Shopping columns 137 articles
This list shows only the columns that have an English version (137 articles). The rest are available in Japanese only.
Columns without an English version are in Japanese: Japanese columns
Sales, points and when to buy 44 articles
Sale schedules, how to earn points, when prices drop
Sale tips 13 articles
- Sale Calendar 2026 Month-by-month calendar of Amazon, Rakuten and Yahoo! Shopping sales in Japan for 2026, from Prime Day and Black Friday to Super SALE and PayPay days, with tips. 12 min read
- Amazon Prime Benefits Guide 2026 Amazon Prime is more than free shipping: Prime Video, Music, Reading, Photos and member sales. Benefits, value, Student and Household plans, trial and cancellation tips. 27 min read
- Amazon Drinks Sale: 50 Popular Picks 50 best-selling, deeply discounted water, tea, sparkling water and coffee deals from Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days Drinks Sale (Oct 6–19), rechecked Oct 9, with Subscribe & Save coupons and code PAK2610. 11 min read
- Suntory Tennensui 40% off ×2 The exact steps we took to checkout on October 4: which items go in one order, how the water gets 40% off twice, and how Subscribe & Save and the Kao 3-item offer stack, with cart and checkout screenshots. 6 min read
- THE NORTH FACE October deals Browse 15 new THE NORTH FACE items with discounts checked on Amazon Japan, including bags, footwear, clothing and accessories. Exact colors and sizes are listed. 5 min read
- Brand Gift Cards: 1,000 Points Buy ¥10,000 total in brand gift cards like Apple Gift Card or Google Play and get 1,000 points. Our Oct 4 screenshots show how to check eligibility and avoid fees. 6 min read
- Prime Thanksgiving Sale Apple Watch 16 Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS) models discounted in Amazon's Prime Thanksgiving Sale (Oct 13–19), arranged by size, color and band. Sale prices and discount rates included (as of Oct 13). Refurbished Series 9 and 7 are listed at the end. 4 min read
- Prime Thanksgiving Sale Kindle, Echo and Fire TV 39 Kindle, Echo and Fire TV items discounted in Amazon's Prime Thanksgiving Sale (Oct 13–19), arranged by type. Sale prices, reference prices and discount rates included (as of Oct 13). 4 min read
- Prime Thanksgiving Sale MagSafe case 14 genuine Apple iPhone cases, bumpers and straps discounted in Amazon's Prime Thanksgiving Sale (Oct 13–19), arranged by model. Sale prices, reference prices and discount rates included (as of Oct 13). 4 min read
- Prime Thanksgiving Sale iPhone iPhone Air (SIM-free) 256GB, 512GB and 1TB discounted in Amazon's Prime Thanksgiving Sale (Oct 13–19), grouped by color. Sale prices and discount rates included (as of Oct 13). Refurbished iPhones are listed at the end. 4 min read
- Prime Thanksgiving Sale Dyson hair care The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer and Airstrait straightener discounted in Amazon's Prime Thanksgiving Sale (Oct 13–19). Sale prices, reference prices and discount rates included (as of Oct 13). 4 min read
- Prime Thanksgiving Sale Dyson and Shark vacuums 13 Dyson and Shark vacuums discounted in Amazon's Prime Thanksgiving Sale (Oct 13–19). Sale prices, reference prices and discount rates included (as of Oct 13). 4 min read
- Prime Thanksgiving Sale Dyson air purifiers 4 Dyson air purifiers (Purifier Cool and Purifier Hot+Cool) discounted in Amazon's Prime Thanksgiving Sale (Oct 13–19). Sale prices, reference prices and discount rates included (as of Oct 13). 4 min read
Price-Drop Cycles by Category 6 articles
- Consoles & Gaming Gear 2026 Buy consoles at list price from authorized stores, games via sales, digital or subscriptions, and gaming PCs, monitors and gear as older models or in big sales. 12 min read
- Japan Appliance Buying Calendar 2026 When are appliances cheapest in Japan? See the lowest-price months for fridges, washers, air conditioners, TVs, PCs and kitchen gadgets, plus how to stack fiscal-year sales and big sales. 17 min read
- How to Buy an iPhone Apple rarely cuts iPhone prices, so here's when to buy, new vs. last year's model, where to buy, plus contract, data transfer and safety tips in Japan. 27 min read
- Best Time to Buy an AC When air conditioners get cheaper (early summer, autumn), new vs. last year's model, the full price with installation and removal, sizing by room, and safety notes. 25 min read
- When to Buy a TV TV price cycles in Japan (new launches and last-year markdowns), new vs. old models, choosing size and OLED vs. LCD, plus safety tips on tip-over prevention and recycling. 31 min read
- How to Choose a Wireless Charger Pads, stands, MagSafe and multi-device chargers compared, plus how to pick by standard, wattage and placement, with safety tips on heat and never trapping cards underneath. 31 min read
Seasons & Timing 4 articles
- First-Apartment Appliances & Furniture 2026 Essential appliances and furniture for living alone in Japan: what to buy first, measuring and delivery checks, new-life sales (Feb–Mar), and saving with older models, bundles and points. 14 min read
- Obon Sales What gets discounted during Obon (summer items, travel gear), how long post-Obon markdowns last, using each online mall, this-year vs next-year buys, and delivery and safety caveats. 33 min read
- When to Buy Appliances in Japan How to buy home appliances cheaply in Japan: model change cycles, the best summer and winter picks, new vs. previous models, how to prepare, and common mistakes. 28 min read
- How to Shop Japan's Fiscal Year-End Sales Why prices drop in late Feb and late Aug, why fiscal year-ends differ by retailer (March vs. August), what to buy when, and how to stack sales with EC mall events. 28 min read
Points & Rewards Programs 6 articles
- Points Rewards Complete Guide 2026 Pick a points ecosystem (PayPay, Rakuten, d Point, au PAY, V Point), stack QR payments with credit cards, avoid reward caps and cutbacks, and use up limited-time points. 13 min read
- PayPay Coupons PayPay coupon types, claiming before you pay, what to check when a coupon doesn't apply, using coupons online and in stores, stacking rules and phishing scams. 28 min read
- V Point The T-Point to V Point merger explained: how to earn V Points, where to spend them at partner stores, expiry dates, and how to avoid phishing scams. 26 min read
- Santaro Day (三太郎の日) What au PAY Market's Santaro Day is (the 3rd, 13th and 23rd), how membership tiers change your points, bundling planned purchases, point caps and phishing scams. 33 min read
- Rakuten Shopping Marathon 2026 How Rakuten Shopping Marathon's shop-hopping gets you up to 10x points, plus the Rakuma bonus (+1x), coupons, stacking with SPU, point caps and common pitfalls. 27 min read
- Rakuten Cash Expiry How Rakuten Cash expiry works: campaign rewards expire sooner, money from Rakuten Pay transfers is handled differently. How to check your balance and expiry dates, ways to use it up in time, and phishing scams to avoid. 21 min read
Smart Shopping Techniques 3 articles
- Housekeeping Services vs. Time-Saving Appliances 2026 How to cut your housework load in Japan with housekeeping services, time-saving appliances and delivery: choosing a service, costs, safety, robot vacuums and dishwashers. 25 min read
- Using Online Coupons Smartly How to use online shopping coupons in Japan without missing out: store, mall-wide and campaign coupons, stacking rules, checking your final price, and common mistakes. 22 min read
- Using Limited-Time Sales Smartly How to catch and make smart use of time-limited online sales in Japan: notifications, favorites, timing, prep before the start, resisting pressure tactics, and common mistakes. 33 min read
Smart Shopping Tips 4 articles
- Using Japan's 3 Big Point Programs How Amazon, Rakuten and PayPay points differ, how to pick a main one for your lifestyle and use case, plus expiry rules and phishing scams to watch for. 27 min read
- How to Read Reviews How to read online shopping reviews in Japan without taking them at face value: unreliable review signs, spotting trustworthy ones, cross-checking, and ads and scams. 28 min read
- How to Check the Seller How to tell who you're really buying from on Amazon Marketplace, spot trustworthy sellers, avoid the risks of choosing on price alone, and deal with parallel imports, fakes and scams. 26 min read
- Reading Shipping Fees How to compare online stores in Japan by total price including shipping, read free-shipping thresholds, catch hidden fees, and handle bulky items, remote islands and over-buying. 25 min read
Cashless Payments 2 articles
- Suica/PASMO 2026 Suica vs PASMO comes down to who issues your commuter pass and which points program you use. We cover physical cards vs mobile, top-ups, auto-charge, and phone changes. 25 min read
- Google Pay 2026 What Google Wallet can do depends on whether your phone has a FeliCa (Osaifu-Keitai) chip. How to tell which side your phone is on, and how to switch phones in the right order. 30 min read
Overseas Shopping & Parallel Imports 5 articles
- Overseas Online Shopping 2026 A guide to buying from overseas sites while living in Japan: iHerb, SHEIN, Temu, AliExpress, Amazon US and eBay. Covers shipping, customs duties, duty-free shopping and avoiding fakes. 25 min read
- AliExpress 2026 Shop AliExpress safely from Japan: when to use Choice, how to read store ratings and reviews, sale timing, Temu/Shein comparison, fakes and import tax. 23 min read
- Temu 2026 How to use Temu in Japan: why it's cheap, first-order deals, judging quality from reviews, free returns, customs duty, fakes, privacy, and SHEIN/AliExpress compared. 25 min read
- eBay 2026 eBay is a goldmine for rare and collectible items. How proxy services work, what's worth buying, offer and bidding tactics, full cost breakdown, fakes and import rules. 26 min read
- Japan Import Duty Guide 2026 Don't let import duty wreck your budget. How Japan taxes personal imports, typical duty by item, customs steps, legal ways to pay less, and banned items. Check Customs for current rules. 28 min read
Prices & Economy 1 articles
How to choose and compare 16 articles
Comparisons for when you can't decide, and how to avoid mistakes
Comparison & Buying Guides 10 articles
- How to Choose a CD Player Choosing a CD boombox, stereo or portable player in Japan: Wide FM, Bluetooth, language-learning features, and picks by use, including for kids and seniors. 23 min read
- Private Label vs. Name Brands When to buy private label (PB) and when to stick with name brands: which products suit PB, how to judge by performance gaps and failure risk, how to test safely, and common pitfalls. 26 min read
- How to Choose an SD Card How to read SD/microSD standards and speed classes, and choose by device support, capacity, speed and endurance, plus why to back up and how to avoid fake-capacity cards. 23 min read
- How to Choose a TV How to choose a TV in Japan: size for your viewing distance, panel type (OLED/LCD/Mini LED), tuners (terrestrial/BS/4K) and use (gaming/streaming). Use cases, common mistakes and FAQ. 22 min read
- How to Choose a Raincoat Ponchos, coats, two-piece suits and cycling rain gear compared, plus how to judge waterproofing, breathability and packability, with bike safety tips on snagging and visibility. 32 min read
- Using BNPL Safely in Japan How to use buy now, pay later (BNPL) in Japan safely: how it works, the main types, benefits, easy-to-miss risks (installment fees, overspending, late payment), safe-use rules and common mistakes. 29 min read
- How to Choose a Washing Machine How to choose a washing machine in Japan: top-load vs drum, capacity by household size, heat pump vs heater drying, and installation and delivery-route sizing. Plus pitfalls and FAQ. 32 min read
- How to Choose a Clothes Dryer Electric vs. gas dryers (like Kanta-kun), plus capacity, installation space and drying speed, with safety notes on gas work and fire prevention. 28 min read
- Choosing an Electric Nail File Manicure vs. gel removal vs. baby models, plus how to choose bits, speed control and power source, with tips to avoid over-filing and damaging your nails. 22 min read
- How to Choose a Power Strip Pick a power strip by PSE mark first, then outlets, surge protection, switches and USB. Plus safety rules: stay under 1500W, no daisy-chaining, prevent tracking fires. 28 min read
By Appliance Brand 6 articles
- Iris Ohyama Appliances 2026 When are Iris Ohyama sales in 2026? Price-drop seasons (Prime Day, spring move-in, year-end), who it suits, target prices by category, the big 3 online stores, and safety and warranty tips. 27 min read
- Daikin Air Conditioners 2026 Daikin Urusara X guide: when prices drop (May–June), choosing capacity by room size, estimating total cost with installation, online vs electronics stores, and safe installation. 31 min read
- De'Longhi 2026 When De'Longhi bean-to-cup machines go on sale (Black Friday etc.), how to pick a series, who suits full-auto, long-term cost vs capsules, maintenance and buying genuine units. 34 min read
- BALMUDA Toaster 2026 When does BALMUDA go on sale? Best times and places to buy The Toaster (Black Friday etc.), choosing a model, who it suits, toasting and care tips, and buying genuine units. 25 min read
- How to Choose a Healsio Choosing a Sharp Healsio by size and grade: where superheated steam shines, when the Hotcook auto-cooker makes sense, Healsio vs Bistro, common mistakes and installation tips. 25 min read
- Zojirushi Rice Cookers 2026 Zojirushi rice cookers (Enbu-daki): when prices drop, target prices by line, choosing capacity and cooking method, inner pot care, and buying on Amazon, Rakuten and Yahoo. 26 min read
Appliances and gadgets 16 articles
From kitchen appliances to phones and PC peripherals
Kitchen Appliances & Cookware 6 articles
- Choosing a Cutting Board How to choose a cutting board by material (wood, plastic, rubber) and size, why to keep separate boards for meat/fish and veg, care and hygiene, common mistakes, and when to replace. 23 min read
- Ceramic Knives 2026 How to choose a ceramic knife: pros and cons as a backup knife, what it should and shouldn't cut, sharpening and care, common mistakes, and how to use it safely. 26 min read
- How to Choose a Yogurt Maker How to choose a yogurt maker: temperature range, milk-carton vs. dedicated container, timer and cleaning. Plus amazake, shio koji, hygiene tips, common mistakes and FAQ. 24 min read
- Choosing a Smokeless Yakiniku Grill Gas vs. electric, how water trays, infrared heaters and smoke-absorbing fans cut smoke, and how to pick by cooking results, cleanup and size, plus fire, smoke and ventilation safety. 32 min read
- How to Choose a Microwave How to choose a microwave or oven microwave in Japan: reheat-only vs. cooking, capacity, flat vs. turntable, and sensors. Plus fire-safety tips, common mistakes and FAQ. 26 min read
- How to Choose a Pressure Cooker Choosing a stovetop/IH pressure cooker comes down to capacity, high/low pressure and heat source. Plus electric vs stovetop, safety features, common mistakes and safe use. 29 min read
Gadgets & Accessories 1 articles
Smartphones & Tablets 5 articles
- When to Buy Apple in 2026 Apple rarely discounts, so how you buy matters. Release cycles, Apple Certified Refurbished, big retailer and online sales, and iPhone carrier deals vs. SIM-free, explained. 12 min read
- Android Tablets 2026 When Android tablets drop in price (Prime Day, Black Friday), how to read specs, why Amazon Fire lacks Google Play, picks by use, and where to buy in Japan. 26 min read
- OPPO 2026 When OPPO phones get cheaper (Prime Day, Black Friday), how to choose between Find, Reno and A, SUPERVOOC fast charging, Japan vs overseas models (Giteki, bands, FeliCa) and where to buy. 29 min read
- Xiaomi 2026 When Xiaomi phones drop in price (Prime Day, November sales), how to pick a series, Japan vs global models (Giteki, bands, Osaifu-Keitai), and where to buy. 23 min read
- Xperia 2026 When Xperia prices drop (after new launches, Black Friday), how to choose between the 1, 5 and 10 series, why the headphone jack and microSD matter, where to buy, and giteki tips. 28 min read
Digital Content 4 articles
- Apple Arcade Guide How to join Apple Arcade, how it fits with Apple One, what kinds of games it offers, why no ads or in-app purchases matters, and tips for kids and families. 21 min read
- YouTube Premium 2026 YouTube Premium's real cost depends on how you sign up and which plan you pick. Avoid overpriced routes, compare family and student plans, and skip double billing and trial traps. 30 min read
- honto 2026 honto is a Japanese bookstore that sells both print books and ebooks and is strong in specialist titles. This guide covers its coupons, unified print/ebook library, in-store links, and how to avoid missed coupons. 22 min read
- Piccoma 2026 Free manga apps reward you for waiting. What "wait for free" and free coins really are, why chapters suddenly turn paid, coin expiry, smarter buying and kids' purchases. 23 min read
Living and home 15 articles
Daily goods, furniture, DIY and disaster-prevention supplies
Household Goods & Daily Essentials 5 articles
- Storage & Decluttering 2026 A practical guide to decluttering and storage in Japan: systems that stay tidy, step-by-step sorting, letting go of items, room-by-room tips, buying storage, safety and rentals. 29 min read
- How to Choose a Handheld Fan How to choose a handheld fan in Japan: handheld, neck, 3-way and bladeless types, real battery life, noise and battery safety. Includes common mistakes and an FAQ. 33 min read
- Choosing an Indoor Drying Rack Freestanding, floor-to-ceiling tension or ceiling-mounted? Compare indoor drying rack types by capacity, mounting, storage and material, plus tips on damp smell and ceiling-mount safety. 27 min read
- How to Choose a Dish Drying Rack Choose a dish rack by placement (beside or over the sink), capacity and rust-resistant material. Covers designs that don't pool water, common mistakes, hygiene and safety tips. 33 min read
- How to Choose Moisture Absorbers Tub, sheet, diatomaceous earth and more: how to pick moisture absorbers by location, reusability and odor control, plus safety tips and using them with ventilation or a dehumidifier. 25 min read
Interior & Furniture 4 articles
- IKEA 2026 Save at IKEA with Last Chance and member prices: a yearly markdown calendar, IKEA Family perks, picking core series, store vs. online, and avoiding assembly and sizing mistakes. 23 min read
- Curtains 2026 Getting curtains right is mostly about accurate measuring and choosing features wisely. Rail-based measuring, features by room, ready-made vs. custom, sale timing and avoiding size mistakes. 25 min read
- Tansu no Gen 2026 Tansu no Gen sells online furniture that gets much cheaper in sales. This guide covers popular lines, which store to buy from, when prices drop, how it compares with LOWYA and Nitori, and how to avoid sizing mistakes. 28 min read
- Nitori 2026 Nitori gets cheaper when you time its sales and seasonal changeovers. A yearly markdown calendar, member perks, best buys by category, an IKEA comparison, and how to avoid size and delivery mistakes. 32 min read
Gardening & DIY 3 articles
- How to Choose a Glue Gun How to pick a glue gun in Japan: high vs. low temp, stick diameter, anti-drip features and cordless models, plus safe use to avoid burns and fires. 27 min read
- Choosing a Hedge Trimmer Cordless vs corded vs petrol hedge trimmers, plus how to judge blade length, cutting capacity, weight and safety features, with tips for avoiding injury. 25 min read
- How to Choose a Plant Pot A neutral guide to plant pots: terracotta vs plastic, sizing by gō numbers, drainage holes and repotting, choosing by location, and common mistakes. General info only. 30 min read
Office & Stationery 3 articles
- Printers & Printing Costs 2026 Choose a printer by ink (running) cost, not sticker price. Printer types, cost per page, genuine vs. compatible vs. ink tank, convenience store printing and saving tips. 28 min read
- Printer Ink 2026 How to cut printer ink costs in Japan: genuine vs. compatible ink, choosing the right model number, draft and duplex settings that save ink, clog prevention and common mistakes. 31 min read
- Montblanc 2026 How to choose a Montblanc or other luxury fountain pen without regrets: key lines, authorized vs. grey-market and fakes, nib sizes, daily care and gift tips. 28 min read
Health and beauty 3 articles
Beauty appliances, health devices and checkups
Health, Medical & Beauty 3 articles
- Beauty Appliance Buying Guide 2026 Choose hair dryers, irons, toothbrushes, shavers, facial and hair removal devices by whether you'll keep using them, plus when to buy. Results vary; not medical devices. 12 min read
- Hair Dryers 2026 Panasonic Nanocare vs Dyson vs ReFa compared. How to choose by airflow, weight, temperature and ions, plus drying techniques for shiny, smooth hair. 28 min read
- Glasses 2026 How to buy glasses online smartly in Japan: getting your prescription and PD right, store vs. online, reading frame sizes, choosing lens options, common mistakes and when to buy. 26 min read
Outdoor and cars 13 articles
Camping, sports and car supplies
Outdoor & Camping 1 articles
Outdoors & Sports 7 articles
- BBQ Gear 2026 When BBQ gear gets cheapest (off-season, November sales), choosing gas vs charcoal vs tabletop, cooler sizes by group, CO and food-poisoning safety, and where to buy. 26 min read
- Camping Tents 2026 When camping tents get cheaper in Japan (Oct–Nov off-season, fiscal year-end, Black Friday), how to choose type and size, waterproof ratings, CO poisoning safety, and brand comparison. 30 min read
- How to Choose a Cooler Box Soft, hard and vacuum-insulated coolers compared by cooling power, plus how to pick capacity and portability, pre-chilling tips and summer food safety advice. 24 min read
- Golf Clubs 2026 When golf clubs get cheaper in Japan (before rainy season, Black Friday, year-end), choosing by skill level, fitting, last-season deals, brand patterns and where to buy. 23 min read
- How to Choose Binoculars How to read specs like 8×42 and pick magnification, brightness and image stabilization for your use, plus key cautions: never look at the sun, and high power needs a tripod or IS. 22 min read
- Bicycles 2026 When bikes get cheaper in Japan by type (Black Friday, new-life season), how to pick a type and size, online buying pitfalls, plus helmets, bike registration and safety. 26 min read
- Fishing Tackle 2026 When fishing rods, reels and lures get cheaper (after new models, fiscal year-end, Black Friday), gear by target fish, how to start, Shimano vs Daiwa, and water safety. 30 min read
Car & Motorcycle Accessories 2 articles
- Car LED Bulbs 2026 How to choose car LED bulbs that are safe and shaken-legal: bulb types (H4/H7), compliant white color temperature, beam pattern, DIY swapping, aiming and pitfalls. 22 min read
- Choosing an Electric Air Pump High-pressure tire pumps vs high-volume pumps for floats, plus how to choose auto-stop, power source and adapters, with safety tips like avoiding overinflation. 29 min read
Cars & Mobility Services 3 articles
- Anyca P2P Car Sharing 2026 How Anyca, DeNA's peer-to-peer car sharing service, works: search, booking requests, in-person handover and return. Rare cars and EVs, plus pricing and insurance caveats. 24 min read
- Times Car Share 2026 How Times Car lets you rent a nearby car in 15-minute blocks, which usage patterns make costs pile up, and how to compare it with owning a car on a full monthly basis. 29 min read
- Buying a New Car 2026 Compare new cars by the drive-away total (taxes, fees, insurance), not the sticker price. Body types, powertrains, quotes, eco-car tax breaks, and cash vs. loan vs. balloon plans. 26 min read
Kids, family and pets 2 articles
Parenting, education and pet supplies
Kids & Education 1 articles
Childcare, Cram Schools & Lessons 1 articles
Fashion and hobbies 14 articles
Clothes, shoes, hobbies and entertainment
Fashion 8 articles
- How to Buy GAP How to pick GAP basics and when to choose sister brands, getting US sizing right, making the most of sales and coupons, and choosing where to buy in Japan. 25 min read
- GU 2026 When GU marks prices down (end-of-season clearance, Thanksgiving sale, limited-time prices), how to split shopping with Uniqlo, sizing pitfalls, best buys and online tips. 28 min read
- H&M 2026 When H&M Japan cuts prices (always-on sale, big January and July sales), member perks, sizing, eco lines, and how it compares with Uniqlo, GU and ZARA. 28 min read
- ZARA Sales 2026 When ZARA cuts prices in Japan: the big January/July sales vs SPECIAL PRICES, sale tactics, European sizing pitfalls, care tips, and online vs in-store. 23 min read
- Uniqlo Guide 2026 When Uniqlo prices drop (Thanksgiving Sale, seasonal clearance, Limited Offers), how to buy smart, choose sizes and use the online store, plus target prices for basics. 30 min read
- How to Choose a Folding Umbrella How to choose a folding umbrella by weight, rib length (coverage), wind resistance, auto open/close and sun/rain use. Plus care tips, strong-wind cautions, common mistakes and FAQs. 27 min read
- MUJI 2026 When MUJI cuts prices (MUJI Week a few times a year, seasonal events, limited-time prices), matching storage sizes, MUJI passport tips, furniture measuring and best buys. 27 min read
- Wallets 2026 Porter, GANZO and other brands compared. How to choose long, mini and trifold wallets, real vs. faux leather, Father's Day gifts and leather care. 35 min read
Hobbies & Collecting 1 articles
Leisure & Entertainment 5 articles
- Outings & Leisure 2026 A practical guide to days out in Japan: theme parks, aquariums, movies, onsen, karaoke and live shows, plus saving on tickets, avoiding crowds and budgeting. Buy tickets officially. 28 min read
- Karaoke 2026 Karaoke prices multiply: room rate × people × time, plus one-drink rules and time-of-day surcharges. See where discounts apply and pay less for the same 2 hours. 25 min read
- Concert Tickets 2026 How fan club presales, ticket agency presales, general sales and official resale work in Japan, plus e-ticket tips and why to avoid scalped tickets. 22 min read
- Bus Tours 2026 A bus tour is a whole itinerary bought in one go. Start from how much you want to hand over, then compare tour types, major operators, itineraries, motion sickness and solo travel. 31 min read
- Movie Theaters in Japan 2026 Why do people pay different prices for the same movie? Using TOHO Cinemas and AEON Cinema as examples, we break down memberships, discount days, advance tickets and screen formats. 24 min read
Food and travel 7 articles
Food delivery, grocery delivery and travel booking
Groceries 2 articles
- Online Grocery Shopping 2026 How to buy rice, meat, seafood, frozen food and drinks online in Japan, plus meal kits, frozen meal delivery, bulk buying, subscriptions and ways to cut shipping costs. 13 min read
- Protein Powder 2026 Choose protein by type, flavor and real cost. 2026 sale calendar, whey/casein/soy/WPI compared, avoiding flavor flops, per-kg cost, safe use and storage. 23 min read
Travel & Accommodation 5 articles
- Travel & Hotel Booking Guide 2026 How to choose between Rakuten Travel, Jalan, Booking.com and Ikyu, get cheaper flights, pick lodging by type, and use points, miles and furusato nozei travel vouchers. 14 min read
- Airbnb 2026 Airbnb works best for long stays, groups and self-catering. How weekly and monthly discounts work, spotting reliable hosts, Airbnb vs hotels, and staying safe. 28 min read
- Booking.com 2026 Booking.com shines for overseas stays and member perks. Our 2026 sale calendar, Genius tips, early vs last-minute booking, currency choice and cancellation deadlines. 26 min read
- Saving on Hotel Bookings 2026 Compare the same room across booking sites to pay less. How to choose sites, time early vs. last-minute bookings, use best price guarantees and avoid location or cancellation traps. 28 min read
- Onsen Ryokan 2026 Onsen ryokan get much cheaper on off-season weekdays. A seasonal price calendar, furusato nozei stay vouchers, picks for couples, families and solo trips, plus cancellation and bathing tips. 30 min read
Money, telecom and insurance 7 articles
Credit cards, investing, phone bills and hometown tax donations
Furusato Nozei 1 articles
Phones & Mobile Carriers 3 articles
- Cheap SIMs & Phone Plans 2026 Cutting your phone bill is one of the best fixed-cost savings. Check your data use, compare major carriers, sub-brands and MVNOs, and switch with MNP safely. 14 min read
- d Value Pass With d Value Pass (¥550/month), ChargeSpot battery rentals cost ¥0 for any number of rentals of any length. Plus movie discounts, Daily Chance, d Barai and Amazon point perks, break-even math, sign-up steps and caveats. 17 min read
- Choosing How to Pay for Your Phone Paying upfront, in installments, or through a carrier device program: how the options differ, the return catch behind low monthly payments, fees, and how to choose. 27 min read
Internet & Wi-Fi 2 articles
- How to Choose a Wi-Fi Router How to choose a Wi-Fi router in Japan: Wi-Fi 6/6E/7, floor plan and device count, mesh support and IPv6 (IPoE). Plus speed tips, common mistakes and FAQs. 27 min read
- Getting Online Away from Home A neutral guide to getting online when you're out or traveling: tethering vs mobile Wi-Fi vs public Wi-Fi, how to choose, what to watch for, staying safe and common mistakes. 28 min read