The short answer is no.
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The Truth About Masks in Japan
A lot of people have the wrong idea about masks in Japan.
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When to Visit Japan
There’s no universal answer to the question of the best time to visit Japan.
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What to Know About Buying a SIM Card in Japan
Buying a SIM card in Japan is now not only possible, but relatively straightforward.
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The Secret to Getting Yen in Japan
Without a pocket full of yen in this surprisingly cash-centric country, you simply won’t get very far.
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The Tokyo Underground, De-mystified
Nearly 9 million people travel through the Tokyo underground system every day, many of whom are literal schoolchildren.
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The Truth About Solo Travel in Japan
Think traveling in Japan alone isn’t for you? Think again.
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24 Places to Go in Japan in 2024
2024 will be the best year—ever—to visit Japan.
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The Truth About the Ghibli Museum
Seeing the work of Hayao Miyazaki and company brought to life within the magical museum was something of a conversion experience for me.
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Japan’s Answer to Global Entry
If you can jump through the hoops of enrolling in the Japan Trusted Traveler program, entering Japan will become a great deal less painful.
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Is Tokyo Expensive?
It’s a matter of yes-and-no, not yes-or-no.
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A Trick for Booking Japan’s Best Restaurants
If you do need to make restaurant reservations in Japan, it doesn’t have to be daunting.
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Tohoku’s Marvelous Matsuri
Should you visit the Akita Festival or Aomori Festival—or both?
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Japan’s Fabulous Summer Festivals
Which of the summer festivals in Japan are you most excited to attend?
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Staying Connected in Japan is Easier Than Ever
When I first visited Japan in 2014, it wasn’t even possible for travelers to buy SIM cards.
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The Fastest Way Between Kyoto and Osaka
The Shinkansen, in almost all cases, is neither the best nor even the fastest way to travel from Kyoto to Osaka.
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Promise of the Petals
They weren’t pulverized—they had vaporized.
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Japan for Newbies
My first lesson about planning your first trip to Japan: Don’t count on it being the last.
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Cherry Blossoms Aren’t the Only Japanese Flowers
You can enjoy seasonal flowers in Japan, even if you don’t visit during sakura season.
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The Low-Key Best Month to Visit Japan
There are almost no downsides to visiting Japan in May.
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