10 New Changes in Japan Tourists Should Know About

New Changes in Japan

Japan is changing fast, and there are 10 important updates tourists should know about.

These changes will affect everything from how you move around to where you stay and what you’ll pay.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to explore more, knowing these updates will help you save time, money, and enjoy a smoother trip.

Here’s what’s new for your next Japanese adventure. 😊

1. New Baggage Delivery Service

a. Airport to Hotel Delivery

i. Yamato Transport’s Same-Day Service

Yamato Counter
Photo Credit: TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock.com
  • Drop off your luggage at Yamato Transport counters in Narita, Haneda, or Kansai airports
  • Your bags go straight to your hotel while you start exploring right away
  • Just provide your hotel’s address at the counter for same-day delivery
  • Perfect for hassle-free travel from the moment you land

ii. JAL ABC Delivery Service

JAL ABC Delivery Service
Photo Credit: JAL ABC
  • Available at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports
  • Run by Japan Airlines, but open to all travelers regardless of airline
  • Delivers your bags to your hotel on the same day
  • Start sightseeing immediately without carrying heavy luggage

b. Hotel to Hotel Transfers

Yamato’s “Hands-Free Travel” Service

c. Same-Day Delivery Options

i. LuggAgent Service

LuggAgent Service
Photo Credit: LuggAgent
  • Available in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto
  • Same-day delivery between airports and hotels
  • Book online before your trip for a smoother arrival
  • Makes it easy to start exploring right away

ii. Convenience Store Delivery Options

  • Send and receive luggage at convenience stores nationwide
  • Perfect if you’re staying at places without a front desk
  • Staff will help you with the shipping process
  • Flexible option for all types of accommodations

d. Cost and Size Information

  • Expect to pay ¥2,000-3,000 per bag for same-day or next-day delivery
  • Standard size limit: 160 cm (length + width + height) and up to 25 kg
  • Larger items (up to 200 cm and 30 kg) accepted with extra fees

2. Revolutionary Mobile Suica (No More Ticket Gates)

a. Contactless Gate Technology

Mobile Suica

  • JR East is creating special gates where you won’t need to tap anything (currently being tested, not yet available across Japan)
  • Just walk through while carrying your Suica card or phone in your bag or pocket
  • Perfect for when you’re rushing or have your hands full with shopping bags
  • The system will use GPS to know where you are in the station
  • It automatically records your entry and exit points, making your journey smoother

b. Better Payment Features

Mobile Suica

  • Starting fall 2026, Mobile Suica becomes your all-in-one payment tool
  • Connect your Suica directly to your regular bank account or credit card
  • Use it to shop online and in stores by scanning QR codes
  • Send money easily to friends and family who also use Suica
  • Store more money on your Suica card – the ¥20,000 limit will go up

c. Welcome Suica Mobile App

  • Coming in March 2025, this app is made just for visitors to Japan
  • Get everything set up on your phone before your plane lands in Japan
  • Works on iPhone and Apple Watch first, with English menus
  • Use it for 180 days (much longer than the 28-day plastic card)
  • Use the app for train rides, convenience stores, vending machines, and many restaurants across Japan

Read More: 10 New Things to Know Before Visiting Japan

3. Train Fare Hike

a. JR East Fare Increase

Yamanote Line

  • You’ll see new train fares from March 2026, with JR East raising prices by about 7.1%
  • This is a major change – the first big fare increase since JR East started in 1987
  • If you’re using the Yamanote Line in Tokyo, the basic fare will go up from ¥150 to ¥160
  • Regular tickets will cost 7.8% more, while commuter passes will increase by 12%
  • These changes will help JR East earn about ¥88.1 billion ($585 million) more per year

b. Other JR Train Companies

  • If you’re traveling on JR Hokkaido trains, expect to pay 7.6% more from April 2025
  • Taking JR Kyushu? Their Shinkansen and most limited express trains will cost 15% more starting April 2025

c. Special Passes for International Visitors

Tohoku Shinkansen

4. Over-Tourism in Japan

Tokyo, Japan

a. Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers

  • Japan hit 36.8 million visitors in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 32 million in 2019
  • The weak yen makes Japan cheaper for visitors
  • Japan aims for 60 million yearly visitors by 2030

b. Measures to Address Over-Tourism

  • Kyoto plans a new lodging tax up to 10,000 yen per person nightly
  • Hot spring towns have raised their overnight bathing taxes
  • Mount Fuji now has entry fees and daily visitor limits
  • Visitors are encouraged to explore less-known areas

c. New Tourist Behavior Guidelines

  • Picture guides show proper tourist behavior
  • Guidelines cover littering, public drinking, and queue etiquette
  • Efforts to educate visitors about local customs and manners

d. Plan Ahead

  • Traveling sooner can help you avoid heavier crowds

Read More:

5. Changes to Nozomi Bullet Train Seating (Effective March 15, 2025)

Nozomi

a. Current Seating Arrangement

  • The Nozomi train consists of 16 connected cars
  • Cars 1, 2, and 3 offer non-reserved seating, with around 250 seats available for you to pick from
  • Reserved seating is required in all other cars on the train
  • Looking for premium comfort? Check out the first-class “Green Cars” in Cars 8, 9, and 10
  • Non-reserved seats are popular among travelers since they offer schedule flexibility and cost savings

b. Upcoming Changes

Nozomi Seats

  • Car 3 will switch from non-reserved to reserved seating starting March 2025
  • This reduces non-reserved seating options to about 165 seats, available only in Cars 1 and 2
  • The change reflects passenger preferences for guaranteed seats
  • These updates affect your trips on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen routes between Tokyo and major destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka

c. Tips for Booking and Travel

  • Book your tickets easily through the EX Service app or Klook
  • Plan ahead and book early, especially during busy travel seasons and holidays
  • Remember: Japan Rail Pass holders cannot use Nozomi trains

Read More: 10 New Shinkansen Changes Visitors Should Know

6. Narita Airport Skyliner Facial Recognition

Skyliner

The Keisei Skyliner, running between Tokyo and Narita Airport, now offers a new way to board using facial recognition technology.

This new “Skyliner e-ticket Face Check in Go” service started on January 24, 2025.

a. How the Facial Recognition System Works

  • Register Online: Go to the Keisei website to upload your photo and buy your ticket before your travel day.
  • Find the Tablet: When you get to the station, look for the special tablet screen at the ticket gate.
  • Get Scanned: Just look at the tablet – it will check your face automatically.
  • Get Your Ticket: Once it recognizes you, you’ll get a ticket for the next train with your seat number.
  • Leave the Station: At your stop, you’ll need to exit through a gate with staff (automatic exit isn’t available yet).

b. Where You Can Use This System

Narita Airport Station
Photo Credit: Anirut Thailand / Shutterstock.com
  • Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station
  • Narita Airport Terminal 2 and 3 Station
  • Ueno Station in Tokyo
  • Nippori Station

c. Benefits of Using Facial Recognition

  • Save Time: No more waiting in line to buy tickets or use machines.
  • Simple to Use: You don’t need to carry or worry about paper tickets – your face is all you need.
  • Board Quickly: Get your seat assignment right away without any fuss.
  • Less Crowding: Helps keep station areas clear as more people visit Japan.

d. Important Things to Keep in Mind

  • Train Assignment: You’ll get a seat on the next train that’s leaving. Want a specific seat or different time? You’ll need to buy a regular ticket instead.
  • Leaving the Station: Remember you must exit through gates where staff are present.
  • Plan Ahead: Don’t forget to sign up and buy your ticket online before coming to the station.

7. Kyoto Buses Upgrade Fare System

a. New Automatic Payment System

Kyoto Bus Payment System
Photo Credit: 京都市
  • Starting December 1, 2024, Kyoto City buses have a smart new payment box that handles your money automatically
  • Simply drop your coins or ¥1,000 note into the slot – the machine calculates your fare and gives back change instantly
  • You’ll find this convenient system on all 810 city buses
  • Getting change is now super fast – just 4 seconds compared to the previous 20-30 seconds
  • This keeps buses moving smoothly and prevents crowding, especially in busy tourist spots

b. More Frequent Bus Service

Kyoto Bus 206

  • Buses now come more often on popular routes, so you’ll spend less time waiting
  • City Center Buses: Catch buses 201, 203, 205, 206, and 207 more frequently as they loop around downtown
  • Main Routes: Enjoy more frequent service on buses 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 46 throughout the city
  • Temple Routes: Visit famous temples like Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji easily with more frequent buses from nearby subway stations

c. Bus Fares Made Simple

  • Regular Fare: Pay ¥230 if you’re an adult, ¥120 for children (ages 6-11) on standard city buses
  • Express Tourist Buses: Take direct routes to popular spots for ¥500 (adult) or ¥250 (child)
  • Payment Options: Use cash (machine gives change) or tap your IC card (ICOCA, Suica, or PASMO)
  • Save Money: Get the most value with a Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass at ¥1,100 (adult) or ¥550 (child) for unlimited travel

d. Tips for Using Kyoto Buses

Kyoto Bus
Photo Credit: 京都市
  • Getting On and Off: Usually, get on at the back door and exit at the front. For Express Buses (EX100, EX101), enter at the front and pay as you board
  • Finding Your Stop: Don’t worry about missing your stop – announcements are made in both Japanese and English
  • Bus Etiquette: Remember to give up your seat for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, or parents with small children

Read More: 10 New Changes in Kyoto and Osaka

8. Kyoto Raising Lodging Tax to Fight Overtourism

Kyoto Hotel

a. Kyoto’s Proposed New Accommodation Tax

  • Starting spring 2026, Kyoto is introducing a new overnight tax that can reach up to ¥10,000 ($63) per night
  • This will make it the biggest accommodation tax you’ll find anywhere in Japan
  • The city plans to roll out these changes in spring 2026
  • Kyoto created this tax to help manage the growing number of tourists visiting the city
  • This applies to everywhere you might stay – from hotels to traditional ryokans and vacation rentals

b. Breaking Down the Tax Changes: Now vs 2026

  • Right now, when you stay in Kyoto (since October 2018), here’s what you pay:
    • For rooms under ¥20,000: ¥200 per night
    • For rooms between ¥20,000 and ¥49,999: ¥500 per night
    • For rooms ¥50,000 or more: ¥1,000 per night
  • Come 2026, here’s what you’ll pay:
    • For rooms under ¥6,000: ¥200
    • For rooms between ¥6,000 and ¥19,999: ¥400
    • For rooms between ¥20,000 and ¥49,999: ¥1,000
    • For rooms between ¥50,000 and ¥99,999: ¥4,000
    • For rooms ¥100,000 or more: ¥10,000

c. Key Information for Your Kyoto Stay

  • If you prefer budget-friendly accommodations, you won’t see much change in what you pay
  • If you’re planning to stay at luxury hotels, you’ll notice a bigger jump in your tax
  • Looking to avoid these new rates? Book your Kyoto adventure before spring 2026
  • Remember that this tax applies to each night you stay
  • Just keep in mind this tax is extra – it gets added on top of your room rate and other charges

Read More: Only 2 Best Places to Stay in Kyoto

9. Osaka Cracks Down on Street Smoking Ban

a. Osaka’s Street Smoking Ban

Osaka's Street Smoking Ban

  • You can’t smoke anywhere on Osaka’s public streets starting January 27, 2025
  • The ban covers all types of smoking, including regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, in streets, parks, and other public places
  • If you break this rule, you’ll need to pay a 1,000 yen fine

b. Designated Smoking Areas

Smoking Room

  • You can find official smoking spots using the city’s special map
  • Right now there are 6 places where you can smoke, but this will grow to about 300 by the time the World Expo starts
  • You can only smoke in these special areas when you’re outside
  • Just look for the clear signs that mark these smoking zones

c. Expanded Regulations

  • Starting April 2025, you won’t be able to smoke in restaurants that are bigger than 30 square meters
  • Restaurants that want to let people smoke need to build special smoking rooms or make their whole place smoke-free
  • When you go into any place, check for signs that show where you can and can’t smoke

d. Impact on Visitors

  • Remember, this rule applies to both regular cigarettes and vapes
  • Keep in mind that smoking while walking has already been a no-no in most parts of Japan
  • If you need to smoke, make sure to find one of the designated smoking areas

Read More: Top 17 Things to Do in Osaka

10. USJ Expands Super Nintendo World with Donkey Kong Country

a. Opening Date and Location

Donkey Kong Country
Photo Credit: Universal Studios Japan
  • Experience the newest addition to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka – Donkey Kong Country opens its doors on December 11, 2024
  • It’s a perfect addition to your Super Nintendo World adventures
  • Find your way easily – the entrance is located behind Super Nintendo World, right next to where you grab snacks at Yoshi’s
  • Step into a vibrant jungle world that brings your favorite Donkey Kong games to life
  • Be among the first to explore this one-of-a-kind attraction – it’s the only Donkey Kong themed area in any theme park worldwide

b. Main Attraction: Mine Cart Madness

Mine Cart Madness
Photo Credit: Universal Studios Japan
  • Get ready for the highlight of your visit – the thrilling Mine Cart Madness roller coaster
  • Your journey takes you through lush jungles and into an impressive Golden Temple
  • Experience something completely new – your mine cart actually jumps from track to track
  • Remember to visit early in the day to beat the crowds, especially during the first few months

c. Other Experiences

The Golden Temple
Photo Credit: Universal Studios Japan
  • Visit Donkey Kong at his cozy treehouse home for unforgettable photo moments
  • Explore the wonders inside The Golden Temple where gaming adventures come alive
  • Try your skills at various mini-games scattered throughout the jungle
  • Immerse yourself in the atmosphere with classic Donkey Kong tunes and jungle sounds
  • Keep watch for friendly faces – Diddy Kong and Cranky Kong are always ready to greet you

d. Food and Merchandise

  • Grab a refreshing banana shake at the new Jungle Beat Shakes spot
  • Indulge in the delicious DK Crush Sundae, featuring fresh banana flavors
  • Sample the unique DK Wild Dog, topped with creamy avocado and melty cheese sauce
  • Browse exclusive Donkey Kong merchandise at the 1-Up Factory shop

e. How to Access Donkey Kong Country

  • Remember to get your timed entry ticket for Super Nintendo World to visit Donkey Kong Country
  • Book easily through the Universal Studios Japan app or at park kiosks
  • Want to make the most of your visit? Consider an Express Pass that includes Super Nintendo World

Read More: 3 Best Ways to Get to Universal Studios Japan

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