Before you fly
eSIM, new 2026 rules and fees, money, and the bookings to make before departure.
- Cash or Card in Japan (2026): How Much Yen to Carry, Where to Withdraw, and What Still Refuses CardsJapan is far more cashless than its reputation, but not cashless enough to skip the ATM. Here is the real split in 2026: what takes cards and phone payments, what still wants yen, which ATMs to use (7-Eleven and the post office), the fees, and a simple cash budget for a week in Kansai.
- Every New Fee and Rule for Japan Tourists in 2026: Departure Tax, Hotel Taxes, Tax-Free, JESTA2026 brought a tripled departure tax, Kyoto's ¥10,000 hotel tax, a new tax-free refund system, dual pricing at Himeji Castle, and a wave of JESTA scams. Here is what each one costs you, with Kansai-specific numbers.
- Japan's New Tax-Free Refund System (From Nov 1, 2026): Step-by-Step Guide for Kansai AirportFrom November 1, 2026, Japan no longer deducts tax at the register. You pay full price, then claim the 10% back at the airport. Here is exactly how it works, what changed, and how to do it at Kansai International Airport (KIX).
- Best eSIM for Japan (2026): Which One to Buy and WhyA no-nonsense comparison of Japan eSIMs — Klook, Ubigi, Airalo — from people who live in Osaka and test them on real trips.
- eSIM Not Working in Japan? Fix It in 5 MinutesLanded with no signal? Work through these checks in order — 9 out of 10 cases are solved by the first three.
- How to Set Up a Japan eSIM on Android (Pixel, Samsung & More)Android eSIM setup for Japan, including the compatibility check that stops half the problems before they start, and the exact Pixel and Samsung menu paths.
- How to Set Up a Japan eSIM on iPhone (Step by Step)Install your Japan eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, then flip it on when you land. The exact iPhone settings, in order, plus the two toggles everyone forgets.
- eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi vs SIM Card in Japan: Which Should You Get?The honest trade-offs between the three ways to get online in Japan, with a one-question decision tree so you can stop researching and book.