Tools Blog Pro About Free guide
The blog

436 guides on Japanese

Language, learning, culture, travel and cuisine — all in one place.

Language & LearningCulture & FolkloreTravel & Living
Travel

Is the JR Pass Worth It in 2026?

Is the JR Pass worth it in 2026? Real 2026 prices, the October increase, and the break-eve…

JUL 2026

Travel

KFC Japan Menu: Why Christmas Means Kentucky Fried Chicken

The KFC Japan menu is famous for one thing: Christmas. Here's what's in the barrel, how to…

JUL 2026

Travel

Japan Starbucks Menu: Seasonal and Exclusive Drinks to Try

A guide to the Japan Starbucks menu: seasonal sakura and matcha Frappuccinos, Japan-only d…

JUL 2026

Travel

Luggage Forwarding in Japan (Takkyubin): How to Send Your Bags Ahead

A practical guide to luggage forwarding in Japan (takkyubin): how it works, what it costs,…

JUL 2026

Language

Bunpro Review: Is the Grammar SRS Worth It in 2026?

An honest Bunpro review for 2026: how the grammar SRS works, pricing, real pros and cons, …

JUL 2026

Language

WaniKani vs Anki for Learning Kanji: Which One Should You Use?

WaniKani vs Anki for learning kanji: how each SRS works, what they cost, who they suit, an…

JUL 2026

Travel

How to Buy Train Tickets in Japan (Machines, IC Cards & the Shinkansen)

How to buy train tickets in Japan: ticket machines, IC cards like Suica, fare adjustment, …

JUL 2026

Travel

How to Stay in a Ryokan (and What to Expect)

How to stay in a ryokan: what a traditional Japanese inn is, the yukata, kaiseki dinner, o…

JUL 2026

Language

How to Say Goodbye in Japanese: 12 Natural Ways Beyond Sayonara

Learn how to say goodbye in Japanese naturally — from じゃあね to お疲れさま — with readings, meani…

JUL 2026

Language

Genki vs Minna no Nihongo: Which Japanese Textbook Should You Use?

Genki vs Minna no Nihongo compared: which beginner Japanese textbook fits self-study vs cl…

JUL 2026

Travel

Japan vs South Korea: Which Should You Visit First?

Japan vs Korea travel compared: costs, food, culture, transport and vibe — an honest guide…

JUL 2026

Travel

Pocket Wifi vs SIM vs eSIM in Japan: What to Choose in 2026

Pocket wifi vs SIM vs eSIM in Japan compared: costs, who each option suits, and how to sta…

JUL 2026

Culture

Japanese Convenience Stores (Konbini): Why They're So Amazing

A friendly konbini guide to Japan's convenience stores: what to buy, useful phrases, and w…

JUL 2026

Culture

Maneki-neko: The Meaning of Japan's Beckoning Lucky Cat

Maneki-neko meaning explained: why the lucky cat waves, what each raised paw and colour st…

JUN 2026

Culture

Why Slurping Noodles Is Polite in Japan

Slurping noodles in Japan isn't rude — it's expected. Here's why slurping ramen, soba and …

JUN 2026

Culture

Tsukimi: Japan's Moon-Viewing Tradition Explained

Tsukimi is Japan's autumn moon-viewing tradition. Learn what it means, when it happens, th…

JUN 2026

Culture

Japanese Gift-Giving Etiquette: Omiyage, Ochugen and More

A clear guide to Japanese gift-giving etiquette: omiyage, ochugen, oseibo, how to give and…

JUN 2026

Culture

What Is Ikigai? The Japanese Meaning and How to Find Yours

Ikigai meaning explained: the real Japanese idea of a reason to get up, why the famous Ven…

JUN 2026

Culture

Kintsugi: The Japanese Art of Repairing Pottery With Gold

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Learn its meaning, his…

JUN 2026

Language

How to Make Requests Politely in Japanese: kudasai, onegaishimasu, itadakemasu ka

Learn how to make requests in Japanese politely: kudasai, onegaishimasu and itadakemasu ka…

JUN 2026

Language

JLPT N5 vs N4: What's the Difference?

JLPT N5 vs N4 compared: kanji, vocab, grammar, scoring and study time, so you know which l…

JUN 2026

Language

Japanese Family Words: How to Refer to Your Family vs Others'

Japanese family words change depending on whose family you mean. Learn haha vs okaasan, an…

JUN 2026

Language

How to Use ね (ne) and よ (yo) at the End of Japanese Sentences

Japanese ne and yo are tiny sentence-ending particles that make you sound natural. Here ar…

JUN 2026

Language

Transitive vs Intransitive Verbs in Japanese (jidoushi and tadoushi)

Transitive vs intransitive Japanese verbs explained: the を/が rule, common verb pairs, ~ている…

JUN 2026

Language

Japanese Question Words: Dare, Nani, Doko, Itsu, and Naze

Learn the core Japanese question words — dare, nani, doko, itsu, naze and more — with exam…

JUN 2026

Language

The JLPT N5 Study Guide: How to Pass Your First Japanese Exam

A complete JLPT N5 study guide: what's on the test, how much vocab and kanji you need, a r…

JUN 2026

Language

How to Say Sorry in Japanese: Gomen, Sumimasen and Beyond

Learn how to say sorry in Japanese the right way — gomen, sumimasen, moushiwake arimasen —…

JUN 2026

Nara's Sika Deer May Form “Shikadamari” to Busk for Kids in Summer Break
Travel

Nara's Sika Deer May Form “Shikadamari” to Busk for Kids in Summer Break

Nara’s Mysterious “Shikadamari”: Why Sika Deer Gather Each Summer…

NOV 2025

How to Use Toori in Natural Japanese
Language

How to Use Toori in Natural Japanese

Learn how to use toori in Japanese to express precision, agreement, and expectations. Mast…

JUN 2025

How to Use って Grammar in Casual Japanese
Language

How to Use って Grammar in Casual Japanese

Learn how って grammar works in Japanese conversation. Master indirect speech, casual quotin…

JUN 2025