth Games Are Getting Old](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20221209/1670605214.48578.80144.jpg)
![Background image for Stealth Games Are Getting Old](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20221209/1670605214.48578.80144.jpg)
Stealth Games Are Getting Old
Stealth games as a genre used to be one of the most popular types of video game to be released. And more recently that genre seems to be…
![Featured image for Tourists are (Literally) Poking Holes in the Mt. Fuji Lawson Curtain](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240528/1716938729.84841.124204.jpg)
![Background image for Tourists are (Literally) Poking Holes in the Mt. Fuji Lawson Curtain](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240528/1716938729.84841.124204.jpg)
Tourists are (Literally) Poking Holes in the Mt. Fuji Lawson Curtain
One town in Japan put up a giant curtain to deter overtourism at a famous Mt. Fuji tourist spot. But where there's a will, there's a way.
![Featured image for New Record: Japan Surpasses 3 Million Inbound Tourists In a Month](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240421/1713658530.83044.122065.jpg)
![Background image for New Record: Japan Surpasses 3 Million Inbound Tourists In a Month](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240421/1713658530.83044.122065.jpg)
New Record: Japan Surpasses 3 Million Inbound Tourists In a Month
Some 3 million people flocked into Japan in March 2024 alone. What explains the country's record tourism numbers?
![Featured image for Even Superstitions are Scarier in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20221026/1666786140.45928.76865.gif)
![Background image for Even Superstitions are Scarier in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20221026/1666786140.45928.76865.gif)
Even Superstitions are Scarier in Japan
Every year I write a post aout how things are scarier in Japan! This year we look into Japanese superstitions.
Even Monsters are Scarier in Japan
Ok, I really need to get this out of the way first. I’m a bad blogger… That title is clickbait! Japan has a very rich tradition of supernatural…
![Featured image for Tokyo Tattoo: My First Time Getting Inked in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240226/1708923970.79922.117895.jpg)
![Background image for Tokyo Tattoo: My First Time Getting Inked in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240226/1708923970.79922.117895.jpg)
Tokyo Tattoo: My First Time Getting Inked in Japan
Read on to learn about my first Tokyo tattoo experience, how I plan to navigate Japan with my ink and get some insight from a local artist.
![Featured image for We Are Getting a “NieR:Automata” Anime](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20220223/1645616914.31781.59700.jpg)
![Background image for We Are Getting a “NieR:Automata” Anime](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20220223/1645616914.31781.59700.jpg)
We Are Getting a “NieR:Automata” Anime
I haven’t played any of the games, nor am I familiar with the lore. I do have that one Bing Arts figure as you can see here (One…
![Featured image for Why Tourists Are Smitten with Japan’s Popular Egg Cuisine](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20231212/1702414569.74694.111402.png)
![Background image for Why Tourists Are Smitten with Japan’s Popular Egg Cuisine](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20231212/1702414569.74694.111402.png)
Why Tourists Are Smitten with Japan’s Popular Egg Cuisine
Forget sushi and ramen. More than ever, tourists to Japan are discovering the delectability of the country's egg-based dishes.
Even Campfire Stories Are Scarier in Japan
Every year I bring you a collection of scary stories with a Japanese flair. This year we go back in time for some classic campfire stories.
Malevolent Spirits #10 — Yet More Getting Drunk
I am so tired of this season. Impressions: This episode rapidly went from poor to worse. We had to start out by spending a third of the…
![Featured image for South Korean Tourists Praise Japan for Cost/Performance Travel](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240227/1709075770.80009.118306.png)
![Background image for South Korean Tourists Praise Japan for Cost/Performance Travel](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240227/1709075770.80009.118306.png)
South Korean Tourists Praise Japan for Cost/Performance Travel
South Korean tourists now comprise the largest group of tourists to Japan - and many say it's because the price is right.
![Featured image for Get Ready, Japan Tourists – Here Comes the “Tourist Tax”](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230503/1683095321.60021.94005.jpg)
![Background image for Get Ready, Japan Tourists – Here Comes the “Tourist Tax”](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230503/1683095321.60021.94005.jpg)
Get Ready, Japan Tourists – Here Comes the “Tourist Tax”
As tourists pour back into Japan, more and more municipalities are taxing their stay. Here's what it means for your trip.
![Featured image for Some More Unexpected Aspects of Living in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20210919/1632054194.21619.47686.jpg)
![Background image for Some More Unexpected Aspects of Living in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20210919/1632054194.21619.47686.jpg)
Some More Unexpected Aspects of Living in Japan
I’ve been living here in rural Nagano Prefecture for the last year and a half, so I have to say that I feel like I’ve adapted to quite…
![Featured image for Even More Japan Tidbits](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20211031/1635681755.24243.50812.jpg)
![Background image for Even More Japan Tidbits](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20211031/1635681755.24243.50812.jpg)
Even More Japan Tidbits
As always, when I’m not writing about my personal experiences here, I like to try and bring up some lesser talked about tidbits about Japan. It feels like…
Even Urban Legends are Scarier in Japan 2!
Every year I do an Even X is Scarier in Japan post during October: Even Urban Legends are Scarier in Japan Even Creepypastas Are Scarier in Japan Even…
![Featured image for Will Japan Start a “Two-Tier” Charging System for Tourists?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240317/1710719770.81068.119546.jpg)
![Background image for Will Japan Start a “Two-Tier” Charging System for Tourists?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240317/1710719770.81068.119546.jpg)
Will Japan Start a “Two-Tier” Charging System for Tourists?
With tourists flooding into Japan and taking advantage of the country's weak currency, some say it's time to jack up prices for visitors.
![Featured image for Will Japan Mandate Tourists To Travel With Tour Guides Soon?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230930/1696118399.69439.105203.jpg)
![Background image for Will Japan Mandate Tourists To Travel With Tour Guides Soon?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230930/1696118399.69439.105203.jpg)
Will Japan Mandate Tourists To Travel With Tour Guides Soon?
Is your experience of Japan about to become a lot more regulated? A new proposal would require tourists in some cases to hire tour guides.
![Featured image for Japan To Charge Tourists Consumption Tax and Refund At Departure](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20231130/1701310570.73935.110487.jpg)
![Background image for Japan To Charge Tourists Consumption Tax and Refund At Departure](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20231130/1701310570.73935.110487.jpg)
Japan To Charge Tourists Consumption Tax and Refund At Departure
Thanks, scammers. Due to some people exploiting the system, Japan will now change how it handles duty-free purchasing by tourists.
![Featured image for Will New Law Mean More Delivery Drones in Japan?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20221223/1671783011.49683.81561.jpg)
![Background image for Will New Law Mean More Delivery Drones in Japan?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20221223/1671783011.49683.81561.jpg)
Will New Law Mean More Delivery Drones in Japan?
Japan has authorized a new tier of drone operations allowing for autonomous flight over residential areas. Here's why that's a game-changer.
![Featured image for More Essential Items for Your New Apartment in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20231002/1696288799.69614.105408.jpg)
![Background image for More Essential Items for Your New Apartment in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20231002/1696288799.69614.105408.jpg)
More Essential Items for Your New Apartment in Japan
You just moved into you new apartment—do you have everything you need? Here is a list over what you might need, from oven filters to mold killers and…
![Featured image for 70% of manga sales in Japan are now digital](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240228/1709126170.80027.118327.jpg)
![Background image for 70% of manga sales in Japan are now digital](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240228/1709126170.80027.118327.jpg)
70% of manga sales in Japan are now digital
Plus: McDonald's embraces anime identity; Crunchyroll adds more smart TV support; Disney doubles down on anime content; Machi Asobi event cancelled; and more
![Featured image for Why High-Alcohol Chuhai Drinks are Disappearing in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240222/1708560370.79688.117622.png)
![Background image for Why High-Alcohol Chuhai Drinks are Disappearing in Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240222/1708560370.79688.117622.png)
Why High-Alcohol Chuhai Drinks are Disappearing in Japan
Maybe they're not so Strong: once-popular high-alcohol chuhai drinks are disappearing in Japan due to a mounting health backlash.
![Featured image for Cherry Blossoms Are Hauling in the Yen For Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240325/1711401370.81494.120070.jpg)
![Background image for Cherry Blossoms Are Hauling in the Yen For Japan](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240325/1711401370.81494.120070.jpg)
Cherry Blossoms Are Hauling in the Yen For Japan
Move over, Ohtani Shohei and Taylor Swift: economists say that cherry blossoms are about to give Japan an economic windfall.
![Featured image for Raw Eggs in Japan: Are They Safe to Eat?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230904/1693827521.67740.103156.jpg)
![Background image for Raw Eggs in Japan: Are They Safe to Eat?](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230904/1693827521.67740.103156.jpg)
Raw Eggs in Japan: Are They Safe to Eat?
A number of Japanese dishes involve eating raw eggs. Is that safe? Experts tell us why you're unlikely to contract salmonella in Japan.
What Noodle Cups Are In Stock At The Konbini in Japan
I was in Japan in early December and eating different kinds of ramen. So yummy, especially if you are hungry, tired, and just need to res...
![Featured image for Arashiyama with no tourists? (Kyoto & Uji in 2022)](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20220417/1650180279.34720.63210.png)
![Background image for Arashiyama with no tourists? (Kyoto & Uji in 2022)](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20220417/1650180279.34720.63210.png)
Arashiyama with no tourists? (Kyoto & Uji in 2022)
Over the past four and a half years, I have visited Kyoto three times. I decided that my third would be my last for a long time, because…
![Featured image for Japan LGBTQ Workplace Survey Finds Many in Community are Struggling](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230412/1681329611.57264.90373.jpg)
![Background image for Japan LGBTQ Workplace Survey Finds Many in Community are Struggling](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230412/1681329611.57264.90373.jpg)
Japan LGBTQ Workplace Survey Finds Many in Community are Struggling
A new survey by a leading LGBTQ rights group in Japan finds many in the community struggling for acceptance and support in the workplace.
![Featured image for Japan to End Entry Ban on 106 Countries; Tourists Not Yet Included](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20220406/1649261264.34093.62457.jpg)
![Background image for Japan to End Entry Ban on 106 Countries; Tourists Not Yet Included](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20220406/1649261264.34093.62457.jpg)
Japan to End Entry Ban on 106 Countries; Tourists Not Yet Included
Japan's government has announces that a slew of countries will no longer be subject to their wide-ranging entry ban, yet the practical effect remains limited.
![Featured image for Things are Getting Weirder: Blood on the Tracks Volume Two](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230416/1681682411.57517.90668.png)
![Background image for Things are Getting Weirder: Blood on the Tracks Volume Two](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20230416/1681682411.57517.90668.png)
Things are Getting Weirder: Blood on the Tracks Volume Two
A look at volume two of Blood on the Tracks.
![Featured image for The Otakusphere: Spring reviews are in the air and watch more anime](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20210509/1620596641.11978.36506.png)
![Background image for The Otakusphere: Spring reviews are in the air and watch more anime](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20210509/1620596641.11978.36506.png)
The Otakusphere: Spring reviews are in the air and watch more anime
Good morning or afternoon or evening or whatever time you’re reading this. I think I’ve covered it all, so let’s start over. Good day to you! GOOD DAY!…
Heading toward spring with a hope that things are getting better
The last twelve months have been difficult for everyone – social disorder; worldwide illness, and deaths from COVID-19 and its variants; remote interactions failing to be complete substitutes…
Spectacle Anime Are Getting Too Junk Food-y For My Taste
I want to leave this theme park at some point.
Anime Japan 2019 – Gachas, artwork, and more!
Hey guys! Here’s my first video in Japan. I’m in the middle searching for a new microphone so I can record sound out in the wild, but for…
![Featured image for Letters from Japan: ‘Are Our Relationships Okay?’](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20211126/1637889758.25961.52996.jpg)
![Background image for Letters from Japan: ‘Are Our Relationships Okay?’](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20211126/1637889758.25961.52996.jpg)
Letters from Japan: ‘Are Our Relationships Okay?’
Savvy Tokyo's resident "Love in Japan" columnist, Hilary Keyes, answers anonymous questions from readers on everything from dating in Japan to women’s health issues. Got a question you’d…
![Featured image for See Where Cherry Blossoms Are Blooming Now in Japan on GaijinPot Travel](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240401/1712013371.81921.120683.jpg)
![Background image for See Where Cherry Blossoms Are Blooming Now in Japan on GaijinPot Travel](https://cdn.aniblogtracker.com/live/20240401/1712013371.81921.120683.jpg)
See Where Cherry Blossoms Are Blooming Now in Japan on GaijinPot Travel
Cherry blossom season is officially here! Check out GaijinPot Travel to learn about Japan's best cherry blossom viewing spots.