Japan Trove

Japan Trove

Author: JapanTrove Editorial

  • Tattoos and Onsen: How to Enjoy Japan’s Hot Springs

    Tattoos and Onsen: How to Enjoy Japan’s Hot Springs

    Onsen (hot springs) are one of Japan’s great pleasures — but if you have tattoos, you’ve probably heard they can be a problem. Here’s the honest, up-to-date guide to soaking with ink.

    Why tattoos and onsen clash

    Historically, tattoos in Japan were associated with the yakuza (organized crime), so many bathhouses banned them to keep a family-friendly atmosphere. The rule is about appearances, not you personally — but it’s still widely enforced, especially at traditional public baths.

    Your options with tattoos

    • Tattoo-friendly onsen. A growing number welcome ink, especially in tourist areas. Look for “tattoo OK” / “tattoo friendly” listings before you go.
    • Cover-up patches. Small tattoos can be hidden with waterproof skin-tone stickers (sold online and at some pharmacies). Many baths allow entry if the tattoo is fully covered.
    • Private baths (kashikiri / family bath). The stress-free choice — rent a private bath by the hour, common at ryokan and onsen towns.
    • In-room onsen. Some ryokan rooms have a private open-air bath (rotenburo) — no rules, total privacy.

    Where it’s easiest

    Big resort areas like Hakone, Kinosaki, and Beppu have more tattoo-friendly and private options. See our guide to the best onsen towns in Japan to plan around private baths.

    Onsen etiquette (for everyone)

    • Wash and rinse thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the bath.
    • No swimsuits — you bathe nude. The small towel doesn’t go in the water.
    • Tie up long hair; keep voices low; no photos.

    New to Japanese customs? Pair this with our etiquette guide.

    Bottom line

    Tattoos don’t have to mean no onsen. Book a ryokan with a private bath, use a cover patch for small designs, or seek out tattoo-friendly spots — and you’ll still get that unforgettable soak. Make it part of a wider trip with our 7-day itinerary.

  • Japanese Tea Set Guide: Matcha & Sencha Gear to Buy

    Japanese Tea Set Guide: Matcha & Sencha Gear to Buy

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    A Japanese tea set is a beautiful, practical souvenir — and if you’ve fallen for matcha or sencha on your trip, the right gear makes brewing at home a joy. Here’s what to look for, whether for matcha or everyday green tea.

    For matcha

    To whisk matcha properly you’ll want a small kit:

    • Chawan — a wide tea bowl to whisk in.
    • Chasen — a bamboo whisk (the key tool for a good froth).
    • Chashaku — a bamboo scoop.
    • A fine sifter — sift the powder to avoid clumps.

    Pair it with good ceremonial-grade matcha — see our green tea guide.

    For sencha & everyday tea

    • Kyusu — a side-handled teapot, often with a built-in mesh filter; the classic for leaf tea.
    • Yunomi — everyday teacups (no handles).
    • Houhin — a handleless pot for delicate, cooler-brewed teas like gyokuro.

    Styles & pottery to know

    Japanese ceramics are a whole world: Tokoname (famous for kyusu), Hagi, Mino, and Arita/Imari porcelain among them. A handmade piece from a known kiln makes a special gift; a simple, sturdy set is perfect for daily use.

    Buying tips

    • Match the tool to your tea: kyusu for leaf tea, chawan + chasen for matcha.
    • Pack carefully — wrap ceramics well; a furoshiki cloth doubles as padding and a gift wrap.
    • Care: rinse the bamboo whisk and air-dry; hand-wash ceramics.

    Where to buy

    In Japan: department-store housewares floors, specialty tea and pottery shops, and Loft/Tokyu Hands. From abroad: matcha kits and kyusu are available on Amazon , or use a proxy service for specific artisan pieces. A tea set makes a memorable gift from Japan.

  • Where to Buy Nintendo Games in Japan (Region & Language Tips)

    Where to Buy Nintendo Games in Japan (Region & Language Tips)

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Japan is a gaming paradise, and picking up Nintendo games, consoles, and merch here is a highlight for many visitors. But there’s one big catch to know before you buy. Here’s the guide.

    Read this first: region & language

    • Nintendo Switch consoles are region-free — a Japanese Switch plays games from any region, and vice versa. Great news.
    • Game language: many Japanese physical games include English, but not all — check the box or listing for supported languages before buying.
    • Older consoles (3DS and earlier) were region-locked — Japanese games won’t run on a Western console.
    • Power/warranty: Japanese hardware works on Japan’s voltage; warranties are usually domestic only.

    Where to buy in Japan

    • Yodobashi Camera & Bic Camera — huge selections, tax-free for tourists (bring your passport).
    • Nintendo TOKYO / OSAKA — official stores with exclusive merch and plush.
    • Super Potato & retro shops in Akihabara and Den Den Town for classic games and consoles.
    • Book-Off & Hard-Off — great for used games at good prices.

    Buying from abroad

    Also worth grabbing

    amiibo, art books, and soundtrack CDs make great collectibles and gifts. Chasing Pokémon specifically? See where to buy Pokémon merch.

  • Japanese Fashion Brands Worth Knowing (and Where to Buy)

    Japanese Fashion Brands Worth Knowing (and Where to Buy)

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Japanese fashion spans everything from perfect everyday basics to avant-garde design and world-famous denim. Whether you’re shopping in Japan or from abroad, here are the brands and categories worth knowing.

    Everyday essentials

    • Uniqlo — affordable, high-quality basics and clever fabrics; see our Uniqlo vs Muji comparison.
    • Muji — minimalist, no-logo staples and lifestyle goods.
    • GU — Uniqlo’s trend-focused, budget sister brand.

    Premium & designer

    • Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake — Japan’s legendary avant-garde designers.
    • Sacai, Undercover, Kapital — beloved contemporary labels with cult followings.
    • Beams & United Arrows — influential select shops carrying their own lines and others.

    Denim & workwear

    Japan is the global capital of premium selvedge denim. Brands like Momotaro, Iron Heart, Studio D’Artisan, and Full Count are prized worldwide for their craftsmanship. Okayama (Kojima) is the denim heartland if you’re a serious fan.

    Streetwear & vintage

    • Streetwear: the birthplace of many iconic labels; explore Harajuku and Ura-Hara.
    • Vintage: Shimokitazawa and Koenji in Tokyo are treasure troves; see our Tokyo guide.

    Where to buy

    In Japan: department stores, select shops, and neighborhood boutiques (tax-free for tourists — bring your passport). From abroad: YesStyle and Amazon carry many pieces; for Japan-only items and vintage, use a proxy service like Buyee or ZenMarket.

    Pair your wardrobe finds with other great things to buy in Japan.

  • Solo Travel in Japan: Why It’s So Good & How to Do It

    Solo Travel in Japan: Why It’s So Good & How to Do It

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you book through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Japan might be the best country in the world for solo travel: extremely safe, easy to navigate, and full of experiences that are just as good — sometimes better — on your own. Here’s how to make the most of a solo trip.

    Why Japan is perfect for solo travelers

    • Safety. Low crime and easy to walk around late; solo travelers, including women, generally feel very comfortable.
    • Solo-friendly by design. Counter seats at ramen and sushi bars, single hotel rooms, and vending machines everywhere.
    • Easy logistics. Great signage, reliable trains, and translation apps mean you rarely feel stuck.

    Where to stay solo

    • Business hotels — cheap, clean single rooms; ideal bases. Book via Booking.com .
    • Capsule hotels — a fun, budget-friendly only-in-Japan experience.
    • Hostels — great for meeting people if you want company.

    Eating alone (no problem here)

    Solo dining is completely normal. Look for counter seats, ticket-machine restaurants (buy a meal ticket, hand it over — no awkward ordering), ramen shops, and standing bars. Konbini and depachika food halls are your friends too.

    Things that shine solo

    • Quiet temple mornings in Kyoto.
    • Wandering neighborhoods at your own pace in Tokyo.
    • A reflective soak at an onsen town.

    Practical solo tips

    • Get an eSIM and an IC card so you’re self-sufficient.
    • Share your itinerary with someone at home and keep some cash on hand.
    • Learn a few Japanese phrases — locals appreciate the effort.

    New to the country? Combine this with our first-timer tips and 7-day itinerary.

  • Best Onsen Towns in Japan (and Onsen Etiquette)

    Best Onsen Towns in Japan (and Onsen Etiquette)

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you book through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Soaking in an onsen (hot spring) is one of Japan’s great pleasures — and staying overnight in an onsen town, with a ryokan dinner and a soak under the stars, is unforgettable. Here are the best onsen towns and how to enjoy them.

    Top onsen towns

    • Hakone — easiest from Tokyo, with Mt. Fuji views; see our day trips guide (great overnight too).
    • Kinosaki — a storybook town where you stroll between seven public baths in a yukata.
    • Kusatsu — one of Japan’s most famous hot-spring resorts, with a dramatic steaming water field.
    • Beppu & Yufuin (Kyushu) — a hot-spring wonderland and a chic, arty retreat side by side.
    • Nyuto Onsen (Tohoku) — remote, rustic milky baths deep in the mountains.

    Onsen etiquette (important)

    • Wash thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the bath.
    • No swimsuits — you bathe undressed; baths are usually gender-separated.
    • Keep the small towel out of the water (rest it on your head or the side).
    • Tie up long hair and don’t put it in the water.
    • Tattoos can be restricted at some baths — look for tattoo-friendly onsen or private (kashikiri) baths; a ryokan room with a private bath sidesteps the issue.

    Staying overnight

    The magic is a ryokan with a kaiseki dinner and your own or a shared onsen. Book early, especially in autumn and winter — filter for onsen ryokan on Booking.com and Agoda .

    When to go

    Onsen are wonderful year-round, but a snowy outdoor bath in winter is peak Japan. See our best time to visit guide, and slot an onsen night into your itinerary.

  • How to Use Japanese Trains: A Simple Guide for Tourists

    How to Use Japanese Trains: A Simple Guide for Tourists

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Japan’s trains are fast, punctual, and cover almost everywhere — and once you know the basics, they’re the best way to get around. Here’s a simple guide to riding them with confidence.

    The types of train

    • Local & rapid — city and suburban trains; tap in with an IC card.
    • Limited express — faster regional trains, sometimes needing a reserved seat.
    • Shinkansen (bullet train) — long-distance; buy a ticket (and optionally reserve a seat).
    • Subways & private railways — run by different companies but the same IC card works.

    The easiest way to pay: an IC card

    Get a Suica or Pasmo (or add one to your phone). Tap in at the gate, tap out at your destination, and the fare is calculated automatically. It also works on buses and at konbini.

    Finding your train

    • Use Google Maps — it shows the exact line, platform, departure time, and even which car to board.
    • Follow the colored line signs; stations are well-marked in English.
    • Check the train type on the platform board — a “rapid” or “express” may skip your stop.

    Shinkansen basics

    • Buy at a ticket machine or counter; you can also reserve online.
    • Non-reserved cars are cheaper and fine off-peak; reserve seats for busy times and with luggage.
    • Note the fastest Nozomi/Mizuho trains aren’t covered by the nationwide pass — check the JR Pass guide.

    Etiquette

    Keep quiet, set your phone to silent, queue on the platform markings, let people off first, and keep backpacks off your back in crowds. More in our etiquette guide.

    Handy tips

    • Luggage forwarding (takkyubin) saves hauling big bags on transfer days.
    • Rush hours (roughly 7–9am, 5–7pm) are packed — avoid if you can.
    • Get an eSIM so maps and times are always to hand.

    Ready to plan the route? Start with the 7-day itinerary.

  • Best Japanese Coffee: What to Drink & Bring Home

    Best Japanese Coffee: What to Drink & Bring Home

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Japan has a deep, quietly world-class coffee culture — from meticulous pour-over cafés to the canned coffee in every vending machine. Here’s what to drink on your trip and what to bring home.

    Japan’s coffee scene

    Alongside tea, Japan has a century-old kissaten (traditional coffee house) tradition and a modern specialty scene rivaling anywhere. Expect careful hand-brewing, siphon coffee, and beautiful cafés built for slowing down.

    What to try in Japan

    • Pour-over / hand drip at a specialty café — precise and delicious.
    • Siphon coffee at an old-school kissaten, often with fluffy “morning set” toast.
    • Canned coffee from vending machines (hot or cold) — BOSS, Georgia, and more; a fun, cheap ritual.
    • Convenience-store coffee — surprisingly good and very cheap; see konbini must-buys.

    What to buy & bring home

    • Drip-bag coffee — single-serve pour-over sachets; light, easy, and a great gift.
    • Beans from a specialty roaster — ask for whole beans and a recent roast date.
    • Japanese brewing gear — Hario V60 drippers, gooseneck kettles, and glassware are made here and prized worldwide.

    Where to buy

    Hario and other Japanese coffee gear (and drip-bag coffee) are widely available on Amazon . In Japan, department-store food halls, Loft, and specialty roasters are your best bets. A Hario dripper plus drip-bags makes a lovely gift from Japan.

    Prefer leaves to beans? Don’t miss our Japanese green tea guide.

  • Where to Buy Pokemon Merch in Japan (and From Abroad)

    Where to Buy Pokemon Merch in Japan (and From Abroad)

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Japan is the home of Pokémon, and the merch here is on another level — exclusives, seasonal drops, and whole stores dedicated to it. Whether you’re shopping in Japan or from abroad, here’s where to find the good stuff.

    Pokémon Centers & Stores (in Japan)

    Official Pokémon Centers are the flagship destinations — plushes, cards, apparel, and location-exclusive items. Major ones include Tokyo (several, plus the Pokémon Café), Osaka, Kyoto, and more. The smaller Pokémon Stores appear in malls and stations. Expect region- and store-exclusive designs.

    Beyond the official stores

    • Yodobashi & Bic Camera — big toy and card sections.
    • Don Quijote — random finds and gifts.
    • Akihabara & Nakano Broadway — vintage cards and collectibles; see our Tokyo guide.
    • Card shops for singles and sealed TCG products.

    A note on trading cards

    Japanese Pokémon cards are hugely popular for their art and value. Buy sealed product from reputable shops, be wary of too-good-to-be-true “rare” deals, and check your country’s import rules if buying in bulk.

    Buying from abroad

    Can’t get to Japan? You have options:

    Great with kids

    A Pokémon Center visit is a highlight for younger travelers — see Japan with kids. And a plush or card set makes an easy gift from Japan.

  • Best Japanese Beauty Tools Worth Buying

    Best Japanese Beauty Tools Worth Buying

    Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Japan is quietly brilliant at beauty tools — the little precision items that make a routine easier. They’re affordable, well-made, and pack flat, making them great souvenirs and gifts. Here’s what’s worth buying.

    Skincare & face

    • Facial razors (kamisori) — Feather and others; gentle dermaplaning for smooth skin and better product absorption.
    • Konjac sponges — soft, natural sponges for gentle daily cleansing.
    • Facial rollers & gua sha — for a relaxing massage (pair with your J-beauty routine).
    • Pore/blackhead tools and quality tweezers — Japanese precision shines here.

    Hair & body

    • Wide-tooth combs and cushion brushes — well-finished and gentle.
    • Body towels (awa/exfoliating cloths) — the long nylon towels that make a great lather.
    • Foot files & heel care — genuinely useful after long temple-walking days.

    Nails & grooming

    • Nail clippers — Japanese clippers (like GREEN BELL/Suwada-style) are famously sharp and precise; a cult buy.
    • Grooming scissors and files — small, durable, and beautifully made.

    Where to buy

    Find these at Japanese drugstores, Loft, and Tokyu Hands in Japan, or online abroad via YesStyle and Amazon . A nice nail clipper or facial razor set makes a smart, affordable gift from Japan.

    Round out your beauty haul with the best Japanese sunscreens and cult skincare picks.