10 New Things to Know Before Visiting Japan

Japan is making travel easier and more exciting than ever.

You can now tap your credit card to ride trains, explore a brand-new Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, and even watch thrilling ninja shows in Tokyo.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning traveler, these fresh changes will make your Japanese adventure smoother and more memorable.

Here’s what’s new and worth knowing before you go. 😊

1. Resumption of Suica and PASMO Sales

a. Suica and PASMO Cards Are Back!

You can now buy Suica and PASMO cards again as of September 1, 2024
You’ll need to provide your name and contact info when buying (any phone number works, including international ones)
These cards were temporarily unavailable before due to chip shortages

b. Types of IC Cards Available

Regular Suica: The everyday card that anyone can use
Welcome Suica: Perfect if you’re visiting Japan for up to 28 days
Mobile Suica: Get it on your iPhone (sorry Android users – this feature isn’t available in English yet)
PASMO: Works just like Suica but is sold by different railway companies

c. Where to Get Your Card

JR East stations: For Suica cards
Tokyo Metro stations: For PASMO cards
Airports: Haneda and Narita airports, Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station and Shinjuku Station offer Welcome Suica
JR East Travel Service Centers: Available at major stations
Ticket vending machines: Look for machines with the Suica or PASMO symbol

d. How to Use Your IC Card

Just tap your card on the gate’s card reader to get through
Your card works on most local trains, subways, and buses in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto
Heads up: You can’t use it on:
- Bullet trains (Shinkansen)
- Limited express trains
- Highway buses
- Most airport buses
Pay for purchases at convenience stores and vending machines
Check your balance right on the gate display when you tap
Running low? Add money at ticket machines, convenience stores, or recharge machines

e. Why You’ll Love Using IC Cards

Save time: No more buying tickets for each ride
Travel freely: Works on different transport systems across Japan
Quick and easy: Just tap and go
Shop with ease: Pay at stores without cash
Simple to reload: Add money almost anywhere

f. Things to Remember

Welcome Suica: Use it for 28 days, but no refunds
Regular Suica: Get your ¥500 deposit back when you’re done
Load up to ¥20,000 on your card
Use your card in most major cities in Japan
Coming soon: The Welcome Suica Mobile app (launching in spring 2025)

Read More: 10 New Things to Do in Japan

2. Tap-and-Go Credit Cards Coming to Train Stations

a. What is Tap-and-Go

Credit Card Reader at Train Station Gate — Photo Credit: Picturesque Japan / Shutterstock.com

What It Is: Simply tap your credit or debit card at train station gates to pay for your ride – just like using your regular card at a store.
Purpose: Makes train travel easier, especially if you’re visiting Japan. No need to buy special train cards or paper tickets.
Current Adoption: Big cities like Tokyo and Osaka are rolling this out on their train networks.
Benefits: Saves you time and makes getting around much simpler – no more waiting in line to buy tickets.

b. Where and When It’s Being Implemented

Tokyo: You’ll see this on some Tokyo train lines started in 2024
Osaka and Kansai Region
- Three major railways (Kintetsu, Hankyu, and Hanshin) will offer this by late 2024
- Osaka Monorail started in 2024, with the Osaka Subway set to follow by March 2025, according to The Japan News
Nankai trains already have this system up and running since 2021
Compatible Payment Methods
- Compatible Cards: You can use most major cards including:
- Visa, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, and UnionPay
- Mastercard will join the list soon
Your phone’s digital wallet works too if it’s linked to these cards

c. How to Use

Just tap your card or phone on the gate’s payment reader
Make sure your card can make contactless payments and works internationally

d. Limitations

Not every train line has this yet – it’s still growing.
Some local trains might still need regular tickets or IC cards.

e. Benefits for Travelers

Skip buying a separate train card like Suica or Pasmo
Getting through gates is quick and easy
Works just like transit systems in Singapore and New York

f. Things to Keep in Mind

The system is still expanding, so you won’t find it everywhere yet
JR trains (like the bullet train) don’t have this system for now
Double-check your card has tap-to-pay before coming to Japan
Ask your bank about fees for using your card abroad
Keep some cash handy or get a Suica/Pasmo card as backup where tap-to-pay isn’t available

3. Tax-Free Shopping Changes in Japan

a. New Refund System

Tax Free Signboard — Photo Credit: yoshi0511 / Shutterstock.com

Starting in 2026, Japan is changing how you get your tax refunds when shopping
Instead of getting tax-free prices right away in stores, you’ll pay the full price with tax included
You can claim your tax refund when you leave Japan at the airport
The change aims to prevent misuse of the tax-free system
Make sure to save all your shopping receipts – you’ll need them for your refund!

b. Purchase Limits and What You Can Buy

You can now buy as many consumable items (like food or beauty products) as you want – there’s no ¥500,000 limit anymore
You still need to spend at least ¥5,000 to qualify for a refund
If you’re visiting Japan as a tourist, you can use this system
Everything you buy should be for yourself or as gifts to take home

c. Getting Your Refund

There might be refund counters and stations at airports
You’ll need to bring your passport and all your shopping receipts
Special machines will likely scan your passport to check your purchases
Staff will check the items you bought
Instead of cash, you’ll probably get your refund on your credit card

d. What Items Qualify

Regular items like electronics, bags, clothes, and watches
Food, drinks, cosmetics, and alcohol are also included

e. Remember These Tips

Don’t throw away any receipts from your shopping
Keep all tax-free items unopened and unused while in Japan
Think about the refund process when you plan your shopping trips

4. Discover Shinjuku Ninja Live Show (Tokyo’s Exciting New Attraction)

a. Show Overview

Watch ninja warriors battle over a mystical peace sword in this thrilling 90-minute performance without words
Led by Olympic ceremony performer Denjiro Tanaka, who brings his kabuki expertise to the stage
Enjoy an exciting mix of Japan’s traditions (ninja skills, kabuki, taiko drums) with modern EDM and visual effects
You don’t need to understand Japanese – the story unfolds through action and movement alone!

b. Ticket Details

Adult tickets: ¥8,000
Children under 6: Free entry
Tip: Book online ahead of time to guarantee your spot

c. When and Where

Location: WARP Shinjuku in Kabukicho district
Show times: 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00 (each show runs 90 minutes)
Schedule: Weekday performances only
Doors: Open 30 minutes before showtime

d. Tips

Best experience: Choose the 18:00 show for the most magical atmosphere.
Seating: Arrive 30 minutes before the show to get good seats!
Bar: The venue has a bar for guests to buy drinks!

Read More: 10 New Things to Do in Tokyo

5. Tokyo Metro Launches Free Tourist App

Tokyo Metro for Tourists — Photo Credit: 東京メトロ

a. Overview

Tokyo Metro introduces “Tokyo Metro for Tourists” – a new free app
Perfect pocket guide for navigating Tokyo’s metro system
Designed to help international visitors explore Tokyo with ease

b. App Basics

Ready for download since August 30, 2024
Works on your iPhone or Android phone
Completely free (just remember your regular data charges)
Speaks your language: Choose from English, Korean, Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional), Thai, French, or Spanish

c. Key Features

Easy-to-use home screen that shows everything you need in your language
Simple guide that walks you through using Tokyo Metro, including how to get to and from airports
“See Tokyo” feature that offers personalized sightseeing recommendations
Handy safety tips to help you ride with confidence

d. Getting Started

Just search “Tokyo Metro for Tourists” in your app store and download
Pick your preferred language when you open it
Choose where you want to go from 10 popular spots like Shinjuku, Asakusa, or Shibuya
Tell the app what you love (sightseeing, food, shopping)
Get personalized suggestions based on what you like

e. Useful Tools

Clear directions for airport connections
Easy-to-read metro map with fare calculator
All the info you need about Tokyo Metro routes and stations

f. Good to Know

The app focuses on Tokyo Metro lines, not the whole city’s transport
For complete city travel, you might want to use other apps too (like Google Maps)
It doesn’t cover JR (Japan Railway) Lines

6. Japan Introduces New Tourism Fees and Measures

a. Mount Fuji Entrance Fee

Planning to climb Mount Fuji? Starting July 1, 2024, you’ll need to pay 2,000 yen for your adventure
To protect the mountain, only 4,000 climbers are allowed per day
These rules specifically address overcrowding, littering, and inappropriate hiking behavior

b. Mount Fuji View Restrictions

Lawson Store With Mount Fuji View — Photo Credit: k_lmnop / Shutterstock.com

i. Location Update

The popular “Mt. Fuji Lawson” photo spot in Fujikawaguchiko has reopened, letting you capture the iconic view of Mount Fuji rising above the convenience store’s roof
The black screen that previously blocked the view was removed in August 2024, about three months after it was installed

ii. Why Was There a Screen

The spot became too popular on social media as “Mt. Fuji Lawson”
Some visitors were causing problems by:
- Leaving trash in the area
- Crossing the road dangerously

iii. Current Situation

The 20-meter long, 2.5-meter high screen was initially removed due to a typhoon threat
Local officials decided to keep the area open and monitor visitor behavior
So far, there’s been less dangerous road crossing and better overall visitor conduct

iv. Important Notice

The screen might return if visitor behavior becomes problematic again
To keep the spot open, please:
- Use proper crosswalks
- Take all trash with you
- Be considerate of locals and other visitors

c. Miyajima Island’s Visitor Tax

When you visit the beautiful Miyajima Island, you’ll pay a small 100 yen tax with your ferry ticket
This fee is automatically added to your round-trip ferry ticket
Your contribution helps maintain public restrooms, ferry terminals, and preserves the historic Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site

d. Other Popular Destinations

i. Osaka’s New Tourist Levy

Osaka might ask foreign visitors to pay a small extra fee on top of their existing accommodation tax
If approved, you might pay between 100-300 yen per night starting in April 2025

ii. Hakone Hot Springs Tax

In the famous hot spring town, you currently pay a bathing tax: 150 yen for overnight stays and 50 yen for day visits
They’re planning a new accommodation tax specifically to improve tourist infrastructure and services

iii. Niseko’s Room Tax Structure

Since November 2024, Niseko in Hokkaido charges room taxes based on your accommodation price:

Rooms under ¥5,000: ¥100 tax
¥5,001-¥19,999: ¥200 tax
¥20,000-¥49,999: ¥500 tax
¥50,000-¥99,999: ¥1,000 tax
¥100,000 and up: ¥2,000 tax

7. Introduction to the New Osaka e-Pass Premium

a. What is the Osaka e-Pass Premium

The Osaka e-Pass Premium is your digital key to the city, letting you explore both daytime attractions and vibrant nightlife with a single QR code
Visit 9 of Osaka’s must-see spots without paying extra entrance fees
Enjoy both daytime sightseeing and evening entertainment spots
Valid for one full day, from morning until late at night
Available through a single QR code, no physical ticket needed

b. Key Attractions Included

Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory — Photo Credit: pio3 / Shutterstock.com

Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory: Take in stunning city views from up high.
Harukas 300: Japan’s tallest building with spectacular views.
Osaka Castle Tower: Explore Japan’s famous historical landmark.
Tsutenkaku Tower: Enjoy the observation deck, Tembo Paradise, and try the exciting TOWER SLIDER.
DIVE&WALK: Walk around Tsutenkaku’s outer edge at 26 meters high and experience a thrilling 40-meter controlled jump down.
Tombori River Cruise: See the city from the water.
Osaka Castle Gozabune Boat: Cruise in style on a traditional Japanese boat.
Santa Maria Cruise: Choose between daytime or sunset views.
Spa World Osaka: Relax in this huge hot spring complex.

c. How to Use Your Pass

Simply show your QR code at each attraction’s entrance
Your pass works from when places open until their last entry time that day
You can visit each place once – no repeat entries allowed
Remember: if you start using it at night, you can’t continue using it the next day

8. Kyoto Launches New Express Bus to Tackle Over-Tourism

a. New Bus Routes and Schedules

Starting June 1, 2024, you can hop on two new express buses: EX100 and EX101
These new buses help keep regular city buses less crowded for locals
Take EX100 from Kyoto Station to visit temples along the way to Ginkakuji
Want to go straight to Kiyomizu-dera area? EX101 takes you directly there from Kyoto Station
These buses run on weekends and holidays

b. Key Stops and Attractions

EX100 stops include Gojozaka, Gion, Heian Jingu Shrine, and Ginkakuji Temple
EX101 provides direct access to Kiyomizu-dera Temple area
Each stop puts you as close as possible to the sights you want to see

c. Fares and Ticketing

Adults pay ¥500 per ride, while children ride for ¥250
Yes, it costs a bit more than regular buses, but you get a faster, direct route
Your Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass works on these buses too
Cash and IC cards (like Suica or ICOCA) are accepted

d. Benefits for Tourists

You’ll get to attractions faster with fewer stops along the way
No more squeezing onto packed regular buses
Hear announcements in your language (Japanese, English, Korean, or Chinese)
No need to worry about changing buses or getting lost
Perfect if you want to see more of Kyoto in less time

9. Nintendo Museum Now Open in Kyoto

Nintendo Museum in Kyoto — Photo Credit: Nintendo

The Nintendo Museum has officially opened its doors in Kyoto!

Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new attraction that celebrates Nintendo’s amazing journey through gaming history.

a. Museum Layout and Exhibits

Three buildings with two floors
Second floor displays Nintendo’s historical products
First floor offers interactive gaming experiences
Each visitor receives 10 digital coins for interactive exhibits
Features early Nintendo products including hanafuda cards and board games

b. Interactive Experiences

Play with oversized controllers, including a giant Nintendo 64 controller
Experience electronic shooting games
Watch video displays of classic games like Mario
Join a Hanafuda card-making workshop (extra fee)
Try Hanafuda using modern projection technology

c. Location and Access

Located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
25 minutes by train from Kyoto Station
Nearest station: Ogura Station

d. Tickets and Entry

Tickets available only through online lottery system
Must have a Nintendo account to enter lottery
Book up to 3 months ahead: choose your dates and time slots
Lottery results announced on 1st of each month
If selected, follow instructions to purchase your tickets online
Adult tickets cost ¥3,300, teens (12-17) pay ¥2,200, and kids (6-11) pay ¥1,100
Good news for little ones – children 5 and under visit free

10. Explore Japan’s Newest TeamLab Art Installation

teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces is an enchanting permanent exhibition that welcomes you to experience art and nature in a whole new way.

Located in the scenic town of Izura, Kitaibaraki City, Ibaraki Prefecture, this captivating outdoor installation transforms rice terraces into a glowing canvas after sunset.

a. About the Exhibition

Step into a world where nature meets digital art, right in the heart of historic Izura.
The exhibition opened its doors on September 30, 2024, bringing a fresh perspective to these ancient rice terraces.
As darkness falls, you’ll see the landscape come alive with lights and digital art, creating an unforgettable evening experience in the open air.
You’re walking in the footsteps of history – Izura was once home to the renowned art critic Tenshin Okakura and is famous for its stunning natural scenery.

b. Practical Information

Your visit costs ¥2,200 if you’re an adult, while children’s tickets are ¥800.
You can visit any day except the first Tuesday of each month (starting from November).
Save ¥200 by booking your tickets online instead of at the entrance.
Remember to dress for the outdoors – comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing will make your experience more enjoyable.

c. Additional Amenities

Glamping Accommodations — Photo Credit: izurahotspring.com

A hot spring facility, “Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring – Izura“, opened alongside the exhibition
Glamping and cottage accommodations are available nearby for overnight stays
An open-air bath allows you to enjoy the artwork while soaking in hot springs
These facilities provide a complete experience, combining art, nature, and relaxation